Peak 1 X-series Backpacking Stoves

When Peak 1 introduced their new X-series stoves earlier this year, we knew they were going to be hot-not only in BTU output, but as in "hot item". Our field staff was attracted to the X-series by their combination of the best of the cartridge-based stove world with the performance of liquid-fuel stoves.

Like other cartridge stoves, X-series stoves are easy to carry, being made of lightweight aluminum, and about as convenient as a stove can get. Alas, most cartridge stoves offend the green spirit in us with the difficulty (or practical impossibility) of recycling spent canisters. Peak 1 removed this offense by making their cartridges from easily recyclable aluminum and including a "key" for collapsing empties.

Peak 1 claims that the X-Series' high performance blend of propane and butane fuels, combined with the stoves' unique fuel-injection system, deliver performance previously seen only in liquid fuel systems-namely excellent lighting and efficient cooking power even in temperatures to zero and below; and consistent BTU output throughout the life of a fuel cartridge, even when it is nearly empty. Other cartridge stoves we've reviewed work fantastically in warmer temps, but become difficult to light and burn inconsistently, if at all, once the temperature drops into the 20s (F).

The X-series line offers three models; the Xpedition, the Xtreme, and the Xpert. After selecting the X-series stoves as one of the GearReview.com's Best of Show products at the Winter Outdoor Retailer show earlier this year, we promptly requested the Xpedition and Xtreme stoves for some heavy-duty field tests. Our testing took place in Utah's High Uintas Wilderness, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Coyote Gulch in the Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument. As these tests we primarily spring and summer tests the one condition we have yet to experience with these stoves is real cold weather. We did cook at altitudes up to 11,000 feet without any problems.

The Xpedition is the first two-burner true backpacking stove. At an unbelievably light 25 oz, the Xpedition measures only 15x11x4 inches with a full 9" burner spacing when open, yet folds down to a very flat and compact package. The two burners each output 10,000 BTU and have independent controls. Burn time is estimated at 42 minutes per cartridge with both burners on high and a 300-gram fuel cartridge. The suggested retail price for the Xpedition is $90.

The single-burner Xpert model weighs 14 ounces and produces 12,000 BTUs at maximum power. It boils a liter of water in 3 minutes, 30 seconds (a quart in 3:15) and has a burn time of 70 minutes with the large cartridge. Featuring a four-leg design for added stability and pot-centering design, the Xpert "scissors" closed to form a compact, flat package that easily stows in your pack. It is fully adjustable. The suggested retail price is $60.

The Xtreme stove, weighing only 11 ounces, is the lightest of the X stoves, yet it is the most powerful, cranking out 14,000 BTUs. The fully adjustable burner allows simmer and medium heats as well as full-throttle, boil-it-fast power. Boil time for a liter of water is 3 minutes flat in industry standard tests-70 degrees, near sea level, covered pot. A quart boils in a mere 2 minutes 44 seconds. Like the Xpert, the Xtreme features a self-centering pot support design. The Xtreme's burn time on the highest setting with a 300 gram cartridge is 60 minutes. The suggested retail price is $75.

Each stove comes with a 420-denier nylon stuff sack and Peak 1's Green Key (TM) for puncturing empty Coleman Max aluminum fuel cartridges for recycling. On all three stoves large control knobs on the patent-pending fuel connection systems are simple and intuitive to use, and they are designed to be used even while wearing gloves or mittens.

The highlights of the stoves include brain-dead simple setup. Even a novice backpacker would have no problems getting the X-series stoves up and running; No priming or pumping, just connect, light, and cook.

Maintenance is also simple. While white gas stoves require cleaning of the jet, there is no such cleaning with the Peak 1 models. At 14 and 11 ounces for the single burner models, and 25 for the dual, these stoves are as lightweight and compact as any competing model. For a larger group-say a family or scout troop-the Xpedition is ideal.

Finally, all three models feature accurate control over the flame. They simmer easily and without flicker, and offer a good range of heat intensity.

The drawbacks center around the stoves' use of fuel cartridges. First is your comfort level with a single-use aluminum cartridge. Their ability to recycle the cartridges alleviates some of the concern, but not all of it. It seems more environmentally correct to use a single-refillable canister.

Another concern with single-use canisters stems from the inability to determine the exact remaining fuel capacity. You can't just open the lid and peer inside. This leads to a tendancy to always take a new canister, never emptying partially used ones. You end up with a box full of partially spent containers. For the environmentally conscious this exacerbates the resource usage issue.

Note that these drawbacks aren't specific to the X-series, but apply to all canister stoves.

Summary:

The X-series' highlights outweigh the few drawbacks. If you don't need an expedition-capable stove (i.e. white-gas stove), its hard to beat the X-series for simplicity at a reasonable cost. We recommend them for beginner to experienced backpackers, and for all but long trips where refueling and fuel monitoring are essential.