Products: Reviews Primus Eta Power Stove
They say: "The stove's high-efficiency rate allows for fast boiling times, less fuel consumption, a lower total weight, and all in all a more environmentally friendly stove.”
LFTO.com says: “The Eta Power has gained an efficiency rating of 80 per cent, while conventional stoves have a rating of only 50 per cent at best. If a stove is only 50 per cent efficient then a lot of heat is being wasted and you have to haul far more fuel around the mountains. To achieve this exceptional level of efficiency, the Eta Power stove is designed around a windshield and dedicated pan system. This all comes neatly packed into a stuff sack with space for a gas canister as well. There is also a piezo electric ignition, although this was a little wobbly.” Verdict: “Simple to use; superb boil times and fuel efficiency, exceptionally stable and less fuel is needed over a week. There are lighter stoves and pan sets and, like all gas stoves, performance reduces as the fuel canister empties. Overall, an ideal backpacking stove where performance, efficiency and a light load are the priorities.”
LFTO.com rating: 5/5 Price paid: £75
www.primuscamping.com
Jetboil Personal Cooking System
They say: “[The] unit is ideal for dehydrated meals, coffee or tea on the go, remote worksites and emergency kits. Travel light and prep easy. The Personal Cooking System is a complete food and beverage multi-tool you can hold in your hand and weighs about a pound. Lights with the click of a button, and within two minutes you’ve got two cups of boiling water ready for coffee or a quick meal.”
LFTO.com says: “The Jetboil’s burner is a pretty standard design with a piezo ignition for ease of lighting. However a plastic burner base and a steel base plate provide protection and allow the pot to be locked securely onto the burner. The pot has a metal frame that allows it to be slotted onto the burner as well as the Fluxring heat exchanger grill. The weight and packed size of the Jetboil make it very lightweight and user- friendly. My problem with this stove is that the pot does not have a conventional handle and the foam cup cosy still gets pretty warm. As this is the tallest and narrowest pan and burner design, it is not very stable either. The narrow pot is also not so easy to cook in compared to wider pans, making this better suited for warming up water rather than practising your culinary skills. It uses less gas per boil than other stoves and gains the longest burn time from a gas cylinder.” Verdict: “Overall, it gives slow boil times, and is the best stove for long-term fuel and weight efficiency, making it ideal for solo lightweight backpackers.”
LFTO.com rating: 4/5 SteriPEN Traveler Mini
They say:“The Traveler Mini with its sleek, compact design is the smallest, lightest and easiest to pack SteriPEN for travel. Weighing just 103g/3.6oz., the Traveler Mini fits neatly into your checked luggage, carry-on or briefcase. It might be smaller, but you still get all the speed, power and effectiveness of larger SteriPENs.”
LFTO.com says: “The SteriPEN Traveler Mini operates on the principle that UV light can damage microbes’ DNA and stop viruses, bacteria and parasites reproducing. It’s very small and fits neatly in the hand. As with other SteriPEN devices it’s a simple case of loading the batteries, switching it on and placing it into a container of water. A digital display tells you when the water has been treated and is ready to drink. But like other immersion options there is no filter, so you’ll either need to select your water carefully or use additional filtration. Take care that the lip of the container doesn’t touch infected water as this device won’t kill it, so you need to take a little more care. While a litre of water at a time is enough for most walkers, group users may benefit from other devices.” Verdict: “The SteriPEN Traveler Mini is a low-priced water purification system that’s ideal for travellers and walkers who need to make relatively clean water safer to drink.”
LFTO.com rating: 4/5
Price paid: £65
www.steripen.com
28
Price paid: £75
www.jetboil.com
GoLite Jam2
They say:“The Jam2 is what every fast-packer dreams about. Made with super durable Dyneema gridstop, it features foam padding in the back for support, and Brock foam padding in the spacer mesh shoulder straps for long-lasting comfort. Store items you want quick access to in the large front pocket with a watertight zip and two side angled stretch mesh pockets. Reduce excess pack room as your trip goes on by utilising the two side compression straps and the comPACKtor system."
LFTO.com says: “The very soft, padded back is easily distorted, so it needs very careful packing to make it comfortable. Aside from that, the harness is extremely comfortable with plenty of adjustment. A series of compression straps mean it can carry up to 51l, although it is best around the 35l mark.” Verdict: “A minimalist pack that will suit those keen to keep things light, and the extra volume would make short backpacking trips a possibility. Not the most comfortable, though.”
LFTO.com rating: 3/5
Price paid: £75
www.golite.com
Reviews courtesy of Trail magazine and
LFTO.com www.sgboutdoor.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32