Trail Designs Caldera Sidewinder Stove System

Verdict

We’ve loved the Reactor system—which integrates a burner, pot, and heat exchanger for superfast and efficient performance—since it won our 2007 Editors’ Choice Award. This new 1-liter version is ideal for solo hikers. I used it on a nine-day, 200-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail and burned through only half an 8-ounce canister (cooking breakfast and dinner for one). Boil times averaged less than two minutes in temps down to 30°F. The puck-shaped burner nestles securely into the tall aluminum pot. The stove burns ultrahot (there’s virtually no simmer) and the pot lacks a nonstick coating, so it’s best for boiling water or heating up simple meals like ramen. $170; 14.5 oz.; msrgear.com

Best For

Solo hikers who prioritize cooking, convenience, and speed

Tester Data

» Brian Mockenhaupt (other tester: Kristin Hostetter)

» Duration Aug. to Jan.

» Locales/conditions WA, MA; 30°F to 70°F; wind, rain

» “The add-on Reactor Coffee Press Kit ($20; 1.7 oz.) let me easily make my brew right in the pot.” Trail Designs is introducing the Caldera Sidewinder…..all the packability you love from the Ti-Tri Sidewinder, but now with a cost effective configuration! We bundled Classic Caldera Cone, Open Country 2 qt Hard Anodized pot, two titanium stakes, 12-10 stove with integrated primer pan, fuel bottle kit and pot gripper into a kit that all fits inside the pot! This revolutionary approach to alcohol stove cookery has quickly become the gold standard for ultralight backpackers.