Regan Brown
When melting snow, there are many variables that determine how much fuel you will need. These include the type of snow, the volume of snow, the temperature, the stove brand, the canister size, and the wind conditions. For example, if you are melting snow inside a tent, you will need less fuel than if you were melting it outside. Additionally, different types of snow contain different amounts of water, so the amount of snow you start with may not be proportional to the amount of water you end up with. In general, it is recommended to have a good windscreen and a quality pan to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. Some sources suggest that it takes about twice as much fuel to melt snow as it does to heat an equivalent amount of water.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel type: isobutane, butane, white gas, or propane
When it comes to melting snow, the type of fuel you use can significantly impact your efficiency and success, especially in cold weather conditions. Here is some information about fuel types commonly used for melting snow:
Isobutane
Isobutane stoves are a popular choice for winter camping and melting snow. One advantage of isobutane is that it can be used with an inverted canister, allowing it to operate at lower temperatures. The YoYo iso stove, for example, has been known to work well in the winter. However, it's important to note that isobutane canisters need to be kept warm for optimal performance, such as by storing them close to your body.
Butane
Butane lighters, for instance, are typically not powerful enough to melt snow. However, when used with a stove or oven, butane can be effective for melting snow.
White Gas
White gas, also known as Coleman fuel, is a liquid fuel that performs well in cold temperatures. It is often used in stoves for melting snow during winter camping trips. White gas stoves may require priming and can be finicky, occasionally flaring up. For summer use, 120 ml of white gas is recommended, while 200 ml is suggested for winter expeditions.
Propane
Propane is another fuel option for melting snow. The Bare Ground BB-100 Bare Blaster, for instance, is a propane torch designed for melting snow and ice. It uses 14 oz or 26 oz propane tanks, which are readily available. However, propane typically requires heavier canisters due to its high vapour pressure.
In general, melting snow requires a significant amount of fuel, especially if there are no alternative sources of liquid water available. It is essential to plan accordingly and bring sufficient fuel for your specific needs.
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Stove type: Whisperlite, BRS 3000, or Jetboil
When melting snow, it's essential to consider factors such as temperature, stove brand, canister size, and wind. While there is no one-size-fits-all calculation for fuel consumption, some general guidelines and stove-specific insights can help.
Whisperlite Stove
The Whisperlite stove, a liquid-gas stove, has been a popular choice for backpackers for decades. It is known for its reliability in cold temperatures and high altitudes. When using a Whisperlite stove during winter, a good rule of thumb is to budget about 4-5 times the amount of fuel you would typically use in warmer seasons. Specifically, 8 ounces of fuel per full day per person is recommended, although you may not end up using it all.
BRS 3000 Stove
The BRS 3000 is an ultralight backpacking stove known for its affordability and ease of use. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient option, especially in windy conditions, it can be successfully used with a Moulder strip in cold weather for heating water. An 8-ounce canister is recommended for best results. Additionally, operating the BRS 3000 at 75% power is sufficient for boiling water and simmering food.
Jetboil Stove
Jetboil offers a range of stove options, including the Jetboil Flash, MiniMo, and Stash. Their products are known for their windproofness, with the Jetboil Flash boasting an impressive 5 litres boiled per 100g fuel canister. While the Jetboil Flash is powerful, the Jetboil Stash falls short in terms of output, with only 4,500 BTUs compared to the Flash's 9,500 BTUs.
In summary, when considering fuel efficiency for melting snow, the Whisperlite stove is a reliable choice for cold temperatures, the BRS 3000 is a budget-friendly option with some success in cold weather, and Jetboil offers a range of windproof stoves with varying outputs.
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Altitude and temperature
For example, let's consider a scenario where you are planning a 12-day trip to an altitude of 5000 meters, with temperatures as low as -10°C. In this case, you would need approximately 4 liters of water per person per day, and the fuel requirements would be substantial. According to one source, melting 1 liter of snow can take around 80 Kcal, and bringing it to a boil would require about 80% more fuel. Therefore, for a trip like this, it is recommended to double the usual amount of fuel you would take.
Now, let's examine the type of fuel and stove used, as this can also vary with altitude and temperature. Some common options for melting snow include white gas, isobutane, and butane. White gas is often preferred for longer trips in colder conditions due to its reliability and performance in winter. Isobutane, on the other hand, is suggested at around 19 grams per quart for a Reactor stove, but this can vary with temperature. Butane is typically used during the summer when melting snow is not a priority, with a rule of thumb being one ounce or less of butane per day.
