The Helios is probably my favorite stove, but it's really large for a solo trip. Melts snow like a champ in the large pot, though:



The thing about upside down operation - "throttle response" is very slow, and you do NOT want to start the thing with the canister already upside down. You make that mistake only once, learning it the hot way while you wonder how there can be a burning lake of isobutane/propane on the snow - isn't that stuff supposed to evaporate immediately? grin)

Any idea what kind of fuel is in these classic canisters?



because I have this crazy idea of doing a "retro hike" down the JMT one day sporting cotton clothing, film camera and all the old gear I can come up with, and it probably won't be in summer.