Review Of the Vargo Titanium Hexagon Woodstove

Assembled Vargo Titanium Hexagon Woodstove.

                     By Jeffy Geer

 I must admit that when I was handed this stove for testing, the novelty of it kind of excited me. I've been privileged to play with a few different solid fuel stoves over the last few years, many have impressed me, while others have left me wanting. Then there have been those that are functional, but seem to be more hassle than convenience. I personally feel that a good pack stove needs to run the gambit of being lightweight, sturdy, efficient, affordable, and above all SAFE. I was certainly excited to see where on the spectrum the Vargo stove fell.

     The Vargo Titanium Hexagon Stove weighs around 4.7 ounces, making it a very lightweight choice for packers. It retails around $60 and can be found at most outdoor and sporting goods outfitters. The whole unit comes in a very convenient nylon case that is most necessary, as the stove gets very sooty after use. Although a good scrubbing with a soft Scotch Brite cleans the stove up well after the trip is over.

     Assembly is extremely easy and impossible to get wrong, as every panel of the hexagon has a fixed hinge. The panels are attached to the aerated hexagon base plate via a fixed hinge, with a couple of panels having slots that fit tabs on the plate. One of the tabs actually locks the final panel in place while leaving the door accessible and free to open and close. There are actually relief cuts on the bottom of some of the panels, which gives some clearance for the base plate to not rest on the surface of whatever you have placed the stove on, and to allow air to flow up from the bottom. I will address this more later.

The locking tab.

     I'm a believer in practical gear testing, especially when a piece of gear is something you may need to depend on. With that in mind, I waited to play with the Vargo until I had a good rain fall. If it's going to work well, it will do it in poor weather.

     I first tested the Vargo using a standard sized gelled alcohol can, much like Sterno. I found the can to fit well. The Trangia stove will fit here, but you may want to place something under the Trangia vessel to get the heat closer to your cooking vessel. The gelled alcohol actually performed well in this application, boiling two cups of water in about 9 minutes.

     Now we come to the part that gets hinky...   I placed the stove on my splitting stump and using some Birch bark for tinder and fine Spruce twigs, began the wood burning process. After I was sure I had a solid burn, I began adding slightly bigger fuel, being sure to add some wet stuff in order to see how quickly it would dry and ignite. No issue there. After placing my cooking vessel with two cups of cold water on top, I hit the timer and began my vigil.

     The first thing I noticed is that while there are allowances for air flow from the bottom, it is not very adequate. There was a mellow but constant wind coming from the North East, and the stove was unobstructed, so I opened the door to allow air flow. That allowed the flame to pick up, but completely ruined any heat channeling or gasification. Those qualities are a must have when using a contained stove with any efficiency. The wood burned fine, but fast. Let me put it plain... THIS STOVE IS HUNGRY. I had to pay constant attention to the Vargo and continually feed it because it did not allow for gasification, which is the burning of the wood and the gases generated from it. The stove is not large enough for a sizable amount of fuel to heat the water efficiently, and thus, I did not obtain a mellow boil until 25 minutes later. I never did reach a rolling boil. As I only used 2 cups of water, I was extremely disappointed.

     Now, I must be sure to note that whenever using any stove, the packer should be mindful of the surface in which he places his device. A nice, flat rock or sandy surface is desirable. A log or wooden picnic table, not so much when using a wood stove, and many liquid fuel stoves. However, I am always interested in how much heat transference happens with any stove, so I have several splitting stumps I try them on. The Vargo certainly does have a lot of heat transference coming off of the bottom. Especially considering it takes so long and so much fuel to be effective. I would seriously consider this a bit of a safety issue, and should you use the Vargo as a wood stove, I would be sure to double check the area for burning or smoldering after use. Nobody wants a forest fire!

Burn from heat transfer on the bottom of the stove.

     The Vargo Hexagon Stove also comes in a steel model that weighs a bit more, but costs a bit less. Around $40. I have seen reviews where the reviewer has drilled hole for aeration along the bottom of some of the panels. While this will increase airflow, and allow you to keep the door closed so heat can channel upward toward you cooking vessel, I believe you would still have to feed this small stove more than you would like. And that still does not eliminated the other issues with the Vargo. It is the opinion of this writer that any piece of gear that costs $60 and needs modifying to work properly should be reconsidered.

