Cooking outdoors is one of the most enjoyable aspects of camping or hiking. Just imagining the possibilities—a hotpot with ingredients brought from friends, local specialties purchased along the way, or a quick meal followed by a drink while gazing at the stars—makes me excited
Gas stoves for mountaineering are the unsung heroes of outdoor cooking , and while each model may have the same basic functions, they all have strengths and weaknesses depending on the season, purpose, and number of people you're using, from simple water boiling to more elaborate cooking, coffee and tea, and even making water from melted snow. These differences only become clear once you've actually used them. So, this time we've compared the latest and most popular models from the most standard and versatile line, ideal for camping in a tent with 1-3 people, from various angles.
table of contents
table of contents
- About the items we compared and tested this time
- Test results and spec comparison table
- Evaluation Results: Recommended Gas Stoves for Mountain Climbing by Type
- Detailed reviews of each item (Page: 2)
- Summary (Page:2)
About the gas stoves compared this time
In this comparison, among the major domestic and international manufacturers,
- Suitable for solo hiking or more, medium to high heat for 1 to 3 people
- High versatility that allows not only boiling water but also cooking
- Easy to use even for beginners
- Popular models from brands that are easily available nationwide
We have picked out the following five gas stove models for mountain climbing that meet the above criteria and also offer a variety of unique features
- PRIMUS P-153 Ultra Burner (hereinafter P-153)
- SOTO Micro Regulator Stove Windmaster SOD-310 + Sold Separately: FourFlex SOD-460 Trivet (hereafter referred to as Windmaster)
- SnowPeak Yaen Stove Regi (hereinafter Regi)
- JETBOIL JETBOIL MiniMo (hereinafter referred to as Jetboil)
- PRIMUS P-ETA-ESP Eta Spider (hereinafter referred to as Eta Spider)
Among high-power models, the orthodox P-153 and direct-connect models like the Windmaster the Jetboil Minimo (direct-connect) and Eta Spider Leggi , which offers unique features such as stability, high heat output, and compactness despite being a separate model, surprise us? This review compares unique models, each with a slightly different mechanism.
By the way, I had been using the P-153 for four years up until this test, and this was my fifth experience with it, including a model I personally imported from PSC, but this time I was testing all current models rather than my own
Test environment
From November to December 2017, we tested the models outdoors to check their water heating capabilities, as well as their usability for normal mountain climbing. Since the majority of the models were equipped with regulators and gas preheating mechanisms, we have also added a separate section on comparisons under sub-zero conditions
It's impossible to strictly compare the weight and storage capacity of a set model that includes a cooker with a stove-only model. Therefore, for the sake of simplicity, we're comparing the stove-only model with a cooker ( the Montbell Alpine Cooker 14 ) of similar capacity and shape. While we've taken care to avoid giving either model an extreme advantage, there are limitations to our evaluation, so please understand.
Test results and spec comparison table
| Overall ranking | 1st place | 2nd place | 3rd place | 4th place | 5th place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  |
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 |
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| Overall score (out of 100) |
83 | 82 | 81 | 77 | 68 |
| Reference price | 9,800 yen | 21,060 yen | 18,144 yen | 9,720 yen | 9,698 yen |
| This is ◎ | Wind resistance, cold resistance, combustion efficiency, light weight, easy to store | Combustion power, combustion efficiency, stability, cold resistance | Combustion power, combustion efficiency, ease of cooking, stability, wind resistance, cold resistance | Weight, storage, and ease of assembly | Stability |
| This is △ | Unstable with standard grates | Storage capacity, price | Weight, storage, price | Combustion power, wind resistance, combustion efficiency | Combustion power, wind resistance, cold resistance, combustion efficiency, storage |
| Combustion power (20 points) |
17 | 18 | 19 | 14 | 13 |
| Wind resistance (10 points) |
7 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 3 |
| Combustion efficiency (10 points) |
8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Weight (15 pieces) |
14 | 10 | 6 | 13 | 11 |
| Storage capacity (15 items) |
13 | 12 | 10 | 14 | 11 |
| Stability (10 points) |
7 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 9 |
| Ease of use (20 points) |
17 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 16 |
| Specs | |||||
| item | SOTO Micro Regulator Stove Windmaster SOD-310 | JETBOIL MiniMo | PRIMUS P-ETA-ESP Eta Spider | PRIMUS P-153 Ultra Burner | SnowPeak Yaen Stove Legi |
| Weight (g) | 87 (when using FourFlex) | 500 (Main unit, 1.0L dedicated pot, lid, stabilizer, trivet) | 655 (Main unit, 1.0L dedicated pot, lid) | 116 | 220 |
| Maximum output (kcal/h) | 2,800 | 1,512 | 1,900 (when using T-type gas) | 3,600 (when using T-type gas) | 2,900 |