Additionally, the efficiency of your melting system can impact fuel consumption. For instance, a team of three individuals using white gas for an expedition was able to consume the same amount of fuel as typical two-person teams due to their efficient melting setup. It is also worth noting that starting with some water in the pot before adding snow can expedite the melting process and reduce fuel usage.
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Snow type: icy, light and fluffy, or powder
When it comes to melting snow for water, the type of snow you encounter will impact how much fuel you need. Icy snow, for example, requires more energy to melt due to its denser structure. Here are some estimates and guidelines for different types of snow:
Icy Snow
Icy snow requires more energy to melt due to its denser structure. According to one source, it takes 80 calories to melt 1 gram of ice at 0 degrees Celsius. This means that melting ice-laden snow will require a higher fuel consumption. In cold and windy conditions, fuel usage will need to be increased even more to compensate for heat loss and lower melting efficiency.
Light and Fluffy Snow
Light and fluffy snow, such as that found in the White Mountains, is less dense and may be closer to its melting point. This type of snow is more amenable to solar melting, which can reduce fuel usage. However, it still requires a significant amount of fuel to melt, especially in large quantities. As a rule of thumb, doubling your usual fuel amount for summer trips should suffice for melting light and fluffy snow in the winter.
Powder Snow
Powder snow, similar to light and fluffy snow, is less dense and may require slightly less fuel to melt compared to icy snow. However, the overall fuel consumption will depend on the quantity of snow being melted and the efficiency of your melting system. Carrying extra fuel is always recommended, especially when melting snow as your primary source of water.
General Guidelines
Regardless of snow type, it's important to note that melting snow requires a considerable amount of fuel. As a rule of thumb, you can expect to use at least twice as much fuel when melting snow compared to not melting snow. For example, a solo individual using a white gas stove might consume 1.5 ounces of fuel per day without melting snow and up to 3 ounces or more when melting snow. Additionally, melting snow indoors may require less fuel than melting outdoors, especially in windy conditions.
To conserve fuel, it is advisable to seek liquid water sources whenever possible, as melting snow can quickly deplete your fuel reserves. Using a good windscreen and placing your stove in a sheltered spot can also help reduce fuel consumption.
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Efficiency: windscreen, ground reflector, and pan quality
Efficiency is a key consideration when melting snow, especially if you are in a survival situation or are camping in the winter months. There are several ways to improve the efficiency of melting snow, and we will focus on three key areas: windscreen, ground reflector, and pan quality.
A windscreen is an important piece of equipment when melting snow. It helps to block the wind, which can slow down the melting process. A good windscreen should be sturdy and properly secured to ensure it can withstand the wind. One user recommends using aluminum flashing bought from a hardware store, which is a cheaper alternative to buying a branded windscreen. Another tip is to use thick aluminum foil wrapped around the pot to block the wind.
A ground reflector is another tool that can improve efficiency. By placing a reflective surface, such as an aluminum shovel, underneath the stove, the heat is reflected back up, reducing the amount of heat lost to the ground. This can speed up boiling times and reduce fuel consumption.
The quality of the pan or pot used also plays a significant role in efficiency. A good quality pan, preferably made of aluminum, conducts heat better, melting snow faster. Using a pan with a lid also helps retain heat. Additionally, starting with a small amount of water in the pan before adding snow improves heat conduction and melting speed. Teflon-coated pans should be avoided, as the high heat required to melt snow can ruin the coating.
These three factors—windscreen, ground reflector, and pan quality—can significantly impact the efficiency of melting snow. By utilising these techniques, campers and outdoor enthusiasts can optimise their fuel usage and stay safe in cold environments.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to carry 8 ounces of fuel per full day per person. However, there are many factors that can influence fuel consumption, such as temperature, stove brand, canister size, and wind. It is also suggested to double the amount of fuel you would usually take to ensure you have enough.
It is recommended to start with a little water in the pot/pan before adding snow. This helps to improve heat conduction and speed up the melting process. Using a black trash bag to melt snow on a sunny day is another efficient method. Additionally, melting snow inside your tent can help cut down the wind, but this requires a larger tent or suspending your stove from the ceiling.
White gas is commonly used for melting snow during winter trips. Isobutane/propane mixes are also recommended for colder temperatures, as they perform better than butane/propane mixes.
10 inches of snow will give you 1 inch of water. Therefore, to fill a container halfway to get a cup of water, you would need to fill it five times, melting the snow each time.
