GEAR REVIEWS
Nemo Tango Solo Down Comforter Sleep System: Most Roomy Sleeping Bag for Harsh Weather
The Nemo Tango Solo Down Comforter Sleep System is the best toolkit for your outdoor sleep needs. It is beyond the description of a traditional sleeping bag as justified by its superior features. Its features are designed to withstand the inclement outdoor temperatures and make your adventures worth-remembering.
Compared with other sleeping bags, particularly the traditional ones, this sleeping bag rises above them with, among others, its larger dimensions, comfort and insulation. Its selling point is the DownTex fill power that enhances its loft, warmth and insulation.
For outdoor hobbyists with budget constraints, this sleeping bag is still the best choice for you, considering its features. It’s precisely the best investment in outdoor essentials. And given its width and height, it accommodates both tall and short people.
There’s also a room to wiggle around without constricting yourself unlike with other traditional sleeping bags. Furthermore, its compatibility with the sleeping pad ranging from 20 to 25 inches makes it an ideal sleep system for a variety of surfaces.
We’ll uncover comprehensive details about this product below. As an outdoor enthusiast, we’re certain about what you’re looking for and can confirm that this sleeping bag features the properties you’re probably looking for. We’ve further discussed the similar models and competitors to help widen your choices.
Review
Packaging
Upon purchasing this sleeping bag, you will receive the 1.5 ounces stuff sack in which you can store the bag. It will come with all components such as the elastic foot-box and the detachable hood. And you should expect a rectangular and roomy shape that is big enough to accommodate even the obese people. Its roomy dimensions help create enough ventilation in warm weather conditions.
The manufacturer recommends mating this product with the sleeping pad since it is a “backless” design so that you can survive the freezing snowy surfaces. NEMO provides a variety of two sleeping pads, the Cosmo Insulated Lite or the Astro Insulated Lite. But other sleeping pads of the same size and dimensions can still be compatible with this sleeping bag.
Design & Durability
From the outer shell, the fabric material is made with the 20D nylon ripstop that is coated with the DWR (Durable Water Resistant). This water resistant coating helps repel water in case precipitation penetrates your camping tent to your sleeping bag. Because most materials are being damaged by water, this DWR extends the durability of this NEMO sleeping bag.
Furthermore, the footbox is made of the 15D nylon ripstop and the lining material with the 30D nylon ripstop as well. These employ the waterproof membrane that protects the build-up of moisture that could jeopardize your warmth or damage the material. The membrane is also breathable to help deter accumulation of body sweats.
It also has the microbial properties to prevent the formation of odor. Our bodies are often subjected to too much of perspiration when we feel the heat. As a result, the sleeping bag may contract that sweat which will eventually result with odor-causing microorganisms.
Design-wise, this sleeping bag is rectangular in shape. This shape provides enough room for various body-types to feel comfort when sleeping in it. It also has a size of 6’4” to accommodate even the tall ones. Furthermore, if you like to wiggle around and sleep in any desired position, this roomy design will surely accommodate. No more experiencing the annoying constriction as it is with other sleeping bags.
If you’re camping in summer amid hot temperatures, the hood can be detached to let more air inside the sleeping bag. It can be snugged well in winter. The box baffle construction also helps regulate the inside temperature. For more ventilation, you can lift your limb to let enough ventilation if you feel more heat. That’s the benefit of a roomy rectangular design.
To survive the extremely cold surfaces, NEMO recommends mating this sleeping bag with the sleeping pad of dimensions 20 x 72 and 25 x 76 inches. To conveniently attach any of these sleeping pads, the sleeping bag has provisions in terms of the D-rings sewn at the hip level and at the side of the bag so that the pad can be tightened with ease.
The foot-box also the provision with the bright orange hang loops to attach the sleeping pad with ease using its retainer cords. Even the hood has the two hang loops to add to this convenience of attaching any sleeping pad. So, feel free to effortlessly attach the sleeping pad of your choice.
Keep in mind that this sleeping bag has a backless design. That being said, the sleeping pad turns out to be a requirement not an option if you are to survive the temperatures near freezing point. And the roomy design enables you to even sleep with other insulated outdoor clothes if the temperatures are really bad.
