Just a quick question. I read Doug's blog, and the mention of these intrigued me. Every time I have tried to carry a candle in my pack, which resides in my vehicle year round, it has melted in the summer time. Will these survive summer in a vehicle? It looks like if the wax melted but I didn't open the can, it would be fine once it got cooler.

Any experiences with these?

I was also wondering about those candles. They look like nothing more than a wax-filled tin and some wicks made from ordinary pipe cleaners. However, there may be more to it than that. The wax probably has a higher stearic acid content like plumber's candles, for one.

I was also curious as to how much heat a candle produces. A quick web search yields estimates between 40 and 80 watts. A person who burns 1000 kcal over 24 hours would put out about 48 watts, so adding a single burning candle to your vehicle or other shelter would be like adding another person's body heat. In theory. But then you need to allow for ventilation and worry about CO...

I couldn't find anything on their site about melting temp. There are different types of wax available, with the highest melting temp at 161F. Maybe the Nuwick tin could be stuffed into insulation (double layer of bubble wrap?) while storing in a car.

I've used these for many years. Been through all the weather variations here in Delaware - no problems - never saw where it melted or "shifted" even in the can. Key thing is that they support multiple wicks. Increases heat and light. Make a pretty good field-expedient stove!

I had read that these candles do not present a carbon monoxide hazard. If true, that would be a lot less heat lost for ventilation. Can anyone confirm?

Craig.

AFAIK, all combustion produces carbon monoxide. CO is a byproduct of incomplete combustion, and I don't think there's any such thing as "complete combustion". That being said, I'm sure some things burn cleaner than others. But I don't know where candles rate in this regard.

I also have been interested in the Nuwick candle, but have hesitated because I don't know if ANYTHING like a candle can survive Arizona summers in a car!! It would be great to hear others experience with these.

Thing is, even if it melts (have not done so in 2 Chicago summers in the cab of a pickup truck)it will melt in the can. no loss of wax, no mess. 2 wicks brings a canteen cup of water to a boil in about 6 minutes in 50 degree ambient.. suspending the cup over the flame was a little tricky, but the candle fits in the core of a cement block, and the cup perches on top just fine. not a good solution for back packing, i suppose...