Trangia 27-8 UL/HA

Summary

The Trangia system is widely used in Europe, even in extreme cold temperatures and high altitudes. It is simple, reliable (no moving parts) and very well made. It uses common denatured alcohol for fuel. The Hard Anodizing on the cook pots cleans up easily and does not tend to flake off like non-stick surfaces. It is a 1-2 person kit weighing in at 1.8 lbs, excluding fuel.

I have been a fan of the Trangia system for years. My first kit was a Swedish Army Mess kit of which I now have three. They cook very well and are somewhat safer than naphtha bases fuels.

While not a minimalist fly-weight system, they are light and compact enough for easy trail use. The system includes the upper and lower wind screens, two 1-liter pots (one is marked for volume level), a 7" fry pan, a .6 liter kettle, pot gripper, and strap.

At the heart of the system is the Trangia alcohol burner. This is a solid brass burner that burns quietly and efficiently. It includes the adjustable simmer ring for controlling the burner output. Burn time for a single fill is quite sufficient to prepare a meal. The wind screen channels the heat up into the cooking pots but does not create hot spots like some small butane stoves do.

You would do well to invest in a Trangia fuel bottle (do NOT use an aluminum bottle. Alcohol promotes rapid corrosion of aluminum). The optional cutting board/strainer is also a good investment.

The 27 system is on the small side, being aimed at use by one to two people. If you need more cooking capacity, opt for one of the 25 systems.

With readily available fuel, quality construction, proved design, and many available accessories, this is rapidly becoming my "go to" stove system. Because, it heats somewhat more slowly than some stoves, it may not be the best bet for snow melting but at all other functions it is exceptional.