| Burning time | Approximately 90 minutes (when using SOD-725T) | private | Approximately 84 minutes (when using IP-250 gas) | Approximately 55 minutes (when using IP-250 type gas) | private |
| Gas consumption (g/h) | 130 | Approximately 120 | 160 | 245 | 235 |
| Storage size (mm) | Width 47 x Depth 51 x Height 8 | Diameter 127 x Height 152 | Diameter 160 x Height 120 | 75×88×30 |
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Evaluation results - Recommended by type
SOTO Micro Regulator Stove Windmaster SOD-310 + SOD-460
Overall No. 1: Reliable performance in the field beyond specs
SOTO's flagship gas stove took first place overall this year thanks to its overall strengths, which include being lightweight, compact, and powerful, while making up for the lack of efficient features like a windshield or heat exchanger. Honestly, I thought it was inevitable that the two PCS models would have an advantage this time, so I'm surprised they did so well on their own
As the product name "Windmaster" suggests, its unique bowl-shaped burner head makes it extremely resistant to wind, and the unexpected measurement results made me check the records several times. Also, although the water boiling speed was a little slower than the PCS, I realized for the first time that sufficient consideration had been given to combustion efficiency
The only downside is that the included three-pronged trivet (Triflex) is too small and unstable for medium-sized or larger pots, making it almost necessary to purchase the optional FourFlex (SOD-460)
However, even with options added, it's incredibly light, weighing less than 100g, with combustion efficiency on par with the PCS, wind and cold resistance, and the freedom to choose your cooktop, making it an attractive and excellent choice whether you're looking for a simple model to end up with or a basic model to start with. Personally, I also like the FourFlex's clever storage mechanism. It's a lightweight, high-power gas stove with no flaws, and anyone will have no regrets about buying it
JETBOIL JETBOIL MiniMo
The driving force behind the spread of PCS to the world, with an excellent balance of combustion performance, portability, and ease of use
When describing a personal cooking system, the phrase "something like..." is often used, and JETBOIL is synonymous with the genre. There are many different types in this series, but the first generation was an edgy, niche item that stood out for its high price of 10,000 yen just to boil water. However, it has steadily evolved to become easier to use and, with the included trivet, you can even cook with non-dedicated cups. The MiniMo is the most versatile of the series, a highly efficient burner system that is convenient for everyone
With a "flux ring" that supports high combustion efficiency, a built-in "thermoregulator" that provides stable heat even in cold weather, a delicate valve that allows for low flame adjustment, and decent wind resistance, it lived up to expectations in terms of stable, high combustion power and efficiency regardless of the field. It also received high praise for its compact size for a PCS
The translucent lid, convenient for draining water and preventing overflow, and the protective measuring cup that can be used when storing are also thoughtful, but the integrated neoprene cozy makes it easier than you'd imagine to hold the cooker securely even immediately after cooking. Another modest benefit is that it's available at Mont-Bell stores, making it readily available across the country. You can customize it to your liking by swapping out cozies with different patterns and colors, or adding spare cups so each member of your party can have their own.
Its overall performance is impressive, delivering top-class results in all conditions while remaining highly efficient. It's a masterpiece that will make you want to make your neighbor a cup of coffee during your break
PRIMUS P-ETA-ESP Eta Spider
The undisputed No. 1 in combustion performance and ease of cooking
In this comparison, including the Jetboil, which has the same PCS, the Eta Spider had the fastest boiling speed in all tests. It had the highest combustion power, was resistant to wind (with its dedicated windshield), and was also resistant to cold (with its preheat pipe), demonstrating virtually the best combustion performance. In other words, if you want to save the most cooking time, this is the model for you
Not only does it have high combustion efficiency, but it also boasts exceptional performance in terms of ease of cooking. The wide-mouthed, non-stick ceramic-coated cookware, the translucent, easy-to-grip lid that lets you see inside, and the high stability of the separate design (the gas cartridge and grate are separate) make it easy for even beginners to cook
The cooker is well thought out, with details like a cozy outer bag and a plastic bowl that can be stacked inside to prevent scratches and damage, so you can prepare any mountain meal you want with just this one item. The only drawback is its large overall size, but the benefits more than make up for that. It's also recommended as a second burner to upgrade from the basic type
Next page: Go to detailed reviews of each item
On the previous page, we introduced a ranking of the models we compared, a list of ratings and specs, and recommendations based on them. From here, we will explain what criteria were used to evaluate the evaluation and why it was evaluated in that way.
