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50 Overland Journal Winter 2007

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Information and recommendations on adverture touring via motorcycle.

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Page 1: Overland Journal Stove Review

50

Overland Journal Winter 2007

Page 2: Overland Journal Stove Review

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Overland Journal Winter 2007

Napoleon Bonaparte said, “An army marches on its stomach.”Likewise, an expedition’s success can be influenced by the quality and ease of food preparation, as well as the ability to quickly

boil water or melt snow. When reviewing a stove for overland travel, selections are typically separated into two functional groups: those suitable for

lightweight vehicles with lower gross vehicle weight (GVW) or storage volume (which includes adventure motorcycles) and the traditional, higher-GVW, four-wheeled vehicle. The foundation for both groups remains the same:

1. The stove must run on readily available fuels for the type of journey planned;2. The stove must run reliably and be field serviceable;3. The stove must pack to reasonable dimensions and weight;4. The stove must be designed to operate at varying elevations; and5. The stove must be stable and well-constructed to endure daily use.

When choosing a stove, motorcyclists and overlanders with smaller or lighter vehicles must make concessions to stove dimen-sions and weight to fit within the confines of GVW or cubic feet/inches of storage space. This will typically mean a single-burner unit that is efficient and designed to be compact yet robust. In addition, serious consideration must be given to the type of fuel the unit burns. Choosing a liquid-fuel burning stove with multi-fuel capabilities can save additional weight and provide an emergency (small) reserve of fuel for a motorcycle. For an efficient bike such as the BMW F650GS, a quart of unleaded could mean 15 miles or better of additional range. For shorter trips, or in areas with good canister availability, a canister stove will be the ultimate in ease of use, compactness, and, frequently, heating performance. Some of the compact stoves are so good that little efficiency is given up to their larger cousins.

Just because the vehicle you are using might have seemingly endless storage volume and a goliath GVW doesn’t mean that a big stove is the best solution. For my Arctic Ocean winter expedition (featured in this issue), we used only a Jetboil system for cooking, mostly due to the extreme cold, which made preparing elaborate meals almost impossible to do outside of the roof tents. However, if a trip calls for a week on the beach in Baja, and you have the space, nothing beats a nice two-burner camp stove for stability and elaborate meal preparation. In the evenings, making tequila tomatoes and carne asada tacos on the stove will make it all worthwhile.

Fuel considerations are also less of a concern, and most units favor propane, which can be stored in bulk and refilled in most of the developing world. Larger tanks make it possible to skip entire countries if availability is scarce. With the larger stoves, de-sign considerations to look for include burner performance, durability of the case, wind protection, and ease of cleaning.

For this test, we separated the stoves into two groups—single-burner and multi-burner— and our selection process restricted units to those with robust construction designed to endure the rigors of expedition travel. It is quite possible that a favorite stove of yours is not present in the review, since the selection possibilities are nearly endless (we surveyed over 112 high-quality stoves). We chose companies with a good reputation for quality, and that had both small and large stoves available, or a unique offering. Our testing focused on the key attributes of a good stove, and we made things even more difficult on them by testing the units at 7,000 feet on a cool morning in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Story by Scott BradyPhotography by Chris Marzonie

The battle heats up when the Overland Journal team tests 11 single- and dual-burner stoves.

Expedition Stoves

Considerations for the lightweight traveler and adventure motorcyclist

Considerations for the traditional expedition traveler

Page 3: Overland Journal Stove Review

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Overland Journal Winter 2007

The Hiker+ is the first stove in the review because, well, it is the first stove: Optimus is one of the oldest camping stove companies still in operation, having begun in 1899, producing legendary stoves such as the Svea and Hunter. The Hiker+ reviewed here is an updated version of the Hunter, also commonly known as the “Himalaya Stove,” which for over 70 years has been used on major expeditions, including trips to both poles and major mountaineering base camps.

But don’t think that its classic design means it lacks technology. The Hiker+’s major redesign incorporates the quick-priming, single-jet Nova burner. With a single jet, the Hiker+ will run on white gas, kerosene, die-sel, jet fuel, and unleaded gasoline (automotive fuels will contaminate the burner faster.) There are few moving parts, and the entire unit folds into the attached metal case with a single, simple motion. The control knob detaches and can be stored inside the case while still tethered by a metal chain—smart. Another thoughtful feature is the magnetically controlled jet-clearing needle, which is activated each time you open or close the case.

In use, the Hiker+ is rock-solid, significantly more stable than any other stove in the compact category; this is because of the 7x7-inch base and low fuel-storage height. The stove primes and lights easily, and quickly comes to a thundering burn. Simmer control is good. The stove’s lid works as a wind break, but confined to only one side. Moderate wind during the test had little negative effect.

The Hiker+’s classic appearance, strong metal case, and machined brass fittings resonated well with our test team. The perfect application for the Hiker+ would be vehicles with limited storage space, like a Toyota FJ40. In fact, we quickly nicknamed the stove the “Land Cruiser,” as it has timeless design and will likely last a lifetime, and both are ideal for a trip around the world.

