Colorado Trail Esbit/Solid Fuel re up?

[Adam Alphabet]

Hi,

I'm tentatively planning on tackling most/all of the CT this August if timing works out.

In prep I'm looking at resupply options. I prefer to use an esbit/solid fuel stove. Will I be able to find esbit/solid fuel in Denver? Are there sources for solid fuel along the trail or will I need to plan to carry potentially 10+ days worth?

Thanks in advance.
Adam.

[riverfever]

You can for sure find Esbit tablets in Denver (REI) and you're best bet for finding them on route might be in Buena Vista at the trailhead (it's one fo the last stores on the north end of town). You'll also likely find them in Breck but that's not that far in.

[dream4est]

I am facing the same issue. Used esbits a bit in AZT and they work so well- hot and quick. I used the small 3oz steel folding esbit stove with a steel water bottle. Since Colorado may have fire bans in all counties the CTR crosses, we probably will not be able to use the campfire like I did 80% of the time in AZT.

I am trying to experiment with sterno 7oz cans (weigh about 8oz with alum can- $4 for 2 at walmart). Not sure what I am going to do yet with it. Maybe use the can as a stove with some wire on top to hold my bottle. I am leaning towards using a dollop of sterno on my esbit stove. Then I dont need to craft any pot holder/windscreen. I am hoping the nice design of the esbit stove will allow the  small portions of sterno to last longer than the can's claim of 2.25 hrs burn time. If so sterno would compare to esbit in weight vs. burn time.

If the sterno works like esbits I would guess one could get more at almost every stop/store along the way. Not sure if I could buy the small can vs the larger ones but I have not really researched resupplying with them yet.

Edit- I tried the sterno can. I would have to say that my test was a failure- I could not get the water to boil. It got hot enough to make coffee and freeze dried meals, but barely and it took too long. I did not have a windscreen or optimal setup with air flow to the flame. I made holes on the top and upper sides of can and got the water pretty hot but no boiling. I will try again with a better setup and windscreen. I know based on today I could use sterno if that was all that I could find. It just seems to not burn hot enough or needs a proper setup to burn hotter.

[Adam Alphabet]

Thanks for that riverfever, that helps reassure the stove choice.

dream4est: If all else fails pop can stoves are easy to make and alcohol fuel is usually easy to find.

[DesertDog]

Well, even if you did have to carry 10 days of Esbits, that's probably only somewhere between 2 to 3 boxes (24-36 tablets) and 12-18 ounces.  Not too much weight or volume and both decrease with every tab used.

Not that most folks would even give a damn, but, if level 1 or above fire restrictions are in place, Esbits, Sternos and alcohol stoves are all technically illegal for use on the trail! 

Normally only pressurized white gas and canister stoves with on/off valves are legal when fires are restricted to developed campgrounds.

[dream4est]

Thanks for that riverfever, that helps reassure the stove choice.

dream4est: If all else fails pop can stoves are easy to make and alcohol fuel is usually easy to find.

I hate the alcohol stoves and dealing with the alcohol. But I would do it if restrictions force me to. I am trying a beeswax candle stove- I have beeswax and just found out about Omega Life Lite- a candle stove. It is too big and heavy  for bikepacking, so I am going to try a smaller version since I have tins and beeswax and wicks already.

Edit- The only county on the CTR that currently has a fire ban is Jefferson, and the ban states any fires contained within liquid or gas fueled stoves, plus lanterns and heating devices are allowed. So it looks good for the whole race, as you leave Jeffco by 2-3pm the first day quicker for the leaders.