It's so much fun I forget about time. How to choose a stove, cooker, or cutlery to take to climb a tent [Practical Edition]
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
As I announced in my article "List of Cooking Utensils to Take on a Tent-Based Mountain Climbing Trip and How to Choose Them [Basic Edition]" published last month, this time I would like to introduce my current lineup of the equipment I actually take on a mountain climb, titled "Practical Edition."
As we discussed in the previous basics section, what you should bring to cook in the mountains will, to put it bluntly, vary depending on the particular mountain hike. The optimal choice will vary depending on many factors, such as the season and location, the number of people and their quality, the purpose and style of the hike, and what you'll be eating. It's no exaggeration to say that the fun of figuring that out is one of the joys of mountain climbing or through-hiking
I usually choose my gear unconsciously every time I go on a mountain hike, but this time I tried to choose a typical case and the optimal set, and it was so much fun. It was so much fun that I ended up spending so much time thinking about what to choose
Deciding on the best choice for each of the huge number of cases would take forever, so this time I've put together a list of stove, cooker, and cutlery sets, including the criteria I used to choose them, for solo hiking/climbing trips, camping trips, and for those who do a lot of cooking or just need to boil water. Of course, this is just my own experience, so I recommend using this as a reference to reconsider your own cooking set. I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun
Even if you narrow it down to solo use, the optimal model will vary in size, shape, and construction depending on the activity and style
table of contents
This set is perfect for a relaxed stay with cooking and rice cooking
First, let's consider the case of an orthodox mountain climbing/hiking trip. The assumed style is a relaxed plan of action, walking at a comfortable pace, doing a little cooking at the campsite, and also wanting to easily prepare rice. This is the typical case of camping in a tent, which I have been doing since my student days and am personally most familiar with. Mountain trips that push the limits are also fulfilling, but this also provides an indescribably luxurious experience
With this case, I didn't think too much about rigidity, and instead prioritized five points: simple, easy, safe, durable, and versatile
Stove: SOTO Windmaster
When it comes to fire equipment (stoves and burners), you'll likely choose gas stoves without much hesitation due to their simplicity, safety, and versatility. Even beginners can easily use them, and they're designed to be safe, from lighting to adjusting the heat to extinguishing the stove, so you can rest assured that you won't have to worry about unnecessary hassles
Stoves, used in such classic activities, have steadily evolved over the decades, and now many manufacturers offer reliable models, so you won't be disappointed if you choose a flagship model from a well-known manufacturer. However, if I had to choose one right now, I would choose the SOTO Windmaster
The appeal of the Windmaster is its simplicity, light weight, and stable high firepower
The reason is that in addition to its basic functions, it is also extremely resistant to wind and cold, provides high heat output regardless of the environment, and yet is lightweight and has a simple structure (for more on this, see our comparison review with other models, see here ). Its versatility, providing stable, high performance year-round regardless of usage or environment, makes it slightly superior. However, the removable trivet may be a little difficult for beginners to get started with. In that sense, the PRIMUS P-153 is also hard to beat.
For stability, we recommend using the separately sold "FourFlex" trivet
Cooker: PRIMUS Easy Cook NS (non-stick) Solo Set M
There wasn't any particular reason why I had to choose this cooker in this case, but after trying out a few different ones, I chose the PRIMUS Easy Cook NS (non-stick) Solo Set M . Following the five priority points mentioned earlier, the reasons for this are its "simple" design, with the handle and cup integrated into one. It's made of aluminum, so it's a little thick and heavy, but it's "sturdy" and heats well, and the non-stick interior prevents food from burning, making cooking "easy and safe" (non-burning also means it's less likely to break).
