Does the Coleman Feather leak?

[greencat]

I've had the Primus Omni-Fuel or MSR camping stoves on my shopping list as they have a separate fuel bottle which I thought would be reasonably safe to transport.
However my sister has just bought me a Coleman Feather all in one multi fuel stove -
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/exponent/ex_detail.asp?product_id=442-725&categoryid=24752

My question is...do these leak fuel when being transported?

If they're safe I'll keep it but if they cannot be turned off adequatly to transport in a pannier I'll have to try and return it .

 

[normanallen]

I have a coleman Dual fuel unit and used it for 3 years now, I find it very good. It does not leak at all even if I leave pressure in the tank and left in hot pannier. The only down side I have found is the fact if you use unleaded it leave a sooty black residue on the pans and the cooker itself, this does not happen if you use there white fuel but it is very expensive and something else to carry and I have always used unleaded. I then store it in a suitable cotton bag when cool which protects everything else. They where right when they say fill and use for the weekend I am sure there fuel burns quicker than unleaded. Hope this helps

Norman

 

[Andy Higgins]

I have the Primus and it's the best camping/expedition stove available i think. I bought mine second hand from a guy who supplies them to well known british polar explorers and has never known of them failing. A recommendation from Sir Ranulph Fiennes was good enough for me!

 

[STUBBS]

i use the msr as its easier to dry/clean the fuel container if you need to travel by air.

 

[greencat]

Thanks guys...

I may see if I can exchange it for what I want otherwise it sounds like it may do.

 

[bigchris]

+1 for MSR stoves. I've a whisper lite and when you use all the heat shields etc, it really is the dogs doodars.

Coleman fuel is expensive, and I recommend getting a larger bottle (i've a 2 ltr). Plenty enough for 3-4 days out in the wild cooking all meals without refilling.

No problems with transportation or leaking. Easy to clean too, and comes with its own repair kit just in case.

 

[ovenpaa]

Yup MSR here as well - I use a Dragonfly and MSR fuel bottles on unleaded - No leaks so far but they are very noisy when running.

 

[davegs]

fuel containers.

I havre a colman fuel container, the only time it leaked was the first time I used it tis was due to over filling. A gap must be left at the top for expansion,
leave about a quarter empty and no more probs. In 2003 saw coleman fuel for sale in wallmart (usa) for $3 a GALLON, wal marts own version $2.50!
Over here it's dearer than petrol. I've only used unleaded but a good idea is to drain the cooker if not in use other wise the fuel evaporates and leaves the usual gum behind which blocks the jets.
dave gs.

 

[rocks]

Coleman feather.. keep it..

I use an MSR dragonfly. Had it since 1998 and just had it serviced for the first time at the end of last year. A top stove, works a treat.

However that said, the coleman dual fuel and feather stoves are good too. If you can live with the pack size, (which aint that big) you shouldnt have any trouble with leaks as long as you can turn it off..

The only place is can leak is the fill point and fuel burner via the control valve, if these are leaking it wont really hold pressure, like any petrol stove and will not light properly and you might even have problems turning it off.

I know a couple of people who have had these stoves and used them for long distance kayaking and walking, with stoves being bounced about in packs and dry bags. They are pretty popular with the bikers too, having seen a few at events. So really no need to rush out and change it unless you really want too.

For me one thing i do like about the MSR Dragonfly over other stoves in the wide wire pan supports.. makes it less like a balancing game when trying to cook the morning fry up .. some others stoves have pan supports that are a bit narrower..

One tip for priming petrol stoves.. dont use petrol.. if your only away for a short time, take a small bottle of medical alcohol, and use that to prime/heat the stove, or meths.. it leaves no black soot and slows the buildt up of carbon in the injectors, which means less services, less cleaning and less cost.. though dont use it in the stove unless its designed for it, as it can explode and will also rot some of the o rings in some models..

Hope that helps..