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Sometimes small things make life better, like powdered sugar, or a blender bottle with the blender, or having a fire in the rain, snow, or wind so you don’t freeze… you know, the “small things.” Whether I am hunting, hiking, or even spending a day at the beach kayaking with my family, these tools make life better.
Tools that cook food boil water, or make a great little fire improve the whole experience. There are many different tools out there today that do this. There are a lot of companies making backpacking stoves, and I’ve been using different kinds for a few years. They are known as twig stoves, backpacking stoves, or portable wood-burning stoves, and in my opinion, the Stöker from Überleben is one of the best.
The company gifted this to us (thanks, guys!), and I’ve been testing it for almost a month. However, my thoughts and opinions are my own -I call them as I see them.
So whether they love or cringe at my review, that’s above my pay grade. I’m only here because I have a passion for these kinds of products. So, let’s talk about the Stöker from Überleben, and by the end, you can choose if it will make life better for you.
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What is the Überleben Stöker?
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
- The ventilation is impressive!I
- It’s extremely well-constructed
- I like the wax canvas sleeve.
- The Köchen-X Grill Grate is, well, great.
- It’s rather heavy for what it is
- It’s a bit larger than some other alternatives.
The Stöker from Überleben is a flat-pack twig stove meant for minimalists, meaning you can fold it up, slap it into the wax canvas sleeve, throw it in your hiking pack, and be on your way. Side note: I believe Überleben is German for “Survive”; that’s if Google Translate is not lying to me.
Anyways it consists of a five-panel assembly that interlocks, is made of 304 stainless steel, and is durable and resistant to corrosion. It weighs in at 18 oz and measures 6″ by 6″ by 0.5″ when disassembled. Assembled, it measures 6″ by 6″ by 6″. It’s fueled by small twigs and organic matter you can forage from wherever you are.
What do I like about this stove?
I’ve used backpacking stoves for a while now, but let’s look at what I like about the Stöker and what has made this one my absolute go-to! For me, it came down to three things Überleben did exceptionally well; Airflow design, solid construction, and the wax canvas sleeve.
1. The ventilation is impressive!
The way they have vented the panels for proper airflow is impressive. I live in an area that has four full seasons in the mountains. In cold temps, it can be almost impossible to start a fire. The first time I used the Stöker (Paid Link) was on a steep slope, with rain and wind, and using half-wet twigs.
Even in the wind and rain, the ventilation for the fire was just right. Too much air and the fire can be blown out, not enough and it suffocates. I’ve used others that did not perform as well in similar conditions. I think you may also be equally impressed if you pick up this product.
2. It’s extremely well-constructed
Sound construction is the second thing I appreciate about this product. If you have ever used a five-panel interlocking stove before, then you know that sometimes it can be difficult to interlock them. Most new stoves start off being simple to assemble, but over time, with consistent use and extreme temperature, the panels can begin to warp.
This also means that putting it together can feel clumsy; you get the bottom and three side panels together, start locking in the last, and like a house of cards, it falls apart. So, I like the fact that the Stöker is made from 304 stainless steel. Not only that, but the overall shape of the panels fits nicely together, and so far, there has been zero warping!
3. I like the wax canvas sleeve.
There is something about Canvas that makes this so fun. So, another thing that we have to talk about is the wax canvas sleeve. I love waxed canvas, and for this stove, it just fits well.
Sitting in your bag or getting stepped on because you forget where you placed it is not a problem with this sleeve. It seems to be very durable. I am curious to see it a few years from now, but I feel it will hold up well. It can also be used as a tinder or foraging pouch. I haven’t needed to use it for this purpose yet, but I know I will soon, and I am excited to try it out in the future.
4. The Köchen-X Grill Grate is, well, great.
One more thing that comes with the stove I didn’t mention in the description is the … drum role, Köchen-X Grill Grate, that is attached to the top for cooking. Okay, so I got my fire going in the rain. I’ve wind. I’ve warmed up and want to boil some water and cook some food.
The Stöker comes with the Köchen-X GriIl Grate (Paid Link). It’s made with wire-formed food-grade 304 stainless steel, so you can cook with a pan or pot or right on the grate itself. I like how they designed the grate to lock in on the corners and cover the entire top.
I have had trouble with others in the past, as some come with flimsy crosses that can’t hold food and can easily fall off or onto the stove. Personally, I like cooking outdoors and am thrilled with the Köchen-X Grill Grate. Those are the main things that have made the Stöker my top stove currently. But there are some things that I don’t like. And that is the weight and bulk.
What do I NOT like about this twig stove?
I think that we all can appreciate that in life, almost everything has a give and take. There are trade-offs built into every product you purchase, and there are no differences between the different types of backpacking stoves.
1. It’s rather heavy for what it is
The trade-off for me is the weight of the Stöker + wax canvas sleeve. This is due to the thickness of the steel and the canvas vs. having something lighter but with less durability.
There are times when I will pack the stove in a hunting pack or for a long time, but it’s only for an emergency, and the extra weight can become a big problem. I’d love it if Oberleben would have a second option for the carrying sleeve that is not canvas. I think I would buy both if they did.
2. It’s a bit larger than some other alternatives.
If you’re like me, there are a few times when weight and bulk are not an issue, but many times, I am trying really hard to cut down on every ounce of weight that goes into my pack. I also am more likely to not use a product if it takes up too much space, even if it’s light.
I am; it’s all about getting the right stuff in your pack. I’ve used others that didn’t take up as much space as the Stöker + Canvas Sleeve (Paid Link). I also think that a second type of grill, possibly a crossbar for just boiling water, would be a great secondary option; while the grill is amazing and has great quality, it does add both bulk to the sleeve and weight to the pack.
Who should buy this stove (and not?)
For me, this will be my go-to backpacking stove. But is this the right one for you? I am very sure that if you are out in the woods a lot and you want something that is going to be performed every time, then this will be a great choice for you. It currently comes in three different colors; Carbon Black, Smokey Blue, and Bead Blast.
Three really good-looking colors! This is definitely a workhorse in the backpacking stove. If you’re often in areas where you may have to search for fuel, then this is for you because you can use the wax canvas sleeve and a foraging pouch.
If space and weight are very important to you, then you may want to try a lighter and more compact option. Again, this is where the trade-off comes in. Small things can make life better, and having the right one matters!
Where should you buy the product?
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
- The ventilation is impressive!I
- It’s extremely well-constructed
- I like the wax canvas sleeve.
- The Köchen-X Grill Grate is, well, great.
- It’s rather heavy for what it is
- It’s a bit larger than some other alternatives.
