Comparison Review: Which gas stove should you choose for your mountaineering? I compared it

Food made outdoors is one of the most fun events for camping or mountain climbing. Just thinking about the situation makes me excited, such as hot pots that brought ingredients to me, specialty products I bought along the way, and quick to finish off and look at the stars and drink again.

The mountaineering gas stove which is the key to the hidden side of outdoor meals , has the same basic functions for each model, but in reality, they have strengths and weaknesses depending on the season, purpose and number of people you are looking for, including simple boiling water, cooking with effort, coffee and tea, and making water by melting snow. The differences can only be clearly seen after actually using them. So this time, we've compared the most standard and versatile popular and latest models from various angles, perfect for staying in a tent with 1-3 people.

table of contents

• About the items we compared and tested this time
• Test results and spec comparison table
• Evaluation results - Recommended climbing gas stoves 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,

• Medium to high firepower for 1-3 people or more for solo climbing
• Highly versatile, not only for boiling water but also for cooking
• Easy to use even for beginners
• Popular brand models that are easy to obtain nationwide

We have picked out the following five models of gas stoves for mountain climbing that match the conditions and offer a variety of unique features.

• PRIMUS P-153 Ultra Burner (hereinafter referred to as P-153)
• SOTO Micro Regulator Stove Windmaster SOD-310 + Sold separately Gotoku Forflex SOD-460 (hereinafter referred to as Windmaster) 
• SnowPeak Yaen Stove Leggi (hereinafter referred to as Leggi)
• JETBOIL JETBOIL MiniMo (hereinafter referred to as Jetboil)
• PRIMUS P-ETA-ESP Eta Spider (hereinafter referred to as Eta Spider)

(direct-connected) Eta Spider (separate type) bear direct-connected models, such as the P-153 the orthodox among high-fire models the Jetboil Minimo (direct-connected type) and the Eta Spider (separate type) from the personal cooking system (hereinafter referred to as PCS), which has been gaining intense attention in recent years, including high thermal efficiency? Regi which has unique features such as stability, high heat and compact, will give you a surprise? This review was made up of models with unique personalities, each with slightly different mechanisms.

By the way, I had been using the P-153 for four years up until this test, and this is my fifth experience, including the PSC's personal import model, but this time I'm testing everything with the current model, not my own.

Test environment

In addition to checking for water heaters outdoors from November to December 2017, we tested its usability during normal use on mountain climbing. Since the majority of the models were models with regulators and gas preheating mechanisms, this time they have also been added in a separate section.

It is strictly impossible to compare weight and storage capacity between a set model including a cooker and a stove model. we are comparing the stove alone assuming Montbell Alpine Cooker 14 of similar capacity and shape In this regard, we have taken into consideration so that either of them does not have an extremely advantageous advantage, but please understand that there are limits.

Test results and spec comparison table

Evaluation results - Recommended by type

SOTO Micro Regulator Stove Windmaster SOD-310 + SOD-460

1st overall: Reliable high performance in a field that exceeds specs

SOTO's signature gas stove has won first place overall thanks to its overall strength, which covers the lack of high-efficiency features such as windshields and heat exchangers, while also taking advantage of its strengths of being lightweight, compact and high heat. To be honest, I thought it would be no use for the two PCS models to be advantageous this time, so I'm surprised they'll be able to do this much on their own.

As the product name "Windmaster," its unique mortar-shaped burner head has a prominent resistance to the wind, and I have even looked back at the unexpected measurement results. Although it is also slightly inferior in speed to PCS in terms of water boiling speed, this time we have realized for the first time that it is fully considered in terms of combustion efficiency.

Unfortunately, the included three-piece trout (Trifarex) is too small, making it unstable for medium and larger pots, and it is half-required to buy more optional Fourflex (SOD-460).

However, even with options, this is an attractive, attractive model that is attractive for both the simple model that will come to an end, and the basic model you will first purchase, with its overwhelming lightness of less than 100g, combustion efficiency that is no less than PCS, wind and cold resistance, and freedom to choose a cooker. Personally, I like the tricky storage mechanism of Forflex as well. This lightweight, high-power gas stove is perfect for you, and you won't regret buying it no matter who you buy.

