Troop198

Thought I would try this crowd also. The troop currently uses old Coleman 2 burner stoves and after the wind in Galveston, (they kept blowing out) (well were are blameing that, but the old part is really the reason) we decided to see what's out there that's a reasonable price and ready for use in all weather. We have gone back and forth on this (size vs use vs cost) anyone who has another brand post a review.

The scouts camp once amonth in all weather and they start as early as the 6th grade to 12th grade. (So they are not too careful either) Right now looking at Coleman again. (We have 4 -5 patrols and 1 adult patrol camp)

almitra

:cool:
I'll be interested to see what you hear back about this too since I may need to acquire something else for Galveston myself.:laugh:

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4everfrio

Have you thought about some type of windscreen instead of new stoves?
Say plywood that is hinged together so it breaks down easily?
Anybody else???

Troop198

Thanks for the idea, we really do need new stoves though so any feedback on other brands will help. No plans to go to the beach any time soon. Next outing is at Cedar Hill SP, just outside Dallas which has a nice 5 mile hike that the scouts can take to work on multiple rank requirements

Motorman355

I have an Coleman Powerhouse Dual Burner Stove. Bought it back in '86. Doesn't get as much use as I would like for it too. (Sigh.) Still looks and works like brand-new. I'm one that really cleans his equipment before returning to storage. Troop198 you are correct though. My secondary burner is little more than a warmer that easily blows out. This stove is old school, only takes white gas and not unleaded. Don't know if I would want a dual fuel stove. I perfer the clean burn of white gas.

For my backpacking, I have a MSR Simmerlite. Name is misleading. There is not much control for simmering. Does put out a good flame that holds up to strong winds when using the screen. Can get sooty with during priming. Still it is lite and very sturdy.

As much times Troop198 heads into the outdoors, the troop might want to get a two burner propane stove. Camp Chef Explorer 2-Burner Propane Stove First time I saw a large family with one at the state park, I thought "That's blasphemy." That was until these once strangers invited us over for pancakes on morning. I could force myself to live with that type of luxury.

srds

We cook inside portable screen shelters when with DD's scouts trips and works out preety good,never had problems with wind in them.When at GSRP last year we had to cook off of tables and made wind breaks,we still use colemans.We have taken Fish fryer a couple of times to help speed up cooking.The last couple of trips we have been cooking alot off the coals.

srds :cool:
Have Fun

Troop198

Motorman, that stove is one nice looking stove, and if we didn't need one for every patrol that would be my choice just based on looks and its output. Alas we are using something closer to the coleman dual burner stove using propane and cost will be a factor, but I will show them that one.

SRDS, we have a hard enough time getting them to put up dining flys when we arrive late Friday nights. In a boy led troop we ask 6th grade and other young boys to do their own carrying. So with gear, tents, stove, flys, turkey burners, pails for water,lashing polls, lashings, coolers, water and sometimes more, they get "tired" and if its 2 am on Saturday morning and we have something at 9am on Saturday well you get the picture.
(we do not have portable shelters, they are more to carry but I wish we did.) A typical outing usually involves a hike in (SP stays are so nice not to have do that, unless you choose primative sites). We do some dutch oven cooking for dinner but that's weather dependant.

For a long time if we went camping it rained didn't matter where or when.

srds

I hear what your saying,we have been lucky, and girls do a good job getting things together.Most of the time we are cooking, while tents and camp are being setup.We have anywhere from 18 to 26 girls,this year we are going up to 36 girls,should be interesting!Hopefully we will get a few more parents to help.Good luck this year.

srds :cool:
Have Fun

p.s. the fryer was my ideal -you can knock out a bunch of corn dogs and fries

Troop198

We arrive at night and cooking is done during the day by the scouts as its required for various scout ranks (NO hotdogs allowed BTW) and there is a cooking merit badge which is typically lots of fun. One requirement I love is Plan a menu for two straight days (six meals) of camping. Include the following:
A camp dinner with soup; meat, fish, poultry, or an appropriate substitute; two fresh vegetables; drink; and dessert. All are to be properly prepared. When preparing your menu, follow the nutritional guidelines set by the food pyramid. (Cooked dessert by a scout what a wonderful thing to watch)

Most scouts have puzzled looks on that "nutritional" part, they hear things at school, but parents don't always practice them at home. :eek:

srds

DD's troop have to earn their badges also,and do a lot of their own cooking .Most of the time we arrive at camp by noon.Never heard of the no hot dog rule .They do alot of the traditonal foil packet dinners,baked apples,but we do alot of pit cooking too.I just help out were I can,and let the Troop leaders do their things.Most of the girls would rather just eat salads if they had the choice.I can't remember one trip we did'nt roast hotdogs and make smores.

srds :cool:
Have Fun