     All in all, I give the Vargo Titanium Hexagon Woodstove a C rating. It is sturdy, easy to assemble and clean, lightweight, and works sufficiently with an alcohol generator. However, the wood burning application of the Vargo needs to be redesigned. In a market filled with very efficient wood burners that, while they may weigh and cost more, will provide a more satisfactory result for the outdoorsman.

     Safe Journeys
         ~Jeffy

The Magic of Michigan's Morels

By Jeffy Geer of www.commonfolkselfreliance.com

As the snow recedes in Northern Michigan, a hunter of a different sort takes to the forest. Armed only with an onion sack, a small knife, and possibly a walking stick, this hunter traverses the rolling hardwoods of Michigan’s interior with eyes cast downward in search of one of the jewels of the wild edible Kingdom; the ever camouflaged Morel mushroom.

Spring after Spring, the shoulders of M115, M55, and various other roads passing through state and federal forest lands are packed with cars, vans, and trucks bearing license plates from a plethora of states. The owners of said vehicles all have one goal; to return to their respective homes laden with these delicate morsels of the Northern woods. Many will succeed, and others… Not so much.

As the weather warms in early Spring, the sun shines down through the deciduous forests, reaching patches of loam and rotted leaf matter that normally aren’t reached, due to the full canopy of leaves overhead in the late Spring to middle Autumn. The moisture left from the snow fall, coupled with the vegetation breakdown, and the warmth, creates a wonderful atmosphere for fungal propagation. The exact soil and nutrient levels for growing Morels has been researched heavily for years, and only recently has there been any progress in recreating these conditions for controlled reproduction. These methods are still under scrutiny.

While there are many different subspecies of Morel, they are actually broken down by the laypersons by two categories: Whites/Yellows (Morchella Esculenta) and Blacks (Morchella Elata). Whites/Yellows (They are the same thing) tend to grow a little larger, and hang around a little longer in the season. My experiences leave me with the impression that Black Morels have a better flavor, and are the most widely sought after.

It is widely accepted that Morel habitat is mostly composed of deciduous forests, containing trees such as Oaks, Poplars, Ash, Maples, and Sycamores. Rarely are they found in conifer stands, however, it has happened. I have also been known to find them under orchard trees. And every so often, someone finds a few, totally on accident, under yard trees in rural towns. Leeks, another wonderful woodland resource, have been known to grow in the same conditions as Morels, and usually denote a good search location.

Much like deer hunters, many avid mushroomers promote a conservative attitude toward mushroom gathering. Here are a few rules of etiquette that apply to this form of gathering in order to promote the reproduction of this resource: 1. Never completely strip any area of the resource. Always leave a few to reproduce. 2. Carry a net type onion sack to gather Morels. These are a fungus, the net type sack allows the spoors to fall through and spread. 3. Use a small knife to remove the fungus from the soil, leaving part of the stem in the earth. If a knife isn’t handy, pinch the soft stem off at the bottom with your fingers to leave the bottom of the stem to propagate. 4. Do not trespass or hunt mushrooms on private property without permission of the land owner. 5. Treat this form of gathering as you would any hunting, and remember that hunter’s orange in the forest will help people locate you,

should you get turned around. This applies doubly when foraging with small children,

I find it worth noting that whenever you are learning to utilize a new natural resource, especially when that resource is a wild edible that you have no previous experience with, that you do the research required to make safe decisions. NEVER take anyone’s word, even mine, for granted. There are many online sources for information on Morel mushrooms for you to exploit before gathering. And of course, there are always field guides, such as Petersons’s, for those that prefer hand held literature.

Whether your favorite Spring activities involve gobblers or gills, there is always time on the trail to look for a few Morels to add to your supper. I leave you with my favorite fried Morel recipe below. Safe journeys! ~Jeff~

Jeff Geer’s Fried Morels in cracker meal:

Ingredients:

1lb Morel Mushrooms               ¾ cup milk

½ cup oil (for pan frying)           1 cup saltine crackers (crushed fine)

2 eggs                                            1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

Wash and half Morels, some actually brine them in lightly salted water overnight.

