The Jetboil Stash camping stove was big news when unveiled a year or two ago as the lightest in the range. It achieved the 200g-ish all-in weight by dumping some of the features found on larger and heavier models. The Stash too is a ‘stove system’, but it’s really packable. The 0.8 litre pot is wide rather than tall, making it less prone to burning food and easier to stir the contents. It’s more than big enough for most solo meals (and will hold a 100g canister if you wish). There’s a very solid integrated handle that folds over the plastic lid, which has a built-in drainer.
Price: $129.95 | £155 (Buy now from alpinetrek.co.uk)
The titanium burner is small, lights easily with a fire steel or lighter, and has three wide legs that fold out securely. The pan rests on top, interfacing with the pot base so it won’t slide off. The heat exchanger works well to reduce hot spots and burning, and there’s a reasonably fine degree of flame control: a near-simmer is possible.
Like all canister-top stoves, it’s a little top-heavy when full. A canister stand is included to help mitigate stability concerns. It can also help isolate the canister from contact with frost or ice. A stand is especially useful if you cook in the pot (it’s your dinner you’ll be spilling).
I found the Stash to be slow but steady. I couldn’t match the quoted 2.5 minute boil time: my average was twice that (however I was testing in a Cairngorms winter). The canister-top design makes it very susceptible to wind, and the height of the burner means you’ll need a full-height wind shield (which won’t squish down into the pan – mine weighs 93g). It can be sluggish without this. Gas pressure isn’t regulated either, and the stove did slow as I reached the end of the canister.
Despite that, there’s a lot to like here. It’s a simple, very light design that packs small and will allow basic cooking. For longer, warmer-weather trips nothing else is needed.
This review was part of our guide to The best camping stoves
