Biolite taking reserve orders for campstoves

[hooky]

I got the email this morning and reserved mine. Says they'll ship by "camping season 2012". I'm not sure what that means, but you can reserve one without giving up any cc info.

BioLite - Welcome to reserve

CampStove info on BioLite company website BioLite

 

[OneBadV8]

That thing looks really cool... I wonder how well the really work

 

[hooky]

I don't know, but I'll let you know when I get mine.

I think it will be a great addition to my pack.

 

[kwatters]

that would be great for the Appalachian trail, you could keep you cell charged.

 

[buford t justice]

That's cool if it does what they say it will.

From the pics it looks a bit large for backpacking did you find a weight on it?

 

[hooky]

It's heavier than a jet boil or similar, but I like the idea that you don't have to carry fuel.

Product Details

• Powers all USB-chargeable devices including smartphones, LED lights, GPS and many others.
• Fast to boil.
• Lights quickly and easily.
• Burns sticks, pine cones, pellets and other biomass.
• Folds for easy packing.
• Packed size: 8.25 x 5".
• Weight: 2 Lbs 1 oz / 935 grams.

 

[shibumiseeker]

I've built similar stoves minus the thermolectric module and they work decently well. Lots of places won't let you use them and they leave a lot of soot on the pots, but it beats carrying fuel and the power module is a bonus.

 

[Noble Sniper]

I am going to look into both the home model and the camping model. Would be nice to have them both. Thanks for the heads up

 

[climber409]

Neat product but who needs electronics in the woods.

 

[patience0830]

Neat product but who needs electronics in the woods.

GPS might Save Your A$$ if it's batteries have a charge. 911 with GPS on the cell phone could be a lifesaver. I don't think they're necessary for a careful hiker but a bear doesn't know that you're a careful hiker. You just look like lunch.

 

[TTravis]

I would like to see how much power it puts out compared to a solar panel.

 

[Yeah]

TEGs in general whip on solar panels for weight size and space at a given power output. I haven't seen output specs for this stove but you'd need to burn it for a lot longer than just cooking a meal, to put more than a few % back on a smartphone battery.

They hold promise though. When I replaced the wood burner for my barn the Heatmor guys told me they are testing some 750 watt TEGs for use as emergency electricity generators.

 

[hooky]

I just heard back from an inquiry I made on timing. This is supposed to ship in May. I'm hoping it's going to work well.