 In separate bowls, combine dry ingredients and wet.

Heat oil on medium heat, do not let oil smoke

Dip Morels in egg and milk mixture, then roll in cracker meal mix and gently place in oil.

Fry Morels until golden brown on bottom, then flip. Remove when Morels are evenly bro

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Safe journeys

                                                                                         ~Jeffy~http://www.commonfolkselfreliance.com/Default.asp

The Pull Of The Wilderness

By Jeffy Geer
 
 I began winter camping as a solution to an issue I was having. The pull of the wilderness in the winter months was almost painful to my soul. While it is true that I could get out ice fishing now and again, every January I would get to missing the trees, campfires, and sleeping out of doors.
   
     Having just returned from a winter excursion to an old, abandoned log cabin for the weekend, I find myself unable to concentrate on the duties of my day job, or anything else. My thoughts keep returning to the cabin in the woods. I revel in the satisfaction of heating with wood I just harvested and boiling river water for consumption. The smell of food roasting over open flame and the sting of the cold against my cheeks holds the forefront in my mind and takes it wandering down drifted trails lined with Fir and Birch trees, heavily laden with fallen snow.

     The crunch and sift of the snow as my snowshoes travel through it beats a cadence for me to march to. The pulk trailing behind me seems to float on the free powder. As I come to a small bridge over the river, I can already smell the smoke from the cabin's chimney before it comes into sight. I smile to myself, ready for the anticipated fellowship of strangers and old friends. This beats  my best day at work with a stick!

     The fact that my son Mark is with me only geeks me up even more. He rolls his pack off his shoulders and stretches, then looks at me with a grin. He's never been one for words, but his contentment was written all over his face like the pages of a favorite book. Who wouldn't love this?

     Below is a video link to a short film about our journey. Please check us out at www.commonfolkselfreliance.com.

Safe journeys!

Hike Your Own Hike, Hang Your Own Hang, and Hunt Your Own Hunt!

     I awoke to notice the temps had dropped severely. My breath had frozen to the plastic sheeting and Mylar I was using as a shelter. The fire outside my Harlton Hacienda had gone low after burning almost five hours, and heat no longer penetrated the my cozy little bubble of a shelter. However, I wasn't chilled as I slept in a raised bed, with a good sleeping bag. I'd gotten a solid eight hours, and that would make all the difference in the coming day.

     I called my student's name to check on his status. He was sleeping in a super shelter running parallel to mine, with the fire between us. He grunted a "Good morning" to me, and we crawled out of our shelters into the subzero morning air. It was time to stoke the fire, drink some coffee, and spend a few hours gathering more deadfall for the following evening.

     The main camp for this event was located about two hundred and fifty yards East of us. It consisted of various hammocks, ground tents, and a fellow even slept in a covered sled. It was easy to see who slept well, and who may have had a rough night. No worries though, everyone was comfortable enough to be safe, and there were provisions aplenty for those who might need them.

     All in all, it was a typical gathering, full of work, friendship, and shared memories. It also had two very important elements; everybody there did their own thing, and information was freely given and debated without condemnation. People asked how things worked, why someone liked what they did, and where and how to buy or make an item or setup. No high horses in sight. Something I think may be a rarity in today's outdoor communities.

     The raging success of social media has given voice to many who previously had no outlet for their ideas or philosophies. It has also established a platform for some to add a "standard" to outdoor activities and skills that previously had no comparison other than by their exposure to television programs and magazine articles. Now, any person that has an adventure can capture it digitally and upload it for the viewing  pleasure of countless masses. That's pretty cool, in my book.

 And like anything else, there are those that seek to profit from said exposure, Not all of it is capital gain. However, there surely are those that fit that bill. And still there are some who's profit is recognition for hard work, overcoming obstacles, or dedication to perfecting skills. All of this is perfectly fine. But then come the folks who tend to judge, compare, or minimize the efforts of some in order create said "standard" with the intentions of boosting their own egos, or filling their own coffers. Don't be surprised, this is a common business practice that has been going on for years!
"Our brand name soap cleans better than three times the amount of the generic!", has been heard by anyone with a T.V.

