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Backpacker Magazine – June 2009

Canned Heat: Stove Reviews

Tiny. Featherweight. Simple. Affordable. From the windy peaks of Colorado's Rockies to the icy summits of New Hampshire's Presidentials, these canister stoves kept us fat and happy.

by: Casey Lyons

Snow Peak LiteMax (BP Photo Department)
Snow Peak LiteMax (BP Photo Department)

*Tests were performed in a controlled, windless environment, using one liter of 68° water in the same uncovered nonstick aluminum pot. Air temps fluctuated between 69°F and 73°F. We used Snow Peak Giga Power Prolso 3.88-ounce fuel canisters.

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Reader Rating: -

READERS COMMENTS

Using this review as reference I purchased the Brunton Raptor. Used on 2 trips now, the last being a 4 day winter trip. The Raptor worked flawlessly in rainy 40 degree days, to snow, to a morning breakfast of 15 degrees, no issues with the cold, I don't doubt others problems, but the Raptor nor the isobutane can caused me any problems. Cans are handy and quick, mess free. Drawback, determining fuel reserve.
Posted: Dec 09, 2009 Redlake3

I've been using the same Coleman Peak 1 and fuel containers for more than 20 years. Among its advantages are re-useable containers and rapid boil times.
Posted: Aug 06, 2009 Bill

I've owned my MSR PocketRocket for years now, and I'll never use any other stove. The compactability is the best, fitting nicely into it's red plastic triangular case.
Posted: Aug 04, 2009 Darren

I'm just back from a 4 day backpacking trip. I was able to cook 9 meals with 1 - 3.88 oz canister for my self with the Raptor. The greastest feature is the piezo ignitor, no matches to find and it lit the first time every time! Great stove regardless of the slower boiling times.
Posted: Aug 03, 2009 Mark

I also have the Coleman Peak One micro stove. It weighs about 6 oz so its not the lightest stove but it works really well and has an excellent heat-shielded flame control. I've used it with the Coleman fuel and MSRs fuel but I think most canister fuels would work. If I need a lighter canister stove, I'd consider one of the stoves in the review.
Posted: Aug 02, 2009 rcMike

Hi. I'm just curious. What do you all think of Coleman's multi-fuel Exponent stove? I'm from a tropical country where it doesn't snow. Would it suffice or would I be better pff with something like an MSR Whisperlite/Simmerlite, or something to that effect?
Posted: Aug 02, 2009 G.Disu

And what does one do with the spent canisters?
With my MSR Whisperlite I boil a lot more and the fuel bottle is reusable forever almost.I just dont feel canister stoves are very "green."
Posted: Aug 01, 2009 Wink

Glenn-the butane/propane mix wont do well in very cold temps-just FYI
Posted: Aug 01, 2009 Justin

Are any of these really any better than my trusty old Turbo Bluet? I have carried this thing for a long time, and reading these above specs tell me to keep on doing so.
Posted: Jul 31, 2009 Ted

Are any of these really any better than my trusty old Turbo Bluet? I have carried this thing for a long time, and reading these above specs tell me to keep on doing so.
Posted: Jul 31, 2009 Ted

$19 Walmart Coleman Peak One with $4 Coleman blended butane/propane mix is within the same ranges as these higher $$$ models. WalMart's are everywhere so special fuel access no issue.
Posted: Jul 30, 2009 GLENN

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