Detailed reviews of each item
Burning power
The output (kcal/h) published by each manufacturer can serve as a rough guide to heat output, but which one will actually heat the contents of the pot in the shortest time? You won't know that until you actually compare them under the same conditions
Therefore, in this test, we compared the actual combustion power by comparing the time it took for water of the same temperature to fully boil (the lid floated up with a short gap between them, and steam continued to come out vigorously from the drain hole in the PCS) on the same date, time, and place
Comparison of boiling speed in a windless area
Time taken to boil (no wind)
| item | P153 | Wind Master | Reggie | Jetboil | Eta Spider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal maximum output | 3,600kcal/h | 2,800kcal/h | 2,900kcal/h | 1,512kcal/h | 1,900kcal/h |
| Time to boil | 03m30s | 02m45s | 03m46s | 02m31s | 02m26s |
| Test conditions |
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The model with the shortest boil time was the Eta Spider, followed closely by the Jetboil. The dedicated cup with a heat exchanger is certainly advantageous. However, the Windmaster, which came in third, was also far from being low in combustion power , and the top three models all boasted high combustion power. While the spec figures here do not necessarily match the actual combustion power, please note that this may not always be the case, as there is of course some variation depending on the environment and conditions.
Wind resistant
The combustion power test was conducted in a windless environment, but this time we compared the combustion power in a more difficult environment, with some wind blowing. Since it is used outdoors, usability in such harsh conditions is important
A wind resistance test. Depending on the model, the heat output can drop dramatically when exposed to wind
Time taken to boil (with wind)
| item | P153 | Wind Master | Reggie | Jetboil Minimo | Eta Spider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time to boil | 04m21s | 03m41s | 06m29s | 03m58s | 03m09s |
| Test conditions |
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Even taking into account the advantage of cookers with integrated windshields, the Eta Spider's performance is undeniable. It's not much different from no wind . I was also surprised that the Windmaster performed better than I expected , even without a windshield
On the other hand, the P-153 took noticeably longer to boil, and the Reggi took nearly twice as long. Both models have exposed heads, making them susceptible to wind . When using these models in the field, proper wind protection is required . Always remember to prepare for the natural conditions at hand, such as choosing a location based on the wind direction and using windbreaks to block the wind.
Combustion efficiency
Here we compare "how efficiently they can heat with the least amount of fuel." However, since precise measurements are nearly impossible, we have used the gas consumption per hour published by each company for convenience, as well as the "weight of new gas minus the weight of used gas" , to compare combustion efficiency based on actual use. The results are as follows:
Comparison of gas consumption until boiling
| item | P153 | Wind Master | Reggie | Jetboil Minimo | Eta Spider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal maximum output | 3,600kcal/h | 2,800kcal/h | 2,900kcal/h | 1,512kcal/h | 1,900kcal/h |
| Nominal Burn Time | Approximately 55 minutes (when using IP-250 type gas) | Approximately 90 minutes (when using SOD-725T) | private | private | Approximately 84 minutes (when using IP-250 gas) |
| Published gas consumption | 245g/h | 130g/h | 235g/h | 120g/h | 160g/h |
| Gas consumption until boiling | 11g | 8g | 13g | 7g | 8g |
As expected, the Jetboil was head and shoulders above the rest in terms of combustion efficiency, but the Windmaster and Eta Spider were not far behind. In general, models with low output (heat output) but short boiling times tended to consume less gas (i.e. stoves with good combustion efficiency).
