After using a Varga Triad Alcohol Stove (see review here) for the better part of a year, I've decided to abandon it for something else. That something, is the Tato Gear AB-13 Max Hybrid (hereafter referred to as the stove) alcohol stove.
First, a brief background to the pros and cons of alcohol stoves vs other types of stoves.
PROS
1. Simple.
2. Light.
3. Cheap (usually, depends on what it's made of and whether or not it's a DIY stove).
4. Fuel is cheap and easy to find.
5. Best use is for heating water.
6. Fuel has dual use.
CONS
1. Not as hot or fast as canister stoves or white gas stoves.
2. Not as efficient at high altitudes or very low temperatures.
3. Not the best for cooking. Best use is for heating water. (This stove being the exception).
Here is a description from Tato Gear website of the stove.
The AB-13 MAX Hybrid Alcohols Stove builds on the technology of the AB-13 Hybrid. At 1.5 times the diameter of the original, this stove packs a powerful punch with more than double the BTU’s. Still with integrated pot stand legs for easy use. It brings the best of both worlds together in a compact, light weight alcohol burner that is a hot burning design. The folding design minimizes loose parts that could otherwise be lost easily. It’s fold flat design provides a compact and easily packable stove. This super strong design is rugged and sleek yet strong enough to place your larger pots on. This stove can be remote fed and extends burn times.
This stove is perfect for the minimalist backpackers. Perfect for those long distance trips where fuel weight would be too high to carry.
Hunters love to have this stove in their packs for emergency situations. Everyone gets turned around in the woods from time to time. This stove provides the means to boil water for drinking. Don’t get lost without the means to survive.
Place this stove in you BOB or Bug Out Bag. Lightweight and compact and an essential item to carry.
The AB-13 is a practical lightweight alcohol stove that is compact enough to carry everywhere. Whether backpacking, hunting or prepping, don’t leave home without it.
Comes with zippered pouch, Remote Feed Cap w/ Feed Tube and 2 oz Bottle.
Advantages-
Burns Hot Like a Jet Stove • Compact Like a Wick Stove • Legs Folds for Compact folding • Light Weight only 23 Grams • Super Strong Rugged Design • Use Multiple Wick Configurations for Different Burn Patters • Remote Feed for Long Burn Times
Product Specs-
.8 oz (23 grams)Folded – 2 1/4 X 1Unfolded – 3 1/4 X 1.5Anodized Alumimun
As of this writing, I've used the stove over three backpacking trips. For a total of 6 nights and 7 days camping.
