Travel torches, also known as hiking stoves, are one of the most essential equipment in travel and nature tourism.
Travel torches are actually portable gas stoves used by naturalists and mountaineers to cook food. In addition to light weight, these torches should have a small volume so that users can easily carry it in their backpacks and use it when necessary. Different brands of torches such as “Optimus”, “Snowhawk” and “Primus” have features and advantages that should be considered when buying.
Learn more about travel torches:
The features of torches suitable for camping
Torches that are suitable for camping have features that you need to read and review before buying in order to make a better purchase. Some of these features are mentioned below:
- Flame production power: The most important feature and performance of the flame is the production of a strong and stable flame; To effectively cook or heat food. In addition, the suitable torch for camping should also have a flame adjustment so that the user can control the amount of heat in different uses.
- Stability and strength: Suitable camping torches should have a strong and stable structure so that they do not have problems when used in harsh environments such as mountains.
- Being safe: Suitable torches for camping should be safe, reliable and efficient. Things like automatic shutdown in case of sudden flame shutdown, lack of automatic ignition are among the points that should be considered when buying.
- Fuel efficiency: Suitable camping torches should have good and high efficiency in terms of fuel consumption so that it uses fuel optimally during long trips and there is no need to fill or replace the fuel tank.
- Resistance to different weather conditions: This case is considered one of the main and important features of the torches. The torches must work optimally in different weather conditions such as very low or very high temperature and against wind and rain.
Photo source: Snowhawk website. Photographer: Unknown
The advantages of portable torches in nature trips
If you are among the people who travel a lot, especially nature tourism, in addition to lightness, you should also pay attention to the size and quality of the torch. Below are some of the advantages of portable torches in nature tourism trips:
- Small size of the torch: For trips with a small crowd, the small size of the torch is an advantage and can occupy less space in the backpack. Also, the ability to fold the blades and bases is considered one of the advantages of portable torches.
- Light weight of the torch: All nature hikers and mountaineers are looking for style of travel; Therefore, when choosing and buying a portable torch, they try to prioritize its light weight along with other advantages. Also, the weight of the torch is directly related to its type; Accordingly, aluminum and titanium torches are lighter than steel torches.
- Piezo lighter with flame: Lighting the gas lighter in adverse weather conditions can be difficult; Therefore, the designers of famous brands such as Firmapple have installed a piezo lighter on their torches for easy use.
- Flame output pressure regulator: The torch being equipped with a regulator allows the user to increase or decrease the amount of fuel entering the torch without worrying about the altitude and proximity to air pressure, as well as whether the capsule is full or empty.
Photo source: Baofeng UK website. Photographer: Unknown
Criteria for choosing travel torches
Choosing portable torches for nature trips can be one of the challenges when buying them; Because this product has an acceptable variety in the Iranian market; But in the end, paying attention to the style of travel and the type of use are the criteria that should be considered:
- Type of flame: The best torch for camping is a gas-fueled hose torch. This flame is a better option for cooking food due to its suitable heat. They are also easier to move and accommodate.
- Body material and flame head material: The torches suitable for camping should have a high quality of construction with resistant materials so that they can work in the best way in different climates. Also, their resistance to impact and pressure is also an important option that has a significant impact on the useful life of the torches. There are different torches made of aluminum, steel and titanium in the market, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. For example, the flame head made of titanium is lighter than steel and has a higher impact resistance than other materials; But you have to pay a higher price to get it.
- Flame performance: Portable torches, like other nature tourism equipment, must be functional. Certainly, no hiker likes to be without tea or food while resting along his route; So be sure to check your torch before your trip in terms of heating, resistance to wind, cold and existing conditions.
- Type of trip: Most of the campfires are big and strong. On the other hand, climbing torches should be light and compact.
- Features: Quality torches often have features such as automatic lighters, folding bases, etc.
- Budget: Torches are available in different brands, prices and qualities in the market; The best choice is the option that matches your budget and criteria.