Insulation
The notable feature that turns out to be the selling point for this sleeping bag is the insulation type. You probably know that we have varying types of insulation materials with the Down topping the list among synthetic materials. Down can be that of the duck or goose. Either way, it has excellent insulation properties that are unmatched with synthetic insulation fabrics.
The NEMO sleeping bag features the DownTex technology with the Down Fill Power of 700. This is high enough to survive the harsh temperatures. Camping with this sleeping bag is a great choice because of its 30 degree temperature rating combined with an excellent Down Fill Power. We know that Down has great properties until it gets wet; that is when it loses its loft and comfort because it can take time to dry.
However, to offset this inconvenience, NEMO has employed the nanotechnology DownTex to retain the properties in the wettest weather conditions. It makes this sleeping bag a good choice and preference in a broad variety of conditions.
Warmth
NEMO Tango Solo sleeping bag is notably and competitively warm compared to other ranges of traditional sleeping bags. This is, of course, enabled by its Down Fill Power of 700. It makes the sleeping to be relatively warm to survive cold weather conditions. The hood provides ample warmth in winter.
Whenever you feel too much of the heat, you can detach it. It is also unnecessary to wear thick socks because the insulated foot-box can keep you warm. More warmth is further provided by the sleeping pad, although, sold separately.
This NEMO sleeping bag has a temperature rating of 30 degrees. It is sufficient to keep you warm in in frozen weather conditions. However, there is a drawback to the large dimension of this sleeping bag. Because it has a large rectangular size, there could be some cold spots and the bag might not retain enough body heat for insulation.
It is however comfortable because you can turn your body to any direction. But this larger size is a privilege to wear other clothes whenever sleeping in this sleeping bag to boost the warmth.
Comfort
The large blanket-like baffle that can tuck in at your neck to enhance warmth, is a plus of comfort to this sleeping bag. Furthermore, the Down insulation is known for its high loft and cushioning. That is an added advantage to the comfort as well. When sleeping, you won’t see the difference between sleeping with the comforter at home and sleeping in the wilderness with this sleeping bag. The company has strived to eliminate the difference.
The other notable comfort with which this sleeping bag wins is the larger size, which enables wearers to wiggle without restrictions. Many sleeping bags are constrictive. So they make difficult to even turn your body around at night. Even if you feel the heat, it becomes hard to lift your limb. The NEMO’s larger size is a great feature to provide you comfort regardless of how big your body is.
Water Resistance
Almost every outdoor essential tool has water resistance property due to the inescapable precipitations. But this water resistance comes with strengths. The water resistance of this NEMO Tango Solo Down sleeping bag is seen in its DWR coated outer shell. The 20D nylon ripstop is coated with water resistance so that water can be repelled from penetrating to the inside. However, keep in mind that water resistant coating can fade over time. As thus, you are advised to keep observing it so that you can revive it.
But it can be difficult to even spot the fading water resistance coating because of the waterproof membrane of the DownTek, unless you observe the water absorption. More water resistance is being provided by the waterproof foot-box and the lining membranes. These membranes are also porous to let moisture escape but thick to restrict water molecules from penetrating them. So, if you’re camping in a backcountry notorious of precipitations, you shouldn’t worry with this sleeping bag.
Value for Money & Guarantee
Purchasing this sleeping bag is indeed a great value for money. To purchase it, you might spend approximately $300 with free shipping. But it can cost more to include the Nemo Cosmo sleeping pad for approximately $200. It is highly recommended to pair it with the sleeping pad to improve its warmth when sleeping on colder surfaces. A wide range of sleeping pads with the recommended dimensions can be bought. But we recommend using the pad with the appropriate R-value to match with the sleeping bag.
In terms of guarantee, there is no mention about guarantee being offered. But we are confident that the sellers somehow have a warranty for defect products. NEMO is a big company, so it’s highly unlikely that there’s no warranty. In case the sleeping bag gets defects, you can return it and contact their customer service. Even on Amazon, there is guarantee for such faulty products.
Unique Features
There could be hundreds of sleeping bags on the market. However, their identities differ. This sleeping bag is made unique by its unrivaled features. The following are the remarkable, unique features:
Packability: Its packed size is 15 x 10 inches in diameter and the compressed volume is 6L. These make it easy to pack and travel with the bag.
