The VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove is perfect for minimalist camping!

Stoves sold by various camping equipment manufacturers. Each manufacturer develops unique stoves that are lightweight and compact, with a focus on materials and gimmicks, attempting to differentiate themselves from competitors.

Recently, many people have started saying, "Instead of bringing a fire pit, I now bring a wood stove." This shows just how popular wood stoves have become among campers.

This time, I'd like to highlight the VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove and explain its appeal. It boasts lightweight compactness and features that are just as good as, if not better than, other wood stoves, so please read on to the end.

What is VARGO?

VARGO is an outdoor gear brand from the USA that primarily offers titanium products. They are dedicated to creating tough and lightweight products and are supported by many campers and bushcraft enthusiasts.

Let's take a look at the specifications of the VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove!

VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove Titanium

VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove Stainless Steel

The VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove comes in two types: titanium and stainless steel. As you can see from the table, the sizes are exactly the same, and their appearance is identical. The main difference is the weight, with the titanium version weighing 116g and the stainless steel version weighing 210g.

Advantages of Titanium

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• Lightweight

If you want to lighten your load as much as possible, titanium is the only choice. Hikers and backpackers, in particular, will greatly benefit from this. Don't underestimate a difference of only about 100g. When camping, you bring various tools. What if 10 pieces of gear were each 100g lighter? That's right, it would reduce the weight by 1kg.

"Every little bit helps," as the saying goes. Those who enjoy camping by motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot often choose gear with weight in mind. In that respect, the lightness of the titanium VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove is very attractive.

• Less prone to thermal distortion

Another major advantage is that it is less prone to heat distortion compared to stainless steel. Significant distortion can make assembly and storage difficult.

• Beautiful heat coloration unique to titanium

Titanium develops heat coloration when exposed to high temperatures. The color changes depending on the temperature it's heated to, creating a beautiful heat gradation from blue to purple.

Advantages of Stainless Steel

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• Price

It is cheaper compared to the titanium version. There is a price difference of about 3,000 yen at regular price, making it more accessible. The shape and storage size are exactly the same as the titanium version, so its usage remains unchanged. This is recommended for those who do not prioritize weight as much.

With the 3,000 yen difference from the titanium version, you could buy other camping gear, or upgrade your meals by purchasing better ingredients.

When choosing between titanium and stainless steel, it is important to consider your own values and style.

Lightweight and Compact! Functionality of the VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove

So far, we've looked at the minimalist aspects of the Hexagon Wood Stove, but it's meaningless if it doesn't function as a tool, no matter how light and compact it is. Let's now focus on its functionality!

• Form designed for the chimney effect

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The VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove is designed to utilize the chimney effect, making it a highly efficient burning stove.

Let me briefly explain the chimney effect.

When a fire is lit inside a stove, the air at the top of the stove becomes hot. Outside air enters from the bottom of the stove, creating a temperature difference between the bottom and top.

This temperature difference generates buoyancy, causing the warm air to rise, and making it easier for outside air to enter from the bottom of the stove. As a result, airflow becomes smoother, allowing for more efficient combustion—this is the chimney effect.

The VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove has ample space at the bottom and air holes on the base, making it well-structured to create a chimney effect.

• Foldable for easy assembly and storage
  

All parts are connected, making assembly easy. Since it doesn't fall apart, there's no need to worry about losing parts. Plus, it comes with a dedicated storage case, which is a nice bonus.

• Can also be used as a windscreen for alcohol stoves

It can be used in combination with the dedicated alcohol stove sold by VARGO. In this case, the Hexagon Wood Stove acts as a windscreen, allowing for stable combustion. Of course, if the size matches, alcohol stoves from other manufacturers can also be used.

Optional parts are sold by other manufacturers

Popular camping gear, not limited to wood stoves, often has optional parts sold by garage brands and others. This allows for expanded functionality and makes convenient tools even more comfortable to use.

• marupeinet T3¥

https://marupei.shopselect.net/items/6270607

https://marupei.shopselect.net/items/6270607

Marupeinet, a garage brand focused on compact tools, sells trivets for the VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove.

This product addresses the weakness of instability when placing small cookers or mugs on the stove. By combining them, the stove's wobbling is reduced, its rigidity is increased, and items can be placed on top stably.

Disadvantages of the VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove

As we've seen so far, there's no doubt that this is an excellent product as a wood stove, but even good products have their drawbacks. This also applies to stoves in general, not just the Hexagon Wood Stove.

• Difficult to add firewood while cooking

Due to its compact size, the opening for adding fuel such as twigs is small. The amount that can be added is also limited, which can lead to insufficient heat output. When cooking, it is recommended to use it in conjunction with an alcohol burner.

• Ash falls to the ground because of the holes in the bottom.

The holes in the bottom are designed to increase combustion efficiency, but due to their structure, ash can fall out and dirty the ground. Although the VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove has feet, the fire source is placed close to the ground. Therefore, even if it's not directly on the ground, if no measures are taken, it can lead to dirtying the campsite or damaging the grass.

Precautions when using the VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove

If direct fires are allowed at the campsite, it can be used directly on the ground. However, direct fires are prohibited at most campsites in Japan. When using a wood stove, it must be placed on a mat.

A metal plate or tray, a flame-retardant sheet, or thick aluminum foil sold by camping manufacturers are recommended.

LOGOS BBQ Easy Clean Sheet (Extra Thick)

http://www.logos.ne.jp/products/info/864

Summary

Wood stoves contribute to making camping gear lighter and more compact. Despite their simple appearance, the sight of the fire burning is very picturesque. However, it is true that the amount of fuel that can be added is limited, which can lead to insufficient heat output. When cooking, it is recommended to use it in combination with an alcohol burner.

While it's a shame that you have to add extra tools for cooking, despite its lightweight and compact design, no camping gear is perfect in every aspect. There's no doubt that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, so please give the VARGO Hexagon Wood Stove a try on your next camping trip.