Hey Thanks Matt........hikin jims blog. Who knew? I just did a little jaunt on the Buckeye trail this past friday and it made me realize how much I missed the simplicity of just truckin along. I will be eyeing something for next summer perhaps.

Good points Jim on the jet boil and its flame dispersal. That benefit probably outweighs simmer ability by a slim margin. Still, oatmeal boiling over is a significant issue in my oatmeal world :D

One way to avoid a hotspot (which makes frying fish almost impossible) is to use a bit thicker pan which distributes the heat better. Use a thin fry pan and your results will be marginal at best unless you are doing a full fire.

One stove which I have found that performs exceptionally well is the MSR windpro. Wide flame, excellent simmer ability. The perfect stove if baking is your thing. Despite the implication of the name, the windpro is very susceptible to wind unless you use the little wind shield provided. Plus it sits low to the ground with the canister being attached via fuel line. A safer set up for sure as compared to say a pocket rocket.

As per carrying extra weight? My advice is to try and avoid the notoriously tasty Pecan Braids at Panera Bread ;)