I am a carnivore but decided to try this chili anyway. It is very tasty and quite spicy. If you like your food mild or bland, you should avoid it. While you may have 6 ounces of chili, the box weighs twice that amount probably due to the heating element. The chili heated up flawlessly in the package. It was easy to identify the red beans, lentils, tomatoes, onions and kidney beans. I've decided to keep a few in my office in case of another power outage or other disaster in case I get stuck in the Big Apple overnight. The package also included a spork and a moist towelette. Finally, the heating element was still going strong more than thirty minutes later. I will definitely buy these again.

I have used my two bottles for around 18 years. They have dings and dents and are still in use. The only maintenance that I have done is to replace the O rings on them.

I have used mine for around 18 years and have only had to add some lubricant to the pump and replace the 0 rings on the fuel bottles. I purchased the repair kit with it; stored the kit with the stove and have not had to use it a single time.

If you are unfamiliar with how to light it, be careful or you will have a little bonfire going. Remember to open the valve a little so that fuel gathers in the little receptacle at the base of the stove. Turn off the valve, light the fuel and after that fuel from the receptacle burns for a while and heats up the stove, open up the valve again.

I would strongly recommend that new owners practice lighting with the stove situated on dirt or some other porous surface as opposed to concrete as your bonfire will spread or asphalt which can (and when I first tried lighting the stove, did) catch on fire.

The Brunton Propane Post does not replicate a fitting for a 20lb propane tank. It does appear sturdy though and will probably suit your needs if all of your appliances use 16.4-oz. propane cylinders.

I gave it a low rating because it does not satisfy my needs and the fact that I ordered the item based on a conversation that I had with an online representative. I have replicated the "chat" below and have annotated it based on my observations of the propane post:

4/15/09 (around 11:00am EDT)
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Thanks for contacting us. My name is Zach Z., how can I help you?
Ken: Hi. Do you know what fittings are on the Brunton Propane Post (http://www.backcountry.com/store/BRU0116/Brunton-Propane-Post.html)?
Zach Z.: Hi Ken
Zach Z.: What fittings are you referring too?
Zach Z.: The fittings for the other appliances?
Ken: Yes. For example, is there a replication of the fitting on a 20 lb propane tank in addition to two fittings that are the same as those on a Coleman propane tank.
Zach Z.: Yes that is correct... it has the main fitting for the 20lb propane tank
Zach Z.: then it also has 2 smaller fittings to accommodate small stoves and other appliances

Ken: How does one regulate gas flow on all three fittings?
Ken: Are they independently regulated? Or does one just turn the tank on/off?
Zach Z.: Well the main regulator will be on the main large propane tank
Zach Z.: Then there will also be smaller regulator for each extension

Ken: I can't see that from the photo. Are you looking at a manual?
Zach Z.: I'm looking at the photo
Ken: So, the knobs are not to lock the three pieces together?
Zach Z.: Yes that is correct... there are 3 knobs that connect the post... but i can also see a couple regulators that would control gas flow

Ken: Finally, does the Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern work with it on top or will I need to purchase a Brunton Propane Lantern?
Zach Z.: You can cut off gas flow to the extra appliances and still have the light going
Zach Z.: The fittings are universal
Zach Z.: the coleman lantern should work just fine
Ken: Thanks! Bye.

Does anyone know of an adapter that will replicate the fitting on a 20lb propane tank from a 16.4-oz. propane cylinder fitting?

This does not have a replication of a 20 lb propane tank fitting. It has replications of three 1 lb propane canister fittings and attaches to a 20 lb propane tank. The pipes appear sturdy and a bag to hold them in is included.

I rated this poorly due to the assistance given to me by an online representative. Suffice it to say, I now have to pay an additional $27 to get an adapter to do what I was told I could do. The "chat" (with my annotations) follows:

4/15/09 (Around 11:00am EDT)

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Thanks for contacting us. My name is Zach Z., how can I help you?

Ken: Hi. Do you know what fittings are on the Brunton Propane Post (http://www.backcountry.com/store/BRU0116/Brunton-Propane-Post.html)?
Zach Z.: Hi Ken
Zach Z.: What fittings are you referring too?
Zach Z.: The fittings for the other appliances?
Ken: Yes. For example, is there a replication of the fitting on a 20 lb propane tank in addition to two fittings that are the same as those on a Coleman propane tank.
Zach Z.: Yes that is correct... it has the main fitting for the 20lb propane tank

Zach Z.: then it also has 2 smaller fittings to accommodate small stoves and other appliances

Ken: How does one regulate gas flow on all three fittings?
Ken: Are they independently regulated? Or does one just turn the tank on/off?
Zach Z.: Well the main regulator will be on the main large propane tank
Zach Z.: Then there will also be smaller regulator for each extension

Ken: I can't see that from the photo. Are you looking at a manual?
Zach Z.: I'm looking at the photo
Ken: So, the knobs are not to lock the three pieces together?
Zach Z.: Yes that is correct... there are 3 knobs that connect the post... but i can also see a couple regulators that would control gas flow

Ken: Finally, does the Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern work with it on top or will I need to purchase a Brunton Propane Lantern?
Zach Z.: You can cut off gas flow to the extra appliances and still have the light going
Zach Z.: The fittings are universal
Zach Z.: the coleman lantern should work just fine
Ken: Thanks! Bye.

I prefer my Sigg (non-insulated) over my Laken ISO Bottle. The Laken has the grooves for the cover on the outside lip of the bottle. As a result, the bottle needs to be washed frequently as I like to rest the lip of the bottle on my lips when I drink. This results in bacteria reproducing on the lip, then causing it to smell when they die off. Also, I think that you could buy an insulated thermos for less that would be more effective at keeping hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold.

I think that this strobe will only be really useful when it is dark. I was expecting a flashing light like when the fire alarm in our office building is tested/tripped. It wasn't too bright. The construction appears to be solid though.

I wear these shirts everywhere and constantly receive compliments. They are much softer and more breathable than cotton. On top of that, they don't need to be ironed if hung immediately after the dry cycle. I only gave them (the new ones that I just purchased and not the ones I purchased years ago) four stars because it took me a while to remove the white "Columbia" label from above the pocket. My earlier versions of this shirt did not have this annoying label.