Above the treeline experiences
Difficult to find fuel at 1200m altitude? - Not at all!
This trip confirmed my experience that it is quite possible to find good fuel above the treeline. The key here is that the Bushbuddy really requires so litte of it. Many small twigs are also a lot better and more efficient than big branches. The nature of the ground also helps a lot since water is drained away very quickly here.
Look closer at the ground - Lots of good dead crowberry roots here. Such roots are available almost everywhere above the treeline and they burn very well. So well in fact that birch bark is not always necessary as a firestarter.
If fuel wasn't a problem, the wind sometimes was. It really helps a lot to find a spot that is sheltered from the wind. A windscreen helps, but it is no substitute. Fuel consumption and cooking time increases dramatically if the flame is disturbed. A few extra minutes for site selection is worth it.
Excellent site on the leeside of a big rock
The flame is undisturbed and hot blueberry soup is soon forthcoming
Gustav, I'm sold. Your articles on above-the-treeline usage of these stoves have convinced me to get one, although I'm still leaning towards a Ti-Tri as I'd like to use a much smaller pot for solo use.
SvaraRaderaThinking back to my four day trip across the supposedly 'treeless' Hardangervidda I could have easily had a fire each night with all the bushy twigs and roots I found. In the end the perpetual light and high temperatures at that time of year made a fire redundant but next year I'm cooking with wood!
I'm glad to have convinced you. Do keep in mind however that the Bushbuddy and I guess the Ti-Tri too, requires some training. Concerning the Ti-Tri - Bushbuddy choice I do not really have much input. I sometimes use a small alu cup with the Bushbuddy too and it works as well, but I guess you lose some efficiency. The main advantage with the Ti-Tri from my perspective is that it is perhaps better as a multi-fuel stove, even though the Bushbuddy pot-stand can be used for this too. On the other hand I consider it a very big advantage that you can move the Bushbuddy when it is lit and that it doesn't scar the ground.
SvaraRaderaThanks Gustav, I can see the Bushbuddy getting a lot more use in the coming year. I personally prefer the Bushbuddy and am now experimenting with a Trail designs Compact stove system for those times when a Bushbuddy is not the best option, which will be few and far between I suspect.
SvaraRaderaLooks like you had a great trip, Gustav. Good to see another Bushbuddy doing what it's supposed to do!
SvaraRadera