FAQ - Caldera System

• How big is the Caldera Cone?
The Caldera Cone is sized to fit your pot/mug so each cone is a different size. By and large, figure that it is about 3 inches taller than your pot and the same diameter at the top. Further, the cone splits down its length so that it can lay flat or roll up tighter for easier packing.  
• Do I need a pot stand with this system?
No. The Caldera Cone is sized on the upper/smaller end of the cone so that your pot/mug will be supported by the pot's lip and be suspended over the stove.  
• Can I use my stove with the Caldera Cone?
Probably not. The temperature inside the Caldera Cone is hotter and the oxygen is lower than most alcohol stoves are designed for. As a consequence, we have developed a stove that is optimized to run in that environment and provide one with each cone.  
• What kind of stove comes with the cone?
The stove that has been optimized to run in the Caldera Cone environment is a center burn design with an inner fuel "cup" and a primer pan bottom. Air comes in the holes you see on the outer can, travels up the outside of the inner "cup" and through vent holes cut in its the inner "cup's" top. The flame comes out the center hole.  
• How much alcohol will the stove hold?
While the stove will technically hold 40 ml, you will likely not be required to ever test that limit. Depending on water temperature, altitude, wind, etc, you will get a 2 cup boil with anywhere between 15 to 20 ml of fuel.  
• What kind of performance are you seeing?
We have gotten 2 cup boils on 10 grams of denatured alcohol, and 5 cup boils on 20 grams (again, depending on the conditions). Many of the pressure alcohol stoves on the market use about twice that much fuel. Where the Caldera Cone really shines is in wind. By totaly enclosing the stove and pot inside the cone, we are able to both protect the stove and the pot from the wind....while directing more heat into the pot to provide even better efficiency!  
• From what material is the Caldera Cone made?
Currently, the Caldera Cone is made from aluminum with similar material properties to standard flashing. However we are investigating the possibility of doing versions in other more exotic (and likely more expensive) materials.  
• How do you assemble the Caldera Cone?

Assemble Cone before lighting your stove:

• Remove from storage carefully so that it does not spring open quickly.
  
• Bend into conical shape with the TWO MATING VERTICAL RIBS JUTTING OUT
  
• The bottom of one rib will have an angle cut through it. Start the point of this angle cut into the top of the mating rib.
  
• Align both ribs, and slide together.
  
CAUTION: Keep fingers away from sliding edges!
NOTE: One rib (with the angle cut) is slightly smaller than the other and is designed to slide into the larger one. They will not assemble with the larger rib on the inside! Do not force it. If it is aligned correctly, it will slide easily. Get comfortable with assembly at home before trying it in the field.  
• How do I pack the Caldera Cone?
All Caldera Cones now come with the "Caldera Caddy"...a cylinder sized specifically to fit and protect your Caldera Cone that is two pieces made from food grade plastic that can double as a bowl/mug!

For those of you who want to try your hand at packing the cone without the Caddy, some ideas you might want to consider. Here in Yosemite, where we are forced to carry bear canisters, we typically disconnect the cone and put it inside. In areas where that is not as common, the Caldera Cone can be rolled tighter and put inside a 20 to 24 oz plastic cup, inside a water bottle that has had it's top removed, wrapped around a water bottle, or laid flat and put inside a Z-Rest or other flat area of your pack.

Our Customer's Solutions:

• This customer fashioned a tapered "plug" out of foam and coated it with epoxy to keep it lasting longer. The whole thing weighs about an ounce and could be made even lighter with some "lightening" holes.
  

• One enterprising customer found that the "Clorox Disinfecting Wipes" container is the perfect size.....and attached the product documentation to the outside. If you do this....be sure to thoroughly rid the inside of any nasty chemicals.
  

• Another solution sent to us was from a customer that rolls his cone up in his closed cell sleeping pad. If you choose to do this with an inflatable sleeping pad, you will want to take steps to ensure that your cone does not cut it.

  

• By far and away....the most common approach has been to find a plastic cup or water bottle that you can use around camp, cut it to height, stick your cone in there, and then invert the assembly into your pot. All your fuel bottles, stoves, grippers, etc typically fit inside. Finish it off by sticking it in a bag or tying it down with a strap. Here are two solutions sent in by customers:

  

  

  

• ....and finally....AntiGravityGear productized the packing solution above for the AGG 3cup, Vargo 0.9, Evernew 0.9, Vargo 750 Sierra and BPL 550 pots by bundling everything you need into a ZipLoc Brand 4cup, Screw on lid container along with cozys and pull-cord bags. Below is a picture, and you can check them out here!