Our Experience: Using And Optimising The Nesting Stove System

The nesting system has no fixed setup – how you configure it and what gear you store inside the stove largely depends on personal preference, trip style, and duration.

That said, there's certain pieces of gear that most people carry. We've been using the full nesting system for a while now, and along the way, we've picked up a few tips and tricks that might help you make the most of it.

We hope you find it useful! If you have any questions about using your existing gear, feel free to reach out. Please see the individual listings for detailed dimensions.

Different Cup, Pot & Bottle Combinations

We've found carrying the 750 ml Titanium cup, plus a plastic 32oz wide-mouth bottle preferable compared to carrying a metal bottle.

The 750 ml covers all of our boiling needs – just 2–4 boils for a full day's water supply for one person.

Compared to stainless steel bottles, plastic versions also significantly reduce weight.

However, carrying a stainless steel or titanium bottle, like the Pathfinder 32oz, offers greater boiling capacity – useful when boiling water for multiple people at once.

We've found the 750 ml more than large enough to eat from – mainly rice and beans! Which also saves carrying an extra eating tray.

Although, it can be frustrating having to clean the food off the 750 ml before making coffee or tea.

I've recently started carrying a 750 ml cup at the bottom of the bottle and a smaller 300 ml cup on top.

The upgraded stove bag accommodates a 750 ml container at the bottom and a 300 ml on top of the bottle, keeping all items secure, and prevents any rattling.

Organising Water, Fire, And Cleaning Bits

Anyone who's spent time outdoors knows that staying organised is key.

Losing gear can be dangerous, but even just rummaging around for it in the freezing cold is frustrating enough!

Within the nesting system, we like to organise gear into two kits – one for water, and one for fire.

In the fire kit, we include a few essentials including a lighter, a small ferro rod (the 3" Hive), some tinder (2 Stealth wicks), and a few back-up solid fuel tabs.

The fire kit packs neatly into one of our round zip pouches and is stored at the bottom of the stove.

The water kit mainly includes electrolyte tablets, water purification tablets, and a Millbank bag.

This kit needs a little extra space due to the Millbank bag, so we store it in the front pocket of the upgraded stove bag.

This pocket also has a waterproof plastic insert, so if you don't have time to dry the Millbank bag, you can toss it in and get moving without soaking the inside of your pack.

Storing Other Gear In The Nesting System

Whether heading into the woods for an afternoon or a multiple day trip, there are a few essential items we always pack into the nesting system.

A good-quality spork is stored in one of the external pockets on the upgraded stove bag.

The pockets on the upgraded stove bag will also accommodate larger utensils, secured in place with elastic webbing.

I always pack a small scouring pad for cleaning and a cotton rag or bandana for drying, stored in a zip-lock bag and placed in one of the external pockets of the upgraded stove bag.

If there's any rattling inside your nesting system, wrapping a bandana around the items is also a great way to fix this.

Another item I carry in the nesting system is a small alcohol stove – a great backup, especially in low temperatures.

Within the nesting system, the alcohol stove is stored inside the base of the nesting stove. I also pack as much as possible from the fire kit inside the tin, with the remaining items tucked around the edges of the alcohol burners.

Unfortunately, the nesting system doesn't have enough space for fuel, so it is typically carried separately.