Jetboil Sol

Summary

This stove has been reliable through every single situation I can throw at it. It is a one-stop-shop for most cooking essentials, especially those utilizing dehydrated meals on the trail. Although I have been using an Esbit and looking into wood-burning options to change my game a bit, this Jetboil will be the one I turn to when I need ultimate efficiency and reliability. My only complaints would be that the lid does not stick well (I use a large rubber band to make sure it stays together), and the handle is a bit flimsy.

Setup: Piece of cake! Quick and easy

Ignition: It's electronic...who can't push a button?  :) Piezo has been great even in cold weather

Flame Control: Adjustable burner works well, but I haven't had a use for it as I mostly boil water for tea and dehydrated food

Cooking: You can't boil any faster or conveniently!

Wind: I haven't used this in a tornado, but if you were in a tornado I would suggest holding off on eating. Seems to work well in most situations

Fuel Efficiency: This wasn't directly measured but I had one regular canister last through seven nights, being used at least 15 times

Stability: Pot stabilizer really helps out! Never had an issue.

Packability: Amazing

Ease of Use: Simple! Consistent! Love!

Construction & Durability: Orange covered neoprene shows dirt quickly but no complaints.

Conditions: This has been used for 30+ nights in the wilderness without a single fault.

Summary

Excellent canister stove. This is my second Jetboil, the first was the standard size stove, and it was a gift. Until then, I had never contemplated a fuel canister stove, preferring the MSR Whisperlites for years because of their reliability. It didn't take long to convince me that the Jetboil stoves were incredibly convenient. I still prefer the Whisperlite for winter excursions, but for all other seasons I now carry the Jetboil.

Although I bought the Sol for solo trips, I recently used it to provide boiling water for freeze dried meals, oatmeal, hot drinks, wash water, etc., for a group of 6, for three nights. It boiled the water so fast, the other canister stove we had was never used. We were pretty loose with its usage, and the 8oz fuel canister lasted for that trip and two days into the next.

The compact breakdown, with all parts and a small fuel canister fitting into the pot, in addition to a strap on the sleeve to hold my spoon is another bonus. Everything being contained together also makes it easy to break it out in the middle of the day for a hot drink after lunch on a cold day. I also like the fact that the thin insulating sleeve in sufficient to hold the pot comfortably with boiling water in it, making it easy to pour water into cups or freeze dried food pouches.

My last trip was four nights staying at 11,000 to 12,500 feet. One night it was cold enough to put an 1/8" layer of ice in the pot, but the stove fired immediately after sitting out all night, alleviating some of my concerns about fuel canisters in moderately cold weather.

The biggest drawback I have found is the lid does not stay on well, and can't be trusted to stay on while pouring. I also find it dislodged in the pack sometimes if it has any space around it. I'm willing to live with this small issue for the overall convenience of the stove though.

Summary

All in one place. I don't have to dig thru my pack for parts. Like the side igniter. Flame control was good also. It is quick on water boil.

I have owned several stoves but this is my newest. Not a problem that I can find, but realize the trip is still young.

Neat stack system in which all is together in one place. Seems quicker than other stoves on the trips. Give it another year and I'll tell you the rest of the story.

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