DownTex insulation: Down Fill Power alone is insufficient to survive all conditions. If, for example, it gets wet mistakenly, it will take longer to dry and loft and comfort will be lost. The DownTex is a nanotechnology used to help retain the high loft and comfort of Down even in the wettest conditions.
Rectangular Body: The rectangular shape makes provisions for larger dimensions to accommodate a wide range of body sizes. Its 6’4” size accommodates tall and short people efficiently. The shape further allows one to wiggle freely and comfortably at night without any constriction.
Detachable Hood: The hood helps one regulate the inside temperature. If it’s summer and hot, you can detach the hood to let more air. You can easily attach it whenever it’s cold. This is a rare feature seen in other sleeping bags.
NEMO Tango Solo is a great tool for every enthusiast of outdoor activities. Wherever you want to camp, having this sleeping will make your sleep even more comfortable. It features the 700FP DownTek Duck Down that provides the best insulation to survive the harshest temperatures. Down is known for its downside of losing loft and comfort when wet, but with the DownTek nanotechnology, it retains comfort and insulation.
For those who enjoy sleeping in various positions during the night, this sleeping is an ideal solution for them because of its spacious rectangular shape. It fits up to 6’4” so that tall people can easily be accommodated. And to let in enough air, the hood can be detached. The larger size also helps lift your limb so you can let in ventilation. It further offers the best comfort so that you do not sleep constricted.
The sleeping bag is also water resistant. The outer shell, made of the nylon ripstop, is coated with the DWR to repel water. The foot-box and the lining material employ the waterproof and breathable membranes. DownTek also features the microbial property to deter odor-causing microorganisms.
Pros:
- Spacious rectangular shape
- High DownTek Duck Down of 700 Fill Power
- Detachable hood to control ventilation
- Water resistant shell fabric
- Waterproof and breathable foot-box and the lining fabric
- Fits up to 6’4” to fit tall people too
- Has D-strings to attach the 25-inch sleeping pads
Cons:
- It is expensive
- It is relatively heavy in weight compared to ultra-light sleeping bags, but lighter than traditional sleeping bags
- Backless design makes it hard to use this sleeping bag directly on the ground without the use of the sleeping pad
- Larger size not providing enough warmth
We’ve provided you one of the best NEMO’s sleeping bags that are indispensable for your outdoor adventures. To make your search even more enjoyable, we’ve provided you the similar models by the same Company, although, with different features because NEMO is the largest manufacturer of outdoor essentials.
GEAR REVIEWS
The Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bag: The Most Important Outdoor Gear For Adventurers
The difference between backpacking and hiking is that the former implies you will spend at least a night in the wilderness. As a result, backpacking can be quite different from hiking, especially when you consider the duration you will be spending outdoors and the kind of gear you will need to take with you.
However, whether hiking or backpacking, a rough night spent in the wilderness could ruin your entire experience. Since a sleeping bag is crucial for most of these trips, looking for one that suits you will go a long way in ensuring you have a memorable expedition.
The best sleeping bag should cover you in a cocoon of comfort and warmth, enabling your whole body to recover, so it’s ready for the next day’s expedition. But selecting the right gear can be a little cumbersome.
That is why we are going to show you the Western Mountaineering Cypress Gore WindStopper -30 Degree Sleeping Bag so you will have to search no more! This semi rectangular sleeping bag is so comfortable and warm, that you can literally sleep in really frigid temperatures and still stay toasty inside! Let us dive into all of the information about this summer time sleeping bag!
Review
Packaging
Your sleeping bag will come compressed in the package that is just a little bigger than 6 x 14 x 22 inches. The package weight should be about 7 pounds and include the sleeping bag as well as the stuff sack so you can compress your bag down to a size that lets you tote it around.
Durability and Design
This sleeping bag is designed to be semi rectangular, very warm, and cozy. It is designed with a storm flap, draft tubes that keep cold air out, and is weather resistant with the Gore Wind-Stopper. It is also highly durable, has a left side zipper, and will last you for many years of outdoor adventures! This sleeping bag has proven to be great for summer use, but it can be used on warm winter nights as well.
It has a temperature rating of 25 degrees F, so it will work down past freezing temperatures. It may get too warm for you if the temperature outside is too warm, but it gives you the ability to vent the sleeping bag so you do not feel too warm or get sweaty. This bag is made to give you the perfect sleeping experience no matter where you are sleeping. If you feel the need for more padding, you can put a sleeping pad inside of it with ease.
