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.

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.

Every year, thousands of hikers and backpackers head into the back country and wilderness to enjoy the beauty of nature. If you are one of those happy campers you know the need for a small, lightweight, reliable stove that heats warm nutritious delicious meals time after time. One of the best ways of cooking in the outdoors is with an alcohol burner stove because of their simple, no moving part design and readily available fuel.

So simple, in fact, that there are D.I.Y versions, but if you want a durable, well made, quality burner, with a design that stands the test of time, you cannot choose better than the Esbit Brass. These awesome little stoves have been tried and true, world favorites for decades.

With all its qualities the Esbit Brass Alcohol Burner Camping Stove with Variable Temperature Control is the perfect companion for any outdoor adventure or expedition, whether you are making a short day trip, a long weekend or a week of back country trekking. Kayakers, mountain bikers, as well as any others who want to enjoy nature, will find this little stove a welcome addition to their pack.

Review

Packaging

This alcohol burner will ship in a box just a little bigger than the product dimensions, which are 6.8 x 6 x 2 inches. The product weighs 3.2 oz and when shipped will weigh 4 oz. It will come already put together, including a leak proof rubber seal.

Durability and Design

The Esbit stove is made under German quality assurance systems in high quality, corrosive free brass that can take a few knocks without showing any signs of damage, not that dropping it down the side of a mountain is a recommended test for durability. The actual stove has no moving parts and there are no burners to break or wear out so they are not as susceptible to damage as some other types of cookers.

It is robust enough to cram into a small space in your pack and takes up minimal space. This durability ensures that you won’t find yourself with a broken cooker when you arrive at your remote campsite after 8 hours hiking.

Flame Regulator

The Esbit Alcohol Stove has a flame regulator so you can choose to cook with fully open heat, partly open for simmering or close it to extinguish the flame. The regulator has a unique and practical fold away handle that allows you to adjust the flame without getting your fingers close to the hot burner. Esbit was the first to introduce this design feature.

It essentially will not fail to work so long as you have fuel and it can be placed in a wind sheltered spot. The secure, sealed lid means you can close any unused fuel in the stove rather than decant it back into a fiddle bottle or worse, have to waste.

Fuel for alcohol stoves is relatively easy to find and inexpensive to buy at many universal retailers. It is cheaper than most fuels for alternative stoves. The stove has a low profile so there is less likelihood of accidental tipping over while cooking, although caution should always be taken with any naked flame.

Fuel

The required fuel is relatively lightweight and you only need to pack the amount you need for the estimated meals so no unnecessary weight. Fuel is always on hand; just fill the stove and light it. You don’t need to scramble around looking for dry firewood when it has been raining all day.

Ultralight hikers can buy fuel in larger quantities and decant into suitable smaller bottles to pack. These are advantageous for carrying smaller quantities, but should be unbreakable, leak proof, and the better ones, have pouring measurements and flip-top caps for ease of use.

You can use the Esbit Alcohol Stove with alternative purpose made equipment, for instance the Esbit Pot Stand. The latter is designed for easy placement and removal of the stove, as well as for easy adjustment of the simmer regulator when in use.

Manufacturer Recommendations

For simple, delicious meals, it is best to plan for one pot cooking that is water based. Each meal should take about 20-30 minutes to cook and use about 2/3ounce of fuel with 2 cups of water for two normal servings or one large serving.

Cook meals to a basic recipe with 2 cups of water. Always cover with a lid to be more efficient and bring to the boil. When boiling, stir in the chosen ingredients and bring to boil again with lid. Either turn down to simmer and let the fuel run out. Leave the meal to sit covered for another 5 – 10 minutes.

Use easily transportable foods like rice, small shape pasta, noodles, whole or rolled grains, dehydrated vegetables and fruit, dried meat, fish, and eggs (if you can carry safely).  If weight is not so much an issue you can take fresh vegetables, cans of beans, fish, etc. Use first, those ingredients that may deteriorate or break.

All stoves can be dangerous, so a list of precautions:

• Always consider the weather conditions before lighting
• Do not cook on any inflammable surface
• Remove all flammable materials close by
• Have an extinguisher of some description on hand
• Never leave a fire unattended

Value for the Money

This product is generally beloved by those who have used it and they state that this product is definitely worth the money. Moderately priced, you are getting a product that works, and is leak proof. While there are some more pricey, and less pricey, this alcohol burner is worth the price you pay.

