The first thing we noted is there's a lot of metal, which equals weight. The Esbit Spirit cook set has a larger 985 ml cup than the 585 ml Esbit cup we use. Instead of the thin, light flat lid that comes with the 585 ml cup, the Esbit Spirit cook set comes with a second 470 ml pot, again more weight.
Directing our attention to the base beneath the 985 ml cup, we find the same heavy Esbit base, a brass Spirit alcohol stove, and an insert-able aluminum Esbit solid fuel burner - more weight. Yes, the entire cook set is made of hard anodized aluminum which is lighter than the steel cook sets offered in many outdoor shops, but there's still considerable excess weight.
If you absolutely insist on paying the greater cost for Esbit's Spirit cook set, then consider:
1) Keep the 985 ml cup/pot.
2) Try and buy a replacement flat lid from Esbit for their 585 ml cup and ditch the 470 ml pot/lid.
3) Ditch the base.
4) Keep the Spirit alcohol stove, but ditch the screw on lid and the other lid-like thing (flame snuffer?). Alcohol stoves have no moving parts to be protected and you don't (shouldn't) pack alcohol stoves with alcohol still in them.
5) Ditch the second aluminum Esbit solid fuel burner.
Personally, we wouldn't buy either the cook set nor the stove. Why would you want a 92 gram brass stove, when a Supercat alcohol stove is just 6 grams? Our Esbit 585 ml cup weighs just 113 grams compared to the Spirit cook set's 417 grams. Nothing against Esbit nor the brawny, he-man-y fellows who like to tote cool metallic toys over hill and dale, but a lighter pack makes for a more enjoyable hike
.Disclosure: We select and purchase the product(s) reviewed. We have no material connection to either the manufacturer nor the retailer(s).
Mighty negative opinion for something you've never used. I own one and love it. The second "pot" is actually a fry pan and lid combo. Try accidentally stepping on your 6 ounce Supercat and you will immediately realize the advantage of the Esbit or Trangia brass stoves. In deep back-country, I will always sacrifice a little weight for bullet proof performance.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting Ric. As noted above, I own the earlier Esbit pot and stove and leave the Esbit stove behind as its heavy. I'm curious as to where all these Supercat stompers are located as I put mine on table tops, cooking ledges or I'm sitting mid-trail when I use mine. Perhaps I don't use mine correctly.
ReplyDeleteI'm aware the second pot is a combo pan/lid, but again why would you take it when you already have one pot? Its extra cargo. You only need one pot to heat water in.
If one's out for a night or two and wants the extra weight of the entire set, fine, but for long distance hiking there is much on the Esbit Spirit Stove & Cook Set that can/should be pared down.
Thanks for dropping by and hope you visit again.
sucks cuz it leaks like a colander
ReplyDeleteWelcome anonymous. I published your comment although its vague and thus not very useful. What specifically leaks like a colander? The stove, the alcohol burner, the pot, or the mesh bag? Did you attempt to store the stove with alcohol inside instead of draining first?
ReplyDelete