My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included trips varying in length from one day hikes to two-week trips. My experience hiking 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 my Girl Scout troop, friends and family, I spend time hiking, geocaching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and camping. Although I am not a lightweight backpacker, I am trying to 'lighten up' and primarily use a hammock for sleeping.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: The Coleman Company Inc.
Website: http://www.coleman.com Xtreme stove and fuel canister

Product: Xtreme Stove and Maintenance Kit
MSRP: $59.99

Advertised weight: 11 oz (312 g) (Stove and Maintenance Kit)
Weight as delivered: 11. 7 oz (332 g) (Stove and Maintenance Kit)

Product Description:
    The Coleman Xtreme is a three legged canister design stove. The footprint has about a 7 in (18 cm) diameter. The pot stand itself features curved supports, that are designed to provide more stability on unlevel ground. The fuel canisters attach by screwing on to the stove valve assembly.


Test Findings:

    Although we did not have the typical amount of snowfall this winter, we did have some extremely cold days. I was able to test the stove on two occasions where the tempertures were below 0 degrees F ( - 18 C).
    On the first day, we went ice fishing on a local lake. It was -2 degrees F (-19 C) with winds gusting to 30 mph (48 kph). I used the stove to boil water for hot chocolate, soup and coffee. I set up the stove so it was somewhat protected from the wind. I was worried that the stove itself would blow away! Fortunately, that wasn't a problem - the side of the ice shack provided enough of a windbreak to keep it from getting blown away. The water heated quickly, using a 2 liter pot. I was very careful to make sure the stove was on a level surface. I did notice that I had to adjust the flame a few times, as it decreased in intensity over time.
    The next time I used the stove, it was - 4 degrees F (-22 C) but with minimal wind. We were once again on the lake, and heated water to rehydrate our lunches. This worked well - we heated the water, added it to the meals and then fished for a little while longer. Once the food was ready, we were starving and at it before it cooled off. I didn't find that I needed to adjust the flame as often as the first trip, but it still had to be adjusted twice. This was not something I had to do when I used it in warmer weather.
    I also used the stove twice during power outages. The first night I used it to pan fry venison. That meal turned out very well, and I was able to adjust the flame and it stayed at the same level. It was over just 30 degrees F (-1 C) that night. In the morning I made oatmeal and used the stove to boil the water. Thank goodness the electricity came back on before the freezer thawed, or I would have been cooking a LOT of food very quickly!
    While snowshoeing, I've taken the stove along and cooked hotdogs while on a trail - they cook quickly and it makes for a quick, easy, kid friendly lunch. The snowshoeing trips have all been taken in temperatures over 30 degrees. It was used more than 6 times while hiking and/or snowshoeing over the course of the test period. I found that using it was hassle-free and that it added minimal weight to my pack. The other times I used it were either ice fishing, where we carry our gear onto the lake in a sled, or at home when we lose power. During these times, weight is not an issue anyway.

    The Xtreme Stove has performed 'Xtremely' well over the last four months. It is so light and easy to pack and carry. Some of the design features that I have come to appreciate include:

    Heat source - the stove has lit on the first try, every time. The flame seems to be somewhat protected from air movement that would cause flame flicker. This protection comes from the cupped ring around the burner area. The flame continues to be a consistent blue, indicating it is burning clean.

    Stability - I have not had any problems with the stove tipping, nor pots sliding off. I do try to set up on even surfaces, but am not always able to find a perfectly flat surface. The three legged 'tripod design', provides sure footed support for the stove and items being cooked. It is not designed for use with pots that have a wide base.

    Fuel - The stove has proven to be very economical in its fuel consumption. I have used 2.5 canisters of fuel in 12 uses. One canister was used over two days of ice fishing, in cold and sometimes windy weather. The stove was used to heat over 4 gallons of water, over the course of one of the days. The Powermax cannisters attach and detach easily, with a slight turn.

    Maintenance - The only maintenance that I have had to perform is the replacement of an 'O' ring, which fell off as I was changing a fuel canister. It was a very easy 'fix' and went right in place. Other than that, all I've done is wipe the stove down after use with a clean rag. It does help to let it cool completely before trying to clean off melted marshmallow. It was not my idea to cook marshmallows over the flame and someone had extended kitchen duty after that stunt!

Positives:

Easy to light
Easy to pack
Quick to heat food/water
Good fuel economy
Easy to adjust flame to proper strength

Negatives:

Would love to be able to use a larger pot on the stove. I wondered if it would be possible to have longer pot supports, without throwing the stove out of balance.

Thank you to Backpackgeartest.org and Coleman for the opportunity to test this great stove. I will continue to use it throughout the year, and again next winter. Photo is taken from the Coleman website.

Read more reviews of Coleman gear
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