Crusader Cook System & Green Heat
- Thread starter SussexRob
- Start date
Never managed to get a boil from a greenheat sachet on my crusader - even with trying to burn the packet! However, I am regularly getting good boils by using hexi blocks.
I went out and experimented to find out why I succeed so well when so many, it seems aren't getting such good results.
I think the secret is the way you place the packet. I fold it into quarters and place it on top of the gel. Onvce burned and blackened it then wicks the gel and lasts twice as long as the gel on its own. I also dropped three or four 5mm thick, match stick long dry twigs on top to see if this would make any difference. It did, amazingly so, the stuff then boiled my rat pack bag and continued on for a further 15 minutes while I ate it and started carving stuff. So that, I think is the secret. You don't want the gel to burn directly, but for the charred material on top to wick the gel at a slower rate. I'm going to try the twig thing again tomorrow.
I think the secret is the way you place the packet. I fold it into quarters and place it on top of the gel. Onvce burned and blackened it then wicks the gel and lasts twice as long as the gel on its own. I also dropped three or four 5mm thick, match stick long dry twigs on top to see if this would make any difference. It did, amazingly so, the stuff then boiled my rat pack bag and continued on for a further 15 minutes while I ate it and started carving stuff. So that, I think is the secret. You don't want the gel to burn directly, but for the charred material on top to wick the gel at a slower rate. I'm going to try the twig thing again tomorrow.
Got carded by the postie today - I suspect a box of greenheat - I wont be able to pick em up till Monday though. I've been looking at the numbers on this stuff - it doesnt look like a particularly calorie rich fuel. In other words, it seems like the weight to performance ratio isn't as good as some other fuels. It looks to me like the main advantage is convenience - which is admittedly a huge factor.
You bought a case? A whole case? Buying a few sachets can be marked down as an accident...a whole case thought Martyn... you get heat from sucking a polo mint.
That's exactly why I ordered two boxes yesterday. £10 for 24 sachets. Not too bad a price really. I will at some point order some esbit blocks fir a comparison.
Not really green but it gives you something to look at while you wait for your brew, and wait, and wait, and wait.
Rik clearly isn't a fan then!
I like it, It's simple, packs up easily enough for my liking. I was after a stove set that was one man, could do a brew and ration packs when out on expeditions and checkpoints etc with my Explorer scouts and this ticks all the boxes. I also have a decent metal mug that I can use on the fireside too.
Stoves etc are like cars in that sense, what one person likes another doesn't.
I like it, It's simple, packs up easily enough for my liking. I was after a stove set that was one man, could do a brew and ration packs when out on expeditions and checkpoints etc with my Explorer scouts and this ticks all the boxes. I also have a decent metal mug that I can use on the fireside too.
Stoves etc are like cars in that sense, what one person likes another doesn't.
Here's what I do. This will boil your rat pack for a few minutes on a roll and give you a cup of coffee on one sachet.
Fold the pack twice and clip it with a bit of twig to stop it unfolding. Without that, it will, and quickly...
Stick it in the centre of the gel...
Light, and stick you mug on it...
It should reach a rolling boil, and sustain that for at least two or three minutes in this weather, without a lid...
The packet will have burned up, and so should all of the gel...
Piping hot food and coffee, on one sachet with no lid.
Fold the pack twice and clip it with a bit of twig to stop it unfolding. Without that, it will, and quickly...
Stick it in the centre of the gel...
Light, and stick you mug on it...
It should reach a rolling boil, and sustain that for at least two or three minutes in this weather, without a lid...
The packet will have burned up, and so should all of the gel...
Piping hot food and coffee, on one sachet with no lid.
That's probably less than 250ml of water, isn't it Jonathan? Maybe others are trying to boil too much water for the amount of fuel that they use?
Must admit I rarely boil less than 500ml. Then I can have a big mug of tea and a little bit over for rinsing things.
Clarification -- I don't use Greenheat, nor anything like it, I usually use a petrol stove for a quick brew and a Ghillie kettle for something more leisurely and to fill my hot water bottle.
Last edited:
I'd say about 300ml. But bear in mind that it takes much more to heat a solid rat pack too. It's easier to boil 500ml of water than 300ml of water with a rat. I tip away about 75 -100ml to make the coffee. I can't rinse with hot water as I don't carry a second cup. A drop of cold water washes and cleans the coffee residue out with no problem. water efficiency may well be accountable. Practice and familiarity will make this more efficient.
Fan? No lol, even one of the chaps who designed it (a member here) has no love of the set up. I like the Crusader mug though, makes a good sized brew, work well on some setups
Fan? No lol, even one of the chaps who designed it (a member here) has no love of the set up. I like the Crusader mug though, makes a good sized brew, work well on some setups
Really wouldn't want to carry that on my belt though.
Similar threads
