Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Trangia, how easy is it to get methylated spirit Trangia, how easy is it to get methylated spirit
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland




Like Tree4Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 May 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 35
Trangia, how easy is it to get methylated spirit
I have always used a trangia camping cooker. but as this system relies on meths i'm wondering about other peoples experience of finding meths further afield i.e out of europe?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 May 2012
DLbiten's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
In the USA you may need stock up when you can. But there are fuels that will burn in the stove and are easy to find.

"Meths" are also known as methanol, methyl alcohol, wood alcohol or wood spirits ch3oh. So you may need to look under other names. You can try hardware stores in the paint area.

In the USA we have "HEET" (in the yellow bottle) it has methyl alcohol 99% at about $1 to $3 for 12oz. or 355mL. It can be found in the automotive area in shops and at many gas stations.

As that may be hard to find you can use other alcohols In the USA isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is found in many stores in the first aid area you want the 90% stuff easy to find 70% is a bit poor to use.

There is a Primus gas burner that will fit the trangia stove. Amazon.com: Trangia Gas Burner 2012: Sports & Outdoors
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
When I was in the States I used de-natured alcohol in my little meths stove. I picked it up in hardware stores in the paint section. I was going to use HEET but you can't find it in the southern states as it's a fuel line antifreeze. Not something that's a big seller in AZ/CA I guess! One problem with meths is it doesn't like altitude. On some of my campsites in the mountains it took ages to boil water.

Invest in a Coleman 533 petrol stove it works everywhere and you always have fuel in the bike.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 May 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 49
Hi bud,

We used a trangia and getting meths east of croatia was a mission. As people use it as a cheap substatite to drinking alcohol we could only find it with the help of some of our doctor friends...
Get a petrol cooker, if you use it a lot it'll save you a lot of hassle.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 May 2012
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Here are some of the international names for camp stove fuel .

International Fuel Names

The list should give you a clue what to ask for .

In Canada a good fuel is methyl hydrate [ methanol ] which is more pleasant to use than methylated spirits . It has no dye and is odourless .
Sold as diesel fuel line antifreeze it's in most gas stations and hardware stores .
The products of combustion are CO2 AND H20 .

Gasoline stoves are not so ''clean'' and will burn to release many toxic chemicals , if you cook a lot over such a stove you may want to consider what is in the air you are breathing and the food you are eating .
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 May 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 42
At the bottom of this web page there is a pretty good description of many of the options available in the USA. Most of these are available almost everywhere, including at WalMart.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 Sep 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 23
I have to admit, I have a stove/cooker fetish. I have far too many for my own good, far more than I need, of all different types/fuels.
One of my favourites (for reasons I won't go into right now) is the Swedish Military Trangia. I have two, one Alu and one S/S. This model runs on meths, no problem getting the stuff in UK but when travelling can be real pain in the arse to find. Failed miserably in Lithuania just recently, successful in Sweden.

If you ask me the best option out of all of them for practicality, reliability, availability (of fuel).......Coleman Petrol stove. If the SHTF, that is the one I would pack to ride off to the hills with.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Lancashire, UK
Posts: 70
I've not had a problem getting meths or similar in the EU when travelling. Just show them the burner and make the hand jestures re cooking and most hardware / garage / chemists come up with the goods. Further afield it is more of a problem, and i carry a Optimus Nova with trangia adapter to burn anything available.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 155
using meths
IMHO meths is not worth it:-
>poor in windy conditions (slow)
>poor at altitude (slow)
>poor in the cold (slow)
>can be difficult to find
>burner has low heat output (slow)
>very important - meths has HALF the heat in it compared to kero or
gasoline so you must carry double the qty for the same duration

kero is smelly, available most anywhere, but hot
gasoline is on the bike in unlimited amounts, also smelly, but hot
gas is convenient, clean, and quick, not available everywhere, relatively expensive, but hot

Trangia stoves do have excellent wind protection but I'd only use it with the gas adapter. I'll stick with gasoline or gas depending on the trip.
__________________
Tim ('91 R100GSPD)

The only baggage you carry should be in the panniers
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 3 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Stockton-on-Tees England
Posts: 139
We were told that we would not get meths in southern Africa but found that was not the case. It is readily available in local shops and garages. The locals use it a lot for lighting in bush areas.

Margaret
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 23 Nov 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: York, UK
Posts: 24
We took a meths stove out to Canada with us the first time and really struggled to get fuel for it to start with as no one seemed to know what we were on about. One place sold us some coleman fuel saying that it was definitely the right stuff - 2ft high flames from a trangia was a bit exciting !

We did find one place that pointed us the direction of a hardware store, I can't remember what it was called now (it was over 6 years ago now) other than it wasn't meths, it was clear and it was with the the paintbrush cleaning fluids.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 23 Nov 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
I know this is a little off topic but what the hell...

I find it difficult to comprehend why any bike travellers don't use stoves which run on the fuel they will ALWAYS have on tap (literally).

PETROL !!

Colemans
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 23 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris S View Post
We did find one place that pointed us the direction of a hardware store, I can't remember what it was called now (it was over 6 years ago now) other than it wasn't meths, it was clear and it was with the the paintbrush cleaning fluids.
This was probably "denatured alcohol" this is basically meths without the purple dye. It works just fine. This is what I used in my meths stove when I was in the States. You can also use "Heet" fuel line de-icer, it's in a yellow bottle and you can get it at the gas station or Walmart.




Strangely, I couldn't find this in Arizona and California!
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 23 Nov 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: York, UK
Posts: 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyingdoctor View Post
This was probably "denatured alcohol" this is basically meths without the purple dye. It works just fine. This is what I used in my meths stove when I was in the States. You can also use "Heet" fuel line de-icer, it's in a yellow bottle and you can get it at the gas station or Walmart.




Strangely, I couldn't find this in Arizona and California!

That sounds like it

That's good to know about the de-icer.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 25 Nov 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colchester, Essex
Posts: 81
List of fuel in different countries
Hi,

Trangia provide on their website a list of names for meths/alcohol fuel used in different countries. Here is the link.


http://www.trangia.se/core/files/nam...uel_120621.pdf
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Crossing into the USA from Canada with a UK passport. Easy ????? *Touring Ted* Trip Paperwork 13 26 Apr 2016 10:04
Tell me an easy route UK --> Ulaanbaatar uk_vette Northern and Central Asia 6 17 Jun 2012 18:13
Garmin Quest 2, how easy to live with? palace15 Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 2 17 May 2012 20:06
West Africa visas - 2011 experience africano sub-Saharan Africa 12 7 Apr 2012 14:39

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:58.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top