Personal Information:

Leesa Joiner
leesaj@gmail.com
Southwestern Maine
44 years old
Female
5' 7" (1.7 m)
150 lb (68 kg)

Background:
My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included trips varying in length from one day hikes to two-week trips. My hiking experience began with my father when I was about six years old. We hiked along the river pathways in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. While enjoying the outdoors with friends and family, I spend time hiking, geocaching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and camping. Although I am not a lightweight backpacker, I am continually trying to 'lighten up' and primarily use an Ultra-lite Backpacker Asym hammock for sleeping.

Product Information:
Manufacturer: Brunton
Model: Raptor Canister Stove
Web Site: http://www.brunton.com
Listed Weight: 5 oz (142 g)
Actual Weight:  5 oz (142 g)
MSRP: $40 US

Test Locations:
During the past six months I have used the Brunton Raptor while on two two-night trips (four nights total) in Western Maine,  a couple of long weekend snowshoeing trips in Maine and Vermont and out back on the back part of our property.

Test Conditions:
The majority of my testing is done in northern New England, where current day temperatures are in the 40 to 60 F (4  to 15 C) range, with night temperatures falling to around freezing. The last few months saw the temperatures drop to -20 F (-29 C) at times.  It is not unusual to have 30 in (76 cm) of snow on the ground by February. Most of my hiking is done below 3000 ft (900 m). There is a wide range of types of terrain on these hikes; everything from well maintained trails to hiking through heavily wooded areas. Some trips involve backpacking into campsites and at other times I set up camp and hike out from there.  
   
    Two times I have used the Raptor in the rain -  the first time I was sure I was going to be sorry I was trying to cook in the rain, especially since I was already hungry.   I was pleasantly surprised that the stove started right up and boiled my water as quickly as ever.  The second time I used the Raptor in the rain, it was also fairly windy.  The Raptor still performed well.  The wind caused the flames to move rapidly which concerned me.  I thought that the wind might cause the flame to go out, or that the stove itself would tip over.  I probably was worried needlessly but I put my pack up as a wind break and it solved the problem.   

Test Information:
Having tested the Brunton Raptor for the last few months, I am extremely impressed with its lightweight efficiency.    It lights up on the first attempt. The Piezo electric ignition is well designed and a pleasure to use.  I was able to light the stove very easily, but thinking it was because I have had quite a bit of experience with camp stoves of all sorts, I had my 12 year old son try it - it lit on his first attempt.  My 9 year old daughter insisted that she could do it too.  She was right, first try and it fired right up.   
We used the stove in cold conditions and found that as long as the fuel canister was not left outside to get too cold there wasn't a problem.   Keeping the canister  in a backpack until needed kept it warm enough to use.   The fuel canisters are either butane or isobutane, depending on the manufacturer.   I have found the canisters at sporting good stores, big box stores and also a local general store.   The canister provides the base for the stove and seems to have a wide enough base to provide stability.  I would not try using a pot or pan with a diameter larger than 6 in (15 cm)  in diameter, because it could cause it to tip.

Cooking on the stove has worked out very well.  Besides boiling water for hot drinks, soups, pasta and rehydrating meals, I was able to control the heat output enough to cook eggs, small pieces of beef, sausage and heat a potato meal (pre-baked potato with meat, veggie and cheese filling).    Although some of these foods required constant watching and adjusting the flame to get it right, they turned out very well and I will know for next time how much heat they require.  The precision simmering control provides a way to easily and accurately adjust the flame.   The stove heats quickly, allowing me to cook for more than one person without anyone having to wait too long.   I have used the stove on over a dozen occasions, and had to switch to a new canister after the 10th use.

I plan on continuing to use the Raptor - I'm anxious to see what I can 'cook-up'.   So far, I can only say positive things about the Raptor.  It is a sturdy, lightweight, easy to light stove that cooks quickly and efficiently.