Alpkit Koro

Those clever people at Alpkit have done it again. This is an excellent value-for-money gas canister burner that performs flawlessly. At just 124g and with a pre-heating tube for colder conditions and atlitude, this little stove packsa lot of punch for its size.

Alpkit describe this as a serious mountaineering stove, but I am increasingly using it on the trail because it is so lightweight and compact. Used in combination with my MSR titanium cook set, this is a versatile and easy to use setup for a variety of cooking methods from simply boiling water to making more adventurous pasta-based meals.

The flame adjuster allows for a full on jet engine to a reasonable simmer with anything in between. I'm not one for timing how long it takes to boil but I certainly did not have to wait long (do you ever time how long it takes your kettle to boil at home???). 

Few gas canister stoves with pre-heaters can match the Alpkit Koro especially considering the cost. Every aspect of the stove has been well thought out. The preheating tube means gas burns more efficiently. The canister attachment is not too bulky and the legs fold away in such a way that the stove is compact enough to fit inside an MSR Titan Kettle. 

I've only used it a dozen times or so, therefore I cannot comment on the stove's long term robustness. I am careful to fold and unfold the legs as if there is any potential weakness in this stove it is the rivets that connect the legs to the body of the stove. There is always a tradeoff with weight and size, and this stove is no exception. I also own a Primus Gravity II, which although is heavier and bulkier, it does have  much wider flame pattern which leads to less scorching of food on the bottom of the pot. I did find there was some scorching if I forgot to keep stirring the food. 

Overall, this is an excellent stove with little to fault it. As ever, Alpkit really do their homework and put a great deal of thought into what they produce. There are cheaper options available, but none will be as compact or lightweight. If your'e after a stove that will do more than just boil water, this is well worth considering.

Background

Used on a hiking trip to Snowdonia National Park in the UK in cold conditions and on the South Downs in the south of England in summer conditions.