Esbit Stove with Cookset?

[Outdoorsman3830]

I never put much thought into the Esbit Stove & Cookset, let alone hear very much about it. I'm seeing mixed reviews on it, but the majority seem to like it as long as you take the time to understand it. It seems like a great system since you can't really break the fuel tablet and it doubles as a great fire starter. It's simple, reliable, and a mult-tool. It fits perfectly into the ultralight backpacking criteria.

Now the gripe against it is that it makes a mess of the cooking pots bottom, which is not a big deal in my book. A small lightweight cover will keep the mess off everything else in your pack. Other complaints revolved around the time required in achieving a boil, which is around 10 to 12 minutes. Also, some have a tough time trying to get a boil, which also sounds like its more related to a lack of experience or a poor wind screen.

Currently I'm running a MSR Microrocket with Titan Kettle. However, I think I will start testing out the Esbit Stove and Cookset. I would like to hear thoughts from other experienced backpack hunters who use it or used it in the past.

Thank You for your Responses,

 

[Chuffness]

I would like to hear thoughts from other experienced backpack hunters who use it or used it in the past.

Thank You for your Responses,

For the First couple of years of backpack hunting i used the good ol heavy Jet Boil... Yeah boil times were great. But that anchor was not what I wanted in "Light Weight Bivvy BackPack hunt" After hearing the plus and minuses like you have been seeing I decided to give the Esbit-Ti a go. I got a Ti-Snow Peak mug to go with it. For the Last couple of years I have not fired up my Jet Boil since I bought the Esbit-Ti. Yeah boil times are slower but who cares. When Im packing in the mountains I could stand to rest for 10 mins after gaining a couple thousand feet of elevation. The soot on the bottom is not a worry for me. My pack rolls around in the dirt. A little soot doesnt bother me. ( I do keep my cookset in a Crown Royal Bag though) What I have noticed is it is mandatory to have a good wind guard.. For the first couple of times I didnt have a tin foil piece so I just used some sticks and shrub. If i feel i dont have a good enough burn ill throw in some twigs to help the burn.

I dont use it to make clean water.. I just use it for Cup of Noodles / Mountain Houses / Oatmeal / sometimes Hot Coco

All in all I love my setup. Its light weight Cheap and it works. The only thing I wish I would of got is a lid for my mug... Still need to get me one of those.

 

[blb078]

I actually just ordered the half ounce esbit folding stove that holds one cube. Gonna use that w/a snow peak 600 cup(3oz). I only need warm water at night to rehydrate my food and it don't bother me to wait 10 minutes for it to get warm(probably less since I don't even care if it's at a boil or not). Don't really see the need to bring my JB Zip since I don't drink hot coffee or need hot oatmeal in the morning.

 

[badkneesbro]

Agree with what "Chuffness" said. I think its great for shorter trips like 5 days or less, but I get impatient waitin for my coffee. I typically camp @ 8-9k feet, & I find that I can get fresh cube to boil in about 10 mins. I bring a piece of foil & use it as a wind screen, then use the foil to wrap the remains of that cube for carrying. About 3 of those leftover cubes gets me another boil. I also agree that a full on boil isn't always necessary. I go through 2 cubes a day for mountain house & 2 cups of coffee. Usually take my pocket rocket instead but again only because I need my coffee quick!

 

[johnson taxidermy]

These stoves look handy if you are in a area that doesn't have a fire band in affect. Pricy but pretty slick looking. http://www.vargooutdoors.com/

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

The Esbit seems like a good option for flying to hunt as well. No need to worry about picking up fuel when you land. For the price I'm going to have to give this one a try.

 

[Randle]

I have been using the vargo titanium XE for a while with Heet or fuel tabs it is alittle pricey but works well, I also run just the esbit box stove I don't mind the wait.
Sometime the Heet fuel is a pain to put in the stove but it burns well once loaded so I live with that part.