SOTO, Muka OD-1NP

by Pete
(Anchorage, AK)

Like many of my fellow travelers I have over the years tried a number of items within any given category and have the basement, garage and shed filled with items found to be not to the standards I required. My travels take me all over the world, I'm in the field on average 220 days a year, so my requirements may be somewhat more stringent than a weekend hiker, or a once a year back country hunter as I am often in the field for a number of weeks at a time. Which brings me to cooking and water purification, and the SOTO stoves.
As stated, I have tried a number of different heating/cooking systems. The majority have been found to have at least one major flaw or draw back causing me to shelf it and continue my search for an optimal system. In the past year I believe I have found that system. It is the SOTO Muka stove. This stove uses both white gas and unleaded "car" gas. I have used both and find no difference in performance between them. The stove works as well at altitude, I have used it at 15,200 feet, as it does at sea level. It is small and compact. Fits into most backpacking single cookware and the smaller fuel bottle (480ml/16.2 fl oz) will last for five days of operation, two meals per day, or approx 30 to 40 minutes of use per 24 hour period. I have long ago given up on finding a non liquid fuel stove that can do all that I need but have concentrated on finding the best of the liquid fuel stoves that are available. The SOTO is the best I have ever used. Period. No question.

Until such time as a small, lightweight, no liquid (but as good as liquid) fuel, stove is placed on the market this stove will be a integral part of my gear load-out. Work or pleasure!
THE CONS : the pump can be stiff and give your thumb a workout and the wind shield is made out of very heavy weight aluminum foil which even so does not last long.
THE PROS: works with two or the three most world wide available stove fuels , works at high alt as well as it does at sea level , small tank has very good fuel supply to actual consumption (see above) , easy to operate , clear instructions , air vented at end of use for a not drip dis-assembly and storage. Boils water in about two and half minutes , steady flame , burners very clean.
THE MIDDLEROAD: liquid fuel, this fuel type is strictly a personal choice and I will not argue its P's an C's here. FOR ME, it serves all my needs and this Soto Stove is the best of that group of devices from my point of view. It is not the least expensive nor the most but you pay for what you get and if it's cheap then it most likely won't last.
I'd recommend this stove to the weekender and the professional, a few dollars more but it won't disappoint or let you down?
Google: SOTO STOVE OR REI then search "stoves"

Pete. Send ...