camping stoves - to bother or not to bother?
Hi there,
Three of us are trekking he southern section of the GR20 in a couple of wks time. In looking into various guidebook advice and this forum, it seems like there is pretty much always food at the refuges. Perhaps sometimes the hot meal food may run out, but even then it seems like it would be possible to survive for one evening on snack food that one could purchase there. Given this, is there really a need for carrying the awkward (and reasonably weighty) items of stoves, saucepans and gas etc?
The three of us are only spending 5 or 6 nights out on the trail -do you think it is worth us carrying a stove? If not, would you advise we bring a saucepan and plates to use the refuge's cooking facilities perhaps? Or would they have this stuff too?
Any advice from anyone would be fantastic and we would be most grateful. Happy trekking.
The Three Brightonians.
Posted: Wed, Jun 4, 2008, 22:43
I'd say don't bother. Bringing a stove also implies bringing the food to cook, which can be heavier if you're carrying it from the start. If you're buying it en route that can get expensive. As I've said in other replies here, just make sure you get to the refuges before the masses and you'll be fine. The guardians will make a good effort to get you food no matter when you arrive, but it might be slim pickings for late arrivers.
The pots are usually reserved for the people staying at the refuge, although each refuge differs. I always carry a lightweight pot, plate, and cup since they might come in handy. Or you can make friends with other hikers who have pots, and you'll be covered ;-)
When are you going? It would be great if you would report on your trip when you get back, as things change from year to year and current information is helpful to people who will leave later in the season.
Posted: Thu, Jun 5, 2008, 12:24
Posted: Sat, Jul 19, 2008, 10:39
Just back and noticed less gas available at the huts than usual. That said, I did not carry a stove and did not miss it. Plus, you need to get the right one as canister types are limited. You need to travel very light so be very tough about what you carry. The best reason for a stove is to beat the queues but I have heard of some guardians not liking you using your own stoves.
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Posted: Tue, Jun 3, 2008, 23:48