JETBOIL JETBOIL MiniMo

The key player who spread PCS to the world, and an exquisite balance between combustion performance, portability and usability

JETBOIL is synonymous with this genre, as it is understood by "something like" when explaining personal cooking systems. There are many different types of this series, but the original was an edgy, maniacal item that was noticeable at a high price of 10,000 yen just to boil water. This has undergone a steady evolution, with it becoming easier to cook, and using the included grate, allowing you to cook in a non-special cup. This MiniMo is the most versatile and can be said to be the high-heat efficiency burner system that is convenient for everyone.

The "flux ring" supports high combustion efficiency, the built-in "thermo regulator" that provides stable heat even in cold weather, a delicate valve that can adjust the heat, and a decent wind resistance, so the stable, high combustion power and combustion efficiency were as expected regardless of the field. It is also highly praised for being compact for a PCS.

The semi-transparent lid is convenient for preventing water draining and spills, and the protective measuring cup that can be used when storing, but most importantly, thanks to the integrated neoprene cozy, it's more convenient than you imagined to be able to hold the cooker safely even after cooking. Another modest advantage is that it is available at Mont-bell's direct store, as it is available without any disparities in the region. such as changing cozzies with different patterns and colors, or adding spare cups to use them for each party member.

Although it is highly efficient, it has achieved top-class results in all conditions, and is astounding as its overall strength. This is a masterpiece that will make you want to brew your neighbor's coffee during your break.

PRIMUS P-ETA-ESP Eta Spider

No. 1 in terms of combustion performance and ease of cooking

In this comparison, including Jet Boil, which is the same PCS, this Eta Spider had the fastest boiling speed in all tests. This time, it has the highest combustion power, which is wind-resistant (special windshield) and also cold-resistant (preheat pipe), showing practically the best combustion performance. In other words, this is the model if you want to save the most cooking time.

Not only is its high combustion efficiency, but it also shows extremely high performance due to its ease of cooking. The wide mouth and non-stick ceramic coated cooker that is easy to cook, a semi-transparent easy-to-grab lid that allows you to see through the inside, and a separating type (the type with separate gas cartridge and the gutter part) make cooking easy even for beginners in the mountains.

We take great care in detail, such as an outer bag that can be used as a cozzi, and a plastic bowl stacked inside the cooker to prevent scratches and breakage, so with just one piece you can enjoy any kind of mountain meal. The only drawback is the overall size, but there is more to compensate for this. It is also recommended as a burner to buy as a second burner from basic types.

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 is a useful reference for heat power, but which one actually warms the contents of the pot in the shortest time? This is not clear unless you actually compare it under the same conditions.

Therefore, in this test, we compared the actual combustion power by comparing the time it took for water at the same temperature to completely boil (the lid floats up shortly, and the PCS keeps steam coming out vigorously through the drain hole) at the same date and time.

Time taken for boiling (no wind)

The Eta Spider had the shortest boiling time, and by a close margin, the Jet Boil. As expected, a dedicated cup with a heat exchanger is advantageous. However, the third place Windmaster also has a low combustion power , making it difficult to say that the top three models had high combustion power. The spec numbers here do not necessarily match the actual combustion power, but of course, the possibility of slight fluctuations cannot be ruled out depending on the environment and conditions, so please note that this does not always occur.

Wind resistant

The combustion power test was tested without wind, but now we compared the combustion power in a slightly more severe environment, where a certain amount of wind blows. Since it is used outdoors, it is important to be easy to use in such harsh conditions.

Time taken for boiling (with wind)

Even considering that a cooker with an integrated windshield is advantageous, the Eta Spider is still certainly effective. It's not much different from a windless state . It was also surprising that Windmaster was doing better than he had imagined , despite the lack of a windshield

On the other hand, the P-153 visibly extended the time until it boiled, and it took nearly twice as long as it was on the Regi Both models have exposed heads, so they are heavily affected by the wind . When using these models on-site, you need to take thorough wind protection . Always remember to prepare for the natural situation at the moment, such as choosing a location that takes into consideration the direction of the wind and making efforts to avoid wind using a windshield.

