SOTO's "TrekMaster ST-331" Review: It's also great for mountains despite being a CB can. Lightweight and compact "liquid-dispensing separation" stove that is stable in heat and resistant to low temperatures
written by Yosuke.C
When it comes to mountain gas stoves, models that used gas cartridges, commonly known as "OD cans," have been the mainstream. Another type of CB can, although cost-effective, is not designed to be used in mountainous environments that are structurally demanding, so it can be said that it was often used for home and camping purposes. Overall, it is undeniable that CB can type gas stoves were far from familiar with people who were serious about mountain climbing.
The left is CB can, and the right is OD can
In the world of gas stoves, new movements have been taking place for several years. is the introduction of a "new type of CB can that can withstand mountain environments and a corresponding mountain gas stove" by SOTO (Shin Fuji Burner) , a leading domestic combustion equipment brand
I tried out Trek Master , the latest CB can type gas stove, in the field, which is perfect for mountainous and low-temperature environments,
table of contents
- Main features of the SOTO TrekMaster ST-331
- Detailed review
- The "CB TOUGH" series of cassette cylinders that have been made possible to use them in the mountains despite being "CB cans".
- Wind-resistant burner head shape
- Low center of gravity gives it a high stability, and large stoves can be used for large cookers
- Output that allows for quick boiling of water
- Equipped with a generator, it is resistant to low temperature environments
- Choosing CB cans according to your environment makes it economical.
- It can be stored compactly, if not the lightest
- Summary: This is the only machine you can use for camping and mountain climbing! It was a gas stove that can be used all year round.
Main features of the SOTO TrekMaster ST-331
Trek Master is a separate stove made from CB cans. a liquid-discharge combustion structure with a generator, it is less likely to cause a drop-down to cause a reduction in heat power, providing stable heat power even when used in low-temperature environments. The low center of gravity separate structure improves stability when used on uneven ground, and has a load capacity of 2kg, and the large 16cm gutter can handle large cookers for several people, making it easy to adjust the heat and cook. The minimal parts and detailed design make it extremely portable enough to fit into a 450ml mug, and despite its separate stove, it weighs approximately 195g. From light outdoors to harsh adventures, a new type of gas stove has been created that optimizes weight and cost performance to suit the scene, allowing you to always achieve maximum ease of use.
Favorite points
- The separated type has a low center of gravity, making it highly stable
- Output that allows for quick boiling of water
- Equipped with a generator, it is resistant to low temperature environments
- Wind-resistant burner head shape
- Can be stored compactly
- More economical CB cans, and flexibility to use them as tough or normal depending on the situation
Interesting points
- Some operations have some quirky habits, such as preheating required when ignition
- The range of heat control is narrow
- There is a time lag in the response after the operation, so if you don't get used to it, you'll be panicked.
Main Specifications and ratings
| Item name | TrekMaster |
|---|---|
| type | Separate type |
| Output (kcal/h) |
|
| Weight (g) | 192.7g (actual measurement) |
| material |
|
| Gotoku size (Φ mm) | Approximately 160mm (actual measurement) |
| Load capacity | 2kg |
| size | Width 500 x Depth 140 x Height 105 mm (in use, including hose) |
| Storage size | Width 90 x Depth 70 x Height 105 mm (when stored and including hose) |
| Ignition device | none |
| 300ml boiling thyme | 125 seconds (when using ST-711 and ST-712) |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Burning power | ★★★★☆ |
| Toughness (cold, long-term, strong wind resistance) | ★★★★★ |
| Combustion efficiency | ★★★★☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★☆☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
Detailed review
The "CB TOUGH" series of cassette cylinders that have been made possible to use them in the mountains despite being "CB cans".
CB TOUGH series. The larger one is the CB TOUGH 220 (ST-712), and the smaller one is the CB TOUGH 125 (ST-711)
As mentioned at the beginning, CB cans are generally made for home use. This time, I would most like to check whether the stove that uses the CB can be used for serious mountain use.
SOTO has a wide selection of CB cans, allowing you to choose according to your environment. CB TOUGH series that I used in field tests . It is expected to be used in mountains at high altitudes, and is a mixture of the same three types of OD cans (assuming mountain use): isobutane, normal butane, and propane. This would not be possible with traditional CB cans, but it is said that this gas blending is achieved by using a container (cylinder) with a higher pressure resistance. What's surprising is that despite this, it is priced at a more reasonable price than an OD can
Furthermore, by offering a lineup of sizes that are one size smaller than the typical CB can, you can also choose to make it more portable. In the first place, it is cylindrical, which makes it easier to store than OD cans, so it is also great that it can be packed to insert into the gaps in the backpack.
