Esbit vs Firedragon tabs

Back in Pack

Section Hiker
I know there was a short discussion in one of the other threads about firedragon tabs but would like opinions: I have used gas canisters for years but I am now starting to use a solid fuel setup as well.

Esbit - been around for years but the hexamine gives off Cyanide, Ammonia and Formaldehyde when it burns. leaves residue all over the pots. Very cheap and small tabs will boil a pot of water

Firedragon - used by British military. “Bio” ethanol. can be used as hand sanitizer. Burns very hot. I found half a 27g tab will roiling boil a pot of water. More expensive. Approx twice as heavy as hexi for same thermal value. Does not leave a residue.

I have started using the solid fuel set-up for shorter 1-2nt trips. and prefer the Firedragon tablets. Solid ethanol seems like a good compromise between liquid alcohol and hexi.

I think me and meths stoves are too much of a fire risk!.

That the FD tabs light instantly in any sort of bad weather: rain/snow is very important. Getting a hexi tablet to light can be a pain sometimes.

however they are difficult and very expensive to get hold of here in Switzerland.

has anyone had any bad experiences with hexi fumes when cooking near/in vestibule of tent. How do you remove the residue in the backcountry?
IYO: Is the 2x weight worth it?
 

EM-Chiseller

Thru Hiker
Not had a problem. With fumes... Residue is minimal. To. Zero. If your set up it optimal.
Worst case.. Bit of spit and a tiny piece of.scouring wool.(not wire wool)
Esbit can be lit easier. With a couple of drops. Of meths from. An eyedropper type bottle.
Or held., lot, then placed in the stove.
In my experience... I do 99percent of my brews and cooking on esbit.
 

EM-Chiseller

Thru Hiker
As for firedragon gel tabs.... It's napalm like. Good luck with controlling that should an accident occur. If esbit was as bad for our health as you portray.... They wouldn't be available like they are.
 

Back in Pack

Section Hiker
"I think me and meths stoves are too much of a fire risk!."

I think me and metho are a disaster in the bush waiting to happen as well.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/...-new-military-firedragon-fuel-production-line

Did you use an Esbit unit for it?
Where do I get the fuel? I'm seeing gel as well?

Yes I use an esbit stove.

The problem is that the ethanol tabs are quite large and melt quickly when lit, so the volume is too much for the holder. I use 1/2 a cube at a time and this is just about ok, But I still use some foil underneath for ground protection.

As Chis states, they are a little like “napalm”. They do burn very hot, which is why they are so effective at heating water more quickly as compared to hexi.

FD tabs are available online. £3 for 12 I think in uk. And probably in garden centres?
This is considerably more than hexi and they cost me 4x that in CH which is why I am curious about hexi. Just so much more available.
 
Last edited:

Back in Pack

Section Hiker
"I think me and meths stoves are too much of a fire risk!."
I'm seeing gel as well?

If I remember correctly, the gel was developed first, but was not suitable for military personnel to carry in their packs, so they developed a “solid” version. Which are the FD tabs for public use.
 

Robert P

Thru Hiker
I tried the Firedragon tablets a few years ago, and didn't really like them:
-They leave a residue (in the burner)
-They melt so so need to make sure that your burner does not allow burning material to leak out
-Setting up a simmering arrangement might be tricky (they are big blocks)
-They must be less efficient than alcohol (and traditional solid fuel)
-They don't really save any weight versus alcohol (bottles can be very light and it is less easy to dispense what you need with the tablets)

Personally I've not used Esbit/hexamine as I typically cook in the tent porch as I would be wary of fumes, but I'd not be tempted to use Firedragon as a substitute, for the reasons above.
 

Heltrekker

Section Hiker
If I'm just going out for one or two nights I use Esbit. Never had an issue with fumes, although the tabs smell terrible - I wrap them in cling film to reduce the niff. For lighting them I have a rechargable arc lighter, just hold it on the corner until it gives a flame and it doesn't matter how wet and windy it is. For the residue, I have a small square of kitchen scourer/sponge, if you clean off the burner plate regularly, then it doesn't build up. On the pot, doesn't cause as much of a mess as using wood, I just throw mine through the dishwasher when I get home if there's any left. I haven't used alcohol (except in wine ;)) for years after a leakage ruined my pack and most of the contents.
 

Back in Pack

Section Hiker
So i took so hexi with me on my weekend trip to test. I am converted to this UL set-up.,

I think the combination of a slightly larger pot and a good windscreen, helped the fuel burn cleanly. Minimal residue and half a tab brought water to a roiling boil.

The fuel weight savings and the minimal stove set-up are ideal.

Thanks all - this will be go to set-up for UL trips this year!.
 

Back in Pack

Section Hiker
Mine cost about 6€, weighs about 30g and tucks away inside my pot, charges off USB. Definitely choose one with a telescopic neck or you'll take the hairs off your fingers lighting gas or alcohol!!!!!!

View attachment 31527

this does appear to be one of the lightest arc lighters out there, but seemingly impossible to buy. One place in China offering them.

where did you buy yours from? Thanks
 
Top