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Vargo Wood Stove Review

I have been doing a lot of hiking these past few years. I always carry a gas backpacking stove with me to cook meals and brew some tea. I decided to try my luck with a Vargo Wood Stove. It requires no gas, just some dry wood, and before you know it, you’re boiling some water. Here is my Vargo Wood Stove review.

Vargo Wood Stove Review

I had some extra money in my Paypal account from some items I sold on eBay, so I decided to buy the Vargo Stainless Steel Wood Stove. I found mine at the Bushcraft Survival. They offer helpful reviews on all types of backpacking and hiking gear. My first impression when I opened the package was what a great design. The stove folds up flat and stores very nicely in its Velcro carrying case. It takes up hardly any space in my backpack and is very lightweight.

Field Test

I decided to take a hike the next day to give it a test run. I hiked out to one of my favorite spots on the lake. I started to gather up some small pieces of wood and bark to get my stove lit. It did not take long to gather up the wood since I was close to a forest. Lighting the stove was quite easy. Before I knew it, the stove was up and running. I kept feeding it with small pieces of wood to get enough fuel to boil a cup of water for some tea. I was surprised at how little wood was required.

It took about 5 or 6 minutes to get my water to a boil. I decided to keep the stove going and see how it would function as a mini campfire to stay warm. To my surprise, it threw off some nice heat. It kept my hands warm. The Vargo Wood Stove has a nice swivel door in the front that allows you to add wood when needed. It also has a hole on the bottom to allow airflow.  I ran the stove for about one hour, and it worked quite well.

I decided it was time to head back home. I allowed the stove to cool down for a few minutes, shook off the excess ashes, and packed it back into its carrying case.

 

Pros:

  • Small
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Efficient
  • Readily available fuel source

Cons:

  • It takes more time than a gas stove (gathering wood, set-up & lighting)
  • Messy
  • Your cup gets covered in black soot, which readily comes off.
  • Smokey

Conclusion

I have used the stove several times since my initial test. I think the pros outweigh the cons. I would recommend this stove to anyone who wants a good way to cook with wood. I have been using both the Vargo Wood Stove and my gas stove. It is a great backup and lightweight option to have in your backpack. There is nothing better than to be out in the woods and cook over a wood flame. Does it get any more basic than that? Overall, the Vargo Wood Stove review rating to me is excellent.

Try it for yourself:


Got wood? If so, you’ll never need to carry stove fuel again with the Vargo Hexagon Wood Stove. It uses easy-to-find, renewable fuel wherever your travels may take you. Basic fire skills are needed.

What do you think of the Vargo wood stove? How do you cookout on the trail?

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About Financial Forager
I enjoy canning, preserving, foraging and growing my own food. It’s become a way of life. When you grow a vegetable garden, you eat with the seasons. Foraging is the same way. I forage for many types of wild berries and edible plants. Preserving is a great way to store and maintain your garden and foraged finds.

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