Optimus Hiker+ (Sweden)

Pros: Beautifully constructed• All-in-one package• Best stability of the compact units• Easy to prime• All metal components• Nova burner provides quick boil times• No jets to change• Good wind performance•

Cons: All-metal construction makes it heavy for a •

compact stove Bulk will likely limit its usefulness for all but the •

largest dual-sports Liquid fuel only•

Single-burner Stoves

optimus.se, $169.95

1. Knurled brass priming valve2. Open with heat shield deployed

1.

2.

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Overland Journal Winter 2007

All-Fuel, and they mean it. The list of fuels that this stove will burn is so long it includes a final entry of “and others.” Automotive fuels—no problem; diesel—no problem; and if you want to avoid liquid fuels and run convenient canisters—no problem. With a single jet, this stove will reach up to 12,000 BTUs on butane or 10,000 BTUs on pre-mium liquid fuels. To adjust the jetting between the two extremes only re-quires an eighth-turn of the burner cup from one position to the next.

Construction is also impressive, built for the rigors of mountaineer-ing expeditions with aluminum, steel, and brass components. The fuel line is stainless braided interfacing to machined brass fittings. The pump assembly is constructed of hard plastic.

Priming the stove with white gas was a simple process aided by a built-in priming pad; the burner began vaporizing the gas in about 30 seconds at 7,000 feet. The stove yielded slower-than-most boil times with the canisters, but beat the pack of liquid-fuel stoves (if even by a few seconds over the Coleman). Additional fuel containers can be purchased from Brunton and used to store sufficient liquid fuel for cooking, plus an emergeny fuel reserve for adventure riders (if using unleaded gas). Brunton also includes a full field-service kit, including tools and parts, with the stove—another consideration that bumped this stove to the top of the pack.

With heavy-duty construction, all-fuel burn capability, and compact dimensions, the Vapor AF is a true round-the-world expedition solution for the adventure motorcyclist and lightweight vehicle camper.

Brunton Vapor AF – All-Fuel Expedition Stove (Japan)

Pros: Quality construction• All-fuel capabilities, including canister• Comprehensive package with all service items •

and cleaning tools Compact dimensions• Ease of adjustment between canister fuel and •

liquid fuel Good simmer control• Easy to purge• Lifetime warranty•

Cons: Burn times with canisters are slow compared •

to othersBasecanbedifficulttoreturntostored •

position No liquid-fuel bottle cap included in kit (must •

storebottlewithprimerpumpfitted) Wind-performance reduced with liquid fuel use•

Single-burner Stoves

brunton.com, $149

1.Stainlessline&fitting2.Gascanisterfitted

1.

2.

Page 5: Overland Journal Stove Review

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Overland Journal Winter 2007

Convenient and compact, the entire Jetboil system nests in its own one-liter personal-cooker pot (a 1.5-liter unit is available). Lift off the rubber lid to reveal a folding canister support, then the burner assembly, followed by the (optional) pot-support ring, and finally the fuel canister. To assemble the system takes less than a minute, and to bring 12 ounces of water to boil takes less than three—super-quick, thanks to the personal cooker’s integrated heat sinks (the practical capacity of the pot is less than one liter, and Jetboil recommends low-heat settings for more than .5L of liquid).

If your meals typically involve heating water for “boil-in-a-bag” meals, and tea or coffee, it would be hard to justify any other solution. My trip to the Arctic Ocean consisted of just that: quick meals of oat-meal or Tasty Bites, and plenty of cups of coffee. The Jetboil performed flawlessly, never failing to ignite or boil, even at well below zero.

For the adventure rider, the Jetboil is also an excellent choice, with its compact size and integrated neoprene sleeve that keeps rattles down and reduces the chance of scratching neighboring gear. For trips outside of the developed world, the system’s usefulness becomes challenged, as the Jetfuel canisters will be difficult, if not impossible, to source. Fortunately, most other readily available fuel canisters will work with the Jetboil, but you lose the ability to store the fuel in the pot.

Recently, Jetboil introduced a line of accessories for the cooking sys-tem, including a Teflon-coated fry pan, 1.5L pot, utensils, and a coffee press. This integrated system, combined with the efficient use of fuel and compact stowage, makes the Jetboil an ideal stove for developed-world travel on an adventure motorcycle or in a smaller vehicle.

jetboil.com, $89.95

Pros: Complete and compact system• Wide array of functional accessories•Extremelyefficient• Available French press• Almost no effect from moderate wind•

Cons: Instability• Heavy for the cooker size•Significantamountofplasticusedinthe •

system Must use proprietary canisters to retain •

nesting capability Using non-proprietary cookware is possible, •

but not ideal One-year warranty (short compared to •

others)

Single-burner Stoves

Jetboil (USA)

1. Nesting components2. Insulated mug mounted on stove3. Pan with burner attach- ment

2.

3.

1.

Page 6: Overland Journal Stove Review

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Overland Journal Winter 2007

A brilliant cookstove package, starting with brilliant packag-ing. I have to give Snow Peak a sincere thank you for the use of mini-malist packaging with this stove. All of the retail packaging, including instructions, can be wadded up in a single hand and tossed in the recycle bin, a nice statement from a company that prides itself on beautifully constructed, simple, and durable gear.

