Thanks for all the info, now I am getting somewhere.

I tried some searches but the computer at work doesent wish to co-op with my efforts.

The problem we are facing is that the Army is begining to shy away from issuing the canteen cup and thus the esbit tabs to be replaced by the hydration packs. I still will carry some means to boil water. even a small tin cup and some means to boil water. the issued camel baks are ultra nice but there is no way in hell I can boil coffee in one. when I wake up after spending another night in a stupid trench during another training exercise and have no way to make coffee it may be a matter of someone elses survival. thats why I want to explore the possibility of a small pop can stove. I will take my chances with the rancid water but I will come un-glued if I dont get a coffee.

hacksaw. you mentioned you tested military tabs. waht kind? are they the same as what we get issued I wonder? the issued ones are a little flat and often need to be doubled up but they are free I guess.

I was also wondering about how durable that vargo stove is. I dont think the pop can will stand up to being carried in a TAC but the vargo looks a little tougher. Blasts stove looks top shelf for the bottom of a cold trench when light disipline is at a lower level but a bit large to carry.