When out hiking or camping in winter, being cold and hungry can really ruin the experience. Moving might keep the chill at bay, but when you stop, the cold and hunger hit hard. Trying to start a fire or light a stove when your fingers are freezing can be a frustrating ordeal.
On a quick stop during a day hike, making a fire might not be practical as regulations often prohibit it outside designated areas. Wind can also make it challenging to start a fire even when allowed.
As the summer faded last year, I started looking for a solution to this winter camping dilemma. I didn’t want to miss out on outdoor adventures just because of the cold. That’s when I stumbled upon the Sunflower Gas Camping Stove from Firemaple Gear. This stove utilizes infrared heat instead of traditional flames, providing a more efficient way to cook and stay warm, regardless of windy conditions.
The Sunflower stove has proven to be an excellent cooking and heating companion during cold weather camping trips. While it offers many benefits, there are a few quirks to be aware of alongside its conveniences.
In summary: The Sunflower is a compact infrared camping stove that also doubles as a portable heater. Unlike typical canister stoves, it uses infrared heat, making it wind-resistant and efficient. Although heavier than most backpacking stoves, it offers excellent performance for general car camping purposes.
If you’re in the market for camping or backpacking stoves, consider checking out GearJunkie’s guides to the Best Camping Stoves and Best Backpacking Stoves for more options and comparisons.
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Materials
Stainless steel, aluminum, copper, ceramic heating element. -
Carry size
6.5” x 4.5” x 3.2” -
Weight
2 lbs., 1 oz. (without gas canister) -
Fuel type
Isobutane/propane mix -
Price
$108
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Infrared heating source -
Minimal cool-off time -
Large cooking surface for bigger pots and pans
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The top grate is loose and can fall off during travel -
Double the weight of regular backpacking stoves
Firemaple Sunflower Stove Review
