Struggling with a heavy stove on the trail can turn an adventure into a burden. The Fire Maple Hornet II Titanium Gas Stove solves this with its ultralight, compact design. It’s the ideal solution for outdoor enthusiasts who demand efficiency without the extra weight, boiling water rapidly and fitting easily into any pack.
Disclaimer: If you make a purchase via the links on our site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. You can read my affiliate disclosure in the privacy policy. Thanks for your support!
Quick Overview
- Weight: 48.5g / 1.7oz
- Boil Time: 3 minutes 25 seconds per litre
- Packed Dimensions: 50 x 80mm
- Unfolded Size: 122 x 82mm
- Material: Titanium/ Stainless Steel / Aluminum / Copper
- Power: 8531BTU/h, 2.5kW, 179g/h
- Fuel Type: Isobutane
- Warranty: 3 years
The Fire Maple Hornet II is a high-performance, ultralight gas stove designed for outdoor adventurers who prioritize minimalism without sacrificing functionality. Crafted from durable titanium, this compact stove is incredibly lightweight at just 48.5 grams, making it perfect for backpackers looking to cut down on their load.
Despite its small size, it packs a powerful punch, boiling 1 litre of water in approximately 3 minutes and 25 seconds with its 2500W output. Its design accommodates a range of pot sizes, ensuring stability during cooking. Simply put, the Hornet II is an essential tool for anyone looking to prepare hot meals quickly and efficiently while exploring the great outdoors.
Get 10% off Fire Maple gear with code: STEVE10
Fire Maple Hornet Ⅱ Features & Specs
Weight
The Fire Maple Hornet II is super lightweight, tipping the scales at just 48.5 grams making it ideal for those of us who hate lugging around heavy gear and just want to keep our packs as light as possible. You’ll barely notice it’s in your backpack!
Price
For a little under £32, the Fire Maple Hornet II is a steal, and at the time of writing, Fire Maple is sweetening the deal with an extra 20% off. This is the kind of bargain that makes you feel smart for snagging a top-notch piece of gear without breaking the bank. To find the most up-to-date prices, click on these links to some of my top recommended retailers: Fire Maple, Amazon
Save 10% off Fire Maple gear with code: STEVE10
Compact Design
The Fire Maple Hornet II boasts a compact design that fits effortlessly inside a 750ml titanium pot, with room to spare for a small gas canister. This design is great for those wanting to pack light or take a stripped-back kit, perfect for anyone who loves to keep things tidy and efficient when they’re hitting the trails.
Boil Time
Don’t let its size fool you; the Fire Maple Hornet II is small but powerful. It boils 1 litre of water in a mere 3 minutes and 25 seconds, proving that great things come in compact packages. This quick boil time means you can enjoy a hot meal or drink without missing a beat of your adventure.
Simmer Control
The Fire Maple Hornet II isn’t just about speed; it also gives you incredible control over your cooking, thanks to its precise simmer control. Whether you’re gently simmering a sauce or just need to keep your coffee warm, this stove lets you manage the flame with finesse.
Micro Windshield
This compact stove comes equipped with a micro windshield, a small but effective feature that shields the base of the flame from the wind. This thoughtful addition helps ensure your stove remains efficient and reliable, even in breezy conditions, preventing wind from diminishing its performance. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Stability
The Hornet II shines in terms of stability, accommodating cookware with diameters ranging from 64 mm to 122 mm. This versatility ensures that whether you’re using a small mug or a larger pot, your cookware sits securely on the stove, reducing the risk of spills and accidents.
Carry Case
The stove comes with a durable plastic tub for added protection, ensuring your stove stays safe and sound during transport, however, the case adds an extra 39g to your pack—almost as much as the stove itself.
Fire Maple Hornet Ⅱ Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely lightweight weighing in at 48.5g
- Compact foldable design
- Micro windshield for flame protection
- Simmer control
- Excellent stability for a wide variety of cookware
Cons
- Can be a bit fiddly to setup
- Stove rattles in oversized plastic carry case
- The carry case weighs 39g
Get 10% off Fire Maple gear with code: STEVE10
My Experience with Fire Maple Hornet Ⅱ
During one of my recent micro-adventures, I decided to put the Fire Maple Hornet II to the test, pairing it with my trusty 750ml titanium pot and a small gas canister for a streamlined coffee-making setup. The beauty of this combination is that the entire assembly fit perfectly inside my pot, making it an ultralight dream for someone like me who values minimalism on the trail.
