Vargo Titanium Triad Multifuel Stove

I have been using the Vargo Titanium Triad multifuel stove on my long-distance walks for over two years now. It was the only stove I took with me on my 1,200 mile Lands End to John O’Groats and 3 Peaks walk in 2019. And in 2020 on my 1100 mile Dover to Cape Wrath walk so I have thoroughly tested it! This review is entirely based on my own opinion. I bought the stove myself and have not received any payment or incentive for the review.

Vargo Triad multifuel stove with legs folded in — *Vargo Triad multifuel stove* with legs folded in

The Vargo Titanium Triad multifuel stove weighs just 30g and it is tiny. It folds up and fits neatly into my Evernew 900ml pan when not in use and there’s plenty of room to spare. It’s made from titanium so it is strong, light weight and will last well.

*Vargo Triad multifuel stove stored in a 900ml Evernew titanium saucepan*

Different fuel options

This stove has an interesting design which means you can use it either way up. One way up you pour meths into the stove as normal. If you flip the stove over, the base is indented which is perfect for fuel tablets or gels.

This is ideal for long-distance walks, as at times it can be difficult to resupply with stove fuel. With this stove, you have a wider selection of fuels that you could use. This makes it more likely that you will be able to restock with something suitable.

I tend to use this stove with meths, as I find this readily available and cheap.

The legs are the same on both top and bottom of the stove so it can be used either way up, equally successfully. They give the stove clearance from the ground and also support the pan at the correct distance from the flame. All the legs will fold over the stove, making for a very small pack size. I don’t find this necessary though because it’s small enough and fits in my pan easily anyway.

Meths bottle pictured outside a B&Q store. — Methylated spirit is cheap and reasonably easy to find. Toolstation etc.

Winter use

The Vargo Titanium Triad is great little stove that will work all year round. However, I think it’s best suited to warmer weather. During the winter, I have to remember to warm the meths up first. Sometimes I will place the (unlit!!) stove in my sleeping bag or down jacket to warm it up as it struggles to light if it’s too cold.

Limitations of the stove

The stove is reasonably stable and efficient, but slower than other meths stoves. For this reason I always use a Vargo windscreen with the stove. This helps to conserve the heat and decreases boiling times.

Vargo Triad multifuel stove burning. Including a Vargo windscreen — Vargo Triad multifuel stove alight and plumming. Including a Vargo windscreen

You have to fill the stove with meths for it to work properly, which means you are probably going to be left with meths to pour back in to the bottle once you have finished cooking. However, it is possible to get the meths to flow down one of the legs back into the bottle, so you don’t end up wasting much. It is really important to only do this once the meths is completely cold.

I generally only use the stove to heat water because the flame is not controllable. More advanced cooking is therefore a little tricky. However, as I generally only need hot water for coffees and to rehydrate trekking meals, this isn’t a significant problem for me.

Conclusion

This is a very light weight and versatile little stove that will burn either meths, fuel gels or solid fuel tabs. I always use it with a wide based titanium Evernew 900ml sauce pan with lid. I find the stove reasonably slow but I am extremely frugal with meths. This means I don’t have to carry too much weight of fuel. With the stove full of meths it will burn for about 25 minutes and heat at least 1 litre of water. This is dependent on the weather conditions and how cold the water is before you start.

The Vargo Titanium Triad multifuel stove is my favourite meths stove and my choice for all long distance wild camping trips. It’s had a lot of use over the last few years and still shows no sign of wear or damage. I’ll be taking it on my next trip.

Early morning wild camped near the Lancaster canal heating water for breakfast and a coffee laid in tent — Early morning wild camped near the Lancaster canal

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One Reply to “Vargo Titanium Triad Multifuel Stove”

Hi mark I just wanted to sneak a little hello in here and let you know I enjoy your blog and say keep it up, because theres plenty of interest here. I’m not a long distance walker as life doesn’t allow it but get out for two long days of walking and a camp sandwiched between them. I use the vaude power lizard, very similar design to those that you have reviewed. I like it bought and sold other tents in last 4 years but keep this one. Some annoying things about it but the same can be said about a lot of these type tents. Good balance of weight, space and sturdiness for me.
I use a stormin stove. Very similar to the speedster( have that too) I find there is still fuel left in stove after cooking a lot of the time. Would be interested in using triad to return used meths and see how more efficient it is. Thanks again mark.