Best all around backpack stove then and now - Optimus Hiker

44 years ago we used 2 of these stoves on the Continental Divide near Umcompagre and Red Cloud Peaks Colorado, for a month. 10 of us cooked and ate everyday from these very used stoves, and they worked every time without a hitch. Cleaned and packed up quickly. We were in Colorado Outward Bound School and the equipment was well worn and well used, and, at that time we stayed up there for a month without coming down, with resupply of food every 10 days.

I have two of these now and they continue to serve fine. I believe they are an excellent choice, very rugged box designed to take a lot of abuse and protect the stove. Output is tremendous.

I'd recommend this stove over many others. A little maintenance is de reguerre, and the person who gave it a bad rating due to maintenance, well, he was never in the Navy or Marine corps I'd take it. If not willing to accept some maintenance, he should probably stay out of the wilderness for his own safety. BTW always check all your gear before the season and before every trip, take spares of things like O-rings and plenty of repair gear for all your gear on the trail.