Soto WindMaster Stove Review | Is This The Best Canister Stove?

I've been using the Soto WindMaster for the past several months and had it out on a few different trips. Hands down the WindMaster has been the best new stove that i've used for a few different reasons. The WindMaster has features that many other stoves lack, but is the cost worth the features?
Will the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe be a better option?
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#backpackingstove #backpacking

[@RViscara]

Honestly I don’t see this wind blocking stove burner designs as a important. It’s now nuance battle of the stoves which is like picking things apart that don’t need to be nick picked to death. Backpacking communities have a tendency of picking things to death on the atom level when a super simple solution is staring them in the face. People use a foldable windscreen! Geezus it’s that simple it’s not a huge issue or detail. For Christ sake I have used rocks or backpack or rocks as a windshield. Don’t want the 1 or 2 oz weight of a windscreen use a rock use a log use your boots. It’s not about buy 4 stoves to break down in details like this. It’s a boiling water for Christ sakes not used to cook something off in a science lab! It’s a simple device to boil some water. This is nothing against you personally “I like you and your videos” but seriously why does everyone want to break things down to the molecular level.... it’s a canister stove

[@BackcountryExposure]

RViscara understand your argument. However i do disagree. It’s more than just boiling water, and more than just wind screens. It’s about efficiency. I mean you could make the same argument about vehicles. Why are engines knit picked to the point of getting 1 more mile to the gallon? You could even say the same thing about any piece of outdoor gear. Why the need for 900 fill down when 650 is sufficient? Back to stoves though, when cooking at 10,000+ feet with a canister stove, these little nuances make a big difference. The entire design of this stove is focused on efficiency. The micro regulator, the concave burner, pot stand height, etc. Will any stove accomplish similar results, but I see nothing wrong with finding and using a piece of gear that checks off several boxes that other stoves don’t. Also, it can be quite dangerous to have a windscreen around a canister.

[@Rashoop]

Was Christ a backpacker? With the strength and stamina is purported as having, my guess is that he wouldn't have been an ultralighter. Not sure why you have to bring him in on this one. ;-) But, I appreciate reviews like this. I'm not an ultralighter myself, but I do take weight into account. Also take into account (before weight) the functionality of an item. Quality too. I have a Soto Amicus, and it's just a great stove.

[@RViscara]

Backcountry.. Okay. I can see how you feel about it or how you may think that way and we are entitled to our own opinion. That said what about a windscreen. I see so many needle the stoves features to death when a simple windscreen will increase efficiency leaps and bounds compared to a stove with or without one. It seems everyone forgets about windscreens and it really makes a huge difference. As for canister stoves at elevation or extreme cold temp I will rely on Liquid Fuel stoves which will run circles around a canister stove under those conditions.

[@jamesbadham228]

So yeah, here in the good ol usa, we have a lot of redundancy in products. Just check out the toilet paper aisle in any supermarket. It's one of the drawbacks of market capitalism. Then there is humankind's natural desire to improve on things, and the better they get, the tinier the details of improvement become. But that's not going to change, so maybe just let it ride and not let it irk your bundle. Finally, people buy stoves for all kinds of reasons. I recommenced backpacking about six years ago (now 63) and lightened my load but continue to move in the direction of ultralight. This means I occasionally have to repurchase something I have, or buy a better, more efficient model of something already in the bag because I didn't know the better one existed. We learn, we shop - some more, some less, some more and some less obsessively. Cool.

[@nickcrane888]

As a backpacker, climber and mountain guide I have found that wind performance is very important, and the Windmaster performs best of it's class in windy conditions. Wind screens don't work well with canister stoves, add weight and can be dangerous. Finding an area out of the wind or behind rocks or backpack to cook can sometimes work, but not always and often not at all if the wind is strong. The Soto Windmaster also heats faster than any of it's competitors. It also is very controlable for simmering. It also works well in cold temps that stifle cheaper alternatives that don't have a microregulater.

[@KP8Ball]

One of the best reviews I've seen of any outdoor product. Leaves me with no questions about its capabilities. I'm sold.

