Caldera Cone
[Date]: July 30, 2008
[Product Title]: Caldera Cone (Aluminum, .9L pot)
[Manufacturer]: Trail Designs
[Purchase Point]: Antigravity Gear
[MSRP]: 45 USD (Cone and Kit)
[Actual Cost] 45 USD (Cone and Kit)
[General Product Description]
[Weight Claimed]: N/A
[Weight Actual]: 4 oz
The Caldera Cone is an aluminum wind screen that also acts as a pot support. The holes that have been cut in the top rim and bottom rim are engineered to work with the stove that comes with the cone and a specific pot.
The particular kit I purchased. Came with the cone itself, a plastic container to store it in, an alcohol stove, fuel bottle, and measuring cup. You can purchase the pot, cone, and proper cozies all together if you choose. I already owned an Evernew .9L pot (Now sold under the REI Label). So I only ordered the various parts to complete the kit.
[Initial Thoughts]
Once I pulled everything out and assembled everything. I was struck dumb at how flimsy the cone was. I was terrified that it would be trashed in a trip or two. A replacement costs $35 so I was duly scared. All of the parts of the kit I purchased were thought out and filled a purpose perfectly. The fuel bottle, stove, measuring cup, cone and plastic container all weighed 4 oz. What a great weight!
[General Use]
I have used the Cone/stove combo in 25-30 degree and warmer weather, on four day trips and several overnighters. I use the stove for breakfasts and dinners. I love my hot meals. This also means I have really abused my Caldera Cone. I have also used it to boil water for tea and outright cook slow culinary meals.
[Major Events]
No major events to speak of. Though all it takes is for my eleven year old to sit on it once and the cone is done for. Sheet aluminum is like that.
[Long Term Thoughts]
I would recommend this setup to most anyone. I have in fact. When I do destroy this one finally, I will replace it with a titanium cone. This will add fire cooking to the many tricks the Caldera Cone already has.
The sheet metal is fragile. But even after all the abuse I have put it through it is still my “go-to” stove. It has never failed to bring water to a boil on less than an ounce of fuel. It is reliable, predictable, and efficient. And when in camp, I am usually set up, and cooking long before my hiking partners. With the kit I purchased, it is one of the most compact stove setups I have had. And including the pot, chopsticks, and a spoon. The whole thing comes to 10 ounces on my scale! Minus fuel of course.
Don’t be too afraid of the fragile nature of aluminum. It will wear out, but not quickly. And remember to go slow when you pack and unpack the kit. Do this and it will last a long time!