Once out of the (small) box, the Micro Max is displayed and stored in a clear Lexan case. With the case open, the Micro Max can be removed with two fingers (stowage is just as easy, as Snow Peak molded in the out-line of the stove in the correct orientation for quick packaging—smart), and set up in a matter of moments by unfurling the three titanium pot-supports in a clockwise sweep, each support stopping at an indent in the body. For larger pots, an additional hinged support unfolds, providing surprising stability given the unit’s weight and size. The three pot sup-ports are also designed to fit tightly against the burner to limit leeward wind ingress. The small auto-igniter provides reliable ignition, adding little to the unit’s weight and nothing to its dimensions.

In use, the boil performance is impressive, and the burner provides good simmer control. However, the small burner diameter is best suited to a smaller pot or pan, as the highly localized flame contact would result in hot/burn and cool spots with larger cookware. Usefulness as a round-the-world cooking solution is limited by the canister-only fuel. However, for the hiker, adventure rider, and compact vehicle user, the stove is a smart choice. The Micro Max would also make a good backup stove in a larger vehicle, or in a team of vehicles where water is boiled for each meal. Beautiful design, thoughtful packaging, great performance—an ex-cellent combination.

Snow Peak Micro Max Titanium

Pros: Ultra-compact• Beautiful construction• Ultra-lightweight titanium• Double canister seal• Auto-igniter • Good stability for the size• Minimalist packaging• Excellent value• Lifetime warranty•

Cons: Flame performance easily affected by wind• Small-to-medium pot size restriction• Canister-fuel only•

Single-burner Stoves

snowpeak.com, $69.95

1. Compact storage case2. Burner detail showing folding supports3. Auto-igniter and fuel adjustment

2.

3.

1.

(Japan)

Page 7: Overland Journal Stove Review

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Overland Journal Winter 2007

The Coleman dual-fuel stoves are classic expedition tools. Inexpensive to purchase and able to run on either unleaded or white gas, the Feather is an ideal, entry-level expedition stove. Contrib-uting editor Chris Scott, author of Sahara Overland, and editorial direc-tor Chris Marzonie have each been using variants of this stove design for decades. From crossing the Sahara by dual-sport to four months in Baja (respectively), this stove has been proven to work, with little fuss or maintenance and essentially no set-up.

Unlike most other liquid-fuel stoves, the Feather lights easily, produc-ing a brilliant flame around the diameter of the wide burner. The unit is also exceptionally stable, thanks to the integrated flip-out legs and wide pot support. Set-up involves simply unfolding the support legs and prim-ing the fuel pressure with 25 strokes of the integrated pump.

The stove is bulky and heavy for a compact, and the burner guard and pot support both have very sharp edges (because of this, I would recommend storing the unit in a stuff sack, which is available from Cole-man as an option). Boil times were excellent, within a few seconds of the considerably more expensive Brunton AF Vapor. I was also impressed by the effective simmer control, which can be a challenge on a liquid-fuel stove.Wind performance was also excellent in a moderate breeze.

The Feather is a classic design, with several enhancements to reduce weight and improve stability. It also proves to be an exceptional value. For a long expedition, I would recommend bringing a Coleman mainte-nance kit (PN 442-5711) and the stuff sack.

coleman.com, $64.95

Pros: Stable• Fast boil time for liquid fuel• Fast preheat• Good wind performance• Robust and reliable• Lifetime warranty•

Cons:Sharp,unfinishededges• Preheating paste may be required at very cold •

temperatures Limited fuel options• Bulky and heavy• Pot support rattles•

Single-burner Stoves

Coleman Feather 442 Dual-Fuel (USA)

1. Generator and burner2.Fueladjusterandfillcap

1.

2.

Page 8: Overland Journal Stove Review

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Overland Journal Winter 2007

Four minutes, 14 seconds—that was the time it took this 87-gram fire-breather to boil a liter of water at 7,000 feet. The Optimus Crux is, without question, the fastest stove in the test, beating the nearest competitor (the much larger Brunton Wind River Range) by 36 seconds. For the size of the stove, the burner is huge—2 inches—and air is ported in by four large holes in the main stove body. The burner also has four tiny, integrated pot supports that hinge outward and in an arc to provide the best surface contact.

Stowage is brilliant, with a hinge that allows the burner to fold flat against the body and then tuck into a small, padded case that secures to the bottom of a standard gas canister. The whole thing can then slide into the (optional) titanium Optimus cook set, along with their new fold-ing utensils—a highly functional and compact system.

Unfortunately, the compact, hinged design also compromises stabil-ity. The hinge mechanism is not completely secure, allowing the burner head (and whatever is being cooked on top of it) to wobble. It is unset-tling to the cook to see the pot shift back and forth on the hinge, the contents sloshing from side to side. While the unit did pass our stability test, it was certainly the one closest to failing it.

