Why we stock Soto at Crib Goch Outdoor
The WindMaster solves a specific problem that most backpacking stoves struggle with. Conventional canister stoves struggle in wind and in cold temperatures, both of which are routine conditions for anyone cooking in the mountains. The WindMaster's micro regulator maintains consistent gas pressure as the canister cools and empties with the recessed burner head and its wind protective lip keeps the flame stable in conditions that would extinguish other stoves. We find that the Soto WindMaster stove performs reliably on a Welsh mountain ridge in October or in a Scottish winter. Outdoor Gear Lab gave it their Editor's Choice award in 2022. More usefully, it has a long-standing reputation among serious backpackers and bikepackers who have tried most things and keep coming back to it.
What we stock and why we chose it
The WindMaster stove with 4Flex pot supports is the headline act in our Soto range. A 73g canister stove with a micro regulator for consistent performance in cold and at altitude, a recessed burner head for wind resistance, and the 4Flex four-prong pot supports that fold for storage and provide a stable cooking platform for a wide range of pot sizes. The TriFlex pot support is the three-prong alternative for smaller pots and mugs. The Pocket Torch XT converts a standard disposable lighter into a windproof torch lighter, producing a powerful concentrated flame suited to lighting stoves, fires, and tinder in windy conditions. Be warned though, the flame is hard to see in daylight. The Micro Torches in horizontal and vertical configurations are compact, refillable butane torches for fire lighting and camp use. The Helix Compact Coffee Maker is a collapsible pour over coffee maker that comes with filters and is designed to nest inside a camp mug or cup for compact carry.
Soto FAQs
Is Soto a Japanese brand and is it good? +
Yes on both counts. Soto is a Japanese brand: the name translates as "outdoors" in Japanese, and the company's roots go back to Shinfuji Burner's industrial burner manufacturing in 1978. Design, manufacturing, and quality control are all done in-house at their factory in Japan. In terms of quality, Soto has built a strong reputation since entering the international market in 2010, winning multiple industry awards including Outdoor Gear Lab's Editor's Choice for the WindMaster. The Olympic and Paralympic torch committees trusted Soto with the burners for both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games. That is as credible a reference as exists in outdoor engineering.
Is the Soto WindMaster worth it? +
Yes, if you cook in realistic British mountain conditions rather than ideal ones. The WindMaster costs more than a basic canister stove, and that premium buys you the micro regulator and the recessed wind-resistant burner head. The micro regulator maintains consistent gas pressure as the canister cools and empties, which matters in cold temperatures where cheaper stoves lose pressure and flame strength. The wind resistance is the other key feature: the recessed burner with its protective lip keeps the flame stable in conditions that would extinguish or severely reduce the output of a conventional stove. For backpackers, bikepackers, and mountain campers who cook in the wind and cold regularly, the performance difference is consistently reported as significant. If you only cook in sheltered conditions in mild weather, a cheaper stove would serve you adequately.
What fuel does the Soto WindMaster use? +
The WindMaster uses standard isobutane-propane canister fuel with a standard screw-on EN417 thread, compatible with canisters from MSR, Snow Peak, Primus, GSI, and most other outdoor fuel brands. It does not use proprietary canisters. The micro regulator is specifically designed to perform better in cold temperatures than conventional canister stoves, because isobutane-propane fuel loses pressure as the canister cools, and the regulator compensates for this to maintain a more consistent flame output.
Is the Soto Pocket Torch XT any good? +
Yes. The Pocket Torch XT converts a standard disposable lighter into a windproof torch lighter by inserting it into the Soto converter. The result is a concentrated, directed flame that works in wind conditions where a conventional lighter flame would be extinguished. It is a compact and elegant solution for lighting stoves, fires, and tinder in the field, and it runs on a lighter you probably already carry rather than requiring a separate refillable torch. The XT version is the current model with an improved grip and ergonomics over the original Pocket Torch.
Can I bring a backpacking stove on a plane? +
The stove itself can generally be carried in hand luggage or hold luggage provided it is completely clean of fuel residue. Fuel canisters are not permitted on aircraft under IATA regulations, regardless of whether they are empty or full. The Soto torches and Pocket Torch XT, which use butane lighter fuel, are also subject to restrictions. We recommend checking the specific policies of your airline and the relevant aviation authority before travelling, as rules can vary between carriers and routes. Travelling with a clean, empty stove is generally straightforward; travelling with fuel is not permitted.
Can I buy Soto products in store in North Wales? +
Yes. We stock Soto across our stores in Llanberis and Beddgelert. The WindMaster in particular is worth seeing in person before buying: the 4Flex pot supports and the stove's compact packed size are easier to assess in hand than from a product image. Come in and we will show you the range and answer any questions about which product suits your setup.