MSR Espresso Star

So, say you like your morning espresso (yum!).  :)  But that little tiny backpacking espresso maker just falls between the pot supports on your stove.  :(  What to do?Well, let's take the example of the MSR Whisperlite.  With a Whisperlite, it's really no problem if you've got an MSR Espresso Star.An MSR Espresso StarJust lay the Espresso Star across your pot supports, and you're good to go.An MSR Espresso Star on a Whisperlite...

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Titanium JetBoil Sol -- Caution

The titanium version of the JetBoil Sol might have an occasional* problem.  The problem appears to be fairly limited, and many people have used the titanium version of the JetBoil Sol without problems and are completely satisfied with the product.Please note that my concerns pertain to the titanium version of the JetBoil Sol only.There have been a few failures noted in the aluminum "flux ring" (heat exchanger) that is joined...

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Wood Fired Cooking II

In my last post on wood fired cooking, I cooked scrambled eggs and eggs over easy.  Well, scrambled eggs aren't exactly the trickiest dish to cook.  Don't get me wrong, I was very pleased to be able to cook scrambled eggs so easily on a wood fire.  Wood fired cooking on a Ti-Tri Caldera Cone is as easy as pie compared to cooking on an open fire.  But I thought I could do more. Well, how about an omelet?  And not just any...

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The Soto Muka Stove (OD-1NP) -- Review Supplement

Soto has recently put out the powerful yet quiet Muka gasoline stove (OD-1NP). The Soto Muka stove (OD-1NP) in operation.The Soto Muka is a little bit different than the typical liquid fueled stove in that it does not require priming.  I've just recently completed a full review of the Soto Muka which is now available on Seattle Backpackers Magazine.  I've also got a video review of the Soto Muka available.This page serves...

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The MSR SimmerLite: DISCONTINUED

Recently, I noticed that the MSR SimmerLite stove was no longer listed on the Cascade Designs/MSR website.An MSR SimmerLiteCurious, I wrote MSR to ask if the SimmerLite had in fact been discontinued.  Here is the answer I received:Yes, the SimmerLite has been discontinued. Sad to see it go, but it never saw the adoption it needed. It could become a collector’s item in short order, though; I still believe it’s one of the best white gas-only stoves...

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Refilling Coleman PowerMax Canisters

It's no secret that I like Coleman PowerMax gas canisters.  Note:  PowerMax canisters are called just plain "Max" in some locations outside the US.First, they're aluminum which means they're quite light. The canister weight (tare weight) of a large 300g PowerMax canister is less than the canister weight of a small 110g standard threaded canister.An aluminum Coleman PowerMax canister connected to an Xtreme stoveSecond, at...

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The Hank Roberts Stove -- With a Proper Canister

What's one of the most enduring designs of gas stoves? The Hank Roberts mini stove.  It's compact design truly makes it a pocket stove.  I typically carry mine in a Ziploc sandwich bag, and it really does fit in my shirt pocket.A Hank Roberts Mini StoveThe stove was designed in the late 1960's -- the late 1960's for crying out loud -- but still has a loyal following today.  The stove was made by EFI and marketed under a variety of...

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Kovea MoonWalker vs. MSR WindPro II -- Packability

I'm not quite ready to review either the Kovea MoonWalker or the new MSR WindPro II (look for my WindPro II review in the next couple of weeks), but I thought I'd let people at least have a look at the two stoves and take a quick look at their relative packability.First the Kovea MoonWalker (also know as the Kovea Camp 4).The Kovea MoonWalker (Kovea Camp 4) stove compared to a can of Coca ColaSecond, the MSR WindPro II.An MSR Windpro II compared...

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The BushBuddy Ultra

Well, Saturday.  Time to get out on the trail!  :)  I'm looking forward to testing a new wood stove.Heading up the trailArriving at the creek, I see some recent blow down.  The fuel depot is open.  :)Plenty of fuelIt only takes a minute to gather enough wood for a wood stove, a distinct advantage to using a stove over an open fire.Fuel for today's testsAnd today's stove?  The BushBuddy Ultra.The BushBuddy UltraThe first...

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