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 and Conditions:
Living in Northern New England, there are at least 5 seasons, (not including Black Fly season, which overruns 3 other seasons)   During the summer, the temperatures rise to the 90's (32 C) (at least a few times), with cooler nights. Most of my outdoor adventures include hiking, backpacking and camping at elevations below 4000 ft. (1219m) As my children get older and more able to carry their own gear, we are attempting higher climbs.   The terrain runs the gamut from improved trails to rocky and root filled to bushwhacking. In the late spring, hiking can be slippery and muddy.
    This summer, I've been hiking in Maine and New Hampshire primarily, with a side trip to Ohio.   5 of the hikes were multi-day trips and 10 were day hikes.    During the Long Term Testing phase, all hikes were in dry weather.    The temperatures were well in the 90's (32 C) and very humid.

Test Information:
    I am so impressed with the Raptor - it has proven itself to be a great stove. In the case of stoves, it proves size does not matter! I have cooked at least 25 meals on the Raptor.   Sometimes that just involved boiling water, but other times it involved cooking foods that required much more precise heat control. The Raptor proved to be able to handle simmering and medium heat cooking also. I was able to fry eggs, meat and fish without having raw centers and overcooked edges. I was able to put a small amount of water in a pan and steam veggies, greens and slow cook denser foods.   Because the stove is so quick and easy to use, I was able to cook for more than just one or two people. On one of my multinight trips, I made a meal from food I dehydrated.   I was able to serve 6 people dinner in under 20 minutes.   I boiled water and poured a little into each container of meat, garlic, tomato and rice, as that rehydrated I heated more water. Once all the food was 'resting' we sat down to eat.   It turned out very well and everyone was thrilled to have a hearty meal, and be able to sit down together and eat.
    The flame adjusts very easily, and stays where it is set.   Mild wind did not have a huge effect on the stove, and a simple windscreen took care of any gusty winds.   The stove has lit very easily all through the test period. One push of the lighter and the flame was ready. I have had no problems with the stove - it lights easily and stays lit.    It hasn't required any maintainence, other than a quick cleaning once in a while.   I just connected to my third canister of fuel, which compared to stoves used in the past, seems to be just about right.   I had been concerned that I would go through fuel much more quickly, but that was unfounded.   I found that the carry pouch is well made and holds the stove securely. I will continue to carry the Brunton Raptor stove - it has worked very well over the last six months. I have thoroughly enjoyed testing this stove and appreciate the opportunity! Thank you.

Pros:
Quick
Easy to light
Dependable

Cons:
None, I wouldn't change a thing

Read more reviews of Brunton gear
Read more gear reviews by Leesa Joiner

Long Term Report

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