Since it is intended to be carried, the cap can be attached to the bottom to prevent it from being lost.
With the advent of cassette cylinders that can be used in cold regions, the range of CB canned gas stoves has been raised to a level higher, but that's not the only reason why Trek Master It is packed with technology to ensure it is fully usable even in harsh environments, so let's take a look at the features that the unit has.
Wind-resistant burner head shape
When choosing a gas stove, I always pay attention to its high weather resistance. We check whether the wind is being taken in particular. If the burner head is exposed to wind, even a small amount of wind can reduce the heating efficiency of the cooker, which may take a while to boil water or lead to the use of extra fuel. There is a windshield around the Trek Master
When we measured the time until 300ml of water boiled, we were able to boil water in a time that was not much different, compared to 125 seconds in a windless test, while in an environment with a wind speed of around 3 to 5m, we were able to boil water in a time that was not too different. It is certain that the wind will be slightly affected, but if it is about 10 seconds, it will probably be within the error range.
Low center of gravity gives it a high stability, and large stoves can be used for large cookers
Gas stoves come in a "direct-connected" type, which directly attaches the cartridge to the main unit, and a "separate type" type, which attaches gas to a remote location via a hose. The Trek Master , has a lower center of gravity, resulting in a higher stability when the cooker is placed on it. In nature, it is not always possible to secure a leveled area, so a stove with a low center of gravity and a high stability makes cooking much easier.
It has a diameter of 160mm, and can be used with larger cookers
Furthermore, the Trek Master weighs 2kg and has a 160mm load, making it suitable for large cookers. It can be used in a wide range of ways, from small single-person cookers with a diameter of about 10cm to multiple-person cookers that are over 20cm, so you can take them out in any situation where you want to use them.
One thing to keep in mind is that there is a gap of about 8cm between the burner head and the center, and cookers with extremely small sutras do not get on the ground, so make sure they will work with the cooker in advance.
Output that allows for quick boiling of water
Trek Master has a maximum output of 3.0kW (2,600kcal/h) , and when we measured the time it took for 300ml of water to boil in a windless state, it was able to completely boil in 125 seconds (2 minutes and 5 seconds). The amount of water of 300ml is the amount of water needed for Cup Noodles, and the amount of alpha rice and freeze-dried soup that can be prepared at the same time, so this is the amount that is often used when preparing one serving of hot water for mountain climbing.
Gas stoves designed for outdoor use include stoves that can boil water earlier than Trek Master Currently, SOTO has six stoves that can be used with CB cans, and Trek Master boasts a high output, second only to the regulator stove "range".
Equipped with a generator, it is resistant to low temperature environments
It's not particularly surprising if the output is simply high, but the Trek Master is equipped with a generator mechanism and uses a liquid-releasing combustion structure, which prevents drop-downs from decreasing the firepower even in low temperature environments, allowing stable output to be maintained.
The generator mechanism, combined with the cassette cylinder from the CB TOUGH series, makes it a stove that can be used for mountain use.
The part marked with the arrow is evaporated when heated, allowing stable fuel supply even in low temperature environments.
A "lique-extracted combustion structure" is a structure in which gas, which is the fuel, is sent to the burner body in a liquid state, heated to vaporize and burned by a generator. It has the advantage of being resistant to low-temperature environments compared to the "vaporative combustion structure" in which gas is fed to the main body in a vaporized state.
Another advantage of the liquid-discharge combustion structure is that it is less susceptible to drop-down effects. If a gas stove is used continuously, the heat of vaporization cools the gas cartridge, making it difficult for fuel to vaporize, causing a drop in output, which is called the "drop-down phenomenon." Trek Master burns while heating it with a generator and vaporizing it, allowing you to minimize the drop-down heat loss.
Since it is a liquid-discharge type, preheating is required until the main combustion is complete, and it cannot be extinguished immediately.
One thing that bothers me is that it takes about 30 seconds to "preheat" to burn the product. When the valve is opened and ignited, the gas is fed in an insufficient state, so immediately after ignition (30 seconds according to the manual), set the cassette gas upright, and once the flame is stable, place the valve stabilizer on it down and the cassette gas sideways.
Preheat the cassette gas with its upright, confirm that it has been burned and then lie down.
The Trek Master resistant to low temperatures and can be used regardless of the environment , but it requires preheating, making it difficult to call it an entry model and is for experienced users. It is not recommended as a gas stove for the first time.
