Coleman’S Xtreme Stoves Should Do Well

Sun., May 3, 1998

Q. What is the straight scoop on Coleman’s new Xtreme stoves? REI San Diego store staff told me the butane cartridges haven’t been approved for use in the U.S. yet and they don’t know when they will be. REI phone mail order people say the cartridges are just on back order. When will the stoves be available in the U.S.?

Based on your wisdom I’ve determined my MSR Whisperlight problems probably stem from old gas (ever had that problem?) and so I thought I’d make the switch to the cool new Xtreme butane.

Kirk Mather

Gear Guy: As is usually the case, Coleman’s initial hopes to have the X-series stoves in the stores by now proved a little optimistic. But they’re confident that you’ll be able to find them at REI and other retailers by the middle of this spring.

These look like stoves that will do well. As you know, they combine the advantages of a cartridge-fueled stove (instant on, ease of use) and remove some of the disadvantages (can’t recycle fuel containers). In particular, the two-burner X-pedition ($90) is going to be a popular item, as it will let gourmet campers cook up two dishes at the same time.

I hope to have a X stove in hand soon for a review, so stay tuned to this site.

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