For short adventure rides and backpacking adventures, the Crux is ideal. When used with smaller cookware, the stability issues become much less of a concern. To have a titanium pot set, stove, and full fuel canister weigh in at less than three pounds is impressive. With fuel limited to canisters only, long trips would be restricted to developed countries.

optimus.se, $69.95

Pros: Fast!• Ultra-compact• Ultra-light at 87 grams•Two-inch-wideburnergiveswideflame •

coverage Ingenious storage “boot”• Excellent simmer control •

Cons: Lacks stability due to loose hinge design• Properly supports only small-to-medium •

cookware Canister-fuel only• Limited wind protection•

Single-burner Stoves

Optimus Crux (Sweden)

1. Burner and fuel adjustment detail2. Compact with hinged burner

1.

2.

Page 9: Overland Journal Stove Review

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Camp Chef is well-known for building durable, reasonably priced cooking equipment and accessories. With this foundation in heavy-duty camping and hunting units, they have launched a new line of “Sport Utility” bulk-fuel stoves, tailored to the car camper but with commercial build standards (of the dual-burner stoves tested, all but the Camp Chef can be used with an adaptor to convert from a bulk-fuel tank to a canister).

The All-Terrain box is constructed from powder-coated steel; the lid and windscreen are formed from bent-and-welded aluminum sheet. Two nickel-plated latches secure the lid, yielding a nearly rattleless design. Open the lid and two side windscreens fold out and secure with the latch-es. The windscreen is a simple and very effective design—the easiest to use of the group. The grill is spaced just right for a variety of cookware, and covers the entire working surface. The control knobs are recessed into the front panel, protecting them from damage. Unfortunately, this is also where the gas line is connected, making it somewhat obtrusive. The gas line also does not have a rubber seal, only the two mating brass surfaces, which requires a wrench to tighten (not supplied). The recessed design makes it difficult to tighten the line.

The burners are easily the largest of the test, and boast a 20,000 BTU output. In testing, the heat generated (and subsequently, the amount of fuel used) was intense, but the burner diameter and distance from the grill meant that much of the heat was lost around the sides of the pot, and the boil tests reflect that. A griddle would likely work very well. The unit also does a notable job of performing in windy conditions, both be-cause of the solid windscreen design and the robust burner output. The unit is more difficult than others in the test to disassemble for cleaning.

The All-Terrain represents an excellent value. With sturdy construc-tion, high-output burners, and a quality windscreen, it would be perfect in a larger vehicle with a bulk propane fuel source.

Camp Chef All-Terrain Sport Stove (China)

Pros: Quality construction• Great value• Wide selection of useful accessories•Durable,blackfinish• Simple, effective windscreen •

Cons: Poor fuel-consumption-to-boil ratio• Heavy• Disassembly required for proper cleaning• Front-mounted gas connection• One-year warranty•

Dual-burner Stoves

campchef.com, $152.99

1. Latch holds windscreen in place. (Shown with optional bolt-onlegs.)2.Gasfittingisatfrontofstove3. Grate surface is high above burner

2.

3.

1.

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Overland Journal Winter 2007

With the propane-fueled Wind River Range and its associated accessories, Brunton has made the move into the vehicle-based luxury camping segment. The construction is impressive, with a case assembled from a series of aluminum and stainless steel plates and aluminum extru-sions. All eight corners are protected by durable plastic bumpers, and the two halves are connected via a full-length hinge and two heavy-duty latches. It is a very rugged-looking and attractive stove.

Setting up the Wind River Range is quick, taking only a minute from undoing the first hinge to lighting the first burner. Two spring-loaded latches secure the halves in place, and once unlatched allow the top half to swing over to the side of the burner assembly where it becomes a cutting board and storage box. The hinge is designed to allow the two halves to easily separate, which means that they easily separate—even if you don’t want them to.

Once everything is open, the grill and burner assembly is removed to provide access to the gas line and adapters. The gas line connects through a small access door on the side and then hooks to either a bulk propane tank, or with an adapter to compact propane canisters. Unfor-tunately, the supplied adapter would not thread onto the supplied gas line. It appeared to be a stack-up tolerance issue (i.e., the adapter was machined at the low end of the thread tolerance and the gas line was machined on the high end of the tolerance specification). The adapter worked on the Cook Partner line, and another adapter we had worked on the Brunton gas line.

In use, the stove is a joy, with a good grill design and the convenience of a cutting board and utensil storage. A bent stainless steel rod can be installed on the storage side to mount a paper towel roll or hang the Wind River cook tools. The windscreen provides good coverage and can also be removed completely. Boil times are fast: The Wind River scored the fastest boil time of all the dual-burners (4:50 min./sec.). As a unit, it is heavy, and the construction is complex, combining dozens of parts and fasteners. Our experience with Brunton has always revealed compo-nents of high quality, so we do not expect the construction complexi-ties to be an issue, but it is of note. The Wind River Range is a smartly designed unit, with excellent function and great burner performance. It would make a great addition to the kit of a larger-GVW vehicle.

brunton.com, $429

Pros: Rugged design• Lifetime warranty•Fastestdual-burnerofthetest(15,000BTU)• High-quality construction• Nearly rattle-free• Integrated storage and cutting board•

Cons:Weight(23lbs.)•Constructioncomplexity(numberofparts)• Hinge design• Canister adapter incorrectly machined•

Dual-burner Stoves

Brunton Wind River Range (Japan)

1. Hinge 2. Burner detail3. Latch detail4. Cutting board

1.

