SOTO Tri-Trail & Trail Table Review: A mountain-ready gas stove and table set that offers high performance, great value, light weight, and compactness
Written by Yosuke.C
I like to keep my luggage as light as possible, so I prefer to use a one-person tent. My tent is packed with equipment, and I sleep in a limited space. When I go mountain climbing or hiking, where I have to carry all the necessities of life (food, clothing, and shelter) on my own, I try to keep my equipment to a minimum to keep weight down, and I don't bring any luxuries that would increase comfort. Furniture like tables and chairs are a prime example of this
It's convenient to have, but you won't be in trouble if you don't have it. But if you can bring it with you, you'd still like to have it. For example, many people would be attracted to a compact table that could be taken to the mountains. It's not possible to fit a table in the limited space inside a tent. What if you could fit a table in a place that was previously dead space?
The Trail Table from SOTO (Shin Fuji Burner) is an ingenious table designed to utilize the space above a gas cartridge, which was previously dead space, as a table.By combining it with the TriTrail which is compatible with CB canisters, you can instantly create a comfortable kitchen system in the field without wasting any space.
A table and gas stove with appealing features. Until recently, I thought that CB can type gas stoves were not suitable for mountain environments, but that is no longer the case. Now, although I understand this, I wonder how it would be to actually the TriTrail and the compact Trail Table in the mountains. I've used them in the field to find out, so I'll give you my review right away.
table of contents
Main features of the SOTO Trail Table ST-3501
The Trail Table is a lightweight, compact, and foldable table. Simply open the top panel to assemble, making setup a breeze. The legs are designed to fit perfectly with CB canisters, allowing it to be used in combination with gas stoves that accept CB canisters. It's especially compatible with SOTO's TriTrail which is designed to fit inside the folded Trail Table
The Trail Table weighs just 135g and folds compactly, so it can be used on its own and is highly portable, making it ideal not only for mountain climbing but for all outdoor activities.
Favorite points
- Make effective use of limited space
- Can also be used as a stand-alone table
- Easy to set up and fold with one touch
- The Tri Trail fits perfectly inside
Points of concern
- The storage size is a little large
- Small size for a table
Main specifications and evaluation
| Item Name | Trail Table |
|---|---|
| Weight (g) | 135g (body only) |
| material | Aluminum alloy, nylon resin |
| Load-bearing capacity | 2kg |
| size | Width 177 x Depth 130 x Height 80 mm (when in use) |
| Storage size | Width 55 x Depth 130 x Height 86 mm (when stored) |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| durability | ★★★★☆ |
| Storage capacity | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
Detailed Review
Make effective use of limited space
The Trail Table has specially designed legs that fit the CB canister perfectly. By setting it so that it covers the canister, you can effectively utilize the space that was previously dead space.
Effectively utilizes the dead space above the gas cartridge
Since portability is a priority for mountain tents, many models have minimal space in the vestibule, which is by no means spacious (although there are some models that are larger). Especially in single-person tents, the vestibule is used to store shoes and other items in order to ensure sleeping space, so the space for cooking and other activities is limited
In situations where space is limited, it's great to be able to use even the dead space above the CB canister. I was skeptical about the small size of the table, thinking it wouldn't be that comfortable, but even if it's small, having a table makes a big difference. It has greatly improved the standard of living inside the tent. Moreover, by having an integrated burner and table rather than a single unit, there are no disadvantages to having a table, which makes use of the limited space without taking up the narrow vestibule of a one-person tent
The basic premise is that gas stoves should be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas, but when hiking in mountainous areas, you may be forced to cook in the vestibule of your tent due to bad weather. Cooking in the vestibule is done at your own risk, and you should ensure that the area is well ventilated
Although it is a small table, it is lightweight and highly portable
A table is not a must-have item for mountaineering. Many people give up on or hesitate to bring a table to the mountains due to its weight and portability, but the Trail Table weighs just 135g (actual measurement: 136.8g) and is foldable, making it easy to carry and highly portable. While it may be small for a table, those who want to enjoy mountain meals at a tent site, enjoy a drink with a spectacular view, or brew a hearty cup of coffee after breakfast should not have to give up on tent life with a table just for the added weight of 135g. Despite its light weight of 135g, it has a load capacity of 2kg, making it well-made and durable.