Also, please note that since fuel is supplied to the main body in a liquid state and burns while vaporizing, even if the valve is closed, the fuel remaining inside the hose continues to burn, so it cannot be extinguished immediately, so handling requires accustom and experience.
The heat power is strict and difficult
Another thing that bothered me was the difficulty in adjusting the heat. In a structure that is heated by a generator and vaporizes, there will be a time lag between opening and closing the heat control valve and actually changing the heat power. Therefore, even if you adjust the valve to reduce the heat power, it will not respond immediately. And opening and closing the valve to adjust the heat power is quite severe. Even a little release will give you maximum heat, and if you close it to the very last, it will extinguish, so you can adjust the heat, but the valve adjustment is strict and you can use it without any stress if you boil it for just a boil, but I found it difficult to cook as it frequently adjusts the heat.
Choosing CB cans according to your environment makes it economical.
In addition to the "CB TOUGH" series, the lineup includes economically friendly cassette cylinders, such as power gas mixed with propane and regular gas that is highly distributed, allowing you to save running costs by using regular gas for flat camping, and CB TOUGH series in highlands, mountainous areas, and cold regions.
The left is the CB TOUGH series suitable for use in harsh environments, while the right is the regular gas with excellent value for money.
OD cans are lighter for small cartridges, but compared to medium cartridges it is lighter than OD cans.
Comparing the actual weight, you may be concerned that the smallest model in the CB TOUGH series, the ST-711, weighs 220g (of which 125g of gas), while the smallest model of the OD can, the SOD-710T, weighs 192g (of which 105g of gas), is slightly lighter than the OD can.
For example, the total weight of the Trek Master + ST-711 is 415g, while the total weight of the Microregulator Stove FUSION Trek + SOD-710T is 374g, so it is true that the OD can type model is slightly lighter, although it is true.
However according to the official website , when comparing the large-capacity model of the CB TOUGH series, the ST-712, is about 50g lighter than the OD can model that contains almost the same capacity of gas, and the CB can have a portion.
In this way, the simple question of "Which is lighter?" is actually difficult to match. However, considering that there have been no small CB cans up until now, the ST-711 has definitely made it possible to achieve a lightweight compact size that is no less than an OD can depending on the number of days, mountain climbing style, and combination with the stove itself. Considering the other benefits of CB cans, I get the impression that it is not something that is too much of a problem with a lightweight hiker who is concerned about 10 grams, and that in normal mountain climbing, it is not worth the weight of the hiker.
It can be stored compactly, if not the lightest
Fits perfectly in a 750ml size cooker
the Trek Master weighs 192.7g. When combined with the compact CB TOUGH series (ST-711), it costs approximately 412.7g. The micro-regulator stove windmaster, made for mountains, weighs approximately 67g, and when combined with a gas cartridge, is 259g, making it not lighter than the compact type.
Trek Master has functions that can be used for mountain climbing , but it is true that when climbing mountains that take many days to traverse, it is a fact that compact stoves using OD cans are the best choice. However, if you are on a day trip or a one-night hike, the weight of the equipment will be lighter, and if you don't need to be as strict as you would expect on a traverse, a Trek Master will be useful.
It is difficult to get all into one cooker due to the shape of the main body and cassette gas, but folding the stove makes it compact, making it suitable for use as your main stove for day hiking and hiking, or as a sub stove for camping.
Summary: This is the only machine you can use for camping and mountain climbing! It was a gas stove that can be used all year round.
We have introduced the SOTO Trek Master , which is sure to be useful as a gas stove for enjoying a wide range of outdoor activities, including mountain climbing, camping, and barbecues
In the past, when it comes to gas stoves in mountains, the only option was OD cans. the Trek Master which offers ample performance for mountain climbing with a gas stove that uses CB cans, may be a revolutionary thing in a way. Will it be a stove that will trigger the masses of the gas stove world? I'm looking forward to the future development of gas stoves.
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Yosuke
People who act with just one backpack with the motto of "as light as possible" so that they don't get inconvenient.
From spring to autumn, I chase after char deep in the mountains and go fishing in the mountain stream. We walked the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. Camping to be healed by the bonfire. Snowboarding is a floating mountain with a mountain of silver.
A freelance writer who has been enjoying the outdoors for over 20 years and enjoying the outdoors in his own way all year round. Based on my experience writing articles for more than dozens of outdoor web media, I will be sharing my own experiences and tools that I have been using.