2.

3. 4.

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The Snow Peak GS-220 dual-burner stove is elegant and highly functional, and received the most lustful reactions from the testing team. Attention to detail, fit, and finish are superb. Every component has a function and a perfect symmetry—the essence of classic Japanese de-sign.

The unit is lightweight and has compact dimensions, making it easy to stow and easy on the GVW. The lid, which is removed by two spring-but-tons, can be completely disconnected from the stove body. This reveals the stainless steel stove legs and burner grates. The legs are made from bent stainless steel rod, and they stow next to the burners. To assemble, the legs are inserted into holes in the sides of the stove body. This pro-vides a (mostly) stable structure for the stove, and raises the stove bottom off the work surface. The next step is to fit two Lindal-valve-type gas canisters below the burners (see Testing Notes for information on Lindal valves). The lid becomes the windscreen, attaching to the burner grate, the rear lip, and the windscreen sides. The process is simple, but the most time-consuming of the test group.

In use, the stove is impressive, with a tightly spaced grate to accom-modate even the smallest pot or espresso maker, and the concave burn-ers provide even heat and the best simmer control of the larger stoves. For use as an expedition stove, it is somewhat challenged by the canister-only fuel supply. While small, the control knobs are not protected from damage. We also found the unit to have the most rattles and squeaks during transport.

The Snow Peak stove really shines when used with the modular Iron Grill Table (IGT) system. The IGT is a cooktop with spaces for drop-in components such as the Two-Burner stove, the BBQ Box, and various cutting boards and spice racks. Set into the IGT, the stove sits at the per-fect working height and is transformed into a cooktop as good as some home units. With the BBQ Box, you can grill up that carne asada while the stove cranks out your Tequila Tomatoes.

Elegance of design, excellent cooking function, and system integra-tion are what define this dual-burner. The only thing preventing this stove from snagging the Editor’s Choice award are the small compromises in design needed to ensure it works in the IGT system.

snowpeak.com, $400

Dual-burner Stoves

Pros:Beautifuldesign,fit,andfinish• Lightweight• Excellent simmer control• Second-fastest boil time of the dual-burner •

test Integration with the IGT and BBQ Box• The best grill design in the test• Case bottom is coated in Flourine to ease •

clean-up

Cons: Squeaks and rattles• Knobs not protected from impacts• Complicated cleaning•Canistergasonly,whichcanbedifficultto •

source in developing countries Will not stand upright for stowage (must be •

storedflat)

Snow Peak GS-220 Two-Burner Stove (Japan)

1.Knobdetail(noteauto-igniterbutton)2. Grate and burner detail

1. 2.

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Perfection is often gauged not by how much can be added to something, but when nothing else can be taken away. In the case of the Cook Partner by Partner Steel in Idaho, its simplicity is, in fact, perfect. The all-aluminum case makes the stove extremely light, while the simple box construction also ensures excellent strength and durability. Designed as an outfitter stove, the construction reflects its intended use, with every detail favoring durability and reliability. A wide handle, made from bent aluminum rod, makes the stove easy to transport, and the twist-lock latch pulls the lid down tight. The two burner knobs are recessed within the case for protection, as is the all-brass gas fitting.

Opening the lid reveals nearly perfect welds, several of which are stitched along two mating aluminum flats, which is no easy task. Two 15,000-BTU burners are welded to the stainless steel cooking surface. The stove construction results in two mating components: the case as-sembly and the grill/burner assembly. There is little set-up required; just open the lid, connect the gas line, and if the conditions warrant, deploy the windscreen.

While the Cook Partner might just be the perfect expedition stove, it is not without a few minor grumbles—such as the design of the wind-screen hinge and support rods. The hinges could be located another cen-timeter farther out, to allow for better wind protection and larger pots. And while the support rods do work, they are a snag hazard for hands and clothing. I can see the advantage of the concept, which allows the windscreen to come out on an angle for larger cooking ware, but they rattle slightly and don’t quite secure the sides in the same robust manner as does the rest of the construction. The grate spacing is also a little off, and not quite the right frequency, which would make using some of the smaller espresso makers a challenge without modification.

Overall, the Cook Partner is an extremely impressive piece of kit, with fast cook times, almost no rattles, and construction to last a life-time. This is the stove I will use, and it is an easy selection as the Editor’s Choice for the dual-burners.

Partner Steel Cook Partner (USA)

Pros: Constructed to last a lifetime• Perfect welds• Light weight• 15,000 BTU burners for fast boil times• Compact dimensions• Easiest to clean•

Cons: Grill spacing too wide for small coffee units • Windscreen supports not quite up to the rest •

of the design

Dual-burner Stoves

partnersteel.com, $255

1. Handle and latch mechanism2. Burner detail3. Beautiful welds and recessed knobs

2.

3.

1.