Shell and GWS
The shell of the Cypress GWS is excellent and adds to the amazing features of this bag. This component is extremely water resistant and highly breathable as well, given its weight-to-performance ratio. The GORE-TEX WindStopper shell offered by Western Mountaineering makes the sleeping bag ideal for use in humid areas as this feature is water repellent. Good breathability, is essential in a cold weather sleeping bag as the build-up of perspiration will compromise the down’s lofting power during your extended trips.
Insulation
The Western Mountaineering Cypress LZ Gore WindStopper Sleeping Bag is amazingly wide, with more girth and insulation compared to other bags, in its rating. Even though the Cypress GWS isn’t a mummy bag, it’s capable if keeping you warm at thirty degrees Fahrenheit.
With an average loft of eleven, this bag will engulf your body with a wall of the best thermal protection. The bag consists of 850+ fill power premium goose down. The Cypress Gore Wind-Stopper is an excellent way to cover yourself in a warm goose down as each of them is filled with almost fifty ounces of it.
In addition to its excellent fit, the Cypress GWS Sleeping Bag is made of a down collar that runs on the upper side of the chest to prevent heat from escaping during the night. Additionally, this product has a full zipper which is significant for venting in warm weather. The down filled draft tube is also important as it helps prevent side drafts.
A goose down is the most compressible and the lightest insulator available, giving a bag a surprisingly high warmth-to-weight ratio. In that case, a 30o down bag would weigh less compared to a synthetic sleeping bag of the same rating. Down insulation is important for hikers or backpackers who are looking to pack more efficiently.
Manufacturer Recommendations
- Do not store a wet bag. Always ensure the sleeping bag is dry before you can store it
- For goose down options, never store them in a stuff sack. Store them in large bags, such as the laundry bags. The synthetic options are quite forgiving and can be stored, at least for some time, inside the stuff sack
- If you have to wash your bag, make sure you utilize a front-load machine, with some cold water and soap.
- Never dry clean a bag, especially those filled with goose down.
Value for the Money
The value of thus sleeping bag is one that is hard to bear. One of the greatest reasons why most backpackers would go for quality down sleeping bags is that these products have a long lifespan, and the Cypress GWS is not an exception. Compared to the synthetic products, these models can be easily stuffed and unstuffed without damaging their insulation. If you can acquire a quality sleeping bag that can handle the on- and off-trail adventures, you’ll be able to save a lot of money in the long term.
At about $1,130, the Cypress GWS sleeping bag is quite worth the investment. In addition to that, if this bag is able to withstand abuse, and can sustain being used for an extended period without losing its efficiency, then it’s worth the investment. Given its features, the Cypress GWS can be used for all backpacking adventures, as well as periodic ski tours and mountaineering expeditions. These aspects are what make it a go-to option whenever you are in need of something that can serve you efficiently while in the wilderness.
Cypress LZ GWS utilizes down from free-range mother geese. With its features, you can use this bag to climb mountains and camp in areas you’ve always dreamed of. As the wind blows through the night and the cold is almost freezing your bones, you can zip yourself in the Cypress GWS for warmth. As mentioned, the bag is packed with 850+ fill power down to create a loft of about 11” so you are able to sleep soundly, dreaming of accomplishing your tour objects come the next day.
The Gore WindStopper shell fabric offers the weather resistance you desire in extreme temperatures and weather. Who would have imagined that all the warmth of this sleeping bag can weigh in at about 7 pounds?
The Cypress GWS comes with outstanding features that make it suitable for your outdoor needs. These include an insulated draft tube on the inside of the zipper combined with a storm flap covering on the outside, a three-dimensional draft collar (insulated), a GWS outer shell material, and a second zipper that allows the bag to open entirely around the foot. Other features of the Cypress GWS are as follows:
- Full down collar
- 64/39” foot/shoulder girth
- Insulated external hood ruff
- 5 ¼” V-block side baffle
This sleeping bag compresses down to a smaller size in a compression sack. This is an important aspect for backpackers looking to save some space on their pack. If you are a mountaineering enthusiast, you are aware that the size of the sleeping bag is directly proportional to the size and weight of the backpack you carry, since it takes almost fifty percent of the space in the pack.
