Companies shouldn’t neglect the flexibility and length of the fuel line because it affects pot placement and packability. My belief is based on my use of the Optimus Vega and The Kovea Spider, which I consider to be top-notch stoves in the remote stove category. I believe that remote canister stoves are about to become conventional for use in non-alpine environments. The Kovea Spider offers precise flame control.

The Kovea Spider has a wide base, allowing multiple pot sizes, and this compensates for it not being super fast. The efficiency and portability of the Kovea Spider make it a great option as a backpacking stove despite its imperfect wind performance. I'll try and post a quick pic later on but, frankly, there are some very good reviews on the Internet already - just google 'kovea spider review'. That is pretty good value for money in my book already - we'll see how much 'value' after a bit more use. You can pick these up on eBay for about £30 from Korea (no import taxes needed and delivery within about 2 weeks). I like it so far and it solves some of the issues I've had with other stoves but I am not sure it is as convenient and 'useable' as my earlier Kovea yet. I'll write more when I feel I've enough to go on. The peizo igniter is separate - therefore, it is loseable! It does have a lanyard hole but spare lighter and/or firesteel are necessary or it might be no tea for you! Does anyone know where I can get thin aluminium sheet (like really thick tin foil) I can use to make a custom windshield?ī. I dug out my MSR XGK windshield but, frankly, it is not as elegant a solution. I have a Primus clip-on windshield which I use with the other Kovea stove but it won't work with the Spider. It is well-made (Kovea make stoves/kit for other companies and have a great reputation), it folds down into my MSR Titan Kettle along with a small canister and comes with a little piezo igniter. I have used the stove a couple of time already and it has performed well. This may not mean much to many of you but if you like a bit of winter camping and mountaineering, it can become pretty important. This allows the stove to be more stable and also has the advantage of being able to turn the canister upside down in the cold which, using butane/propane mixes, lets the stove work more efficiently (there is also a preheat tube).

I recently saw a good review of the Kovea Spider, which is still a canister stove but the main body sits low to the ground and connects to the canister via a tube. The only issue with it is it screws into the top of a canister which can make things a little top-heavy and unstable. I have had a small Kovea titanium stove (folds very small and has integrated piezo ignition - ) for about 8 years and it's still going strong. I know many love their meths stoves - but they're not for me. I'm not going to get into the gas/meths debate: I cannot abide meths stoves - gas, wood or pressure fuels for me only. As a keen mountaineer/hillwalker, there are many occasions when I need to bivvy out, use a tent or bothy, and need a lightweight, quick and reliable solution for hot drinks/cooking. Whilst I love to make a fire as much as most others on this site, often it just isn't appropriate (local law, weather, etc) and/or there's not enough time.

Though this isn't really a review as I haven't had it long enough, I'd just like to present a small, lightweight gas stove which could find a place in your emergency kit, climbing/mountaineering kit or brew pack.

Piezo lighter and kovea spider