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Several years ago, Coleman introduced their Exponent equipment line, built to a higher quality standard and designed to meet the needs of the more discriminating explorer. In an effort to provide a cooking system for the vehicle-based traveler, Coleman designed the Rendezvous two-burner propane stove.

The unit’s mass was immediately apparent when the testing team tried to remove the Rendezvous from the shipping box. At over 27 inches long and 9 inches tall, and weighing in at 35 pounds, this unit represents a considerable commitment of space and addition to GVW. Fortunately, the unit includes several extra features: a wash basin, cutting board, cast aluminum griddle, storage dividers, and tool rack.

Setting up the Rendezvous is fairly simple, starting with unclipping two plastic latches and folding the top box over to the side. Care must be given to prevent the top from sliding off the hinge pins and coming to a crash on the work surface (ask us how we found that out). Next, the folding windscreen is hinged up and the wings set on the case rim. A standard Coleman propane connector is located at the rear of the stove section. The griddle and cutting board are retained in the storage side by a recess running around the inside diameter of the case. The two ac-cessories are removed by flexing the case sides outward to release either unit. Under the griddle and cutting board is a wash basin and storage area, with dividers.

In use, the Rendezvous did not prove to be an efficient stove, with a boil time of over 10 minutes, nearly double the time of the next-slowest unit. The weight, bulk, and construction materials are also of concern for use as an expedition stove. When compared to the simplicity and effec-tiveness of the Cook Partner, it is difficult to see where the Rendezvous could outperform, and at nearly $100 more in price, the big Coleman slides to the back of the pack. Unfortunately, adding too many compo-nents and too much plastic makes for a tough sell to this editor.

Coleman Exponent Rendezvous (China)

Pros: Excellent AAA-battery-powered igniter• Wash basin and cutting board included• Wide burner coverage with Cloverleaf• TM

design

Cons:Heavy(35lbs.)• Plastic abounds• Accessory hangers are not removable and •

they rattle Plastic hinges and latches• Thin metal, decorative cover pops in and out•Largewhenclosed,difficulttomanage •

whenopen(50x16x4inches)

Dual-burner Stoves

coleman.com, $349.99

1. Open with griddle, wash basin and cutting board2. Plastic corner-guard

1. 2.

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Testing Procedure

Stove evaluation is a nearly even balance between subjective review and empirical testing, with the critical design elements such as set-up ease, grill design, simmer control, and ease of cleaning stacking up against boil times, stability measurements, and wind performance.

For this test, we assembled an impressive team of adventurers, each with a different set of requirements for a stove. Jeremy Edgar is an active backpacker who also uses a Toyota Tacoma for extended vehicle expeditions and basecamping. Windy Edgar is an ultra-light backpacker, interested in equipment with ecological considerations and good efficiency to support her entomological research. Windy is also a master at organization and logistics, so ease of packing and post-expedition cleanup are critical design requirements. Andrew Moore is a long-time Baja traveler. Conducting vehicle-dependent expeditions in his FJ45 Troop Carrier and on his BMW GS1150 Adventure, he travels on both ends of the GVW range. For me, equipment needs to be tough and functional, and I give extra points to a clean design and round-the-world flexibility.

Wind performance was tested by placing a 5 mph (measured by a Brunton anemometer) wind source 8 inches from a three-liter pot. If a windscreen was present, we aimed the wind source at one side of the windscreen. Scoring was measured by three testers as one of the following: No effect - no noticeable change in flame intensity or coverage 1 - a slight change in flame coverage with no change in intensity 2 - a measurable change in flame coverage with a slight change in intensity 3 - over one-third of the burner surface had no flame, and a significant change in flame coverage and intensity Flame out- wind source extinguished the flame (note: no stoves had a flame out during this test)

Cleaning ease was ranked on a one-to-three scale, with a score of one being the easiest to clean. Testing factors included ease of disassembly, surface type, complexity of the cooking area for cleaning, and if liquids could easily drip to lower assemblies or hard-to-reach corners.

We tested the stoves at high elevation because that is where stoves often do not work as expected, including difficulty lighting, too-rich fuel mixture, and sputtering. Elevation also affects boil performance. On our testing day, we evaluated the units at 6,956 feet, with a barometric pressure reading from NOAA at 30.36 inches, and an average air temperature of 72°F. This put our boil target at 200°F. We boiled a liter of water in a cool three-liter aluminum pot (Brunton Wind River), with a starting water temperature of 65 - 68°F. Each stove was lit, and the timer started once the pot was set on the grill. Water temperatures were measured with an analog liquid temperature probe.

Each stove was set in the same position on a small table, with the three-liter pot filled with water placed on the burner. Then, one corner of the table was lifted one inch and dropped. All of the stoves passed this test without spilling the pot of water, although some faired better than others. Each tester provided a ranking from one to three, with a score of one being best.

Jeremy was our set-up tester, and we timed him setting up each unit after a quick familiarization. The timer started once he touched the unit, and ended once he was able to open the burner control and see/hear fuel flow. For the liquid-fuel units, the time included the manufacturer’s recommended number of priming strokes to the fuel canister.

Each unit was tested for squeaks and rattles, both while carrying and during transport in the test vehicle.

