Imagine that you're nearing the end of an alpine expedition. Supplies and morale are running low. You fire up your trusty camp stove to melt some snow for water and re-hydrate some camp food. But the stove doesn't light.
Hopefully you won't wait for a cold, thirsty night in the backcountry as motivation to learn about camp stove problems. Educating yourself now starts with reading the instruction manual that came with your stove---paying close attention to proper maintenance---and can keep you from having any stove problems at all.
Significance
If you're a car camper, your camp stove may represent a simple creature comfort, the provider of hot tea or coffee, morning and night. As you go further into the backcountry, however, the camp stove takes on an increasingly more important role, cooking the food you depend on to keep you fueled and, in extreme cases, as your only source of drinking water.
Considerations
Equipment failures aren't the only source of camp stove problems. If your camp stove isn't working, take the time to double-check and ensure that your fuel canister isn't empty, that all parts of the stove are firmly connected, including to the fuel canister, and that the stove valve is in the on position.
Types
Some common stove problems, usually attributed to mechanical issues, include failure to prime or light, poor-fuel efficiency, a weak flame and black soot deposits on the stove.
Causes
All of the problems mentioned above may be due to a clogged valve, jet or fuel line. These clogs often result from neglectful maintenance that allows debris to build up inside the stove, whether from boil-overs, pest activity or the natural grease and dirt buildup from long use. Neglect of routine maintenance, such as not lubricating seals as recommended by the manufacturer, may also result in reduced performance or dangerous leaks.
Warning
Some of the most catastrophic camp stove problems possible can result from improper use. Follow your stove manufacturer's instructions to use a stove only in open, well-ventilated areas. Using a camp stove in an enclosed area, like a tent or cabin, may cause carbon monoxide poisoning or death. Using a stove inside your tent can also cause a tent fire, leaving you without shelter.
Preparation
Not even the niftiest stove repair kit will save you if you don't know how to use it, and replacing tiny stove O-rings for the first time on a cold, thirsty expedition night can be a trying challenge. Lay the parts of your repair kit out in front of you as you read through the repair and maintenance section of your stove's manual before leaving on your trip. Even better, practice the repairs a few times before venturing into the field.
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