Coleman 533

If you are a weekend walker, I agree, buy the compressed gas stoves that litter the top of this stove review list. If however, you are spending time in places where 'mom & pop' camping stores are a little harder to come by a multi-fuel burner is essential.

If you are going out in nice summer conditions where you can prime a stove in a well ventilated area where the wind gently kisses the summer flowers and lazily wafts their sweet scent past your nostrils, I again agree, buy a Primus.

If however you can not be certain of either, then Coleman products are best by a long way. No priming, will light in a tent or in windy conditions and give a strong adjustable flame. The 533, 422, and even the expensive Fyrestorm will do you well in pretty much all circumstances you can throw at them.

My one criticism is that Coleman could do with improving quality control as too many products seem to leave the factory with glitches. When you get yours test it at home. If it does not light first time, has a weak flame or appears temperamental in any way, send it back, because when you get a good one you won't look back!

A review eh? Well.

These can be very tricky in a backpack, as liquid fuel carry is, and has always been, an issue. You gotta love these stoves to really contend with them. Now, on the other hand, gasoline is plentiful, and most people cannot refill butane/ propane cans, so when you're out of fuel, you will need to find a store, burn wood, or eat cold food. Gasoline is everywhere.

These stoves are at a disadvantage in terms of pack space, weight, and fuel safety...their day has come and gone. However, if you're going to be out awhile in a specific area, or with more than one person, and a vehicle they can be a valuable asset.

I am a bit nostalgic about things such as these from a period in life that has long since past, but even I, blend butane/ propane fuel for my Jetboil backpacking stove. They don't weigh anything and fit in a pack pocket.

Experience

Lots and lots of soup, dry goods and hamburgers

Bulky but worth it!

You can still find these stoves online for about $30. I wasn't a fan at first but found that other camp stoves were not rugged enough to endure the abuse I gave them. I tried out this stove because of how cheap it was and figured I would not be at a loss if it was a bust.

Well, several years and tons of trips through all kinds of weather and terrain later, this little reliable stove has proved its worth. If you do not mind the weight and bulk I highly recommend this stove.

I just pulled this stove out of storage. It's been out of use more than five years. There was fuel in it so I tried to light it. Fired right up! First try! Enough said.

I will be using it for an emergency stove for my truck. Stove is over twenty years old!

See the summary, says it all.