Re: Trioxane & ESBIT
I much prefer ESBIT tablets to Trioxane. ESBIT is the solid fuel of choice among many backpackers. Many prefer it to alcohol for longer trips (less fuel weight and hotter than alky).
1. ESBIT is hotter than Trioxane
2. MANY more stoves are made for ESBIT tabs
3. ESBIT fumes are far less toxic than Trioxane fumes.
4. ESBIT can be blown out and re-lit for the next meal.
Using "Brian Green's Blog" instructions an ESBIT tab holder can be made from aluminum roofing flashing or a disposable pie pan. This tablet holder captures the fluid residue and lets it burn, thus doubling the burn time to 15 minutes. This also keeps liquid residue from contaminating the ground beneath.
Or, for a better job, buy some titanium sheet metal online from "Titanium Goat".
For THE most efficient ESBIT (or alcohol) stove I recommend getting the "Sidewinder" stove, made by Trail Designs. It comes with an ESBIT tablet holder called a "Gram Cracker" but you should make the improved Brian Green tab holder for longer burn times. For less money you can get an aluminum "Caldera Cone" from T.D. that can only burn ESBIT or alcohol. The TRI-TI and Sidewinder stoves, being titanium sheet, can also burn wood. (see below)
Many many ESBIT stoves have been tested and this one (or the similar, larger Trail Designs Tri-Ti) has proven to be the most efficient by a wide margin. That means less fuel to carry, like half as much as with other ESBIT or Trioxane stoves. ESBIT is relatively easy to find in 90% of outdoor stores or online.
HINT: ESBIT has a fishy odor even in its own packaging so pack it in a roll-top coffee bag that has an aluminized layer. Most coffee bags are made like this. If you are in bear country pack this coffee bag of ESBIT in your bear can with your food. Jus' saying'...
If you decide to cough up the money for a Tri-Ti or Sidewinder stove (they are made of titanium sheet to withstand the higher heat of burning wood) you can buy the optional "Inferno" wood burning insert. This makes the stove into the highly efficient "gassifier" type wood burner that recirculates and burns the gasses given off by the initial combustion and it is HOT! I love mine for winter camping where I use 1/4 tablet of ESBIT for a fire starter and available wood for fuel.
P.S.Yeah, the Canadian made Bush Buddy wood burner is also a gassier stove and does the same thing but it is not as efficient as the Inferno setup in a TRI-TI or Sidewinder stove B/C it lets too much heat escape. Plus its heavier and not as compact when stored.
Check out the Trail Designs website.