Wind Performance

Cleaning Ease

Boil Time

Stability

Set-up Time

Squeaks and Rattles

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Nearly every stove in this review had a strong suite of qualities, so our decision for Editor’s Choice in the two catego-ries required some deliberation. In the end, the units that were the most robust, and designed with an around-the-world expedition in mind, are the ones that took the compass rose. If your needs vary, the strengths of the individual units are clear, and you can make a purchase decision accordingly.

For me, and the other editors, the decision for the top dual-burner unit came quickly. The Snow Peak GS-220 Two Burner was loved by all for its elegant design, best-in-test grill, and high-quality construction. If used as a system with the IGT and BBQ box, it could satisfy any Iron Chef. However, the Cook Partner was easily the most durable and well-built of all units tested, and also proved to be the lightest. With only two parts and fully (and beautifully) welded construction, I have little doubt that this aluminum outfitter stove will last a lifetime. We will make a few suggestions to Partner Steel about modifying the grill spacing and windscreen attachment. Durability, weight, compact dimensions, and exceptional value win the day.

It was the compact stoves that generated the most discussion. It is impressive how each unit showed a particular strength: the Crux had the fastest boil, the Jetboil was the best system, the Snow Peak was ultra-light and stable, the Vapor would burn (nearly) any-thing, and the Feather was the easiest to set-up. However, when all of the performance criteria and durability were evaluated, the Brunton Vapor was the clear winner. The most compelling feature is its ability to burn just about any fuel, including gas canisters. The unit is also built to expedition standards, with high-quality fittings, braided stainless line, and a wide, stable base and pot support. For an expedition in any remote area or developing country, the ability to burn nearly any available fuel is critical, and for the adventure motorcyclist, to be able to pour nearly a liter of unleaded gasoline into an empty tank and complete the last 10 miles to the nearest town could be a trip-saver if not a life-saver. Many companies try to make expedition-quality equipment. In the case of the Vapor, Brunton more than succeeded. For the best ultra-light unit, the Snow Peak Micro Max was the favorite among our backpacking testers.

At the end of it all, I still look at the Hiker+ with a grin, and more than a modicum of respect. Seventy years of exploration legacy goes a long way with me, and while the Hiker+ ended up falling between the two stove disciplines, and didn’t win any category (expect perhaps "cool" factor), it was the first one I grabbed for my trip to Anza Borrego. There is just something about a classic piece of kit.

Conclusions

2C cherry tomatoes2T tequila2T cilantro2T olive oil¼C pine nutssalt and pepperminced garlic, 1 clove

In a large sauté pan, toast the pine nuts in a little olive oil until browned. Add tomatoes and begintowarm.Addtequilaandcilantro.Whenhot(youwantthemtobesemi-firm),addsaltand pepper to taste. Serve with carne asada tacos on a beach in Baja.

Cherry Tomatoes Sautéed with Tequilafrom Southwest: The Beautiful Cookbook, by Barbara Pool Fenzl (recipe adapted by Scott Brady)

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“From a multi-day, dual-sport motorcycle perspective, I’d have to choose the Jetboil, if I were only able to have one stove in the arsenal. Most of my rations on the bike are freeze-dried backpacking meals, and its insanely fast boil times for 12 ounces of water suits the bill perfectly, along with its 'all-in-one' stowage capacity, as it negates having to carry a separate mug. While only being able to use gas canisters is a downside, I’ve had good luck making one small unit last 3-5 days, boiling about 32 ounces of water per day. An extra fuel canister could be easily stuffed somewhere in the panniers, and wouldn’t pose a leak hazard, as liquid fuel inevitably does.”

“Among the stoves in our comparison testing, there were some serious contenders. Though I was initially appreciative of the Micro Max design, I didn’t think it would be the final pick for me. However, when the testing and comparison were completed, it had been elevated to near deity status. The packaging and compact design make this stove a no-brainer for backpacking. The Micro Max comes in a durable plastic container that gets lost in my small hand and weighs next to nothing. The stove then unfolds into a stable, efficient cooking unit. When deployed, the arms are long enough to provide stability for a pot sized for 2-3 servings. Made of titanium, it is not only lightweight but durable. No worries that these arms might eventually break off or bend. With no detachable parts and no assembly required, when your fingers are cold and stiff, you won’t be fumbling with difficult and small pieces. The efficiency leaves no doubt that you will not wait long for that first cup of coffee on a cold morning. And if the morn-ing happens to be windy, worry not. This stove doesn’t flutter a flame at the wind. When you’re ready to pack it up and go, a neat feature is the diagram on the case that displays how the stove should be packed inside. Pack the Micro Max into a lightweight pot along with the fuel canister, and your cooking system is ready to go.”

“Taking the entire group of stoves into consideration, the Cook Partner stood out as the overall champion in my opinion. Its rugged construction, complimented by its simplicity, set it apart from the rest. It was one of the easiest to assemble and use, and surprisingly lightweight for its size. I cannot imagine many scenarios where this stove would break in any way, or fail to function as it does brand new. If all you need is a stove, this is the only stove you will ever need.”

