Homemade Backpacking Alcohol Stoves
- 1). Remove the lid from a 3-oz. can of cat food. Most containers have a finger tab you can use to peel off the lid. Empty the can, taking care around the sharp edges, wash it thoroughly and dry with a clean rag.
- 2). Smooth down the sharp edge just under the lip of the can with the pliers, turning the can so the side of the pliers' jaws press the edge down.
- 3). Mark 16 points evenly around the rim of the can with a permanent marker.
- 4). Punch holes under the edge of the can at the points you marked.
- 5). Punch a second row of holes no more than a 1/2 inch below the top row. The second row of holes should be between the top holes and low enough to ensure the two rows do not cut into each other at any point.
- 6). Pour denatured alcohol into the can filling it to a level just below the bottom ring of holes. Light the alcohol and wait 30 to 45 seconds before placing your pot on top.