With the Easy Cook NS Solo Set M, you can stack the company's S-size cooker and 110-size cartridge depending on the situation
The 900ml pot and 400ml mini pot are a little too large, but of course, even the small size wouldn't be inconvenient. However, when it comes to cooking and rice preparation, a slightly larger size is more convenient, and it would be better to fit a 250-size gas cartridge. Considering all of that, I recommend the medium size for its "versatility" that can be used in a variety of situations. In reality, if you want to have everything—main dish, soup, and rice—you'll need another cup, but in that case, you can smartly expand it by stacking a smaller pot (such as the Easy Cook series Mini Kit or Solo Set S) on it
Cutlery: humangear GoBites Click (or Montbell Stack-in Noh chopsticks if you need chopsticks)
To be honest, in this case, you don't need to be too particular about the cutlery. You can bring whatever you like, whether it's the cutlery you use at home or something from a 100 yen shop, but since we're here, we'd like to recommend a model that is easy to store (stack) and eat with, and is the Go-Bite CLICK (& Stack-in Chopsticks)
The shape and material make it easy to eat, and by clicking a button and sliding it out, it can be stored compactly
The spoon, fork, and chopsticks are all compact and easy to eat with, and they fit nicely into small spaces. All of them are readily available at Montbell shops, so they're easy to find
If you are primarily interested in boiling water and value reliability and ease of use, this is the set for you
Similarly, if you're not going to tackle a difficult course, but you're not particularly going to be picky about your meals, and you can get by with instant meals or pre-packaged rice, then you don't need to pack as extravagant a set as in the previous case. And if possible, you'll want to keep it light and compact. Next, I've come up with a set that I recommend for people who are somewhat used to mountain climbing, or who want to be a little more strict about cutting down on weight and volume. In fact, most of the mountain trips I go on these days fall into this category
In terms of priorities, it seems that out of the five points mentioned above - "simple, easy to use, safe, durable, and versatile" - they have compromised on three of them - "simple, durable, and versatile" - and instead prioritized "lightweight and compact."
Stove: PRIMUS P-115 Fem Stove
It's incredibly compact, just a little larger than a cigarette lighter
This is a top-class gas stove in terms of lightness and compactness when stored. It's also high-powered and comes with an ignition device, making it easy to operate. The heat adjustment dial is also sensitive and easy to use. While there are lighter stoves available if you search thoroughly around the world, there's something irreplaceable about the absolute reliability that you can't find in questionable overseas brands
Cooktop: Snow Peak Solo Set Titanium (SCS-004TR)
The model I'm currently using is the older model (Solo Set Goku Titanium), but the biggest appeal of this set, which has been carried over to the latest model, is that it's made of titanium, which is thin and light yet maintains reliable strength. And above all, I think it's the perfect size for easy stacking, allowing you to neatly store everything you need. This time, when I decided to go lighter, I felt confident choosing this set without hesitation, which is impressive
It's deep enough to fit two 110 size cartridges, so even if you store a P-115 on top there's still plenty of room. You can actually pack a surprising amount of cutlery, a lighter, tea and coffee
The pot has a deep enough base to fit a cup, and the pot can also hold a 110 size cartridge, a P-115 FemStove, a lighter, and folding cutlery
The TOAKS Titanium Pot POT-750 also allows for almost the same stacking. However, since it doesn't have a small cup, you could add a Sea to Summit X Mug, for example. It's a matter of personal preference, but I personally like the smooth feel of Snow Peak's titanium, so I tend to reach for the Solo Set.
Cutlery: Snow Peak School
I have tried many mountain cutlery products, but Snow Peak's Sukuo is the one that I personally think is the most perfect, being both lightweight, compact, and easy to eat with, to the point that I can safely say it is one of a kind .
What could be called a spoon and fork in one cutlery (also called a spork) is either a spoon and a fork on each end, or a split-tip design like this model, where the spoon splits at the end so that it can also be used as a fork. While the double-ended design has a size and shape that makes it easy to eat from, it can be somewhat difficult to use, as it can easily get your hands dirty. The split-tip design, where the eating portion is concentrated on one side, is clearly easier to use. However, the problem with split-tip designs is ease of eating. Specifically, if the split is too small, it can be difficult to use properly as a fork, which can be a bit frustrating
There are many split-tip spokes, but I have never seen a model with such a prominent fork other than the Scoo
In this respect, the Scoo has a more clearly fork-like appearance than other split-tip spoons, making it easier to use as a fork. Perhaps because eating in the mountains is actually more often spent scooping up solid foods like noodles and rice than soup, this spoon feels indescribably more comfortable to eat with. Moreover, just because it's easy to use as a fork doesn't mean it's difficult to use as a spoon; when you eat, the soup gets slightly mixed with the noodles scooped up with the fork, making for an exquisitely delicious taste.
