User Review: Brunton Raptor

I've really enjoyed having this stove along on trips. I've used it 10 times and thought it time for a review. It is dependable and sturdy, I've dropped it on occasion and it takes the beating and lights up.

I've found the fuel adjustment handle to be annoying for storage (feels springy and makes it harder to store) so I just remove 1 side from the stove mount and it packs up fine. Also, mine did not come with the hard case, only a soft bag. Still, this bag is great because it's soft and won't scratch my pot.

As far as cooking times, I think in the open and at different temperatures this can vary greatly. For example, at home in my back yard this summer it took me 4 minutes to boil in the Minimalist as compared to almost 7 minutes on the AT at Sun Fish Pond (Delaware Water Gap). Conditions at Sun Fish were 37 degrees F and a slight wind. However, this stove (as opposed to others like the Primus TiLite) is unaffected by temps below 30. It took me 7 minutes to boil water at 1600ft at 19 degrees one morning.

I won't lie, took the temperature with my watch, but was off hand so should be pretty close estimate. Just some examples here, not making any claims specifically, jus sharing my experience. All this means to me is just to make sure I carry enough cannisters.

As far as packing, the stove fits with room to spare inside my GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist and snuggly in my GSI Minimalist. I think the only other stove of this type I would consider would have been the MSR Pocket Rocket that my friend carries when we go backpacking. It has a wider flame which I like, but using a lighter or something else to ignite it cannot compare to the self-starting electric ignition in my raptor. For quick meals we found ourselves using my Raptor instead of fiddling around the pack looking for his lighter. 

I really love this stove for the price, and in no way regret purchasing it. Hope it lasts me several years more!