Biolite CampStove

I got my Biolite CampStove shipped over from the US as part of the first pre-order runs. I have only had a chance to use it in earnest a few times, but I'm impressed so far. You can charge iPhones and other small USB devices (e.g. torches) really easily and genuinely be free from needing spare battery packs, cigarette socket adapters, or trips to the nearest mains socket.

A few things I have found so far:

1) it's not too heavy for what it is (just under 1kg), but there is some weight and bulk there if you're packing a day sack or want to travel very light. In fairness, if you've just out for the day, you probably don't need to charge your phone unless you are using it a lot.

2) it doesn't generate enough juice to charge an iPad

3) it runs a fan and keeps a hot, efficient fire burning whilst generating electricity. Given the relatively small size of the chamber you can't get big bits of wood in there, so you need to feed it a steady supply of small stuff. This is not a problem if you're sitting around chatting or watching the fire, but don't expect to stoke it up, leave it for a couple of hours, and come back to a charged-up iPhone. I'd say that it needs topping up every 10-15 minutes at least, depending on what you're burning.

BioLite have also now produced some accessories for the phone, a KettlePot and Portable Grill. The grill channels the fats and liquids from the cooking into the fire so you can cook cleanly and charge up at the same time. I haven't got either accessory yet but I am very tempted to do so as they both extend the usability and convenience of what is already a unique product.