I've been rocking the campstove 1 for the past 6 yrs. I bought mine that included the pot and grill. I do agree in the fact it is a bit on the heavy side for backpacking, but the fuel source is plenty available everywhere you look. I'm used to carrying it in my pack and this summer I bought a biolite solar panel that I use to recharge the battery wherever I camp. When I go car camping I will take the grill so I can cook burgers, hotdogs, steaks etc but not for an actual hike. When I go hiking in the backcountry I use a bushcraft grill . It's thin, lightweight and fits in my pack.
But you aren't adding the weight of a propane tank to your back pack so it kind evens the weight issue out. Granted, I don't use it for back camping I use it for Kayak Camping.
I've heard of this method - I have a pellet stove that I used in my house, but I haven't tried using any pellets in my biolite, maybe I'll give it a try!!
Just a few observations. Most people aren't filming UA-cam videos while camping so most folks can focus on the task at hand. You said it's slow, I don't find it to be that bad. Please tell me what else you're going to be doing besides playing with a fire when you're camping anyway haha. The dirty pots. Well, if you've ever used wood as fuel for cooking that is absolutely the norm. I've had mine for many years, around 8, and I've found it to be fun and useful.
I have had it for over a year or two in Australia, even before it was available to buy over here and I love it. You are right about starting fire. It is the hardest thing, even with a flexible long nosed lighter, but once it starts, it is awesome and the battery/charger holds its charge very well. I bought the grill seperately and that is what I use it for 2 - 3 person barbie cooking. It is ideal for a kayaking/canoeing trip, base and/or car camping or as you rightfully said - grid down scenario. The trick apparently (from memory) is rather than burn from bottom up is to burn from top down. Don't let the steel get wet - it is a rust bucket, and the supplied usb cable, throw it away - it's just too short. All in all for what I want it for, and use it for I give it 7.5 - 8/10. Worth having? I say yes, others may not. It is pricey for what you get.
Actually burning from the top down is what you should o in any cases. This prevent a lot of smoke and particle pollution. In Finland this is the way they do it, and they do burn a lot of wood.
I've had one for a couple of years. Pretty cool, very efficient burn, worked well. Used it once on a car trip. Don't foresee a second time. I did buy their grill/fireplace and have used that many times, the fan really speeds up the coals.
Hi... I have the Biolite 1... older version. I've had it for over 10 years, use it only for base camping usually in a campsite here in the UK, mainly if I'm not using my car whilst having time away, great way to charge my phone and camera batteries plus cook up a brew. I was thinking of doing a comparison video on my UA-cam channel comparing the old and new versions... but my I can't warrant getting another one as they are a little pricey. Maybe in the future... I've got to say though, cumbersome to backpack but brilliant in the right setting.
Love hearing your perspective Thanks!!!! I've had one for about a year. I think it's really cool if you're car camping and don't want to bring Propane with you. I've used it in conjunction with the grill to cook up some burgers and sausage and it was great!! Also, it's nice if you just want a small fire at the end of the night with out having a larger ground fire. It allows you to "play with your fire" by constantly feeding it. A few notes. I've found fatwood sticks to be an awesome way to start fires in this; also wood that's even slightly damp can cause a lot of smoke and just be a nightmare - stick with only very dry wood!! When I grill, I prep up / collect a lot of wood prior to firing up the stove. Again, I wouldn't consider this a primary cooking stove, but as a neat secondary one! One that I enjoy firing up for fun time and time again!
I often use the original for car camping, but not for backpakcing. I have pretty much the same pros and cons. I am generally able to start the fire with a little bit of tinder, such as tissue or cardboard, and then sustain the fire with (a lot of) spruce cones (which fall for free every year in my back yard).
Just the other day I was thinking if I could multitask and cook and charge my phone with the same tool. And here it is. If they could add water filtration and pot cleaning function they might have a;winner. And how about a navigation function??
Would like to see cleaning/storing. I'm car camping..space is LIMITED, and I'm wondering if you just toss it in a stuff sack, put it in the original box, or.....?
You're supposed to fill the burn chamber first and then burn it from the top down to start, much easier to start that way. I also recommend processing your wood into 1-2 inch chunks to use as fuel.
Work as intended, brought in several backpacking and canoe camping trips. I think woodstove such as Firebox are a better alternative and complement to my main naphta stove, they have side feeding for longer piece of woods from which you can control combustion rate and most importantly they take less space once folded and make no fan noise...
