Any Fuel Anywhere – The Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 Is a Camper’s Best Friend
Luke Cuenco 06.29.23
Solo Stove makes a whole line of really cool portable stainless steel fire pits that can suit the needs of just about everyone. Beyond fire pits, Solo stove has also broken into the markets of making not just pizza ovens that can be fueled in a number of different ways, but a whole line of accessories for everyone ranging from the hardcore backpacker to the weekend warrior who just wants to have a cookout on the patio. Today we’ll be checking out what I think has to be my favorite piece of truck camping equipment – the new Solo stove Ranger 2.0. While the Ranger series has been around for a while, the new 2.0 version features a new easy-to-clean tray system that makes ash disposal quick and painless and makes cleanup for transportation back home a breeze. Today we’ll go over some of my thoughts and experiences on the Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 during a recent camping trip I took out in the eastern Oregon Badlands.
More from Solo Stove @ OutdoorHub:
- REVIEW: The New Solostove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit
- Game Changer: Solo Stove Pellet Adapter
- REVIEW: The Solo Stove Pi Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
Any Fuel Anywhere – The Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 Is a Camper’s Best Friend
Before we dive into the benefits and drawbacks, let’s understand how the Solo Stove Ranger operates. Watch this informative video by Solo Stove to see it in action. The Solo Stove operates on the principle of secondary combustion. It has a double-wall design with air vents at the bottom and top, creating a constant airflow. When fuel is ignited, the primary combustion starts, heating the incoming air through the vents. The 2.0 variant of the entire series of Solo Stove fire pits features a removable ash pan so the entire system is easier to clean up and manage.
The preheated oxygen mixes with the gases and smoke, resulting in a secondary combustion. This secondary flame burns off remaining particles, leading to a cleaner and more efficient fire with reduced smoke and ash. The stove’s design maximizes heat transfer, providing intense and concentrated heat output. Put simply, the Solo stove’s innovative airflow system and secondary combustion process create a highly efficient and smokeless fire experience, enhancing outdoor enjoyment while minimizing environmental impact.
Where The Ranger 2.0 Shines in Camping
The Solo Stove Ranger offers several advantages over traditional fire pits. One of the standout features of the Ranger is its ability to produce a hotter fire with less smoke. The patented air intake system allows for hotter air to feed the fire, resulting in secondary combustion and significantly reducing smoke production. Although you may still notice some smoke initially, it is substantially less than a regular campfire, making it a great option for avoiding the lingering campfire smell. One of the standout features of the Ranger is its portability. Weighing only 15 pounds and equipped with a durable carrying case, it is perfect for taking on camping trips, RV adventures, or tailgating events. Its lightweight design allows you to enjoy a cool bonfire wherever you go and allows the conversation and the night to go smoothly without anyone getting chased away by intense campfire smoke.
While the Ranger 2.0 is a fair bit smaller than the backyard sized Bonfire model from Solo stove, it still puts out an almost alarming amount of heat when it is going at a full burn and should be enough for at least 6-8 people to sit around comfortably on a chilly night. I personally think the Ranger 2.0 is the perfect size for almost anyone who is camping unless you’re going for an absolutely minimalist setup. One of the major benefits that Solo Stove doesn’t mention about its fire pits is that they are also much safer than an ad-hoc fire pit, which for those camping out in public lands is an extra layer of safety from errant wildfires.
Solo stove fire pits can also make use of just about any burnable material you throw at it. A lot of places I adventure strictly prohibit bringing any outside wood into the area which means that any firewood you source has to be local. Sometimes you don’t always have the best selection of wood to harvest in the surrounding area but everything from pine cones, leaves, twigs, sticks, and even some fresh deadfall will work in a pinch and still produce a near smoke-free flame. This really decreases the worry about finding the perfect fuel for your campfire. If you’re looking to come prepared, Solo Stove even sells pellet adapters for those who might want to buy a couple of other accessories to turn the Ranger into a more effective camp stove.