The best brands of travel torches
There are different types of travel torches that those who are interested in nature tourism and such trips can choose one according to their features, brand type, personal preferences, budget and quality. However, some of the highest quality and most popular torches include Optimus, Snow Hawk, Primus, and Kovea. Among the famous models of torches in the Iranian market, the following can be mentioned:
- Kuva three-blade torch, Booster+1 model KB-0603-1; Made in Korea
- SN-B19 model SN-B19 three-layer torch with three torches; Made in China
- Kuva four-point torch model Scout TKB-8911-1; Made in Korea
- FMS 105 fire maple flame head; Made in China
- SN20-E4 model SN20-E4 four-blade flame head; Made in China
- Stove Express TI three-layer stove Primus model; Made in Sweden
- BRS-8 BOOSTER+1 three-blade torch; Made in China
- 411 four-point compressor torch head; Construction of the country of Iran
- Bolin three-flame torch model BL100-10T; Made in China
Photo source: Faraz Kala online store website. Photographer: Unknown
Travel torches have different prices based on their features in the Iranian market; But in general, the price of foreign and imported brands varies from about 1,500,000 tomans to 8,000,000 tomans. To buy high-quality Iranian torches, you have to pay about 1,000,000 Tomans, while the non-branded version of this product in the cheapest case costs less than 500,000 Tomans.
Guide to the use and maintenance of travel torches
Guide to using travel torches
The use of travel torches for beginners may come with some tips. Also, these tips can be useful for people with experience in nature tourism when facing the new type. Below is a guide for using travel torches for more information for those interested:
- Remove all parts and accessories from the storage bag.
- Connect the torch to the gas cylinder.
- Perform a leak test.
- Dry the capsule and the torch.
- Choose a flat surface to place the burner or stove.
- If the legs and blades of the flame are folded, open them.
- Open or turn the regulator of the amount of gas coming out of the flame to the required level.
- Light the flame using a match or a lighter.
- Adjust the flame output from the burner.
- Place the special fan around the stove.
- Enjoy cooking in the heart of nature.
Photo Source: Camp N Gear website. Photographer: Unknown
A guide to maintaining travel torches
To care and maintain your travel torches to work properly and continuously, you need to use the following tips:
Type of fuel used: Always use the right type of fuel to ensure fuel efficiency and longevity of the flame.
Using a special wind deflector: To prevent double pressure on the flame head during work, the use of special wind sheets is very effective.
Flame cooling: Be sure to cool the torch after each use and before you put it away. To do this, place the torch in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight; This process helps to prevent rusting and damage to its internal and external components.
Periodic cleaning: Periodic cleaning of burners is one of the essential tasks for their maintenance, longevity and optimal performance. For this purpose, you can clean the burners with warm water, dishwashing liquid or vinegar and a sponge after each use and after returning from a trip, and make sure that there are no food residues or any other contamination on it. Keep in mind not to use acidic materials and abrasives to clean the burners; Because they may have problems and defects in the next use.
Regular review: After each use and return from a trip, check the torch from different angles to repair or replace it in case of any damage such as cracks, rust, wear, leakage, etc.
Photo source: Thegreatoutdoorsmag website. Photographer: Unknown
Safety tips for using torches in nature
To use flares safely in the wild, you need to take basic precautions. Here are some of these items:
- Before working with the torch and lighting it, check all connections, fuel and valve paths for possible leaks or damage.
- Place the torch on a flat surface.
- Be careful that the wind does not extinguish the flame.
- Avoid cooking in closed spaces and tents; Because it causes carbon monoxide poisoning and the risk of fire.
- If the flame lighter is broken, using storm-proof matches to light it is the best option.
Photo source: Tracks Less Traveled website. Photographer: Unknown
This article examines the travel tips. If you also have experience in this field that is not mentioned in this article. Please share with us and other Kajaro companions in the comments section of this article.
Cover photo source: Valhalla Pure Outfitters website. Photographer: Unknown
Frequently asked questions
What are the best brands of travel torches?
Some of the highest quality and most popular torches include Optimus, Snow Hawk, Primus, and Kovea.
What is the price of travel torches?
The price of foreign brands of travel torches varies from about 1,500,000 tomans to 8,000,000 tomans. To buy high-quality Iranian torches, you have to pay about 1,000,000 Tomans, and the non-branded version of this product, in the cheapest case, costs less than 500,000 Tomans.
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