A personal stove system is a must-have for any serious or even casual camper. The MSR Windburner 1.8L is a slightly larger solution for a compact cooking source that’ll make it just that much easier to boil up some hot water for cocoa or whip up some scrambled eggs when it’s more than your own hungry mouth to contend with.
A reliable stove system is a wonderful luxury for the casual weekend camper and integral component for a more serious one. If you’re tossing on your backpacking gear for some overnights on the trail, it’s essential gear.
We’re already a big fan of the Windburner 1.0 so the upgrade in size is a welcome feature. The personal system is great for yourself and maybe one other person but for a family or anymore than 2 the 1.8L version is worth the size and extra twenty bucks. Lets take a closer look.
Specs
The 1.8L Windburner comes with the 1.8L secure locking Pot/Mug, drinking/straining port lid, Full-size 16 oz bowl and weighs 1 lbs 3.25 oz. It’s slightly larger than the 1.0L version with less than a half ounce difference in weight.
The heat exchanger or stove system itself is the same as the 1.0L version and is interchangeable. The larger 1.8L Pot/Mug size allows easy packing and can even fit a 4 oz IsoPro canister inside it for super convenient packing. The 1.0L will fit completely into the 1.8L (with heat exchanger removed from the 1.8L), the lid will even close.
You’ll also receive a larger set of feet designed with a rubber center which seems to work just as well as the all resin plastic version on the 1.0L Windburner for fitting the Fuel canister. We prefer the plastic one mechanically but the larger version with rubber has a much larger footprint for added stability and packs down much better since the rubber is pliable.
Do not attempt to use the Windburner inside your tent. You should always be in a well ventilated area outdoors.
Using the Windburner 1.8L
Unpack the contents of the Windburner and be careful not to let the Heat Exchanger fall on its head and be consious of the Heat Indicator Wire that runs across the stove grid. Install the feet onto your IsoPro fuel canister simply attaching one leg, stretch the band and attach the remaining two so their spread evenly around the fuel canister. We recommend the MSR IsoPro canister though any standard IsoPro will work fine.
Ensure that the Dial is turned to the off position, righty-tighty lefty-loosey. Then spin then Heat Exchanger onto the fuel canister till it’s snug and tight, do not over tighten. Once the fuel is secure, place the Windburner on a flat surface and slowly turn on the fuel flow and ignite. Turn up the flame to the desired size and secure the locking Pot onto the top by placing it in the receptical area and turn slightly to lock it down.
The 1.8L pot/mug and handle are insulated and an extra heat-resistant plate enhances protection for your fingers when you’re gripping the 1.8L Pot. The larger footprint (illustrated below – blk feet) adds stability for the increase in size/weight.
The Windburner 1.8L performs well in fair weather and cold weather conditions as well. Works great for melting snow and boiling water and can even be your main cooking source. It’s compact, lightweight and self-contained.
Accessories
You can pick up additional Pots, a Skillet, Hanging Kit for you climbers and the all important Coffee Press. If you’re like we are, can’t go a day without coffee. The press makes it easy to take along your favorite coffee and brew up a nice hot rich cup of java while you’re out braving the wilderness. Since the diameter is larger the coffee press and lids are not interchangeable with the 1.0L system.
We’ve noticed that you’ll always get a small amount of coffee grinds that find their way around the press but it still works well. Typically we’ll bring coffee filters or use a paper towel to filter out anything that found it’s way in. No sense polluting the river unless absolutely necessary right?
Conclusion
The larger Windburner 1.8L capacity makes it just that much more convenient to brew up some hot water or cook a meal for multiples. The Windburner features tried and true performance that is compact and lightweight enough to hump along with you virtually anywhere. Great for car campers and hikers when you are entertaining more than just yourself and a buddy. The Windburner 1.8L or 1.0L make our list for essential camping gear and is our primary stove system.
Windburner 1.8L $159.95
Windburner 1.0L $139.95
1.8L Coffee Press Kit $24.95
