Warning: My cheap camp stove from a gas station in Flagstaff almost started a fire.

Bought it for $15 on a road trip when my main stove broke. First time lighting it, the flame shot out sideways and caught a pine needle on fire. Learned that gear you trust with your safety is not the place to save a few bucks. Anyone else have a close call with off-brand equipment?

4 comments

4 Comments

nguyen.blake3mo ago

Yeah, that melted backpack story is the real deal... makes you wonder what else is out there just waiting to fail. Some of that stuff is basically a house fire in a box.

diana_kim663mo ago

Holy crap, that's scary! I read a story about a guy who bought a no-name power bank that literally started smoking in his backpack. It melted a hole right through it. That stuff is so not worth the risk, especially with anything that makes fire or holds a charge. Your pine needle fire is a perfect warning. Glad it wasn't worse.

the_leo3mo ago

Totally agree about cheap electronics being a gamble. That power bank story is nightmare fuel for sure. Makes you check every charger in the house twice.

brianm661mo ago

Diana_kim66, that melted hole through the backpack is just wild. You figure a power bank is safe since it's just a box with a battery, but that stuff can definitely go sideways in a hurry. Makes me double check everything I plug in now, even the name brand stuff.