That's cool! Power goes out or you live off grid, can still charge your phone and have hot water... I think if was more in a storm kettle design it would be super tight.
Would Biolite and Jetboil co-develop and co-market back country hiking/biking? Essentially Jetboil appears compatible with Biolite: • 100 second boil time • 1 Litre Fluxring cup with insulating wrap However, Biolite might sell their standard kitchen with a smaller, lighter battery for backcountry. I suppose one could simply use Biolite combustion chamber with Jetboil Fluxring.
Biolite doesn't need Jetboil. They can create a more compact design if they so choose; they wouldn't need the help of jetboil to do that. Also, if all they did was put a heat exchanger at the bottom of their pot, which anybody can do, then they'd be in business, but the nature of an actual fire would soot up those fins and create a lack or heat absorption.
Too heavy for hiking, and collecting twigs is unnecessary hassle when there is another easy option to charge the phone, like during car camping or motorcycle travel. But great for charging the phone during activities like bicycle or kayak traveling. That’s certainly a reason to buy one. The grill and the usb lamp are nice to have, but basically only if You use it at home or during car camping because You own it anyway, for any other activity the grill is too big for lugging around, and charging the phone a better use of the usb port than the lamp. Not sure how useful it might be in a prepping situation, the only prepping scenario probably enough in my area to actually prepare for would be being cut off from shopping and from work commute by flooding for a few days - I wouldn’t probably buy this stove just for that reason, but certainly be happy to have it in such a situation, even if I bought it originally for a different purpose.
Again excellent video. I have been thinking about one of these for a while but not seen one in action but I am impressed. Weight and size still a problem but could still be worth it? I'm a bikepacker full time.
I feel like I'd only bring that car camping.. but then I'd just charge my stuff off my car. It's a cool idea tho and I'm sure there's great applications for it
I tested mine to find out how long it would charge my cell phone. After one hour of chopping twigs, feeding it constantly and two burnt fingers I was able to charge it to 20%. A solar charger is probably more efficient.
Hey Eric, my consensus on Biolite stoves are that they are extremely niche(y) and gimmicky. Sure you can charge a phone, but so can a power bank. Just my 2 1/2 cents.
Si it's a crappy stove, but a cool charger. Maybe use it just for that on longer hikes? Providing ofcourse willingness to drag along this kilo of weight. You'd yosu your BSR, or whatever you've got, to boil the water and this would be for your cameras, headlamps and all the else thingies that need power.
I bought mine for kayak and motorcycle camping figuring it would be cool not to have to bring fuel and just use what you find on the ground. Thing is that's all you seem to be doing. Forever picking up twigs. It burns through them fast. And if it rains all night making that all important morning coffee has you wishing for a gas stove.
If you got a car, a proper dual battery system with solar is better. It's meant for hiking, but it's really a gimmick. Nobody is that dedicated that they wouldn't at least visit society every few days/week
Gimmick. Heavy. Constantly reloading with wood. Barely charged phone. Made EVERYTHING smelly and carbonyl. Permanently coated my cookware. Too much effort to deal with and clean up from use. Thankfully, REI took it back. without question.
I’ll sell mine too, have only used it a few times very frustrating getting a fire started... 10 min boil time with the pot.. but I have to say it’s nice to grill by the creek if it’s not miles away
Wanna go on a seriously epic trip to Iceland with me next year?! Here's how! my.trovatrip.com/public/l/email/eric-hanson
I've been rocking the campstove 1 for the past 6 yrs. I bought mine that included the pot and grill. I do agree in the fact it is a bit on the heavy side for backpacking, but the fuel source is plenty available everywhere you look. I'm used to carrying it in my pack and this summer I bought a biolite solar panel that I use to recharge the battery wherever I camp. When I go car camping I will take the grill so I can cook burgers, hotdogs, steaks etc but not for an actual hike. When I go hiking in the backcountry I use a bushcraft grill . It's thin, lightweight and fits in my pack.
That's cool to hear!
But you aren't adding the weight of a propane tank to your back pack so it kind evens the weight issue out. Granted, I don't use it for back camping I use it for Kayak Camping.
Wood pellets! 45 minutes of effortless fire.
I've heard of this method - I have a pellet stove that I used in my house, but I haven't tried using any pellets in my biolite, maybe I'll give it a try!!