The GORE-TEX WindStopper fabric, the soft, lightweight, and lofty materials of the Cypress GWS make this product quite attractive and a suitable place to sleep in. If you prefer comfort over anything else, then this is the right product for you. It offers the softest and most comfortable touch compared to most sleeping bags within the same ratings.
PROS:
- Temperature rating down to -30 degrees F
- 50 oz of down filling
- Weather resistant, Has Gore Windstopper
- Adjustable Collar
- Warm and well insulated, includes storm flap
- 5 inches of loft
CONS:
- Very pricey, over $1,000
- Only comes in one color
- Gets too warm around 50 degrees F
When it comes to choosing a backpacking equipment such as a sleeping bag, there are numerous aspects you will need to consider to ensure you make the right choice. This guide provides some essential pointers that will help you to make an informed decision as far as selecting a sleeping bag is concerned.
Make sure you choose a bag that has the features that will enable you to survive the outdoor conditions. One of the best options that would suit you during cold weather camping and backpacking is the Western Mountaineering Cypress LZ GWS Sleeping Bag.
Nobody enjoys doing chores. Unfortunately, even when you’re out in the wild these necessities can be unavoidable. Cooking, cleaning, heating, washing… these are simply requirements if you want to stay at all hygienic during your outdoor expeditions. Our best advice is to simply get them over with as quickly as possible.
The more efficient you are about these activities the faster they’ll be done and the quicker you can get on to enjoying fishing, hiking, hunting or other adventures. The easiest way to speed these things up is to utilize the right equipment and we think we’ve found a real wonder on the market. The Jetboil Flash adds a whole new level of convenience to outdoor water heating & cooking.
So much so that we’ve decided to provide you with a full write up of its features and how it could be used to make your next outdoor trip even more fun by minimizing your ‘chores’ time. So without further ado, let’s jump straight into discussing the features of The Flash Personal Cooking System in this Jetboil Stove review
Review
In less than two minutes the Jetboil Flash can help you prepare a hot drink or an instant hot meal. This is the ideal choice for anyone who is in need of efficient cooking/boiling energy. The Jetboil Flash is well-organized, lightweight and fast.
High fuel efficiency, and all-in-one package, means that you do not need additional cookware. Here are the specifications that make the Jetboil Flash Personal Cooking System special.
Packaging
The very first consideration to make when shopping for an outdoor cookware is packaging. The Jetboil Flash Personal is one of the lightest, weighing in at 0.88 pounds when removed out of the box. The weight along with the system’s dimensions (7.09 by 4.09 by 4.09 inches) makes the stove the ideal choice for backpackers. The cookware will fit comfortably in your backpack.
Apart from the weight and dimensions, the major benefit of the Jetboil Flash Personal cookware is simplicity. Basically, it contains fewer parts: 1 liter of the FluxRing cooking cup, adjustable burner, and fuel canister. The fuel canister and stainless steel burner stow suitably inside the cup. This makes backpacking remarkably easy.
Design & Durability
The cooking system’s construction is undoubtedly higher end with the burner being made of stainless steel and the cooking cup of aluminum. Both these metals are known for their durability, which is an incredibly important factor when assessing outdoors products. You want to know that a bit of rough and tumble won’t break your brand new stove, and we’re fairly confident you can be sure of the stove’s durability.
The cookware seems to be a cooperation of a well-made cooking cup and an unrivaled ignition system. Out of the box, you will observe at first glance the cute packaging. Each piece fits in the cup for easy transport. This simply signifies how resourceful and versatile the design is when compared to other backpacking stoves in the market.
The multipurpose plastic cover found at the bottom of The Flash Personal Cooking System’s cooking cup is very useful for the minimalist outdoor packer. You’ll find that it has three uses (that we can think of), namely use as a measuring cup, a small bowl, and as a protective cover on the bottom of the cooking cup to keep your hands from being burnt by the heat while you enjoy whatever is inside.
The cooking system has a clever tripod for added efficiency. The tripod is specifically engineered to be used on rugged terrain and accommodates the little stove perfectly. We think the idea has a fair bit of merit, and anyone who has spilt hot water on themselves before, is sure to agree. The tripod doesn’t add any inconvenience to your transportation needs either as it folds up and fits with the rest of the system into the cooking cup.
