There are a lot of mis-conceptions about what stoves are good for what and how stoves work. You'd be surprised at how many very experienced backpackers and mountaineers I meet who don't really understand what going on "under the covers" with their stove.

My article will be published on Friday. Hopefully, after you read it, you'll understand why a Windpro (or a stove of that type) can operate at a temperature that is about 20F/10C colder than other gas stoves. If you employ tricks to keep the canister warm, you can go quite a bit colder than that -- probably -20F/-29C -- with a gas stove.

HJ

Other factors in which the cannister stove wins out over the liquid petroleum fueled stoves in cold weather, which are rarely mentioned, is that the gas cartridge stove can be safely used inside a tent or bothy bag, where the temperature can be 10-20C warmer than the outside ambient temperature and the stove is much better shielded from high winds. i.e. lack of wind chill effect. If going into really cold weather with a gas cartridge stove then having a vacuum water bottle to hand is recommended standard kit anyway. It's just a matter of keeping the hot water topped off in the vacuum flask.

For those that are using the Giga Power stove, Snow Peak now has a wind screen for it. http://www.rei.com/product/668815

Does it scratch up your Metal Pots and plates and bowls and stuff?

Yeah, that "wind screen" has been around for a while. I suppose it's better than nothing, but it's not really much protection against the wind. It would need to have higher sides to be really effective.

HJ

I don't use my Al spoon on non-stick type pots. If I'm using pots with a non-stick coating, then I'll bring a plastic spoon.

The cups and bowls I generally use are plastic, so I'm not too worried about scratches. I have a Ti sierra cup, but the Al spoon doesn't scratch it appreciably.

HJ

I'm liking this. Thanks Dennis!

Slightly OT, but didn't want to start a new thread for one question. Just purchased the MSR Windpro II. Couldn't resist , 20% off, dividend $, etc. Anywho, I was wondering if I should buy any spare parts like fuel line, O-rings, etc? It's my first foray out of alcohol stoves in quite a while. Just thought I'd ask the experts.

Definitely a good idea to purchase O rings, at least. they are easy to carry and quite essential to proper function.

The WindPro II is a really nice stove. I'm not aware of MSR selling a parts kit for it. The only parts kit I'm aware of is their "annual maintenance" kit for stoves, but that's really for white gas stoves.

The most essential pieces of gear for a gas stove are:
1. A spare "O" ring for where the canister screws into the valve.
2. A "pricker" which is a thin wire that can be used to clear the jet.

You'll probably never need either, but if you do get a jam in the jet, you'll be grateful for that pricker, and that "O" ring is what allows you to get a good seal at the canister connection.

HJ