As a basic description, the Esbit Alcohol Stove looks like a small metal can with a series of holes around the rim. At first glance it may be easy to think such a simple looking stove should be easy to copy but Esbit stoves have a few extra important features that continue to make it a market leader.

On closer inspection, you will see an inner cylinder wall which is one the reasons the Esbit Alcohol Stove is so efficient and reliable. When filled with suitable fuel, some of the fuel fills that compartment between inner and outer walls. When the fuel is lit, evaporation develops pressure gradients that ensure the flames burn forcefully through those specifically sized and placed perimeter holes for maximum heat and efficiency.

There are various reports that the stove will operate efficiently over many altitudes from sea level up to 12,000 feet, although the higher altitudes may mean colder temperatures do make the stove more difficult to light. Again, however, reviewers have reported using the stove at below freezing levels and it is worth noting that Scandinavian military forces use alcohol stoves all year round when temperatures drop to below -30 F.

If you’re into wild camping or backpacking in the wilderness, at one point or another, you have thought about the kind of products you will take with you during your outdoor escapades, particularly the stoves. So, which one is the best?

Maybe you began with the Trangia and now prefer a reliable and lightweight alcohol stove. Maybe liquid fuel’s performance was suitable for your outdoor expedition, or perhaps the convenience and simplicity of the canister gas won your heart over.

However, there is another option – the Solo Stove Series, more precisely the Solo Stove Lite. And despite the fact that it has been used in the ancient days of backpacking, these products seem to be making a comeback!

The Solo Stoves come in various shapes and sizes, but the best are the lightweight options, the ones you can carry with you when you go hiking. This article offers a Solo Stove review that will enlighten you about the significance of having this product on your backpacking trip.

As mentioned, the Solo Stoves come in different models: the Solo Stove Titan, the Solo Stove Lite, and the Solo Stove Campfire. In reality, the only difference between these three options is in their weight and sizes. These products are wood gasifiers. Their dual-wall designs help in pulling in air via the lower vents.

The air is preheated and then fed back through the tiny vents at the firebox’s top for an efficient combustion. This process allows for the use of less fuel and reduces the amount it would take to boil water. In comparison, the Lite model is the best for camping as this can be used over and over again without losing efficiency.

Review

Packaging

The general presentation and the packaging are gorgeous. This is so because pretty products tend to be designed for those who go camping once every year. However, there seems to be an exception with the Solo Stove. Do not allow its stylish appearance trick you into dismissing the product.

The Solo is a much serious appliance when it comes to backpacking. These stoves have an attractive finish and are made of stainless steel material. They are lightweight and heavy-duty as well. These products come with excellent packing bags among other packages.

Information about how the stoves are used can be found on the box, so you will not have to worry when using it for the first time. The stove also comes with a nylon stuff sack that you can use to carry it around with during your hiking trips.

The solo pot 900 is sold as a separate item and therefore it doesn’t come together with the stove. If you are interested, you have to purchase it on the website at approx. $35. You can also store your stove in the pot when you are not using it to save on space.

Design and Durability

Designed with a double surface, this stove is a natural convection inverted gasifier. The absence of oxygen during the combustion process and the rising hot air, pulls the air via the bottom holes. This movement of air fuels the flame at the stove’s base while offering to boost the preheated air via the vents at the burn chamber’s top.

This doesn’t mean that your pots won’t get charred as a result. They will, just not as much as with other regular stoves. Washing the charred parts with a dishwashing liquid sure comes in handy in such situations.

Alternatively, you can apply sand on the parts of the utensils with soot and carry them around without worrying that they will mess up your other items in the backpack. The design also makes the stove very efficient, therefore you end up using less wood to build the fire as compared to the regular camp fires.

You can use the stove for several days while backpacking and camping, and although its surface gets tarnished due to heat, there is no other sign of wear. To damage the Solo Stove, you’d have to kick it like a football, most probably.

Fuel Compatibility

The solo stove lite, will save you a lot on money that you could have used to buy liquid canister fuel and white gas. Why? With this particular one, all you need to find are a bunch of pinecones, twigs, dry leaves or wood and you are set to go.  This is literally very easy to find when you are out in the woods.