The cooking cup of The Flash Personal cookware not only includes something useful at its base (the plastic cover), but also at its top. Built into the neoprene upper lining of the cup is a wonderful little heat indication window. This window will slowly turn orange as the interior contents of the cup heats up, which is a highly resourceful feature when boil water.
You could probably tell that the cup is ready without this window when you are boiling water as the device tends to make a small bubbling sound and let off some steam. Where the heat indication window really shines is when you are cooking up a delicious rehydrated mini meal. Just sit back and relax and wait for the little window to turn orange to let you know your food is hot and ready to be consumed.
The Flash Personal Cooking System is ready to go in any weather thanks to the elemental resistance screen. The system not only runs off hot jet fuel, but protects its flame from wind and rain by utilizing a barrier around its flame area. This is great because when it is cold and rainy what can often help to brighten your mood the most is a nice cup of hot cocoa or coffee – this stove makes that possible.
Ease of Use & Efficiency
To use the stove, you have to link the canister to the clever tripod. There is an ignition button, which you have to push to turn on the stove once you have switched on the gas flow. The igniter has actually simplified your work. Then add water to the 1 liter cup and have it fixed to the stainless steel burner. The one liter capacity will allow you to prepare two cups of hot coffee or cocoa in two minutes.
Basically, the one liter capacity is sufficient, but you are strongly urged to boil less amount of water at a time to circumvent accidents. The reputation of the Jetboil Flash Personal cookware is attributed to its boil time. In actual fact, the boil time is the main reason why most outdoorsmen like the cooking system. Impressively, the stove boils one liter of water in two minutes under normal conditions, and four minutes in extreme conditions.
Storage after Use
To ensure the durability of the cookware, you have to store it correctly after every use. Once you are done cooking, turn the control valve off so as to put out the flame. Then go ahead and separate the cup from the base of the stainless steel burner. Have the stabilizer removed from the fuel canister. At that point, unbolt fuel container from the burner base.
Make sure you replace the plastic fuel cap. For easy storage, position the stabilizer in the bottom of the cup, followed by the burner base, and eventually the fuel canister. Place the lid to secure the items inside the cup. Never forget to disconnect the fuel cartridge once you are done cooking. To ensure the cup is not damaged, you are advised to wash it by hand.
Unique Features
Jetboil FluxRing Technology: The burner is handily connected to the cooking cup by use of FluxRing tech. This ensures there is minimal or no heat loss during boiling or cooking, thus better boil times.
Built-in Windscreen: Unlike traditional camping stoves that are known not to function properly in windy conditions, the Jetboil Flash Personal has a built-in windscreen that allows it to perform exceptionally in windy climate.
A Resourceful Neoprene Lining: The cooking cup is enclosed by a neoprene lining that maintains the warmth of drinks and food for the considerable time duration. The lining also incorporates a color changing window that always signals when food or drinks are hot.
Quick Ignition Ability: The quick ignition ability of The Flash Personal Cooking System makes it ideal for big families who will have multiple users handling it. There is an auto-start filament built into the system which enables the jet flame to be created without the use of matches. Anyone who has ever forgotten to pack matches for their trip will know that this is a big help.
Value for Money & Guarantee
The Jetboil Flash Personal Cookware is worth your every dollar. The price is reasonable when you consider its amazing features and performance, especially its boil time. At approx. $100, you get a fully functioning stove that prevails both in normal and windy conditions. Some individuals may consider it to be an expensive unit; but camping and hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the price.
There are compatible accessories and products that are sold separately, including: 1.5L cooking pot, 1.8L spare cup, 1L tall spare cup, and an 8-inch FluxRing fry pan. There is a manufacturer’s warranty for the cooking system in case it does not perform as expected under normal use. However, the warranty does not cover damages due to improper use, accidents, negligence, poor maintenance, and normal wear and tear.
The Jetboil Flash Personal is the best backpacking canister stove system that addresses the shortcomings of traditional cooking systems. The most defining feature of the Jetboil Flash Personal is the fact that it is an integrated stove system. As aforementioned, it combines a fuel cartridge with an effective built-in windscreen, stabilizer, stainless steel burner and a FluxRing cooking cup.