Overland Team Favorites

Testing Notes:Overland Journal would like to thank to Manzanita Outdoor (manzanitaoutdoor.com) of Prescott, Arizona, for their assistance with this test.

One of the ironies of this test was that we ended up using MSR fuel canisters, but did not test an MSR stove. The reason was that some of the proprietary fuel canisters—such as Snow Peak—were nowhere to be found within 100 miles of our location, and others, such as Optimus, could only be found in Phoenix. Because today’s manufacturers have gone to a nearly universal valve called a Lindal, which is self-sealing (early canisters, once punctured, had to stay on the stove until empty), we were able to use the widely available MSR fuel canisters on most of the test stoves. While MSR has some great stoves—such as the classic XGK EX (msrcorp.com)—we settled on the test lineup due to factors other than quality from MSR.

Windy Edgar: Ultra-light explorer and conservationistTop pick: Snow Peak Micro Max Titanium

Jeremy Edgar: Backpacker and vehicle base-camperTop pick: Partner Steel Cook Partner

Andrew Moore: Adventure motorcyclistTop pick: Jetboil

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Stove Brunton: Wind River Range

Camp Chef: All-Terrain Sport Stove

Coleman: Exponent Rendezvous

SnowPeak: GS-220 Two-Burner

Partner Steel: Cook Partner

Price $429 $158 $349 $400 $255 Country of origin Japan China China Japan USAWarranty Lifetime 1-year 5-year Lifetime-limited Lifetime-limitedWeight (lbs./kg), no fuel 23/10.43 16/7.26 35/15.88 15.5/7.03 11/4.99Height (in./cm) 7.0/17.78 5.75/14.60 9.0/22.86 4.0/10.16 3.75/9.52Width (in./cm) 21.5/54.61 25.0/63.50 27.5/69.85 19.5/49.53 18.5/46.99Length (in./cm) 13.5/34.29 13.5/34.29 17.5/44.45 14.0/35.56 12.5/31.75Fuel type(s) Propane canisters / tanks Bulk propane recommended Propane canisters / tanks Lindal valve gas canisters Propane canisters / tanksBTU (per burner) 15,000 20,000 15,000 11,200 15,000Lighting method Matches / lighter Igniter Igniter (AAA battery) Igniter IgniterWindscreen type Sheet metal; short Lid & angled sides Sheet metal; short Lid & angled sides Lid & angled sidesWind test (0 being best) 0 0 0 0 0Boil time (1L), min. 4:50 5:51 10:33 5:46 6:09Setup time (includes priming if required), min.

1:30 0:56 1:08 2:26 0:47

Stability test (0 being best)

0 0 0 1 0

Cleanability test (1 being best)

2 3* 3 2 1

Manufacturer's site brunton.com campchef.com coleman.com snowpeak.com partnersteel.comAvailable from expeditionexchange.com campchef.com coleman.com expeditionexchange.com adventuretrailers.com

*Camp Chef burner area requires Phillips screwdriver to clean beneath. Large holes & wide side gaps leave room for food to spill beneath burner area

Dual-burner Stoves

Stove Brunton: AF All Fuel Expedition Stove

Coleman: Feather 442 Dual Fuel Stove

Optimus: Crux

Optimus: Hiker+

SnowPeak: Micro Max Titanium (GST-110A)

JetBoil

Price $149 $64.99 $70 $169.95 $69.95 $89.95 Country of origin Japan USA Sweden Sweden Japan USAWarranty Lifetime Lifetime 5-year 5-year Lifetime-limited 1-yearWeight (oz./g), no fuel 14/396 24/680 3.07/87 42/1,190 3.3/93 15/425Height (in./cm) 4.1/10.41 6.1/15.49 1.2/3.05 4.0/10.16 7.0/17.78 7.1/18.03Width (in./cm) 5.2/13.21 5.5/13.97 2.2/5.59 7.0/17.78 4.0/10.16 4.1/10.41Length (in./cm) 2.3/5.84 5.5/13.97 3.3/8.38 7.0/17.78 8.5/21.59 4.1/10.41Fuel type(s) Lindal gas canisters & any

fuelUnleaded and white gas Lindal valve gas blend

canistersMost liquid fuels Lindal valve gas blend

canistersLindal valve gas blend canisters

BTU (per burner) 12,000 7,500 10,000 9,700 11,200 4,500Lighting method Matches / lighter Matches / lighter Matches / lighter Matches / lighter Igniter Matches / lighterWindscreen type Aluminum sheet n/a n/a n/a n/a n/aWind test (0 being best) 3 1 2 1 3 0Boil time (1L), min. 7:03 8:06 4:14 11:44 5:23 5:58Setup time (includes priming if required), min.

0:44 0:28 0:31 0:30 0:31 0:49

Stability test (0 being best)

0 0 3 1 2 2

Cleanability test (1 being best)

2 2 1 2 1 1

Manufacturer's site brunton.com coleman.com optimus.se optimus.se snowpeak.com jetboil.comAvailable from expeditionexchange.com coleman.com moosejaw.com moosejaw.com expeditionexchange.com moosejaw.com

Single-burner Stoves