review by Tony Lourens
Let’s face it, carrying a heavy pack up a mountain sucks! It takes all the fun out of being in the hills. Back in the day, you didn’t have many options, but today, with modern materials and advanced technology, outdoor kit is getting lighter and lighter, and more efficient.
These days it’s all about how light you can make your pack, and believe me, there is a monumental difference between lugging a 20 kilogram pack and totting a 12 kilogram pack.
This is not an article about how to shave off those unwelcome kilos, but suffice to say, every aspect of your kit needs to be looked at, and cooking systems are where you can really lop off a good chunk.
Admittedly, I have not laid eyes on every single camp stove on the market, but I have seen and used many, and I would wager good money that Fire Maple’s new 300T would be a serious contender for being not only the lightest burner out there, but also the smallest – folded up and stashed in its little storage bag, this little burner is the size of your average wine cork, and weighing in at a ridiculous 45 grams, it is almost as light. It also fits into any pot set you may have, or even your mug.
Of course being light is great, and all very well, but performance is also really important when it comes to your trusty burner. A super light burner that has the power of a glow worm, is not ideal, is it?
I took the 300T out for a little test run and I must say, for its size and weight, this little guy packs a serious punch. In windless conditions, it boiled a litre of water in five minutes. Yes, I know, not record breaking, but quite impressive for such a small unit which has no flux ring to assist boil times.
The other thing I really like is the sensitivity of the flame control knob – from full tilt rocket launch, all the way down to a soft simmering flame, and everything in between – great for all kinds of meals.
The 300T fits securely onto all standard screw-in gas canisters and has about an 8 centimetre diameter between its pot support arms, which is good for most average pots. The one thing I would include with this cooking set-up is a sheet of stiff foil, which could be used as a wind shield if necessary, otherwise I’d feel good to go with this diminutive cooker in my arsenal.
Specifications
Material: Titanium alloy, stainless steel, aluminium, copper
Protective mesh bag
Weight: 45 g
Size: Unfolded 85 x 68.5 mm
Folded 37 x 52 mm
RRP: R599
www.traversegear.co.za