Combustion efficiency

Here we will compare "how much more efficient heat can be heated with less fuel." However, since strict measurements are almost impossible, we have compared combustion efficiency based on actual use by using the gas consumption per hour announced by each company the "weight of new gas - weight of gas after use" and after the actual combustion test in a windless state. The results were as follows:

Comparison of gas usage until boiling

As expected, the Jetboil 's combustion efficiency was outstanding, but Windmaster and Eta Spider were none other than the best. Overall, models with low power (heat power) but short actual boiling time tend to consume less gas (= stoves with good combustion efficiency).

weight

This time, the comparison method is a bit confusing as the models have different set contents are different, but as mentioned at the beginning, in order to ensure that the conditions are met as much as possible, we measured the actual weight and compared the PCS, assuming that the entire set was used, and the single model was a mont-bell alpine cupr 14 (0.8L, measured 180g). By the way, ignition devices and storage cases are excluded.

Weight comparison

*The weight of the main body only is shown in the inside ()

The lightest is the Windmaster , followed the P-153 , and the direct-connected model can be reduced by simplifying the cooker . The leggi is slightly heavier than the PCS, even if it's not as large as a PCS, and the remaining PCS2 models come with a set of cookers, cozzies, drain lids, measuring cups, stabilizers, etc., so there are limits to how to lighten them. However, since individual parts are not wasted, this is likely to be a trade-off between taking on weight or being smart .

Storageability

Similar to weight comparisons, PCS compared the entire set, and the single model was compared using the mont-bell alpine cupr 14 The P-153 was the most compact storage possible . The incredible compactness is obvious from the photo below. Although it's a close difference, the windmaster also fits easily into the cooker this time. On the other hand, the leggis are large in size, such as the head and gas supply pipe, so the Alpine Cooker 14 were just the right size to fit in the Alpine Cooker 16 (1.5L) as shown in the photo Furthermore, PCS is originally designed to be stacked together with gas cartridges, so it is not inconvenient to use.

Stability and ease of use

The stability here refers to the stability when cooked with a pot on top. As a basic premise, all the models we compared this time are all in high-level terms of heat power adjustments and good twill, so none of the models gave the impression that none of them would be difficult to use no matter which one was chosen. Furthermore, we also evaluated the usability of the details by paying attention to three points: "ease of setting (cleaning), ease of cooking and eating," and "other functions."

ease of setting the P-153 has a simple structure and the Windmaster are generally easy to set up and clean up. In particular, the P-153 has only one part, including the ignition device, so there is no hassle. Other models have the risk of assembling parts, which involves a bit of effort and the likelihood of losing parts.

Next, the Eta Spider was outstanding in terms of ease of cooking and eating In addition to its low center of gravity stability, it also has a wide-mouthed cooker that is not easily burnt, easy to read lid, and subtle heat adjustments, making it perfect for cooking. the Jet Boil Minimo stable even for simple cooking, but its integrated neoprene cozy is extremely convenient, making it easy to carry after cooking. the Regi also highly appreciated to some extent, but it felt like there was more tricky to stabilizing it than I thought, with the fact that the two legs cannot be fixed to a free length and the gas supply pipes were stiff.

Some other points that I couldn't overlook Windmaster and Jetboil to protect against the cold, Eta Spider mechanism, which has the advantage of being able to provide stable firepower even in harsh, low-temperature conditions. the P-153 and Eta Spider make it easy to adjust delicately and quickly, while the wire knobs on other models are difficult to adjust quickly, making them difficult to handle. The Jetboil also ignited almost in one shot in any environment during testing, and was excellent compared to other models.

summary

In this comparison review, it was within the expectations that PCS would have an advantageous result, but despite this, I was left surprised by how tough the Windmaster P-153 , which has the largest firepower and is probably the best-selling P-153 in Japan (although the product itself is not at all bad), is not growing very well, and I'm a bit shocked as someone who I personally used. I once again realized that it is not clear to see the results just by catalog specifications and popularity. However, this time we are testing with limited conditions, and if the environment is different, different results may be obtained. I think the most important thing is to choose a partner that suits your usage environment. Choose the best model for your purpose, such as a lightweight, all-around windmaster, a jetboil that is burning efficiency and easy to use, a heavy, easy-to-use Eta Spider that is safe to use, and a milder, easy-to-use leggi that is easy to use if you are focused on camping.

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