Anybody tried one of these stoves?

A

abcdef

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Oct 28, 2005
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Full disclosure, I have ZERO experience with camp stoves, but have read up on them. Solo is an interesting brand that appears occasionally. There are some extremely economically priced models on the big auction site that closely resemble the Solo product. IMHO, the prices are "so low" as to be almost impossible to ignore.

Has anyone tried one of these facsimilies? Even if not, any thoughts? Thanks.
 
Interesting. I hadn't seen or heard of this one. Three sizes, $100, $120 and $150 MSRP. All stainless and weights from 9 ounces, 16.5 ounces and 2.2 pounds. How they would perform I haven't a clue. I've had the original Emberlit titanium twig stove since they first came out and have no complaints about it. It cost less than half the MSRP of the smallest Solo but prices have increased since then. I saw the less expensive stainless Emberlit in a local sporting goods store recently priced at $45. I hope to be experimenting with and reviewing the new TOPS Knives twig stove soon. I think I have seen it with several other brandings. Hopefully if you get a Solo you will give us a review here.
 
You can make one yourself from scrap.

[video=youtube;ZP0wISEJGmo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP0wISEJGmo[/video]
 
My concern with the copies is they may not be stainless, or they may not be very well built. a seam or an expansion joint can make all the difference.
Out of curiosity, why are you looking at twig stoves? is there something about your camping style that seems like it would work well for you? Not trying to harsh your buzz, its just that for a while they got super popular, but a lot of people cannot really use them, so they are less awesome than they seem on the outset (I really want a twig burner, but I can't use one anywhere I camp)
 
gadgetgeek said:
My concern with the copies is they may not be stainless, or they may not be very well built. a seam or an expansion joint can make all the difference.
Out of curiosity, why are you looking at twig stoves? is there something about your camping style that seems like it would work well for you? Not trying to harsh your buzz, its just that for a while they got super popular, but a lot of people cannot really use them, so they are less awesome than they seem on the outset (I really want a twig burner, but I can't use one anywhere I camp)
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True their acceptance by authorities varies according to jurisdiction. However most of them are open to multi-fuel use. A State Park in Tennessee during a fire ban allowed me to use my Emberlit, even camping outside of the established campsites with their designated (polluted) firepits. But the stove also uses an alcohol burner, esbit, trioxane, or the sawdust and wax firestarter blocks. Some twig stoves even have adjustable bottom plates that allow the fuel to be moved up closer to the pot as needed with low BTU fuels like alcohol or esbit etc. I've personally come to prefer the twig stove over open campfires even where they are an option and expected.
 
To the gadgetgeek, like I said, I have no experience with any stoves at all. Also, it has been ages since I have camped. You address the heart of my question in talking about the materials and construction.

For $20 or so I could get one and experiment in my driveway. I was just hoping someone on BF had already done that. A brief search has not revealed any other sites giving a review of one of these. If someone can find a review, it would be great to reference it here. Thanks.
 
abcdef said:
To the gadgetgeek, like I said, I have no experience with any stoves at all. Also, it has been ages since I have camped. You address the heart of my question in talking about the materials and construction.

For $20 or so I could get one and experiment in my driveway. I was just hoping someone on BF had already done that. A brief search has not revealed any other sites giving a review of one of these. If someone can find a review, it would be great to reference it here. Thanks.
Click to expand...

http://sectionhiker.com/solo-wood-stove-review/

Here is one review from a hiker's blog.
 
In regard to reburn wood stoves

I have not tried the "Bushcooker LT" Titanium Backpacking Stoves
http://fourdog.com/bushcooker-lt/
The largest is $90 and weights 3.6 oz
And it accommodates multi fuels

He is a buddy of Mors

I would look at his offering
 
My cooking is done 95% of the time waaaaaay above tree line. Not eficient to haul wood. I rather use isopropane or liquid fuel (gasoline) if I am feeling cheap and I don't mind the extra weight of the multifuel stove!
 
interesting stove. I would like to see one in person, to observe how easy it is to fuel, and use.

I have been using a little Vargo Ti folding wood burner. I find it easy to set up, and feel it is quite efficient. I don't care for alcohol stoves at all, and the little esbit or trioxane bits of stuff are not for me. Most of the time, I use a MSR Pocket Rocket isobutane stove.
 
Mannlicher said:
interesting stove. I would like to see one in person, to observe how easy it is to fuel, and use.

I have been using a little Vargo Ti folding wood burner. I find it easy to set up, and feel it is quite efficient. I don't care for alcohol stoves at all, and the little esbit or trioxane bits of stuff are not for me. Most of the time, I use a MSR Pocket Rocket isobutane stove.
Click to expand...

I use an Esbitt all the time.. Only heating water for cup-a-soups..

That said.. Tell me more about your uses pros/cons on the MSR PocketRocket.. Have been seriously eye-ballin these for future purchase.. Thanks.. John :thumbup:
 
Actually the MSR Pocket Rocket isobutane stove is a very generic stove
You can get them for $20 less in different manufacturer and as light, look around (Fire Maple FMS-103 is exactly the same and an English brand Warrior)

Look at the burning head, and see how it focuses the flame straight up with very little dispersal
This gives all the flame in a smaller area, which is great for the small 95 mm/3 1/2" cups or pots that fit the round 1 liter/32 oz canteens
Hence the name pocket rocket

Pros
Instant heat with absolutely no fuss
A cup of coffee in only a few minutes, which means on a cold day you can stop and have a hot drink with out loosing time on the trail
Rain proof........
The head is extremely light, lighter than a folding steel wood stove (90 gms)

Cons
The weight of the gas canister and it has to be packed out
Very cold below freezing weather the isobutane might not gasify

You all know the pro and cons of wood fires
For me the ease and speed out weights wood stoves as a primary cooking method
 
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