As far as the Flash Personal cooking system is concerned, every part has its unique purpose and contributes to the general performance of the stove. The FluxRing heat exchanger makes sure that the flame is uniformly distributed at the base of the cup so as to maximize fuel efficiency. The creative temperature indicator alerts you when food or drink is hot and cooked, saving fuel.
The adjustable burner is enclosed by an inbuilt windscreen so as to reduce heat loss and at the same time improve fuel efficiency. You really do not need a match to ignite the stove, since the push button electric igniter is enough to start a flame. This makes the Flash Personal System a very reliable choice for emergency situations other than regular outdoor adventures.
Pros:
- Stabilizing tripod base for added convenience & safety
- Plastic cover acts as a measuring cup, small bowl & heat protector
- Interactive cooking window indicates when food is hot & ready
- Fabric cozy provides helpful handle and attractive exterior
- The overall construction is high quality with durable materials
- Resistive barrier allows the stove to be used in any weather conditions
- Auto-start filament for matchless immediate ignition included
Cons:
- 32-ounce capacity only provides enough room for 1 or 2 people rehydrated meal preparations.
- Relying on the supply of isobutene and propane gas (unable to run off renewable energy)
- Does not work well in high altitudes and very cold climates.
A decent Jetboil stove is a worthwhile investment that can take hours off your outdoor ‘chores’ time over the course of years. The Flash Personal Cooking System is one of our favorite choices because of its clever design and easy portability. If you’re looking to create quick and easy meals or simply boil water for purification, then it’s a great option.
Are you an avid camper, hiker, fisher or general outdoors enjoyer? If so, then you’ve probably already discovered the amazing benefits of having a decent campfire. An outdoor stove takes that one step further and provides you with not only warmth and light, but a convenient fireplace to cook/boil water over as well. Add to that functionality the USB charging ports built into BioLite Wood stoves and you’ve got the best thing since portable tents.These smart stoves are absolutely amazing. As such, we’ve decided to write a full BioLite stove review on our favorite one: The BioLite Wood Burning Campstove. We’ll cover the good, the bad and the ugly about this little stove in this review. So if you’ve been looking for a camp stove in general or at this one in particular, then be sure to read this review. We’ll start with the specifications.
Review
Packaging
This unit will be shipped to you in a 5 by 5 by 8.3 inch box that weighs 2.9 pounds. The unit itself is lightweight and compact, weighing in at 2.1 pounds. This means that you should have no trouble fitting it in a backpack in case you need to carry it with you on a hike. Plus, it definitely won’t weigh you down.
The stove consists of two main components: the stove itself and the power module (where the USB port, fan and internal battery are located). The power module can be placed inside the stove when not in use, reducing its size considerably to be the same as a 1-liter Nalgene water bottle. It also has a grill top for balancing your pots when placed on top the stove. It also comes with a nylon stuff sack that you can place it in after unboxing for proper storage.
Design and Durability
The BioLite Wood Burning Camp stove is a sturdy piece of equipment built to make outdoor fire use easy. Its technology features are some of the best in the outdoor stove industry, including both a USB charging port and fans to help fires burn hotter. That it runs off biomass as well makes this stove particularly attractive due to emergency and environmental benefits.
The stove’s frame is mostly made up of aluminium. This metal is known for being both strong and lightweight, which is a great combination for any portable item. Although still too heavy to carry on extremely long hikes, we certainly think it’d earn an easy spot in the car or boat transport as well as short backpack trips.
The creators of the stove have made it a good size in terms of dimensions, not adding more than needed but not leaving anything crucial out either. You might want to test carry an item of similar weight and dimensions to ascertain whether this stove is right for you.
Overall the shape and outer design of this stove are well thought through. They complement its inner, smart technology design well, by making it functional. We appreciate that they’ve kept it relatively small so as to make it easier to transport. There are a few other feature worth mentioning though, so here’s our take on the main features to be aware of if you’re thinking about buying this stove.
Unique Features
This stove comes with some rather unique features that give it an edge over the competition.
Thermoelectric Generator: This BioLite Campstove allows its owners to personally generate electricity from nothing more than burning wood. This means that you can choose to take a variety of USB chargeable items with you when visiting the great outdoors and charge them as you cook or boil food/water. This thermo-electric generator is perfect for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors while remaining contact-able.