[@dannynimmo3052]

I agree and commented something similar

[@stephenverchinski409]

Was up in the Sandias on an end to end 30 miler in February and spent two nights out above 10,000 feet and with 10 degree nights. My faithful Snowpeak had difficulty with the wind, the titanium windscreen was a pain, and cold and altitude regulation wasn't great and so I bought the Soto. Plan to complete the last 200+ miles of the Colorado trail and do a CDT Section hike.

[@dannynimmo3052]

I've recently learned I can save sooo much money not buying the wrong stuff a few times over... youtube is an awesome tool to learn with. once in a while I run across someone I can tell is meticulous natured like myself. I trust the info. and thank you very much. I bought the amicus yesterday, haven't gotten it in yet but was about to do the windmaster today, yesterday I didn't even now it existed, just ran across it and thought S*** I didn't get the latest and greatest.... lol, I'm tellin ya I'm a biginner, I just don't want to be disadvantaged out there so really concerned with having a good setup easy to carry. I've already bought every alcohol stove that peaked my interest, then realized, seems to me canister stoves probably better. well here we go again, that was the first of the canister stove that I bought yesterday. Your videos make things a little easer to learn for someone new to this. I think I'll just use the soto for now and try to look the other way. I'm not buying all that for toys, Its OCD, your a big help thank you brother... its because I think I can rely on your information. anyway its all necessity more than recreational and just trying to do a good job with part of this crap thats brand new to me. its going to be nice I think, the cooking gear is all thats left, I have hyperlight everything, its going to be a completely different thing with all this nice S***

[@BackpackDad]

I wanna thank you. It was watching this video a while back that made me pull the trigger on getting a Soto Windmaster and it’s hands down my favorite pocket stove.

[@ltandkholbrook9555]

Hi, how's the stove doing ? :)

[@BackpackDad]

@@ltandkholbrook9555 it’s incredible and I prefer the Soto over all my other stoves

[@ltandkholbrook9555]

Have the Soto Windmaster stove now and it's excellent :)

[@romeras600]

Cool review, might have to pick one up. I always see this stove on massdrop all the time

[@BackcountryExposure]

Romeras600 thanks! Would be a good way to get one for a good price.

[@70cimabue]

I do like the wider face for the burners for the quick boiling and cooking…. But I have some folded foil and 3 skewers that I use for my light weight and very portable windscreen that work perfectly

[@thefucrew9865]

Nice video, Brother !!! I have only heard of that Soto stove. Glad that you did a review on it. That Olicamp Kinetic looks like an Optimus Crux/Crux Lite clone...LOL ! Keep up the great work !

[@BackcountryExposure]

The SGT FU Channel or is the crux a clone of the Olicamp?! Ha ha! Thanks!

[@thefucrew9865]

@@BackcountryExposure, LOL !!! Never thought of that...LOL !!! Touche' !!!

[@MrBluoct]

Great review And based on field conditions Thanks

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thank you!

[@jlhgrace8284]

Yup. I have the stove. Absolutely the best I've owned.

[@tonyperone3242]

Boiling point for water is 193F at 10 000 ft. Air pressure is also lower at that altitude so the canister releases the gas better. How well does it perform near sea level with cold conditions?

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

I have this stove and Love it, great piece of kit especially above tree line as mentioned in your review. The MSR pocket rocket is very nice but not close to burn rate etc....only collapse better

[@BackcountryExposure]

Michael Bartlett it’ll be interesting to see how the PR Deluxe performs completed to the WindMaster since they will be so similar.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I believe the term "piece of kit" is inow llegal in all 48 lower states....maybe I dreampt this but I am all for it in any case.

[@spikester40]

Good information!!

[@normanmallory2055]

I've thought about this model Soto Windmaster stove for several years now... I own two Snow Peak canister stoves and am quite happy with performance.. Well done good video... I'm thinking this hiking season I may start out with a new stove.., where I live Jetboil is very popular but I'm leaning towards Soto

[@BackcountryExposure]

You would be quite happy with the Soto!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Jet boils are wonderful but...too bulky and heavy. Mine have been relegated to car camping and power outages. For that they are the "bee-knees".