Some Drawbacks
While the Solo Stove Ranger offers numerous benefits to the truck camper, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Unlike some of Solo Stove’s smaller portable fire pits like the Solo Stove Lite, the Ranger is not designed for extensive cooking. Due to its one-piece construction, it is challenging to clean if food falls into the fire pit. Additionally, it lacks prongs for cooking directly over the flame. However, you can use a grill grate for cooking in pots or pans, and Solo stove even makes adapters and dedicated cooking utensils to use with their fire pits. If you’re looking to just roast some hot dogs or make some Smores, just make sure you’re using some nice clean fuel and you should be good to go with the Ranger 2.0, just don’t let anything fall into the pit!
The Ranger comes with a premium price tag of $200+. While it offers exceptional features and quality, the cost may be a deterrent for some buyers. Although I have not experienced any rust on our Ranger, some reviewers have reported rusting. It is important to note that rust is covered by the lifetime guarantee. However, Solo Stove specifies that normal wear, tear, rust, and corrosion, such as blackening of the burn chamber, are expected and not covered by the warranty. My Ranger 2.0 has several dents in it, which don’t seem to have affected its performance in producing a clean flame, however, the interior and exterior have permanently changed color due to the heat stress involved with several heating and cooling cycles – I tend to like my gear look like it’s being used so this doesn’t bother me, your mileage may vary if you’re looking to impress the neighbors in the back yard instead.
Pros:
- Efficient and clean-burning: The Ranger 2.0 utilizes Solo Stove’s patented design, which promotes efficient airflow and complete combustion. This results in minimal smoke and reduced ash production.
- Portable and compact: The Ranger 2.0 is designed for easy transport and storage. It is lightweight and compact, making it suitable for camping trips, picnics, and other outdoor activities.
- Durable construction: Made from premium stainless steel, the Ranger 2.0 is built to withstand high temperatures and outdoor conditions. It is resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Easy to use: The fire pit requires minimal setup and does not require any tools. It features a simple and intuitive design, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users.
- Versatile: While primarily a fire pit, the Ranger 2.0 can also be used for cooking. Accessories exist that allow you to grill food directly over the flames, adding to its functionality.
- Safe and efficient: The double-wall design of the Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 keeps the exterior surface cooler, reducing the risk of accidental burns. It also maximizes heat transfer to the fuel, resulting in more efficient fuel consumption.
Cons:
- Limited capacity: The Ranger 2.0 has a smaller size compared to larger fire pits, limiting the amount of firewood it can accommodate. It may not be ideal for larger gatherings or those who require a larger fire pit.
- Higher price point: Compared to some other portable fire pits on the market, the Ranger 2.0 is relatively more expensive. The premium quality and unique features contribute to its higher price.
- Limited cooking options: While it offers dedicated accessories for cooking, the Ranger 2.0 may not provide the same versatility as dedicated cooking equipment or larger fire pits designed specifically for cooking purposes.
- Heavy: The Solos Stove isn’t exactly light, but it’s also not that bulky. Not really great if you’re looking to reduce your total load
In conclusion, the Solo Stove Ranger fire pit is a high-quality, portable, and minimalist option for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a smokeless fire, a lifetime guarantee, and impressive portability. The Ranger is suitable for individuals or families who enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it’s camping, RVing, or bringing to the beach or small gatherings in their backyard. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the ambiance of a fire pit without the hassle of dealing with excessive smoke and ash.
However, if you’re looking for a fire pit specifically for cooking purposes or want a more budget-friendly option, the Solo Stove Ranger may not be the best fit. There are other fire pits on the market, including several options from Solo Stove that offer more cooking options and come at a lower price point or just plain do it more effectively. Overall, the Solo Stove Ranger has received positive reviews from customers including myself. As I said earlier, I think the Ranger has to be my favorite piece of Truck Camping gear I’ve added to my setup so far and I think I’ll be with me for a good long while. I think its unique features and durability make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality, portable fire pit.
