Owner Review by Wayne Merry

Owner Review: Coleman Exponent Feather 442 Liquid Fuel Stove
Date: 28th March 2006

Biography:
Name: Wayne Merry
Age: 33
Gender: Male
Height: 1.8 m (5' 10")
Weight: 90 kg (200 lb)
Email address: wayne_merry@user.com.au (replace user with yahoo)
City, State, Country: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Date: March 2005

Backpacking Background: I started backpacking four years ago, although I did day walks in childhood. I hike in various terrain from moderate/hard track walks to some off track walking. I generally like the temperature to stay above freezing, and have not camped above the snow line. I enjoy going on multi day walks up to about a week. I carry a moderate weight pack to enjoy a few creature comforts at camp.

Product information:
Manufacturer: Coleman
Year of manufacture: 2003
URL manufacturer's web site: www.coleman.com
Listed weight: 680 g (24 oz)
Weight as delivered: 760 g (26.81 oz)
Advertised Dimensions: Unknown
Measured Dimensions: 155 mm (6.1") height by 140 mm (5.51") diameter
Price: MSRP US$59.99

The Coleman Exponent Feather 442 (shown below) is a Coleman Fuel/unleaded petrol (gasoline) powered stove with an integrated tank, small heat shield and pot supports. The tank is filled through an inlet positioned on the stove using a included filter. The tank is pressurized using a hand pump which is also positioned on the stove. There are two pot supports which cross forming a + pattern. These pot supports are not notched and are fixed in position. The entire assembly is supported on three metal feet, which fold inwards when the stove is not in use.

Review:
I bought the Coleman Stove in early 2004 and have used it in many varied locations throughout Victoria and Tasmania including near beaches, on exposed alpine ridges (but not during the snow season), forested areas and on open grasslands throughout Victoria and Tasmania. I have encounted winds during use of the stove up to 40 km/h (24 mp/h) and have used the stove during rain. Temperatures encountered during use have varied from 5 C (41 F) to 35 C (95 F). I have used the stove at elevations varying from sea level to 1400 m (4600 ft).

I have found the Coleman Stove easy to use on the overnight/multi day trips that I have taken it on. I have found that following the instructions written on the stove will generally result in satisfactory operation. Care must be taken to not over-pressurize the tank which can result in unclean burning and a yellow sooty flame. I have also found that I should allow the stove to run for 20 seconds on high before beginning to cook - and allow additional time when using less than 100% clean petroleum spirits (which has been known to happen when buying fuel in isolated places)! When the stove is used correctly, a clean blue flame that stays on the jets will result, even when using less than ideal fuel. I have also found that when a clean blue flame is achieved, any soot on the stove tends to get burnt away, and the jets get nice and clean.

I have found that use of a wind shield that encloses 80% of the sides of the stove significantly improves fuel efficiency. If combined with a "dutch oven" style of cooking, then I used less than 80 ml (2.7 fl oz) of fuel per day for cooking 2 meals and 2 hot drinks for 2 people per day. Where I also boil all water on a trip, my fuel usage rises to around 150 ml (5.1 fl oz). Without a wind shield, I have found I use about twice the fuel. Use of a heat shield does result in the fuel tank warming up more than otherwise, but I have found that the inbuilt heat shield is sufficient for the cooking/water boiling that I have done. I have never been interested in how quickly a stove can boil water - as in 3 1/2 minutes vs 4 - but this stove cooks my dinner fast enough. As an example if a supplier suggests their dehydrated meat will take 6 minutes to cook and rehydrate, I find it is ready in 6 minutes - the stove does not slow the process down.

The inbuilt tank can carry around 250 ml (8.4 fl oz) of fuel, which based on my experience is enough for 3 days of use. If I am going on a short trip of one or two nights, I can fill up the stove and leave the fuel bottle and filter at home.

The pot support has handled small to medium pots quite well, but I need to support the pot on one side if I am stirring vigorously. The lever that controls the height of the flame is located not far from the inbuilt heat shield, so it (the lever) can tend to get warm - sometimes a little too warm to comfortably turn the stove off with unprotected fingers. I have, however never had burnt fingers while using the stove. The lever does give good control over the flame intensity from full flame to simmer or anywhere in between. Very low simmers can flame out after a minute, so the stove does need to be watched if being used on a very low heat.

When turning the stove off, the flame can linger for 20 or so seconds afterwards. I have found this not to be of concern if the stove has been burning cleanly, however if for any reason there has been any yellow flame, then I have needed to blow out the flame as soon as I turn the stove off. If I fail to do so, sometimes the yellow flame has lingered on and has moved below the heat shield. My fuel lever has partially melted as a result of this. The moral of the story is to be patient when lighting the stove to avoid yellow flames (including yellow flame tips). Any problems I have had with the stove have been when I have not waited at least 20 seconds before starting to cook.

Some care is required in transporting the stove as the pot supports are a little sharp and are able to cut nearby items in a backpack. My wife constructed a cardboard cover to prevent this from occurring.

Summary:
The Coleman Exponent Feather 442 Stove is a good small-sized stove that is powerful enough to cook meals for 2 people. When the stove is used with a wind shield, it uses low amounts of fuel.

Things I like:
1. Variable heat control.
2. Integrated tank has enough capacity for 3 day trips based on how I use the stove.

Things I don't like:
1. Lever can get a little too warm.
2. Pot supports are a little sharp.

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