Backcountry Hawaii
 After September 11, 2001 the Transportation Security Agency (U.S. government agency) placed major restrictions on the transport of potentially hazardous material and equipment, including fuels and stoves normally used for backpack trips. It is no longer permissible to transport: Gaseous fuel (propane, butane, iso-butane, etc.) Liquid inflammable fuel (gasoline, kerosene, "Coleman fuel", etc.) Matches (except for 4 books of paper matches in carry-on baggage) Lighters (except a Zippo in a TSA-approved container) New or used gaseous fuel stove New or used liquid fuel stove Alternative solutions
Open fire - almost always prohibited in National and State parks Enclosed wood fire - "Sierra"-type metal stoves burning twigs, etc. Good only for 1-3 individuals. May be confiscated by TSA anyway. Solid fuel stove - "Esbit"-type stove burning a solid fuel tablet. Good only for 1-2 individuals. Usually not recognized as a "stove". Alcohol fuel stove. Not as efficient as gas/gasoline stoves, but may be passed by TSA as it has no odor when dry. Alcohol can easily be purchased in many drug stores (90% Isopropyl "Rubbing" Alcohol ).or Denatured Alcohol at home repair, paint and marine stores. Purchase a
stove
and fuel
upon arrival and discard it upon leaving. An expensive solution. A
single burner propane stove ($20.00) and a bottle of propane
($5.00) should last a group for a dozen meals or more. Burner 24 oz,
bottle 31 oz, total 55 oz or about 3-1/2 lbs for $25.00. Rent or borrow a stove on location. Not many places have rentals. A local hiking organization may have an arrangement to lend a stove to visiting backpackers. Any other suggestions?
Available
fuels
in Hawaii As of April, 2008 (supplies not guaranteed) White gas / Coleman fuel can be purchased at sporting goods stores throughout Hawaii. (1 qt @ $5.00) Propane, 14.1 and 16.4oz cylinders can be purchased at hardware stores in Hawaii (16.4 oz @ $3.00)Butane and Iso-butane cannisters (threaded top type) may be found at some Island stores. Oahu - Sports Authority (100 g @ $5.00, 250 G @ $7.00)) Maui - Sports Authority Big Island - Hilo Surplus Kauai - Alcohol - 90% Isopropyl alcohol available in drug stores ; Denatured alcohol available at hardware, paint and marine supply stores Oahu - West Marine, Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, True Value Hardware Maui - Big Island - Kauai - How much fuel do I need? Here are some average numbers. Assume 2 cups boiling water per person / per meal 2 person backpack eating 3 meals / day = 3 quarts of boiling water
More lavish meals or colder weather may increase fuel usage. Loaners In Hawaii, almost all inter-island travel is by air, making stoves a major headache. I hope to have a "loaner" stove cached on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island if I can find responsible hosts for the stoves. |