Can be used as a stand-alone table and easily assembled with one touch
The Trail Table is designed to cover a CB canister, making it a perfect match for stoves compatible with CB canisters. While I would normally recommend it to users who use stoves compatible with CB canisters, I also recommend using it on its own. The Trail Table , and can be assembled and stored with one touch, making it extremely easy to use. Assembly takes less than a second, as all you need to do is lift the folded top. Storage is also easy, as you can fold it by pulling the top to the left and right, so it can also be stored in just a second (not including the time it takes to put it into the storage bag).
Can also be used as a stand-alone table
Being a lazy person, I don't like or want to use tables that require a lot of assembly, but a trail table makes me want to use one even in situations where I would normally not bother using a table during a break.
I've gotten used to not having a table when hiking. I didn't mind sand and gravel sticking to cookware or bottles I left on the ground, but it turns out I'd just gotten used to it and become numb to it. Having a table also has the benefit of keeping your belongings clean
The Tri Trail fits perfectly inside
Some compact tables from other brands are so thin they fit into tight spaces, and the Trail Table , which creates dead space when the tabletop is stored, to be a bit too large when used alone. How you use this space is up to you, but the Tri Trail, which we'll introduce later, fits perfectly into this space. Technically, the grates protrude, but the burner head, igniter, and adjustment knobs are securely covered, so it also doubles as a hard case for protecting the stove when stored.
It is designed not only to not waste space when in use, but also when stored, making it a great design that matches the needs of mountain climbers who can only bring limited luggage
The Trail Table is a simple table, but it incorporates features that allow it to make effective use of limited space. It is highly versatile and can be used on its own, and it is no exaggeration to say that it was made for the brand's Tri-Trail . Next, let's take a look at the capabilities of Tri -Trail, a CB can-compatible stove that pairs perfectly with the
Main features of the SOTO TriTrail ST-350
The TriTrail is a portable, single-burner gas stove that uses CB canisters. Its cone-shaped burner head enhances combustion efficiency and wind resistance, while its micro-regulator function, combined with the CB TOUGH series gas cartridges, provides consistent heat even at high altitudes and in low temperatures, just like the OD canister models. The built-in ignition system allows for one-touch ignition without a lighter, and the trivet is made of titanium, which has low thermal conductivity, making it lightweight and reducing the risk of burns after use.
The low-center-of-gravity, highly stable grate has a diameter of 112mm, making it suitable for cooking for two or three people. At 135g, it's the lightest model in SOTO's lineup of stoves compatible with CB canisters. While using CB canisters, its portability, combustion efficiency, and wind resistance make it a stove for mountaineering that offers performance on a par with OD canisters
Favorite points
- The introduction of the "CB TOUGH" series enables use in low-temperature environments and mountain climbing
- Equipped with a regulator, it is resistant to low temperature environments
- Highly wind-resistant cone-shaped burner head
- Low center of gravity for high stability
- Compact storage for a stove that can handle CB cans
- Economical as you can use different cylinders depending on the situation
Points of concern
- It is larger than compact stoves that use OD cans
- The range of heat adjustment is narrow
Main specifications and evaluation
| Item Name | TriTrail |
|---|---|
| type | Integrated type |
| Output (kcal/h) |
|
| Weight (g) | 135g |
| material |
|
| Tripod size (Φ mm) | Approximately 112mm (measured value of the trivet) |
| Load-bearing capacity | 2kg |
| size | Width 138 x Depth 156 x Height 111mm (main unit only) |
| Storage size | Width 112 x Depth 47 x Height 113mm (when stored) |
| ignition device | can be |
| 300ml boiling time | 129 seconds (when using ST-711/ST-712) |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Combustion power | ★★★★☆ |
| Wind resistance | ★★★★★ |
| Toughness (for cold weather use) | ★★★★☆ |
| combustion efficiency | ★★★★☆ |
| Storage capacity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
Detailed Review
The introduction of the "CB TOUGH" series enables use in low-temperature environments and mountain climbing
The author's understanding was that CB canisters (cassette gas bottles) are basically designed for use in ordinary households and are not suitable for use at high altitudes or in mountainous areas
The "CB TOUGH" series overturns conventional wisdom about CB cans. By using a cylinder with a higher pressure resistance than conventional CB cans, it is possible to mix the same three types of gasoline as OD cans: isobutane, normal butane, and propane, making it suitable for use in mountainous areas and low-temperature environments. In addition to the standard CB can size, the lineup also includes a slightly smaller size, allowing you to choose the size that best suits your mountain trip
The CB TOUGH series offers two cylinder sizes to choose from
With the introduction of the "CB TOUGH" series, the range of uses for gas stoves compatible with CB cans has expanded dramatically. What's more, they are more reasonably priced than OD cans, making them more attractive from an economical standpoint
The "mortar-shaped" burner head is equipped with a regulator, making it resistant to low temperatures and wind
While the CB TOUGH canister is resistant to low temperatures, Tri-Trail to be used in low temperatures. The built-in micro-regulator prevents a loss of flame power due to continuous use or the canister cooling down at low temperatures. Even when the internal gas pressure drops at low temperatures, the amount of gas sent to the burner is adjusted, maintaining flame power regardless of the outside temperature. (However, if the gas canister continues to cool down and becomes too cold for the fuel to vaporize, flame power will decrease even if the regulator is installed.)