     Understand that there are a countless variety of outdoor communities out there. There are hikers, ultra light hikers, hunters, fisherman, survivalists, bushcrafters, bikers, tent and trunk campers, R.V. campers, trekkers... The list goes off into the sunset. And for each activity base, there is a long list of physical, mental, and equipment requirements. Many people often partake of more than one of these bases, finding enjoyment in whatever they do. They may find mastery in one place, and use the same skills in another. They also may never seek mastery, but enjoy all aspects of the adventure provided by whatever they happen to be doing at the time.

     Others may just wish to pursue certain passions, with mastery as the goal. They spend years planning climbs or through hikes, their eyes on the prize, and their minds focused on success. These folks have determination and persistence, and they deserve the praise for their accomplishments.

     Thanks to social media, there is yet another group. At times they may feel called to make

comments or provide information on the posts of others. At times the interaction my be critical, and isn't always welcome. The anonymity of the internet protects people, and may allow them to say things or voice opinions they may not voice in a real social setting. There are those that criticize or hold to standard in order to project a certain school of thought, or maintain a philosophy. They seldom handle criticism themselves, and have difficulty distancing themselves from conflict.These sorts of people may have difficulty in real social gatherings, and are usually found in any real aspect of life, such as coworkers, customers, ect...

     And let us not forget those that minimize others accomplishments while maximizing their own, whether for an ego boost, or financial gain.

     And still, there are others who are just plain right, and tend to share opinions based on hours of practice, immersion, and study. These folks, I've found, are usually to a level of maturity that allows them to shed the arrogance of accomplishment (we've all had that!) and extend helpful advice and tutelage to those seeking it. These guys are my favorite! You see, a master may have failed a thousand times to have the experience to be called so.

     Everyone, whether they know it or not, has a philosophy. The problems lay in how it is presented, and that once presented, we have no real control over how people will react to it. Just because we believe one thing doesn't mean somebody else believes it as well. Then we, as people need to decide

how to react when our philosophies are rejected.

     This may be the very problem with mankind. (Chuckling)

     Here's the rub; these things don't really occur in nature. A lot of outdoors enthusiast actually go out in order to escape these things in our lives. It makes me angry to see a young child post the following in an archery group on Facebook: "This is my first deer. (an 8 point) Please, no bashing"

     The thing is, we shouldn't have to ask to not be bashed. Everyone that goes out into the wilderness should have the right to at least search for whatever it is they may be looking for. You do not need to compare yourself to anyone! You are awesome just the way you are! Other than safety and good stewardship of the wilderness, we don't ever need to hold ourselves to the standards of others. If an item of gear works for you, don't listen to those that force their opinion of a better product on you. Dale jr. would still out drive me, even if I had a Ferrari and he had a Ford Focus. That's just the way it is, and that's fine by me!

     The wilderness is a gift to us. It's up to you to bring the respect and perspective into the picture. No one else can do it like you do, and don't expect to do it just like anyone else. Be safe, smart, and devoted, and the skills you want will be there when you need them!

     If you enjoy the articles on Pass The Chaga, reach over and click the "Follow", "Like" and "Share" buttons to show your support!

Safe journeys!
     ~Jeffy~                            http://www.commonfolkselfreliance.com/Default.asp

The U.S. Airforce ECW Mukluk

     Let's examine a different choice for foot coverings. This is a short film briefly explaining the U.S. Airforce ECW Mukluk. They are a wonderful surplus item to add to your cold weather arsenal .

Safe Journeys
     ~Jeffy~                         http://www.commonfolkselfreliance.com/Default.asp

Passing Our Knowledge On To Others

     Four minutes and nine seconds! That's exactly how long it took Isabelle to deploy a tarp shelter after only trying it one single time. For young Isabelle, this was a victorious moment in her training. For me, it was a victory as an instructor. One that I have used as motivation every time I have a teaching opportunity. What an awesome learning experience we shared that day. She learned from me that she was more than able to provide the safety of shelter for herself and others, expediently and under extreme pressure. I gained from Isabelle confidence in my teaching skills, and the knowledge that yet another young person will carry this wisdom out into the 

wilderness, and will potentially put it to good use.

