Redefining Backcountry Cooking
Jetboil started in 2004, by Dwight Aspinwall and Perry Dowst and revolutionized the backcountry cooking. Today Jetboil is still redefining how people cook in the backcountry. The key difference in jetboil stoves is the Aluminum Fluxring which is welded to the bottom of all their cookware. By increasing the surface area of the bottom of the pot, fluxring technology makes it possible to heat a conveniently shaped vessel with extremely high efficiency.
Jetboil takes a system approach and are designed to fully work together in both storage and in use. The vessels in the backcountry systems are designed to pack nicely and efficiently inside your pack without taking up too much space or adding too much weight. Jetboil stoves work with a canister fuel, making igniting the stove very easy.
“Using this stove with my family I wasn’t worried about my kid spilling fuel and he loved getting to be involved with some of the camp jobs that come along with backcountry camping” – J
Setting up your Jetboil
When you are ready to use your stove, ensure the valve is fully closed by turning clockwise (or right) until tight. You will attach the stove base to the canister, a slight hiss is normal when screwing on the base; however once it is secured there should be zero hissing. If you are still noticing sound, unscrew and try again making sure the threads are properly aligned. It is important to not over tighten as you could damage the threads on the canister. It’s time to test the igniter, when you press the igniter button there should be a spark that reaches the stove element. If you notice that there is no spark gently bend the wire till there is about a 3mm gap and the wire is about a 45* angle. Once everything is ready it is time to use your Jetboil. Turn on the stove, then securely attach the pot vessel to the base making sure there is water inside the pot before attaching. On the base of the pot there are cut outs that align with nubs found on the stove piece. These should line up and twist together connecting the vessel to the base.
How NOT to use your Jetboil
- Don’t use other pots or pans without the use of the Jetboil pot support *sold separately*
- Don’t handle or justle your stove while in use- make sure your stove is always on a secure, level surface
- Don’t put an empty pot on a lit stove- it always has to have liquid in it.
- Light your stove before placing your pot on- this ensures no trapped gas vapour accumulates before initiation
- Always maintain visual of the stove so you can turn off the stove in the case of emergency,
- Don’t force your stove onto the fuel canister as cross threading can occur- if you hear gas escaping DO NOT light your stove
- Don’t overfill your pot- fill only to the fill line
- Remove the bottom cover from your vessel before placing it onto the stove
How to use your Jetboil in Extreme Environments
A common misconception is that Jetboil stoves do not work in cold temperatures. However, there are two commonly used methods to ensure your canisters can produce gas vapour and allowing you to use your canister stove in 4 seasons.
1. Water Bath Method- Using the bottom cup of the Jetboil place the canister inside with water around. Make sure not to use hot or boiling as this could have an adverse effect on the canister and over pressure the canister. This is warm the canister enough to produce gas vapour
2. Body Temperature Heat Method – Put the canister into your jacket pocket or next to body to warm the canister enough to produce gas vapour.
How to Safely Store your Jetboil Fuel
When your stove is not in use it’s important to safely store your Jetboil Fuel canisters. Avoid storing your canisters in a shed or back of a car where there is a high potential of the canisters overheating, the canisters should never exceed 50*c or 102*F. Always do your best to keep them out of directed sunlight while in transportation and on the trail. When the stove is not in use always disconnect the stove from the canister. By properly storing your canister in a dry, cool environment you are ensuring optimal performance from your fuel.
How to Troubleshoot your Igniter
Displaced Electrode- gently bend the electrode towards the element of the stove creating a 3mm gap at a 45 degree angle.
Worn/ Broken Electrode- Use nail clippers to trim the worn tip of the electrode, then gently using needle nose pilers to pull the electrode out slightly so you can create a 45* angle with a 3mm gap
** Important to always carry a second source of ignition when you go into the backcountry**
How to use Simmer Control
Jetboil continues to evolve past other cook systems in the industry. When it comes to simmer control the industry norm is to go from zero to full flame in a quarter of a turn. Jetboil uses four full turns to allow for more accurate simmer control on their stoves.
1 Turn = Simmer
2 Turns= Saute
3 Turns= Quickly Sear
4 Turns= 10,000 BTU- Boiling water rapidly
BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a unit of heat; it is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1*F.
Jetpower Fuel
Butane vs. Propane- Why not both?
Jetpower Fuel is made up of a mixture of propane and Isobutane to deliver a high-performing fuel for your Jetboil stove system. Propane works well in adverse conditions, including when temperatures drop below zero. However, the downside of using propane is it is stored in canisters at a high pressure than other fuels which makes the canister heavier. On the other hand, Isobutane does not perform well in adverse conditions and performs poorly in when temperatures drop below -25 but can be stored in lighter canisters and has more energy by volume enabling you to cook longer with less fuel. Combing the two types of fuel in Jetpower Fuel, results in a high-performing blend with cold-weather performance with energy efficiency and pressure consistency throughout the life of your canister.
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