Long Term Report: Coleman Exponent XtremeCat Catalytic Heater

Personal biographical information

David Posalski
31
Male
5’11", 180 cm
280 lb , 127 kg
dposalski at msn.com
Aloha, Oregon, USA
02/12/06

I started backpacking as a kid in the Boy Scouts doing overnighters. In the last few months, I have had a desire see things that relatively few people have seen. This has drawn me back to backpacking. I have found it to be the most enjoyable thing I know. I have gotten my wife involved and we get out and hike at least once a month. I have my pack weight down to about 20 lbs (9 kg) when it is loaded for a weekend.

Manufacturer’s data

Manufacturer- Coleman Exponent
Website- www.exponentgear.com; www.coleman.com
Model- XtremeCat Butane/Propane Mix Catalytic Heater
Weight- 27.25 oz (773 g) without fuel
Burn Time- 13 hours
MSRP- $26.99 US
Measurements: Included in initial report

Test Results

The heater has worked well in almost all conditions that we have tested it in.  It does a fine job of staying lit and lasts for a long time on a canister of fuel.  It was used when I took a group of Cub Scouts sledding up on Mt. Hood.  It kept my face warm and was used by many to warm their hands.  The temperature was approximately 30 F (-1 C). I know this because it was raining when we arrived and then turned to heavy snow.  I lit the heater during the rain and had no problem getting it lit.  It warmed up well.  It did seem to put out less heat in the cold weather.  I don’t know whether this was due to the canister fuel being in cold weather, or just feeling colder due to the colder temperature than other testing conditions.  I was able to set the heater base in the snow and it stayed lit while unattended for several hours.  The Primus Powergas fuel that I used on this occasion did not fit into the base ring that was supplied with the heater.

We did have an issue with the heater on the way back home.  After cooling, we drove home without disassembling the heater from the fuel.  As the heater fell over, the valve opened and began to release fuel inside the car.  It must have been open for a while as there were many ice crystals on the burner element and the odor was intense.  When I picked up the heater and closed the valve, I was rather disappointed that it had opened that easily.  The odor was pretty intense for a long time.  I had to leave the heater outside overnight for the fumes to dissipate.  Perhaps a lock of some sort on the valve would be useful.  I would be afraid that the same thing may happen in my pack if I didn’t want to carry the extra weight of the case.  Also, removing the canister would prevent this issue.

Test Conditions

This heater was tested in various conditions, but mostly when it was between 18 F (-8 C) to 45 F (7 F). It was tested at elevations of between 1500 ft (457 m) and 6000 ft (1829 m).  It was used in the wind and rain and also in the snow and while snowing.  It was used inside and outside and worked in all conditions.

Summary

I enjoyed using this heater and testing its capabilities.  I find it to be a great tool for keeping warm and it was very versatile.  I would probably carry it only for the coldest of trips as I try to minimize my pack weight when possible.  With fuel it is nearly two pounds.  I would prefer to add some warm clothing and some other hand warmers for the added weight.  It is an excellent accessory for car camping or for short hikes where weight is less of an issue. Some recommendations that I have:

I would make it lighter, perhaps with a smaller element for backpacking.

I would make the valve more secure so that it does not inadvertently open.

I would like to thank Coleman Exponent Gear and Backpack gear test for the opportunity to test this piece of equipment.