Kovea is working its way deeper into the U.S. gear market one Outdoor Retailer show at a time.
Its Booster +1 multi-fuel stove is one of my current favorites due to its durability and fuel-swapping simplicity. And the Kovea Power Nano is an impressive ultra-light option as well. And when I left Winter OR in January I went home with Kovea’s Alpine Pot Wide Up, a meaty, all-in-one heat exchanger stove that promises to be a good option as well.
A step up in size from the Alpine Pot Wide, the 1.5-liter annodized Up (deemed so because of its “Up”-grades) comes with a tabbed elastic band around the pot rim that stretches over the lid for security during pours and packing. Coated pot handles fold around the removable hook-and-loop secured koozie.
A standout feature on the Up is the retractable fuel control knob. It hides in the stove base when packed and extends for easy use when it’s time to ignite it with the built-in piezoelectric starter. This is both convenient and offers a measure of protection from accidental breaks as well.
An included disk-shaped pot support accessory locks around the burner head when you want to cook with a different pot or pan, making this a stove that adapts well to your cookware. The Up also comes with small, folding supports that when stowed allow the disc to remain connected during cooking and packing.
The Alpine Pot Wide Up won’t win any weight-loss contests but it does introduce a couple of intriguing new features for fast-boil canister stoves. I’m looking forward to giving it a full test later this winter to see how it holds up in the field. Hopefully its promising design proves to be efficient and easy to use in the backcountry. We’ll know more soon and share our thoughts with a full review.