The Vargo Triad XE multi-fuel stove‘s size makes it a welcome addition to my bikepacking gear. I have chosen gear that packs well and bags that can be extended to hold quite a bit. However, saving space with items such as my stove opens up the pack for other essentials or more comfort items. The Vargo Triad XE is perfect as a space-saving stove.
Each Vargo Triad XE is constructed from titanium. The strength-to-weight ratio of titanium keeps the total weight low at just 1.8 oz. without any sacrifice in durability.Plus, you don‘t have to worry about rust. At just 1 ¼” high when packed, and a projected diameter of 3 ¼” including the folded legs, the stove fits just about anywhere.
The liquid fuel canister of the Triad XE can hold about 1.25 oz. of fuel. In general, and especially in cold weather, I have found it is best to err on the side of caution and fill the canister full for a boil. The downside of this is that it is difficult to transfer unburned alcohol from the canister back to the fuel bottle afterwards. The canister also can be used to transport a pair of solid fuel tabs to protect them from breaking in your pack. For burning the solid fuel, the canister is simply removed and set off to the side with the fuel block then being placed inside the stove.
The folding legs worked great for my lightweight bikepacking needs. On these trips, I only have to heat water for use in dehydrated meals or for making coffee in the mornings. I carry a 20 oz. aluminum camp cup as my heating vessel. The bottom legs of the Triad XE act as stakes and can be pushed into soft surfaces for excellent stability. In addition, their ability to pivot means they can be adjusted independently for usage on uneven hard surfaces. The upper legs, when fully extended, cradled the bottom of my cup and held it solid. I didn‘t try other pots, but with the ability to anchor the legs, I foresee that the stove would hold bigger pots steady just as well.
Vargo also makes an aluminum windscreen for the Triad and other stoves. It folds nearly flat with a square profile of 3 ¼” by 3 ¼” and weighs just 1.25 oz. The windscreen has vent holes to allow air to reach the fire, but at the same time protect the flame from winds. I believe the windscreen is an essential accessory for the stove, especially when burning alcohol.
Controlled burn time tests on the Vargo Triad XE were conducted in an indoor environment with no wind and a constant 65 degree temperature. For each test, the fuel canister was filled to the max. The tests examined variables such as stove temperature and fuel temperature on total burn time. It was seen that fuel and initial water temps can be critical in whether a boil is reached or not. With a cold stove and a fuel temperature of around 40 degrees, it took 1 minute and 50 seconds for the stove to prime and be ready. The total burn time after the stove was going was an another 10 minutes and 20 seconds. When the stove was room temperature and the fuel was warmed to 75 degrees by placing inside a jacket pocket, the prime time was reduced to only 55 seconds and the total burn time was 15 minutes. This is a nearly 50% increase over the cold fuel. With an initial water temperature of 70 degrees, the stove heated 16 oz. of water in a aluminum camp cup to 123 degrees in 2 minutes, 150 degrees in 4, 178 in 6, 201 in 8 minutes, and boiled in 9 minutes. The polynomial fit line for this data predicts that if the water would have been 40 degrees initially, another 2 to 2 ½ minutes would have been required for a boil. Had the fuel also been 40 degrees, this testing indicates that the burn time of the stove would have not been sufficient to reach a boil [Editor’s note: Did we mention that Alex is an engineer?].
This was verified in outdoor usage in a cold environment. Specifically, it was around 34 degrees, and with just over 1 oz. of fuel, 16 oz. of water was heated to 192 degrees. The design of the canister means that if you wanted more heat, you must wait for it to cool a bit before you remove the fuel canister and add more fuel (all the while your water is cooling as well). Or, if you carry solid fuel, you can switch to one of these to finish the boil as I did.
The low weight, size, and ability to burn alcohol, solid fuel, or fuel gel are the major highlights of the Vargo Triad XE as my bikepacking stove. I have both had a situation where due to winds my storm proof matches were not lighting solid fuel, and I have been in temperatures where it was difficult to achieve a boil with the alcohol. Having the ability to burn both from a single stove provides real peace of mind.
Overall, the positive traits of the Vargo Triad XE from a bikepacking view far outweigh the negatives. Both its size and ultra-light weight make it unnoticeable even in tightly packed bags. Its multi-fuel capability also makes it attractive for cold temperatures or high altitudes. The Triad XE retails for $31.95 and the windscreen is $14.95. Check out these products and a wide range of other outdoor gear including titanium tools and flasks on Vargo’s site.
– Alex (Steak Sauce)