Question re Hexi stove

[schooner]

Possibly a bone question chaps, but in the absence of hexi tabs, can firelighters be used?

[JEEP]

Yes.... But, not really.

There are many different firelighters available, but most of them will have some or most likely all the following disadvantages when compared to Hexi or Esbit tabs:

1. Significantly shorter burn-time
2. Smells even worse than Hexi/Esbit when burning, likely causing your brew/meal to tast bad/funny
3. Burns a lot less clean than Hexi/esbit, thus covering your cooking gear in greasy sooth

This, however should not disencourage you from experimenting with various firelighters. Maybe you will find a few which actually works as decent substitutes for Hexi/Esbit tabs.

[schooner]

Thank you, I'll give it a shot and let you know how it went.

[JEEP]

Excellent. Keep us posted.

[paul standley]

Firelighters are often based on parafin wax which gives of dirty smoke and a distinctive smell that might taint food or water but like Jeep says, worth experimenting in case you find something that works.

[garethw]

Hi there
Somewhere on youtube there was a test which concluded they were pretty useless as a replacement for hexi tabs.
cheers
Gareth

[Proventurer]

You might consider trying Wetfire fire lighters from UST, they sell a gadget type stove to burn these in, so I'm sure they will work in a Hexi stove, the burn time might come in to question, but you have the additionl advantage of how they function when wet, they just love water!

[comanighttrain]

if your cooking boil in the bag stuff... it is probably a "in a pinch" replacement. Would not generally recommend it though