weight
This time, the comparison method is a bit tricky because the models are different in terms of set contents, but as mentioned at the beginning, in order to make the conditions as uniform as possible, we measured the actual weight of the entire PCS set and the Mont-Bell Alpine Cooker 14 (0.8L, actual weight 180g) as a standalone model, and compared them. Incidentally, the ignition device and storage case were not included
weight comparison
| item | P153 | Windmaster (+SOD-460) | Reggie | Jetboil Minimo | Eta Spider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set Weight | 295g (115g) | 267g (87g) | 402g (222g) | 440g | 635g |
*The weight in parentheses is for the main body only
The lightest is the Windmaster , followed by the P-153 . As expected, the direct-connection models can be made lighter by simplifying the cooktop . The Reggie is a little heavier, though not as heavy as the PCS, due to its separate design. The remaining PCS2 models come with a cooktop with heat conduction fins, a cozy, a draining lid, a measuring cup, a stabilizer, and other components, so there's a limit to how light they can be. That said, the individual parts aren't useless, so it seems like it's a trade-off between weight and style .
Compared to the Windmaster and P-153, which have a simple structure and allow for weight reduction, the fully equipped Eta Spider, while convenient, can weigh as much as a can of juice
Storageability
was compared using the entire PCS set and the Mont-bell Alpine Cooker 14 The P-153 . Its incredible compactness is immediately apparent in the photo below. Although it was a close second, the Windmaster also fit easily into this cooker, along with its gas cartridge. On the other hand, the Reggie , due to its large head and gas supply pipe , did not fit perfectly into the Alpine Cooker 14 Alpine Cooker 16 (1.5L) , as shown in the photo. The PCS is also designed to be stacked with the gas cartridge, so it's not particularly difficult to use.
The stove and 110 size gas cartridges are stored. The photo was taken at the same angle and scale
Stability and ease of use
The stability referred to here refers to the stability when a pot is placed on it to cook. As a basic premise, all of the models compared this time are at a high level when it comes to heat adjustment and ease of handling, so no matter which one you choose, there is no model that gives the impression of being difficult to use. Furthermore, we have looked at the details of usability and evaluated them based on three points: "ease of setting up (cleaning up)," "ease of cooking/eating," and "other functions."
ease of setup the P-153 and Windmaster are generally easy to set up and take down due to their simple structure The P-153 has only one part, including the ignition device, so there is no hassle. Other models require assembly, which can be a bit more time-consuming and can make it easy to lose parts.
Next, in terms of ease of cooking and eating, the Eta Spider 's stability stood out. Not only is it stable with a low center of gravity, but it also boasts a wide-mouthed cooker that's resistant to burning, an easy-to-see lid, and effortless heat adjustments, making it ideal for cooking. The Jetboil Minimo is not only stable even for simple cooking, but its integrated neoprene cozy allows you to hold it upright after cooking, making it extremely convenient. the legs was also highly praiseworthy, but it took more skill than I expected to stabilize it, as the two legs could not be adjusted to any length and the gas supply pipe was stiff.
Separate stoves like the Eta Spider (right) allow for stable cooking even in fields with little flat ground
Other notable features include the Windmaster and Jetboil 's "regulator" mechanism and the Eta Spider 's "preheat" mechanism, both of which offer the advantage of stable heat even in extremely low temperatures. The circular knobs on the P-153 and Eta Spider allow for both delicate and quick adjustments, while the wire knobs on other models are difficult to use and can be difficult to adjust quickly. The Jetboil 's ignition system also ignited almost immediately under all conditions during testing, making it superior to other models.
The circular heat control knob is easier to adjust, but it is slightly heavier and less compact
summary
While I expected the PCS to have a clear advantage in this comparison, I was still the Windmaster P-153 , which boasts the highest firepower and is likely Japan's best-selling lighter (though not necessarily a bad product), performed poorly in comparison, which was a bit of a shock for me as a personal favorite. It reminded me that results cannot be determined by catalog specifications or popularity alone. However, this test was conducted under limited conditions, and different environments may yield different results. Above all, I believe the most important thing is to choose a lighter that suits your environment. Choose the model that best suits your needs: the lightweight, all-around Windmaster; the Jetboil, with its efficient combustion and ease of use; the Eta Spider, heavy but reliable and easy to use; or the Regi, suitable for mild camping activities.
We also recommend this article about gas stoves
- Comparison Review: Comparing Lightweight Gas Stoves (Burners) for Mountaineering [Ideal for Beginners and Solo Hikes]
- Directly taught by a mountain climbing guide! A story about gas stoves that outdoor enthusiasts should know - from mechanisms to how to choose, how to use, and maintenance -
- [Archive] 20 points you should know to use gas equipment more safely and conveniently
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