The stoves come with a hard shell carry case which I have always chosen to leave behind, as I found it added unnecessary weight, plus the stove rattled around inside.
Setting up the Hornet II was straightforward, though I found that lifting the arms and locking them into place is a bit fiddly at times, however, once the stove was assembled; it provided a secure and stable base for my small pot. I later tested the stove using larger pots from my Feast 4 cookware set and also found the Hornet II to be suitable.
Overall, the Hornet II has consistently impressed me with its performance and Its ability to boil water quickly meant that my caffeine fix was never delayed.
Fire Maple Hornet Ⅱ Alternatives
Now let’s see how the Fire Maple Hornet Ⅱ stands out from the pack by comparing it with some of the best compact stove contenders.
MSR Pocket Rocket 2
When weighing the Fire Maple Hornet II against the MSR Pocket Rocket 2, the Hornet II stands out primarily for its exceptional affordability and ultralight design. Priced significantly lower at just under £32 compared to the Pocket Rocket 2’s £55, the Hornet II offers large savings without sacrificing performance. Additionally, at a mere 48.5g, it is substantially lighter than the Pocket Rocket 2’s 73g.
Despite its lighter frame, the Hornet II competes closely with the Pocket Rocket 2‘s boil time, offering a slightly quicker boil. This efficiency, combined with its lightweight design and low price tag makes the Hornet II a great choice for those seeking the best blend of performance, convenience, and cost.
Soto WindMaster Stove
The Soto WindMaster Stove sets itself apart from the Fire Maple Hornet II with its unique features designed for optimal performance in windy conditions. The WindMaster boasts a piezo ignitor and micro regulator that maintains consistent output regardless of the weather. Weighing 87g with its 4Flex pot support it’s slightly heavier than the Hornet II but still falls within the ultralight category.
Again the Hornet II shines in its unparalleled lightness at just 48.5g and value for money. Both stoves cater to the needs of the ultralight backpacking community, with the choice between the Hornet II and Soto WindMaster often coming down to specific preferences regarding features, weight, and cost.
OPTIMUS Crux Lite
The Fire Maple Hornet II is unbeatable when it comes to overall weight, and stands as the lighter option compared to the OPTIMUS Crux Lite, emphasizing its status as a top choice for ultralight backpackers.
However, the OPTIMUS Crux Lite is still a notable option for its blend of lightweight design and powerful performance, weighing in at just 72 grams. It boasts a 3000W burner that offers rapid boiling times—capable of boiling 1 litre of water in as little as 3 minutes, depending on conditions—and precision flame control for effective simmering.
More Camping Stoves
Still not sure if this is the Hornet II is the right stove for you? Check out my other reviews of Fire Maples Polaris Cooking System and the Polaris Remote Gas Stove.
Or take a look at our Best Camping Stoves list to check out more camping stove options.
More Fire Maple Hornet Ⅱ Photos
Final Thoughts
The Fire Maple Hornet II stands out in the ultralight backpacking world for its exceptional balance of minimal weight, rapid boiling capability, and affordability. Weighing just 48.5 grams and capable of boiling water in a swift 3 minutes and 25 seconds, it offers outdoor enthusiasts the freedom to explore without being weighed down by their gear.
Considering its performance against its cost, the Hornet II emerges as a top choice for those prioritizing efficiency, convenience, and value in their outdoor gear, making it a highly recommended tool for anyone looking to lighten their load without sacrificing quality.
Get 10% off Fire Maple gear with code: STEVE10
Learn More
If you loved this review? Well, you’re in luck as I’ve got a bunch of other great resources for you to explore here…
- Best Camping Stoves
- Wild Camping: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
- Best Tents For Wild Camping
- Best Hammocks + Best Bivvy Bags
- Best Portable Camping Fire Pits
- Best Places for Wild Camping Wales, Scotland and The Lake District
Fire Maple provided me with a free sample of this Hornet II Titanium Gas Stove to test and review, however, my review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own unbiased opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you. You can read my affiliate disclosure in the privacy policy.
About the Author
Steve Cleverdon is an adventure blogger dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts make the most of their outdoor experiences. With years of travel and many epic adventures including a 3000-kilometre solo hike across New Zealand, Steve has amassed practical knowledge on outdoor gear. You can learn more about his adventures here. Through expert reviews, recommendations, and guides, he equips his readers with the best gear for their next adventure. If you want to send Steve a quick message, visit his contact page here.