The soup that collects in the slightly larger indented part of the spoon mixes nicely with the noodles, giving it a delicious, slightly extra-special feeling, especially when eating ramen
The shapes of the fork and spoon, each cutlery with a different nature, are balanced together in a way that is simply stunning no matter how you think about it. Truly one of a kind
It also comes with a rice cooking scale, which is handy when cooking rice, and other neat little features. It's a shame that it can't be stacked inside this pot set, but even taking that into account, it's incredibly easy to eat with, even among lightweight outdoor cutlery, so it's a must-have. *The latest model, the Solo Set Titanium with the short version of the Scoo Short Scoo SCT-130, " but I don't have high hopes for the Short Scoo due to its ease of eating.
A set for all things lightweight and compact
From here on, it's more of a hobby. I don't actually go into the mountains with ultra-lightweight gear that often, but I'll introduce an example of what I do when I want to go as light and compact as possible, such as when hiking along mountain streams where fuel is relatively readily available
The priority here is "lightweight and compact" above all else. Furthermore, we also kept in mind how "comfortable" it would be to eat with it. Therefore, it's not something that anyone can use right away; you'll need to be familiar with how to use it beforehand, and you'll need to put up with some inconveniences. However, once you overcome this hurdle, you'll be able to enjoy a streamlined and smart hike that will make your previous experience seem like a lie
Stove: RSR Stove (2nd model)
Due to their design, gas stoves require extra storage even for one or two uses, making them a poor choice for those seeking lightweight storage. This leads to more compact stoves and stoves that use non-gas fuels and allow for flexible fuel selection. Among these, the most convenient, offering high heat output and easy fuel procurement, is the alcohol stove. There are countless alcohol stoves produced around the world, ranging from simple to complex, from well-known manufacturers to homemade creations. My personal favorite is the RSR Stove from RiversideRambler (RSR) . RSR develops, manufactures, and sells outdoor gear for headwater fishing and camping trips. I came across them by chance just as I was starting to look for gear after resuming my canyoning adventures.
In addition to the alcohol stove itself, it is convenient to use it with an optional cross-shaped trivet, a simple windbreak, a heat control ring, and a fire extinguisher lid. By the way, there are various types of trivets
Actually, I was originally interested in the RSR solo fire pit, so I didn't know they also made alcohol stoves, and this one was just a side purchase. But when I tried it, I fell in love at first sight. It's powerful, compact, and durable, and above all, it has a beautiful machined aluminum alloy body and a blue, swirling, tornado-like flame. It's just so well made in every way
A short time after lighting it, a blue flame, signifying complete combustion, shoots up in a swirling pattern. It's a work of art in a sense
On top of all this, it also comes with a heat control lid, fire extinguisher lid, grate, windshield, and fuel bottle, all of which have been streamlined to the bare minimum while still maintaining ease of use. It's hard to believe how much attention has been paid to the user's attention to detail (though of course, there are still the dangers and hassles inherent to alcohol stoves)
Although the tool originated from canyoning and headwater fishing, it is not limited to that narrow framework, and can be used in any outdoor activity where compactness and lightness are desired. I personally find it moving that such an excellent product was born from the world of canyoning and headwater fishing, outdoor activities that best embody the MYOG spirit in Japan. Incidentally, this brand's solo campfire stove is also incredibly well-made, so I hope to review it soon
It's also interesting to use a multi-fuel stove that can handle not only alcohol but also solid fuels and small bonfires. In that case, my current recommendation is the FIREBOX GEN2 Nano Stove Titanium Wood Stove 3-inch , but that's a story for another time.
