Highs: Detail-focused integrated gas stove that stands up to the elements.
Lows: I really miss the convenience of an integrated ignition.
Woahs: Outperforms its competitors when the wind is howling.
I consider this type of stove system a water only gig. Yes, you can technically cook whatever you can fit into the pot, but really this is made to boil water and not much else. One thing... it does one thing, so I expect it to do it really well. It does, but yet it doesn’t. The WindBurner loves to be in its namesake; the windier the better. It is un-phased by the rushing air that devours a campfire or makes other stoves useless little hunks of metal. However, in a fair weather boil off, it trails behind the pack. It isn’t so far behind that I would discount it, but it does take a tick longer each and every boil.
As always, MSR has done a great job of thinking through every detail. Everything feels dialed and fits together beautifully. It is a tall system, but still stands sturdy. The lid actually stays on and don’t get me started on that robust handle. Both of these items have been lacking in competing models, but MSR has created a handle and lid I would trust fully with an entire pot of skin scalding, boiling water. It assembles easily and feels secure, and then is disassembles and stacks into a compact, maybe a little heavy (15.25oz), pod. And bonus points for a functional coffee press that you can stash in the unit.
We tested the WindBurner on the Lost Coast Trail which being coastal means we encountered a myriad of wind conditions. Then we grabbed it for a snow cave building weekend that entailed some gnarly storms. In both instances the WindBurner stood up to the elements with flying colors, but was more the slow and steady choice. When the wind flared up it shined, but aggressive winds also made me miss the push button ignition of competing models. The heating element is exposed to whatever weather conditions you are dealing with during the lighting process. It was hard to get started with a lighter in high winds, and slightly difficult to visually confirm ignition when we were squinting against snow. If the light process was internal it might have streamlined and simplified the process.
Overall, I like this stove for a more exposed adventure, but might leave it at home for something a little tamer. But if you are only going to buy one stove, expect to face at least some high wind conditions, and don’t mind waiting a little bit longer when the weather is pleasant, this could be your stove. The sturdiness of the handle alone makes this worth a look.
www.msr.com
Lows: I really miss the convenience of an integrated ignition.
Woahs: Outperforms its competitors when the wind is howling.
I consider this type of stove system a water only gig. Yes, you can technically cook whatever you can fit into the pot, but really this is made to boil water and not much else. One thing... it does one thing, so I expect it to do it really well. It does, but yet it doesn’t. The WindBurner loves to be in its namesake; the windier the better. It is un-phased by the rushing air that devours a campfire or makes other stoves useless little hunks of metal. However, in a fair weather boil off, it trails behind the pack. It isn’t so far behind that I would discount it, but it does take a tick longer each and every boil.
As always, MSR has done a great job of thinking through every detail. Everything feels dialed and fits together beautifully. It is a tall system, but still stands sturdy. The lid actually stays on and don’t get me started on that robust handle. Both of these items have been lacking in competing models, but MSR has created a handle and lid I would trust fully with an entire pot of skin scalding, boiling water. It assembles easily and feels secure, and then is disassembles and stacks into a compact, maybe a little heavy (15.25oz), pod. And bonus points for a functional coffee press that you can stash in the unit.
We tested the WindBurner on the Lost Coast Trail which being coastal means we encountered a myriad of wind conditions. Then we grabbed it for a snow cave building weekend that entailed some gnarly storms. In both instances the WindBurner stood up to the elements with flying colors, but was more the slow and steady choice. When the wind flared up it shined, but aggressive winds also made me miss the push button ignition of competing models. The heating element is exposed to whatever weather conditions you are dealing with during the lighting process. It was hard to get started with a lighter in high winds, and slightly difficult to visually confirm ignition when we were squinting against snow. If the light process was internal it might have streamlined and simplified the process.
Overall, I like this stove for a more exposed adventure, but might leave it at home for something a little tamer. But if you are only going to buy one stove, expect to face at least some high wind conditions, and don’t mind waiting a little bit longer when the weather is pleasant, this could be your stove. The sturdiness of the handle alone makes this worth a look.
www.msr.com
Copyright © 2015
Emily Applekamp & Jessica Bigby
Emily Applekamp & Jessica Bigby