Q : 1/4" or 1/3"? 🤔
Just a few observations. Most people aren't filming UA-cam videos while camping so most folks can focus on the task at hand. You said it's slow, I don't find it to be that bad. Please tell me what else you're going to be doing besides playing with a fire when you're camping anyway haha. The dirty pots. Well, if you've ever used wood as fuel for cooking that is absolutely the norm. I've had mine for many years, around 8, and I've found it to be fun and useful.
I have had it for over a year or two in Australia, even before it was available to buy over here and I love it.
You are right about starting fire. It is the hardest thing, even with a flexible long nosed lighter, but once it starts, it is awesome and the battery/charger holds its charge very well.
I bought the grill seperately and that is what I use it for 2 - 3 person barbie cooking. It is ideal for a kayaking/canoeing trip, base and/or car camping or as you rightfully said - grid down scenario.
The trick apparently (from memory) is rather than burn from bottom up is to burn from top down.
Don't let the steel get wet - it is a rust bucket, and the supplied usb cable, throw it away - it's just too short.
All in all for what I want it for, and use it for I give it 7.5 - 8/10. Worth having? I say yes, others may not. It is pricey for what you get.
Kayak/ canoe trips sounds like a pretty ideal use for this thing.
Actually burning from the top down is what you should o in any cases. This prevent a lot of smoke and particle pollution. In Finland this is the way they do it, and they do burn a lot of wood.
From Australia aswell I've used it multiple times best bet is to not over fill or put fan on to high will get a longer burn and less smoke aswell
I've had one for a couple of years. Pretty cool, very efficient burn, worked well. Used it once on a car trip. Don't foresee a second time. I did buy their grill/fireplace and have used that many times, the fan really speeds up the coals.
yeah the fan really works!
Hi... I have the Biolite 1... older version. I've had it for over 10 years, use it only for base camping usually in a campsite here in the UK, mainly if I'm not using my car whilst having time away, great way to charge my phone and camera batteries plus cook up a brew.
I was thinking of doing a comparison video on my UA-cam channel comparing the old and new versions... but my I can't warrant getting another one as they are a little pricey. Maybe in the future... I've got to say though, cumbersome to backpack but brilliant in the right setting.
Love hearing your perspective Thanks!!!! I've had one for about a year. I think it's really cool if you're car camping and don't want to bring Propane with you. I've used it in conjunction with the grill to cook up some burgers and sausage and it was great!! Also, it's nice if you just want a small fire at the end of the night with out having a larger ground fire. It allows you to "play with your fire" by constantly feeding it. A few notes. I've found fatwood sticks to be an awesome way to start fires in this; also wood that's even slightly damp can cause a lot of smoke and just be a nightmare - stick with only very dry wood!! When I grill, I prep up / collect a lot of wood prior to firing up the stove. Again, I wouldn't consider this a primary cooking stove, but as a neat secondary one! One that I enjoy firing up for fun time and time again!
I love this perspective! Great to hear from someone well versed in this.
I often use the original for car camping, but not for backpakcing. I have pretty much the same pros and cons. I am generally able to start the fire with a little bit of tinder, such as tissue or cardboard, and then sustain the fire with (a lot of) spruce cones (which fall for free every year in my back yard).
haha, hooray for free, endless supplies of fuel!
Just the other day I was thinking if I could multitask and cook and charge my phone with the same tool. And here it is. If they could add water filtration and pot cleaning function they might have a;winner. And how about a navigation function??
haha, I hear 3.0 has some upgrades coming! Fingers crossed on navigation.
Vinegar will clean the bottom of your pots. You would get that same residue if you cook over a campfire.
That's a good tip!
Would like to see cleaning/storing. I'm car camping..space is LIMITED, and I'm wondering if you just toss it in a stuff sack, put it in the original box, or.....?
works great. i own one . best camping buddy cooks great and does exactly what its designed to do.
Wipe the outside of pots with dishwash and let dry. After using over fire, the black residue will wipe off
You're supposed to fill the burn chamber first and then burn it from the top down to start, much easier to start that way. I also recommend processing your wood into 1-2 inch chunks to use as fuel.
Work as intended, brought in several backpacking and canoe camping trips.
I think woodstove such as Firebox are a better alternative and complement to my main naphta stove, they have side feeding for longer piece of woods from which you can control combustion rate and most importantly they take less space once folded and make no fan noise...
Nice. I gotta try that one.
I wonder if there is a version that just has the charger, where you can just stick the thermal rod into a camp fire?
That would be interesting, and seemingly much easier.