[@maxinpains6937]

I'll have them all. But Windmaster outperform all tbh.

[@normanmallory2055]

@@maxinpains6937 I own a Windmaster stove as of some months ago now.. I like it really well so far. Both my Snow Peak stoves are great, works all the time. But I'm like you I'm not into the MSR Reactor too heavy too bulky. Jet Boil is a bit too dedicated , it's their pots or nothing I don't really like that.. I cook using Titanium cookware and have for 20 years and I see no change on me going backwards on that part..

[@rogerkomula8057]

I might need that. I have a Toaks 2.0 liter pot.

[@yonallb]

I don't understand piezo igniters. They tend to break and add weight plus I always have at least two lighters with me backpacking, is it just for lighting in the wind?

[@alanmcvicar8608]

Does it matter using the primus gas cannister which is 25/25/50 propane/ isobutane / Butane , other than the recommended 70/30 Butane / propane for the windmaster.?

[@nicholashyde9014]

Great video and explanation, thank you so much. I know what to buy for my next adventure :D. I still wonder why soto still has no titanium version of the windmaster to offer. Wouldn't it save another 20-30 grams then?

[@laaaliiiluuu]

Just do 10 extra squats every day and you can carry the extra 20g. At some point saving weight really becomes a joke in the UL community.

[@Rashoop]

I would REALLY like to get your update on the GSI Pinnacle 4-Season. I also have one, purchased in part due to your review (but don't worry, if you've grown less enamored with it, I won't hold a grudge!). For me, it's been good. Is it perfect? No, but if you've encountered issues, it would be good to know what they've been.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Rashoop the only thing it’s struggled with is keeping a strong consistent burn after 3-4 minutes of running. Everything else about it has stayed the same. It’s an amazing stove.

[@michaelbrohl1625]

I like the Windmaster but it's just too darn long/tall ( I'm also not crazy that the pot supports are separate from the stove ). It doesn't fit inside of any of my pots. I went with the Amicus and it's perfect for me.

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

That's a really nice stove! Me likey!

[@BackcountryExposure]

The Wasatch Gear Review it’s soo good!

[@squeaky166]

I got the Soto Amicus at REI for $45.00 which includes a Soto cookpot.

[@paulademille2766]

what is REI and why was it soo low in price when some are nearly 200 dollars.?

[@texmexia49]

paula DeMille www.rei.com/product/149091/soto-amicus-stove-cookset-combo

[@philthyphill8753]

Do you like the the burners with a hose better than a straight connection to the can?

[@SirMintfelix]

What is up my brother from South Korea 🇰🇷

[@stevegresty4181]

YES

[@kurtbaier6122]

Thanks

[@MrBluoct]

Thank you 🤙 Ever us the Soto amicus?

[@BackcountryExposure]

I've not used the Amicus yet, but would like to get it to compare.

[@thomash7573]

Good review! Man I wish I could get one in Canada.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thomas H not even through Amazon?

[@thomash7573]

There are a couple of suppliers on amazon Canada but they are over $150. You guys have it good in the states for backpacking gear.

[@thomash7573]

Wayne Caissie . Yikes! I ended up ordering one through eBay for $95 Canadian and free shipping! Came from Australia so it took a bit to arrive.

[@weatherstorms]

Yuck! Sorry to hear @@thomash7573! Why is the price so dang high?

[@dannynimmo3052]

@@thomash7573 I saw that, seems like everything that comes direct from there is a little high...except gucci and Proda LOL, I just noticed Americans are getting screwed on that stuff, I've even bought some proda stuff out of Canada. we just cant afford it here their just trying to screw everyone over here... I was glad to find some great deals from our friendly neighbors to the north

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

How is firemaple Polaris?

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

FYI at 10000ft water boils at 90oC so it does not require as many calories.