You’ll get approximately 60 minutes of talk time on regular smart phones from 20 minutes of charging time on a strong fire. We’d recommend turning off your electronic devices now and again anyway to enjoy the outdoors more, but in general this is a fantastic concept. The best part about it is that the thermo-electric generator technology works off principles and airflow, meaning it’s usable for as many times as you want or have wood for. No running out of battery charge ever again!
Burn Increasing Fan: The internal fan and gas jets built into the BioLite Campstove is ideal for outdoors people who want to get their fires up and running quickly (and don’t we all?). Having appropriate kindling or dry wood certainly helps, but isn’t a necessity with this cool stove’s design.
The HI/LO set-able fans push air into your fire which improves the combustion system. You’ll get a hotter, more efficient flame, much faster, and some find the air circulation helps with smoke control as well. If you intend to get started on making your fires late in the evening, this is a perfect choice for you.
Biomass Fuel System: The BioLite Campstove takes renewable energy to a whole new level. The system not only runs off renewable biomass like twigs and sticks found while out and about, but also takes that renewable energy and turns into electrical energy to charge your devices with! We love that it’s not reliant on coals or petroleum. It’s a much more environmentally friendly approach to fire starting and we give it a big thumbs up for that.
NOTE: This stove would be useful in emergency situations because it is not reliant on petroleum or electricity to start. You can charge your electronic devices from it, despite power line outages using just biomass (twigs and wood) from your surrounding gardens. Stay on the grid!
User Friendly Interface: The big, ON button, and easily discernible USB charging port on the BioLite Campstove, are just a couple of the user friendly features of the design. When looking for a smart camp stove you ideally want something that anyone can use. This system makes it easy to start fires by storing a little charge to fan your initial fire starting with.
That means even beginner fire starters should be able to get the flames going in this stove. For those who have tried fire starting themselves, you’ll know it’s not always as easy as it looks, especially if your wood is damp. That’s why the user friendly fans and gas jets to help start this stove’s fires are so great.
Value for Money and Guarantee
Once you consider how much you will actually be saving in terms of purchasing fuel for a gas powered stove, the decision to get the BioLite Campstove becomes easy. Furthermore, you also don’t need to buy any extra emergency battery packs in case your phone dies on you.
The unit costs approx. $130 on Amazon. It is currently not available on the BioLite website, so people looking for this unit will have to purchase it on Amazon. Once you add up the specifications, it is easy to tell that getting the BioLite Campstove will provide you with great value for your money.
We would definitely recommend this BioLite Wood Burning Campstove to anyone looking for a high quality piece of fire making and cooking outdoor equipment. Do, however, ensure that you are aware of the size and weight of the item prior to purchase. To get it to your outdoor spot you’ll have to transport it!
In addition, we’d also recommend taking a couple of small fire-starting cubes and some waterproof matches with you when you head out. This will make the fire-starting process even easier, though the design of the camp stove makes that pretty easy already.
A final note is to choose pots and pans to use with this system that are metal, no more than 10 inches in diameter, and no more than 8 pounds in weight. Other than that, this stove is ready to go. You’ll find it adds a whole new level of cool to your outdoor experience and makes cooking/boiling food/water so much easier. When it comes to camp stoves it can be worth digging a little deeper in your pocket to get a great multifunctional product, that will go the distance with you.
PROS:
- Compatible with most common USB devices
- Can generate better flames than average stoves because of its fans and gas jets
- Easy to use scalloped upper design supplies a sturdy surface for pots and pans
- Cool to the touch safety conscious honeycomb exterior
- Aluminium frame is lightweight and strong
- Smart technology runs completely on biomass fuel which is renewable and readily available
CONS:
- Slightly heavy
- Somewhat bulky
(Some may find that carrying a portable camp stove around is too inconvenient when they know they can just find sticks and build a fire on the ground at their destination site).
A pros and cons list is good to ensure that you get an unbiased review, and we hope that you agree with us that the pros more than make up for the cons. This is based on our educated opinion, and we are confident in recommending this stove as one of the most highly efficient, easy-to-use and useful outdoor stoves around. If you take it to the great outdoors for off-grid living, you will not be disappointed.
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