Whether simple and light or less portable but more sturdy,
rocket stoves channel heat so efficiently that a small handful of wood can boil
water or cook a meal. A simple “hobo stove” uses a can to contain a small fire.
A rocket stove uses two cans (or pipe sections) at an angle inside another
larger can to create a fire chamber insulated by material packed between the
larger can and the smaller cans. This restricts heat dissipation so that all
the fire’s energy is directed to the pot you place on top of the stove.
The rocket stove also contains your fire for safety and for
preserving the natural look of the area where you are cooking. It also keeps
flames much less visible than a standard campfire. They can be especially
useful in places like the high desert where wood is scarce that I included use
of rocket stoves in my survival novel “Obliterated 2: Violent Nature” ( http://tinyurl.com/noljq4n )
Rocket stoves are a terrific addition to emergency
preparations and, although high quality stoves can now be purchased, you can
make one yourself fairly easily. Instructions for a simple and lightweight
rocket stove can be found on a very useful website titled prepared-housewives.com. Here is a link to that site’s
easy to follow photos and instructions:
