ok I think looks cool... what's the Monkey's 2 cents? BioLite CampStove - BioLite Stove BioLite CampStove | Burn Wood, Cook Meals, Charge Gear
Very interesting indeed. Back ordered at the moment. 2w@5v continuous and 4w@5v peak for the USB output so it should work with a number of rechargeable devices. specs page: Tech Specs - BioLite Stove
I did, but searched title only... so it didn't pick up your something for the hikers among us thread since it wasn't in the title....
been reading reviews on it, only complaint I am seeing is when you run out of their "Starter Pads" it can be hard to start. Others are saying using Vaseline cotton balls work great. I hadn't tried ordering one yet, but if they are back ordered I may get on that!
B.O. isn't long at this time. Dec 3. My only concern is low power output. There are other solar/crank options that offer more watts. and other volcano stoves are lighter. Right now i view it as a gadget other than a must have. That said, if i had 129.00 floating around, I'd probably get it.
The most important issue here is "Multi Purpose" and Weight..... If you are carrying it, weight is a BIG Factor... If it can be used for "many" different purposes, then it just may be a viable Item to pack. If it can be a heater, stove, cooking source, and Power provider, all rolled into one, then maybe. Starting isn't the big issue in that one will always have Fire Making, as part of any BOB already, and this device just works on, Heat of the Fire/Cool of the Air Temperature Difference. (Peltier Effect) These type devices are NOT known for their Power Production Efficiency. However if they work as a decent Stove, Heater, Cooking Device, and the Power Production comes along for the Ride, well, then NICE.... 2 Watts @ 5 Vdc is .4 Amps... that will Recharge a iPhone, iPad, or similar device while you cook dinner, and some after dinner Tea... It would also could be used to recharge a iDen/ISM Secure Phone, or a UV-3R+ Dual Band Handheld Transceiver, that make Great BugOut Comms devices. Since all this device needs is HEAT, to operate, the only SECURITY Issue is the smoke, and odor of the fire, used to supply the heat, and it will work, under ANY Wx conditions, where a Rollup Solar Panel Recharger only works when the Sun is out, and fairly Bright. the solar can be used in sunlight while on the move, where this device needs to be stationary during use. Trade Offs in any system have to be understood, and dealt with. .....
It's a cool little stove, it might serve some folks well, but not my particular style based on personal preference and habits. What I use: Kelly Kettle | Page 2 I do not have a need for recharging devices, but "just in case" I do own a crank radio that can serve such a function if need be (Kaito Voyager). Granted, I don't even use the radio for hiking, but it's in my supply closet anyway. I like to stick with simple, rugged tools --a lot of trial and error went into my current setup. When I first began collecting kit, I had assembled quite a lot of useless items or things that ended up breaking with hard use.
It's OK if you live in an area that doesn't get a lot of sun; or, if you must recharge at night (hiker). Otherwise, one of those fold-out/roll-up PV mats charges quicker. The Biolite takes too long IMO. But, I view it as just another way to juice something up. I wouldn't rely in any of them to be my only charging solution.
You may also like this idea. It comes in 5wt, 10wt, and 15wt sizes. I think it would be useful around a campfire, or on the stove top. PowerPot uses cooking heat to power campers' devices
It is currently running through "Kick start". So if interested, your money is safe, and if it fails to meet it production goal you get your money back. I'm interested as well.