A Step-By-Step Guide To Building A Coke Can Stove For Hiking & Camping

So, are you ready for you next big camping getaway?

You already know the best camping spots in the US (check this list for more inspiration). You’ve already secured a long weekend and made sure the weather is going to be awesome. Now, all you have to do (apart from grabbing some mates) is make sure you have the right gear.

First things first: clothes. The rule of thumb is to get the best you can afford. All things Goretex are a quick win because this fabric is light, warm, and dries fast at the same time. A rain jacket is a must too, even if the forecast says it’s going to be sunny. Remember, the weather changes fast in the mountains. When it comes to choosing the right hiking boots you shouldn’t be too frugal either. As James Menta puts it in his guide: “What you eat, drink, and wear on your feet can make or break your hiking experience, period.”

While you likely won’t forget the essential gear like your tent, sleeping bag, water purifiers, or GPS, when it comes to cooking stoves things often get complicated.

For some unknown reason, a bunch of people I know often forget them, or they decide not to take them in the first place and go on with ready-to-eat snacks when it comes to short getaways.

Whether you are the first or second type, or happen to get into an emergency while camping, this guide is for you!

How To Build a Coke Can Stove

Image via Architecture’n’ design

Things You’ll Need:

• Two Aluminum Soda Cans
• One Marker
• Scissors or a Cutter
• One Nail
• A Small Piece of Sandpaper
• Alcohol and Fiberglass

Step 1: Cut Both Cans into Two Bottom Parts

Image via Architecture’n’ design

Aluminum is one of the lightest, yet most durable metals; meaning it will easily survive the heat when used as a stove top. Besides, re-using Coke cans this way is a great way to reduce environment pollution.

Use the market to line-up equal parts for cutting. Put black dots on the can’s bottom that you plan to use as stove top.

Use scissors (or the cutter) to cut out the base for your stove.

Step 2: Create Small Holes at One of the Can Bottoms

Use the nail to create round piercings at one of the can bottom’s diameter. The holes should be made in equal distance for better heating. You don’t need to use a ruler for that, just try to be accurate!

Step 3: Make Another Central Hole

Make a bigger hole at the center of the pierced can’s bottom. This will become the main heating spot of your DIY stove.

Step 4: Polish it Up

Use the sandpaper to polish up all the rough edges in order to make the two can bottoms fit smoothly into one another. Now, nest the two halves together, top to bottom with a pierced half on top.

Step 5: Fill the Concave Cavity with Fuel

Image via Easy DIY Toys

Slowly pour some alcohol into it. Make sure you don’t spill anything. If you do, wipe it up before firing your stove. In case you’d like your fire to last longer (a.k.a. grill styled), put a small piece of cotton wool inside before pouring any fuel. Ideally, your stove should be kept in the fiberglass tray to avoid any fire hazard.

Step 6: Light it Up

Voila! You now have a small, yet amazing, cooking stove made out of Coke can. You can use it for boiling water and very light cooking, or simply to keep the grounds warm and lit!

Featured photo credit: Home Crux via homecrux.com

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