     Isabelle, I thank you for that moment.

     Quite often people use their knowledge of skills to impress. I've sat around many a fire with folks talking of achievements in the area of wilderness skills and survival knowledge. Some of those folks were more than able to fill my head with the wisdom of many years of experiences gained through endless trials and testing and training.  Others have shared things with me that were boastful, and sometimes circumspect. Still, I've been fortunate enough to find nuggets of information buried in those boasts.

     For the majority of man's existence, knowledge was passed down by word of mouth. Sons learned their trades from their fathers. Mothers shared living skills with daughters. And the average twelve year old could do a lot of what we call "survival" without a second thought. To them, it was just living. A child learned to live by imitating his elders, and putting to practice these skills in the every day practical sense. I believe the old timers called these practices "chores." 

     The times have changed, and thankfully living isn't as hard as it once was. I don't think there's a need to delve into all of the advances in technology that make life an easier ordeal. I don't disdain these things, but I have made it a sort of a hobby to learn to live without some of them. Like anything, there are folks that live on either end of the spectrum. There are those that shun advances in technology, preferring to live a hardier, more natural lifestyle. And there are those that not only prefer to submerge themselves in technology, but live their lives trying to expand those horizons. I fall somewhere in the middle, and guess what? Every single lifestyle is just fine! None is any "better" than the other.

   

 The means of passing our knowledge on has been infinitely expanded by these technological advances. The fact the you're even reading this article would have been unimaginable sixty years ago. However, these technological wonders do have one immense drawback. They create a vacuum in the area of living skills that would have to come to the forefront should these technologies no longer be available.

     That statement could be taken several ways. Imagine your car stuck in a ditch on a seldom traveled road. Your cellular phone is either dead, or gets no signal. You have then lost a technological advantage. An even worse example could be a long power outage in a Northern climate in the middle of February. Many folks in Northern Minnesota possess living skills not found in Southern California. I think you get my point.

     I've chosen to pursue the arts of wilderness living, both modern and primitive. I've traveled thousands of miles to learn the wisdom of people that are considered to be the most knowledgeable their areas of expertise. I've also been fortunate enough to find some of those people living a lot closer to home than I ever expected. I'm even more fortunate to call some of them friends. This is the knowledge I've chosen to share, but sharing knowledge should never be narrowed down to one field.

     As a teacher, there is no greater thrill than seeing someone succeed at something they've worked so hard for. Whether it's a teenager successfully navigating a compass course, or a fifty year old man spinning his first bow drill coal, I take extreme pleasure in having the opportunity to be a part of that exciting moment. It takes me back years to when my own Grandfather would tap the side of his nose whenever I did something particularly well. I'm telling you that everybody has a chance to fill the role. Everyone of you has the ability to be the teacher!

   

 I have a challenge for you woodsfolk out there. Next time mama talks you into going smoothy camping in a campground, or you go to an outdoor event of any kind and you see that group of teenagers with their noses stuck in their phones, walk up and show them how to strike a flint and steel. Maybe have your children invite friends over and show them some skills while they camp on your property. Or you can volunteer to share your knowledge with a local youth group or Scout troop. Take your son's friend out hunting or fishing with you. Show the ladies in your bible study how to garden, or can food. The list of how we can pass down our knowledge goes on and on.

     The truth is, we are the keepers of great treasures. In a world where the sharing of knowledge is mostly done for monetary gain or a chance at fame, a lot of good information goes unused and falls by the wayside. It is our duty to make sure the good old skill of living doesn't fade away. Just like we carry that knowledge gained from those before us, our youth deserves the chance to carry it on to the next generation.

     This world is going to need the knowledge of your children, my children, and children like clever Isabelle.

Safe Journeys,

     ~Jeffy~                   http://www.commonfolkselfreliance.com/Default.asp  

   

  

       

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