FireFelt alcohol wick, instructions, and reusable storage bag.
The wick was inspired by Ron “Knotty” Mehringer’s “Knotty Coil,” which he developed after extensively testing the Boiler with existing alcohol stoves. Ron was the first person I knew of to use carbon felt in a Boiler, and hearing of his success from a couple other Boiler owners (you know who you are, Robert and James :) ) moved me in that direction. It is much better than the DIY soda can burner plans I had been working on. Thanks Ron!
Here’s why it rocks. The FireFelt wick is light and packs up small: .25 oz, and the reusable plastic sleeve can be stored in the chimney of the Boiler. When unfurled it has four pockets that are easy to fill with alcohol, and its c-shape directs flames up the walls of the chimney for excellent heat transfer. The shape also allows the opening of the “c” to either be turned towards or away from the inlet hole, regulating air flow for either peak speed (2 cups (473 ml) boiled in 4.5 min on <.75 oz (<21 g) alcohol) or peak efficiency (2 cups (473 ml) boiled in 6 min <.5 oz (<14g) alcohol).
Those numbers put it on par with both the fastest and most efficient alcohol-only stoves. It also provides a backup fuel option for the Boiler when wood fires are banned, natural fuel is scarce, or you just want something tamer for use on the patio. I’m really happy with how it came out.
The wick will be $9 and will be available to order later this week, when I will also post a video of it in use. For those who already have Boilers, the wicks will start shipping out next week. For Kickstarter backers, I’ll provide the option to save the shipping and just get the wick when the Boilers ship out. Which will, I promise, happen. :)
[ 9 comments… read them below or add one ]
Sorry but one look and the name “Fire Sausage” just leapt to mind! Looks like a great way to get the flames up the side of the chimney – which was a problem with the centre-burning meths stoves I tried here. Count me in as soon as you go live.
Rob
The ‘Hotworst’?
Thanks, Rob. I think I’ll stick with FireFelt. :)
Devin has taken my idea and improved upon it. Way to go Devin!
The FireFelt is a great way to improve the flexibility of your Backcountry Boiler. You’re going to like it!
I was one of the first to fully embrace the ‘Knotty Coil’ which has transformed into the FireFelt and have at least 40 burns using it with HEET or Everclear. Fate had it that I took the BCB on a trip out west where ‘no open fires’ was the norm. That is when I experienced the efficiency that Devin points out when using the BCB as an alcohol burner.
I don’t think any will be dissapointed wih the FF/BCB combo.
Knotty and MedicineMan – visionaries both. Boiler owners from here on out will have you both to thank for at least a few ounces saved from the fuel column on their gear spreadsheets. :)
I simply cannot wait until the pre-orders from kickstarter are filled and the late comers to this awesome party can get their combo stoves! Keep up the good work Devin and friends.
I recently purchased a large 1.5 L Kelley Kettle. I’m interested in buying your fire felt wick as an optional fuel.
Given the size of the large KK, would one fire felt wick be sufficient?
@David – I honestly don’t know, I’ve never used one. The FireFelt works great in the Boiler. :)
[ 1 trackback ]