The micro regulator also controls fuel injection not only at low temperatures but also at high temperatures, ensuring a stable fuel supply at all times
Cone-shaped burner head
The Tritrail 's burner head is cone-shaped, concentrating the flame at a single point when ignited. This minimizes the amount of flame hitting the cooktop and improves combustion efficiency. Furthermore, the area around the head is designed to minimize direct wind impact, ensuring performance remains stable even in windy environments. In tests with wind speeds of approximately 1-3 meters, it was able to boil 300ml of water in approximately 120 seconds. In tests without wind, it took approximately 100 seconds, so the margin of error is within the acceptable range. The Tritrail's output is 2.6kW (2,200kcal/h), which is not high compared to other gas stoves in SOTO's lineup, but the burner head shape and built-in regulator provide high performance.
Outdoor Gearzine has previously featured gas stoves, and the brand's OD can single stove, the "Windmaster," was named as a top candidate for the best stove. It has the same structure as the Windmaster, so it's no surprise that it's highly wind-resistant. Its high wind resistance and ability to be used in low-temperature environments make it a stove that can be easily recommended for mountain use
The built-in igniter allows you to light the stove even without a lighter, making it easy to light even with the cooker on it. The heat can be easily adjusted from low to high, making it ideal for cooking rice and other dishes. It's easy to use and suitable for a wide range of hikers, from those who prefer to reheat their food to those who want to enjoy hearty mountain meals. While the igniter works fine at lower altitudes, it may not work properly at higher altitudes, so be sure to carry a lighter with you
Compact storage for a stove that can handle CB cans
The Tri-Trail officially weighs 135g (the actual weight of the stove itself is 131.4g), making it the lightest CB-compatible gas stove in SOTO's lineup. Compared to the next lightest model in the lineup, the Tri-Trail is a whopping 59% (195g) lighter.
The stove's grate folds up to make it compact and highly portable, and as mentioned above, it fits perfectly inside the trail table. It's true that it's a little heavier and takes up more storage space than gas stoves that use OD cans and are designed for mountain use, but it's highly practical, considering its economically attractive CB can compatibility, low center of gravity for stability, ease of operation, and wind resistance, and would make a great addition to your mountain gear
Summary: Make camping in a tent more comfortable with the Trail Table and Tri Trail, which make effective use of limited space!
We've introduced the Trail Table & Tri Trail. Gas stoves compatible with CB canisters (cassette gas cylinders), designed for general household use, are steadily narrowing in performance compared to OD canister gas stoves thanks to technological advancements and advancements. The day may not be far off when CB canister gas stoves, which are in high demand for everything from general household use to camping and mountaineering, become the first choice for mountaineering stoves. While there's a limit to the amount of gear you can carry when hiking, the Trail Table & Tri Trail will make tent life more comfortable
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Yosuke.C (Yosuke)
A person who travels around with just one backpack, with the motto of "as light as possible" without causing inconvenience
From spring to autumn, I go fishing in mountain streams in pursuit of char deep in the mountains. I hike the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. I camp to relax by a bonfire. I snowboard to experience the feeling of floating in the silvery white mountains
A freelance writer with over 20 years of outdoor experience who enjoys the outdoors in his own way all year round. Based on his experience writing articles for over a dozen outdoor web publications, he will share his own experiences and the best tools he has used
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