I'm sure most of us have been through the different types of stoves on the market; gas, alcohol (various makes), multi-fuel and so on. Well in my case I ended up going full circle and returning to the gas stove that I bought quite a few years ago. This was largely due to the fact that I needed (for various reasons) the speed and cleanness of a gas stove system. However, last year with the nights lengthening during the autumn, I got tired of eating and otherwise living with the cold light of LED headlamps and torches and was looking around for something else. I didn't want the extra weight of a pressure lamp and as attractive as the UCO candle lantern is, I didn't think it was going to give out enough light. I searched around for a bit for gas lanterns and came across the GoSystem GS2113 minilte.
Here are the basic specs:
Weight: 102g (although mine weighed in a bit lighter)
Weight with plastic carry case: 139g
Light output: up to 50W
Burn time: either 3hr45 or 7hr50 depending on whether you believe the manufacturers website or the box (the box datum seems more reliable)
Compatible with: Threaded Butane
ropane and Butaneropane:Isopropane catridges.
Manufacturer's RRP: £25
In use it is very easy to handle. Screw it on the canister, open the valve and light but before first use the mantle has to be prepared. This is also pretty straightforward - just light the mantle (without gas flowing) and wait for it to smoulder, char and then go out. The white filament that remains is the mantle ready for use.
The lantern is supplied with a spare mantle and I'd guess that it would be pretty easy to replace and prepare in the field, although to date I have not had to do this. I don't know how long a mantle will last, nor how robust it is. I treat my kit with care so I haven't, as yet, had to replace it.
As for light output - it's pretty good. It is the lightest lantern in their range and really intended for solo and I wouldn't expect that it would be useful for a group, but for a solo traveller it's fine. The light output is variable so it can be turned down when full illumination is not needed without the need to fully extinguish it.
The only downside to using both a gas stove and a gas lantern is that unless you carry two cartridges you can only use one or the other at any given time ... and you need to wait for them to cool down before swapping them. It works fine if you get a routine though - boil water and make hot drink in an insulated mug, get dinner cooked, get the lamp on, eat dinner and relax with the hot drink.
Here's a video showing the light output and its adjustability. The wind was quite strong and gusty, but the lamp still lit first time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8BrjESxBv4
As for the price? £25 - it's up to you if you think it's worth it. I got it from Ebay much cheaper and if I had to replace it, I'm not sure I'd shell out the RRP.
Here are the basic specs:
Weight: 102g (although mine weighed in a bit lighter)
Weight with plastic carry case: 139g
Light output: up to 50W
Burn time: either 3hr45 or 7hr50 depending on whether you believe the manufacturers website or the box (the box datum seems more reliable)
Compatible with: Threaded Butane
ropane and Butaneropane:Isopropane catridges.Manufacturer's RRP: £25
In use it is very easy to handle. Screw it on the canister, open the valve and light but before first use the mantle has to be prepared. This is also pretty straightforward - just light the mantle (without gas flowing) and wait for it to smoulder, char and then go out. The white filament that remains is the mantle ready for use.
The lantern is supplied with a spare mantle and I'd guess that it would be pretty easy to replace and prepare in the field, although to date I have not had to do this. I don't know how long a mantle will last, nor how robust it is. I treat my kit with care so I haven't, as yet, had to replace it.
As for light output - it's pretty good. It is the lightest lantern in their range and really intended for solo and I wouldn't expect that it would be useful for a group, but for a solo traveller it's fine. The light output is variable so it can be turned down when full illumination is not needed without the need to fully extinguish it.
The only downside to using both a gas stove and a gas lantern is that unless you carry two cartridges you can only use one or the other at any given time ... and you need to wait for them to cool down before swapping them. It works fine if you get a routine though - boil water and make hot drink in an insulated mug, get dinner cooked, get the lamp on, eat dinner and relax with the hot drink.
Here's a video showing the light output and its adjustability. The wind was quite strong and gusty, but the lamp still lit first time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8BrjESxBv4
As for the price? £25 - it's up to you if you think it's worth it. I got it from Ebay much cheaper and if I had to replace it, I'm not sure I'd shell out the RRP.
