REI Apex II Triple Fuel Stove

Review Date
May 7, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: John (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from New York

Price Paid:  $55.00 at don't remember

Summary:
Had this stove for 6 years. Except once, I only use coleman (read "clean") fuel so I have never had a problem with the stove gunking up. I burned auto gas the one time. It worked but was very sooty - definitely would have clogged the stove at some point if I had kept using it.

Pros: It simmers very well and lights fast. It lit and boiled water at about 3000ft and 14 degrees farenheit. Flame is spread so you can probably make better pancakes (flame isn't concentrated in the middle of the pan like a lot of new stoves). I don't have the stove in front of me but I seem to remember that on the pump assembly, the pump stem is made of aluminum as opposed to plastic on the MSRs. It seems that there are a number of complaints about pumps breaking on MSRs. The pump on the Apex has never broken on me. (fyi, most of the rest of the pump is plastic. So, it seems that they put the metal where it was needed)

Cons: It's a bulkier than other stoves. The flame is spread so it will probably take longer to boil than a stove where the burner is concentrated. Also, this probably means it will use a little more fuel. I also had one incident where I was in a big storm (45 mph winds, wasn't that cold - 50(?) degrees) and soup wouldn't come to a boil because of the wind. My friend's Bluet stove was worse. At least the Apex warmed the soup.

Recently, the stove was stepped on and the base is bent. It still runs but I figured it was a good excuse to buy some more gear. I bought a Primus Omni-Fuel. I figure I'll keep using the Apex on short trips when I want pancakes and/or car camping and when bulk is not an issue. I'll try out the Primus for the back country stuff.

Customer Service:
never used

Similar Products Used:
various canister stoves

Review Date
October 13, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Dennis(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Arlington Heights, IL USA

Summary:
A well designed stove that works great. Flame control is beautiful, and the stove is easy to use. The adjustable leg is also a nice feature. This stove goes on sale a couple times a year.

Customer Service:
The REI name ensures that you have a hassle-free warranty for the life of the stove.

Similar Products Used:
Coleman 2-burner dual fuel -- The Apex II is easier to operate and more reliable.

Review Date
July 12, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: matt(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from jacksonville fl

Summary:
OK, So its really a colman product. If you are looking for a stove that lights on cue and is is in the lower end of price. this is it. This stove has never let me down. Boils pretty fast and simmers even in very stiff winds. Has never failed to light at altitude. The stove is a little big. But still fits nicely in my cook pot. I don't think you can go wrong with this stove. Plus, unlike most other stoves this one comes wih fuel bottle and spare parts. Also REI puts it on sale pretty often.

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
Msr whisterlight

Review Date
June 8, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Steve Richadson(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Stoughton, MA USA

Summary:
I have used it for 5 years now when I go wilderness camping, and I love this stove. True, you dont get a windshield, but the fins distributed around the burner make it nearly 'blowout-proof'. The adjustable leg lets you level it... very nice. And the adjustable flame, from simmer to high is critical if you ever want to actually do anything besides merely boil water. Perhaps an ounce or 2 heavier than some stoves, but for versatility (multi-fuel too), you just cant beat it. Lack of a stuffsack was merely inconvenience, easily fixed.

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
February 24, 1999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Redd Herring(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Portland Oregon

Summary:
It simmers! Also, turn on the valve and hold a match near it and it's lighted. The stove is packaged WITH a fuel bottle and spare parts which is a nice feature. And it goes on sale fairly often.

I like it beacause it's sturdy and provides a nice solid base for cooking. (Nothing like spilled dinner to spoil your day!) The leveling tabs on the base are options that you can leave at home. Flame control is easy to reach with a pot on the burner. When kayaking (where I'm able to pack the heavier food) we've turned out some excellent stir fry, omlettes, and delicately saute oysters in garlic butter. Heat control is excellent!

On the down side, it's bulky --although I pack mine inside my cook pot. It weighs a bit more than the MSR Whisperlite.

Customer Service:
MSR . . . not as stable as the Peak. The Peak has a more enclosed flame which may conserve fuel --although I've not run any tests.

Similar Products Used:
MSR Whisperlite