[@dukesilvergold]

Dude, the first part of your sentence is correct yet the latter half is misleading and wrong. At higher altitudes say above 7,000 feet, meals will need more time to get fully cooked! When atmospheric pressure drops, water boils at cooler temperature. Boiling does not produce the same product as"fully boiled / cooked" at sea level. Therefore, it actually requires longer time for food to be fully cooked because the boiling water is less HOT at higher altitude. Here, being "HOT" is what burns calories. Boiling simply is evaporation process. General rule is you need to add 1 minute of cook (soak) time for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain above 5,000 feet. And because water evaporates faster at boiling temperatures, you oftentimes have to add more water, resulting in more energy cost. If people assume it's cooked when it s not, these poor bastards may have some serious diarrhea at 10K ft. Not good, not good...

[@Arthur-fs3vd]

Those screw on stoves get glowing hot. Isnt there a risk the cannister will blow up?

[@MrBluoct]

Sos Mine just arrived last night Extremely hard to screw into a msr canister Never broke seal to allow gas to release And now wind master is wedged into msr can ???

[@lukus000]

sounds like you cross threaded the threads.

[@zhaoyunzulong]

Windmaster, Very good stove, but there is one that overcomes it. I use MSR pocket rocket deluxe now.

[@diegofonseca6708]

How?? They’re basically the same exact thing lmao

[@petervarley1029]

My friends MSR PR DELUXE PIEZO FAILED ON SECOND USE

[@jlhgrace8284]

MSR copied the Soto Windmaster stove design, but the Soto is the better stove IMHO

[@JEFFREYSOLORIO]

He never did explain himself two years later lol

[@paulademille2766]

why so much money above all other stoves? Does this stove work with propane? Do not know much about these stoves newbie so forgive if the question seems stupid.

[@entrelepingetlepong3746]

Hi, with the soto do i need a windshield or is enough strong against the wind thank

[@BackcountryExposure]

It does quite well on its own. I've never used a wind screen.

[@entrelepingetlepong3746]

@@BackcountryExposure thank i buy it

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

I might cave in and buy one, why why....., but I want the tri pot support, any clue where to find one.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Adventures with Frodo explain what you are meaning by tri pot support? The pot support on the stove is a tri support. Tell me what I’m not understanding.

[@WildlandExplorer]

@@BackcountryExposure Soto stopped selling the Windmaster with both pot supports a while back. They now charge separately for the 3-pronged support. You have to pay for shipping too.

[@WildlandExplorer]

Look at Zpacks website. They sell it at regular MSRP with both supports included. You are getting ripped off if you get it anywhere else.

[@jryan0891]

Will the Soto run off of multiple brands of canister fuel?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah any standard fuel canister will work.

[@maxinpains6937]

I'll say this is the best product over all aspect . I do have BRS . it's a toy and performance are crap.

[@MeMe-cd1wy]

I bought this stove. It is cheap construction. No comparison to the old Pocket Rocket. Don’t don’t know about the newestPocket Rocket. The pot stand is the problem. It feels flimsy. My BSR has sturdier pot stand. I am sure Solo burns hotter though.

[@MrPur3d]

is this a good one to cook real food with?

[@GypsyGirl317]

I've read a comment in one review that says yes. 😊

[@thefucrew9865]

The newest most recent MSR Pocket Rocket is the same as this !!!!

[@ORflycaster]

Agreed. That's actually why I'm here.

[@johnrogers5825]

MSR may be better as it doesn't take a dozen clicks to fire it up, just once. So I'm thinking the MSR piezo will last longer.

[@Rashoop]

Yup, uncanny how similar the MSR is. But that’s what the Koreans do so well: see what others have researched and proven, then copy it. The MSR is Korean made. It does have some nice features, but I’m going to buy this Japanese-made Soto instead. Reward the originator, not the plagiarist. Plus, having used the (baby brother) Amicus stove, I’m impressed by Soto quality.

[@deador9192]

Just cut out a single-use aluminum baking pan and use it for a windscreen. It weighs next to nothing, and should not break the back of a gram wienie.

[@yepYup22]

Well bud.. us gram weenie's hike trails like the PCT . We are not the same .

[@libermanmezuza3488]

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