DIY Heat Reflector cum Windshield

During the last overnight MTB camping trip, I tried using the DIY mini-windshield with the Alpine Stove and it was not very effective. The strong wind was blowing from all directions and the flame from the stove was not very constant. I decided to reconstruct another windshield that can improve the fuel efficiency yet it does not take up space and can be packed with the cookset. The end result, it provides maximum coverage against the wind, the windshield will also act as a heat reflector and improve the cooking time.  

I found a MSR heat reflector that came with the MSR Multi-fuel stove which is used on cold ground. However you can use an Aluminium food tray or pie tray that can be found very cheaply in most supermarket. Here's a blog to give you an idea. The thickness of the food tray is almost the same as the MSR heat reflector making them very easy to bend and form a shape. 

First I took the stove template and make the markings. Slowly using a penknife and cut the markings out.

 The shape cut out is not perfect so you might have to do a few more trimmings.

Using my pot,  place it in the center of the heat reflector and slowly bend all the sides up until it form a circular cup.

Next insert the heat reflector and slowly push it down towards the stove, you might have to do some trimming of the edges.

Using with Pot

Using with fry pan

Packing the Windshield cum Heat Reflector