[pct-l] Gas stove Question

[ROYROBIN at aol.com (ROYROBIN@aol.com)]

In a message dated 1/13/04 11:09:59 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
themtgoat@yahoo.com writes:

> Questions:
> 1. Do most of the Resupply points have Gas at the Towns, resorts, etc? 
> ( I am almost sure that they don't but thought I would pop the question).
> 
> 2. If people use those Alcohol stoves, how do they resupply, can they mail 
> the Fuel?

Both gas and alcohol fuel are available by the ounce at most resupply points 
on the trail.  Alcohol, but not gas, can also be shipped in your resupply box 
as long as it is properly marked and shipped ground.

> 3. Or should I just use solid fuel and be done with it....
> 
Long-distance hikers usually resupply every 5-7 days, keep their pack weight 
to a minimum, and keep their cooking simple.  A CatStove or other alcostove 
satisfies all these requirements.  There's no harm in carrying a few Esbit 
tablets for emergencies if it increases your comfort level.  

My unscientific guestimate:  When I hiked the AT in '02, over 50 percent of 
hikers used some variety of alcohol stove.  On the PCT I hear it was more like 
70 percent.