Ultralight DIY Stove

Outdoor cooking is one of my favorite activities. Be it a 3 day bikepacking epic or a half day fishing trip, i always carry a stove (Camping Gaz Turbo 270) with me. I've owned this little stove for over 10 years and it still performed like a champ. However, nothing’s perfect, the price for a 220g canister has hiked up almost 150% since then and its quite difficult to get one too especially here in Penang. Thus, the idea of having a backup stove came in.

While doing some research for a alternative stove online the other day, i stumble across a very funky DIY can stove that is fun to make and use. Without a second thought, i decided to give it a try.

A pot stand/windshield combo (my own design) was crafted from a 500g Nestle cereal tin & finished with Three 51mm binder clips to complement the stove. The tin lid work as a nice priming pan.

This simple pot stand/windshield provides a extremely stable base for my 14cm pot & fits perfectly inside together with the stove & fuel bottle.


So how does it work anyway? Check this out!

Keeping the tradition alive

A few days prior to the Lantern Festival taking place, i took my boys to lantern shopping. As expected, its quite tricky to pick one as there are so many beautiful lanterns in all shapes and sizes, not to mention those battery operated plastic lantern with noisy monotone music which is a hit for kids nowadays. For some reason, i still prefer to have something basic for a traditional festival like this.

Imagine having 10 children + 10 plastic lanterns + 10 different tunes playing at the same time while you & your family enjoying the moon cake under the bright full moon. Phew!!

But kids are kids, they are more attracted by those noisy plastic stuff. On the other hand, i am swear by those handmade/candle light lanterns. However, with a little persuasion & negotiation, Wien ended up with a traditional fish lantern made of glass paper that look exactly like i used to have when i was a kid. :)



















~ The mid-autumn festival aka lantern festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar calendar. On this day, children will light beautiful lanterns in all shapes, sizes and colour and place it around their house. It is also a time for families to gather and enjoy the moon cake, a special sweet delicacy while gazing at the bright full moon.