User Review: Brunton Vapor AF

Brunton Vapor AF
Above: The current Vapor AF, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed October 15, 2007 by Larry

Rating:
Price Paid: $119

Buyer beware! Recently purchased the Brunton Vapor AF stove. Was impressed by the claim of adapting from liquid fuel to canister fuel with the twist of the ring surrounding the burner assembly. Advertising hype stated that it was the next step in stove design from the Brunton/Optimus Nova.

What the advertising hype does not tell you is that with the exception of the conversion from liquid to canister fuel (a trick which the Primus Himalaya Omnifuel has been able to do since 1998) this stove is a significant step down from the Nova and from the Primus Himalaya. Specifically, the fuel pump is primarily plastic, with a very flimsy plastic plunger. The fuel lines which attach to the pump and sit inside the fuel bottle can easily be pulled out with your fingers ... and just as easily drop into your fuel bottle! There is no cover on the pump inlet valve to keep dirt, water, etc. out of the pump assembly. Oh yes,the threaded brass inlet valve is surrounded by a plastic screw-down assembly ... sure to work well in cold weather with freezing hands!

All in all, this stove may be new, but it is certainly not better than its predecessor or its competition. Rather, it seems like an attempt to save on manufacturing costs while living on the reputation of the Nova.