That's cool! Power goes out or you live off grid, can still charge your phone and have hot water... I think if was more in a storm kettle design it would be super tight.
Would Biolite and Jetboil co-develop and co-market back country hiking/biking?
Essentially Jetboil appears compatible with Biolite:
• 100 second boil time
• 1 Litre Fluxring cup with insulating wrap
However, Biolite might sell their standard kitchen with a smaller, lighter battery for backcountry. I suppose one could simply use Biolite combustion chamber with Jetboil Fluxring.
Biolite doesn't need Jetboil. They can create a more compact design if they so choose; they wouldn't need the help of jetboil to do that. Also, if all they did was put a heat exchanger at the bottom of their pot, which anybody can do, then they'd be in business, but the nature of an actual fire would soot up those fins and create a lack or heat absorption.
Thanks for the video and product review and info.
Too heavy for hiking, and collecting twigs is unnecessary hassle when there is another easy option to charge the phone, like during car camping or motorcycle travel. But great for charging the phone during activities like bicycle or kayak traveling. That’s certainly a reason to buy one. The grill and the usb lamp are nice to have, but basically only if You use it at home or during car camping because You own it anyway, for any other activity the grill is too big for lugging around, and charging the phone a better use of the usb port than the lamp. Not sure how useful it might be in a prepping situation, the only prepping scenario probably enough in my area to actually prepare for would be being cut off from shopping and from work commute by flooding for a few days - I wouldn’t probably buy this stove just for that reason, but certainly be happy to have it in such a situation, even if I bought it originally for a different purpose.
How long does it take to fully recharge the campstove's 3200mAh internal battery with fire?
I do think it's cool sometimes being out in the bush and some days with solar can't charge batteries very well due to the weather
Would consider purchasing as backup security but would probably never use since it needs so much finessing
Solid backup option
Again excellent video. I have been thinking about one of these for a while but not seen one in action but I am impressed. Weight and size still a problem but could still be worth it? I'm a bikepacker full time.
They are pretty fun. Carrying them via bike could make a lot of sense!
Thanks for the video
I feel like I'd only bring that car camping.. but then I'd just charge my stuff off my car. It's a cool idea tho and I'm sure there's great applications for it
There are certainly applications. Just not for the backpacking crowd really.
I mostly use twig stoves but it's only 8oz
How difficult is it to maintain a good fire?
@@BackpackingTV pretty easy with dry wood if it's rained can be tougher but still doable
I tested mine to find out how long it would charge my cell phone. After one hour of chopping twigs, feeding it constantly and two burnt fingers I was able to charge it to 20%. A solar charger is probably more efficient.
haha, yeah that doesn't seem worth it eh?
Hey Eric, my consensus on Biolite stoves are that they are extremely niche(y) and gimmicky.
Sure you can charge a phone, but so can a power bank.
Just my 2 1/2 cents.
yep, I'm with ya.
how will you charge the bank ?
Hey 👋🏽 new sub here! Love the content and awesome music! I’m here to stay 👍🏽😊
Welcome! Glad you're here!
I've had one of these for several years, it's a novelty item that's fun for car camping and not for backpacking.
Si it's a crappy stove, but a cool charger. Maybe use it just for that on longer hikes? Providing ofcourse willingness to drag along this kilo of weight. You'd yosu your BSR, or whatever you've got, to boil the water and this would be for your cameras, headlamps and all the else thingies that need power.
I bought mine for kayak and motorcycle camping figuring it would be cool not to have to bring fuel and just use what you find on the ground. Thing is that's all you seem to be doing. Forever picking up twigs. It burns through them fast. And if it rains all night making that all important morning coffee has you wishing for a gas stove.
If you got a car, a proper dual battery system with solar is better. It's meant for hiking, but it's really a gimmick. Nobody is that dedicated that they wouldn't at least visit society every few days/week
Gimmick. Heavy. Constantly reloading with wood. Barely charged phone. Made EVERYTHING smelly and carbonyl. Permanently coated my cookware. Too much effort to deal with and clean up from use. Thankfully, REI took it back. without question.
I think I'm with you on this one.
Gimmick. Takes hours to load anything, it's heavy, it's a drag to top feed it.
We are trying to sell ours. Want it?
haha, thank you for the offer. Any takers out there?
I’ll sell mine too, have only used it a few times very frustrating getting a fire started... 10 min boil time with the pot.. but I have to say it’s nice to grill by the creek if it’s not miles away
Pure crap