Cooker: Evernew Ti570CUP & 570CUP Lid
The ultra-lightweight titanium cooker from EVERNEW is very popular among UL hikers, and there are so many reviews from various media outlets and individuals that there is no need to go into detail here, so I will not go into detail here. It is really well made, with its thinness, lightness, smooth feel, bottom and edge treatment, and scale markings
So, it's definitely worth choosing in itself, but the good news is that it also pairs perfectly with the RSR Stove. As you can see in the photo below, the size of the fuel bottle and windshield attached to the alcohol stove is just perfect. This is the one for you
I wrapped the windshield around the fuel bottle, placed it in the alcohol stove, and put it in the Ti570CUP, and it fit perfectly
One problem is that if you put it this way, you can't stack it with the Evernew 400FD, which is related to this cooker. It's actually more convenient to have two cookers. Of course, you can stack them if you separate the fuel bottles, but I personally want to put fuel in it, so Sea to Summit X Mag , and just place it on top of the lid.
The Sea to Summit X Mug is a portable cup that doesn't take up much space, making it easy to take with you on any set, making it a real convenience for me
Cutlery: Toaks Folding Spork SLV-06
Finally, regarding cutlery, if you want to cut down on weight as much as possible, a spork with a spoon and fork in one is the best. Normally, I the Suku, , but that's not the case here. What I want to focus on here is a spork that can be stored in the Ti570CUP.
There are surprisingly few options for spokes that meet these requirements. Among them, the TOAKS SLV-06 is not only perfect because it's a spoke and foldable, but it's also made of ultra-lightweight titanium. If I were to be greedy, I would have liked the tip of the fork to be a little milder, but the mirror-finished finish makes it feel good on the pavement, so I'm generally satisfied
The foldable titanium spork is super light and compact. When you look for foldable sporks, you'll find there are surprisingly few options
The most important thing is that the cooker can comfortably store all the items you need for cooking, including fuel, other than ingredients. In the photo below, the following items are all stored inside the Ti570CUP
- RSR Stove 2nd
- Simple windshield
- Fuel bottle (contains 100ml of alcohol)
- Cross trivet
- fire extinguisher lid
- Heat adjustment ring
- writer
- Toaks folding spokes
- 2 tea bags, 1 instant coffee
There's an indescribable sense of satisfaction when it all fits so perfectly, it's refreshing
On flat ground, roughly one cup (about 450ml) of water will boil with 30ml of alcohol, so if you bring a full tank, you can roughly calculate that you can eat three to four meals. This will cover a one- to two-night trip. Isn't that amazing?
My endless journey to an outdoor cooking system continues
The optimal cooking set will vary from person to person depending on factors such as mountaineering style, preferences for equipment, food preferences, and the equipment you currently have on hand. Of course, there's no need to buy something that's already sold separately. It's not uncommon to find that the dishes or Tupperware you have on hand are a perfect fit. While I felt that this was the best choice for me, I'm sure the results would be different if someone else had chosen it, and I think that diversity is part of the fun of the outdoors
It may be fun to pursue your favorite brands and trendy gear. But you mustn't forget that gear is merely a means to make your trip more fulfilling. If you match your gear to your trip, rather than matching your trip to a brand, you will be able to create your own equipment list. Only then will you feel a sense of fulfillment that comes from truly enjoying the outdoors, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way
To ensure a fun and safe outdoor experience, be sure to pay close attention to how you use stoves and other fire equipment, and today, as always, let's let our imaginations and fantasies run wild about our next mountain trip
Related reading
Mountain gas stoves (burners): Best buys for each type that you can understand when you actually use them, and 5 tips to choose them wisely
Comparison review: Comparing lightweight gas stoves (single burners) for mountain climbing [Ideal for beginners and solo hiking]
Best Outdoor Gear of 2014 by the US Outdoor Web Magazine Gear Institute
Comparison Review: Which gas stove should you choose for your mountaineering? I compared it