This is among its best features because not only will you get to move around with an ultra- light stove, but also you will have forgone the danger that comes with travelling with canister fuels in your backpack. You also get to preserve the environment at the same time. Quite impressive, huh?

Dimensions

This amazing stove is around 3.8 inches high and 4.2 inches wide with about 12.8 ounces when shipping. Its actual weight is 0.56 pounds, which is quite ideal since it’s made out of 304 stainless steel which is a lightweight material.

The best part is you do not have to worry about the shipping weight being over the top; it’s just 0.8 pounds, which will not cost you as much to get the stove delivered right to your doorstep.

Unique features

What sets this stove apart from the hundreds of similar stoves out there? We have a few reasons why you should consider purchasing the solo lite stove to cater for all your backpacking needs.

Free fuel

Many people are nervous when it comes to using portable stoves since they find fuel to be expensive. Fair enough, liquid canisters and white gas can be pretty expensive. When you take part in an extended trip, this cost could quickly add up.

To get your Solo Stove fully operational, you will only require some dried leaves, pinecones, twigs, sticks, and many other fuels that can be obtained outdoors. This makes it possible for you to create space in your backpack since you will not be obliged to carry any fuel.

Patented model with less smoke

When going for a backpacking trip, you should always consider a design that will produce less smoke. As an experienced backpacker, you are aware that cooking from the campfire is not a suitable technique.

There are a lot of drawbacks to this process, but the most prominent of these drawbacks is excessive smoke. Your wood burning stove should be able to produce less smoke, and the Solo Stove is not an exception.

This product comes in a patented design which creates both ultra-clean gasification and secondary combustion. The model makes it possible for the fuel to burn efficiently and completely, producing less smoke.

Fast boil time and lightweight

If you are undecided as to whether or not you need to carry this stove with you, you don’t need to fret. This product only weighs 9 ounces despite being constructed from a stainless steel material. The stove is a perfect option for people who are in need of lightweight products. Its boil time is about eight to ten minutes.

Compactness

When looking for an outdoor stove system, make sure you pick one with a compact size. The Solo Stove is a combination of a pot and a stove and still manages to remain efficient when considering space.

Owing to its compact design, this system shouldn’t take a lot of space in your backpack.

Backpacker magazine recommended

If the experts’ opinion matter to you, it’s essential to mention that the Solo Stove has been recommended by the Backpacker Magazine and the Discovery Channel. This product is also a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists.

Value for Money and Guarantee

Ultimately, what we all want to know is how much a product costs. The solo stove lite will set you back approx. $70, which is a good value for your money since you will be getting a camping stove with amazing superior features. This price is after getting a discount of approx. 30%.

The good news is, you get a warranty of one year from the date of purchase. The warranty only covers manufacturing defects and not wear and tear or misuse of the stove. If you have any claims, you can contact the manufacturers for further assistance.

There is no other guarantee on purchase, given on the site, and therefore, you might consider contacting the manufacturers for a more precise assurance when you decide to acquire the stove. However, the fact that this stove was pronounced as the winner of the gear of the year by backpacker magazine should tell you a thing or two about just how perfect it is.

So why should anyone consider using this stove? The answer to this revolves around the experience. If you usually hike in the hill and are in need of something you can use to boil water without much hassle, the Solo Stove may not be what you need.

But if you will be backpacking in a forested place, and the trip involves much hiking as camping, the stove is an excellent fit. It’s a great pleasure to utilize this product, and without the few downsides, it gives you the feeling of an actual campfire.

In areas where campfires are not allowed, you may be able to have your way with the Solo Stove. Therefore, hikers and campers in the heavily forested regions will greatly benefit from using this product because if you are certain of finding twigs and sticks, you are assured of having your cooked meals even in the middle of the wilderness.

Additionally, if the idea of having a campfire at night when camping appeals to you, and you do not want to go through the hassles of building one, or if you want to minimize your pack by carrying no fuel, then the Solo Stove is what you need.

This product offers an economical way to utilize fuel for cooking and back country entertainment. Although, there are slightly lighter and less expensive wood stoves out there, the Solo Lite is among the few commercial stoves which have an integrated heat shield.

This component prevents the ground under the stove from getting scorched or burned. This product is also a suitable option if you want to leave your campsite without a trace.