This review delves into the long-term performance of the Trangia 25 cook set after twelve years of consistent use across diverse terrains and camping styles. From car camping adventures to challenging day hikes, this durable system has proven its worth in countless meals prepared across Europe and the United States. However, this in-depth assessment doesn't shy away from highlighting the wear and tear accumulated over a decade, including issues with the non-stick coating, kettle's silicone, and the less-than-ideal carrying strap. We'll examine both the strengths and weaknesses, exploring practical solutions to address some of the shortcomings and offering recommendations for potential upgrades.This detailed review analyzes every component of the Trangia 25, from the robust stove base to the disappointing multi-use lid. We'll explore the pros and cons of its design, focusing on its functionality, durability, and areas where improvements could be made. Ultimately, we aim to provide a balanced perspective on whether this iconic cook set remains a worthwhile investment, considering its age, inherent limitations, and the availability of newer, potentially more efficient alternatives on the market. The goal is to help potential buyers make an informed decision based on their specific needs and camping style.
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Durability and Use Cases
The Trangia 25 cook set has been a reliable companion for over 12 years, enduring countless meals across Europe and the United States. It's served as a versatile cooking solution for car camping, day hiking, and even family camping trips. However, its weight makes it unsuitable for backpacking trips exceeding 10 miles per day.
While durable, the set shows signs of wear and tear after extensive use. The pan's non-stick coating has worn down, and the pan itself has lost its perfectly flat shape. The kettle's silicone rubber has also degraded over time due to accidental exposure to fire.
Despite the wear, the functionality remains strong, proving its long-term value. Creative solutions like using aluminum foil liners help mitigate the diminished non-stick surface, extending the lifespan. Its sturdy construction ensures consistent performance even with surface imperfections.
The Strap and Carrying System
The included strap is a point of contention. The design is cumbersome and poorly thought-out, adding unnecessary bulk and complexity. Its short tail and loose clasp make it impractical and frustrating to use.
A simple, thick rubber band provides a far more efficient and less cumbersome solution for carrying the Trangia 25. The current system is unnecessarily robust, heavy, and inconvenient. This is a clear area of improvement for future models.
The clasp, bearing the Transia name, may seem like a detail. However, it’s a costly feature that seems over-engineered and doesn't enhance functionality.
The Multi-Use Lid and Bowls
The multi-use lid intended for bowls, straining, and cutting is disappointing. It fails to perform any of these functions effectively. It doesn't maintain its flat shape and its rough surface is not ideal for cutting.
The bowls themselves are largely unnecessary. The non-stick coating is superfluous, as food generally doesn't stick to the bowls. The slight size difference between the two bowls doesn’t justify having both. One bowl would suffice for most users.
Using aluminum foil liners inside the bowls addresses sticking issues and simplifies cleanup.
The Kettle and Burner
The kettle, while useful for boiling water, has been surpassed by more efficient alternatives. A more efficient alternative kettle has made the Trangia kettle redundant in recent trips.
The brass burner is criticized for its weight, unreliability, and the potential for alcohol leaks. Its weight increases the overall pack size and its potential to leak alcohol makes it unreliable. The user's trust in the seal was lost after several leakage incidents.
The simmer ring, though useful for some, is unnecessary for simpler cooking. Replacing the Trangia burner with a more efficient alternative eliminates the need for this feature, simplifying the setup.
The Stove Base and Overall Design
The stove base is a strong point, providing stability and wind protection. Its two-piece design is sturdy, and the locking mechanism securely holds the components in place. It's a significant improvement over wobbly single-burner designs.
Minor flaws in the stove base design have been observed with the interlocking teeth splitting over time. This is a minor inconvenience that doesn't significantly hinder the functionality of the system.
Overall, the stove base's design and function are highly praised for their robust construction and thoughtful features.
Final Verdict
The Trangia 25 cook set, while showing signs of age, remains a functional and durable camping stove system. Its sturdy build and versatile design have served its purpose well for over 12 years. However, the weight, the unreliable burner, and the less-than-ideal strap and multi-use lid detract from the overall user experience. The use of foil liners alleviates many issues but does not solve the weight problem.
For car camping, day trips, or family adventures, the Trangia 25 remains a worthy investment. For serious backpacking, lighter alternatives are recommended. Improvements to the strap, burner reliability, and the multi-purpose lid would elevate the overall design.
Consider the Trangia 25's strengths and weaknesses before purchasing. It's a solid option, but not without its flaws. Weigh the trade-offs of its versatility and robust construction against its weight and less-than-ideal components.