The Firemaple Hornet Ⅱ Titanium Gas Stove is a compact, high-performance cooking system designed for ultralight backpackers, minimalist hikers, and fast-moving adventurers who need reliable heat without the bulk. Weighing just 48.5 grams and packing a powerful 2.5kW output, it’s a stove that punches far above its weight class. Whether you’re boiling water at altitude or simmering a trail meal in unpredictable conditions, the Hornet Ⅱ offers a rare blend of portability, efficiency, and durability.
Materials and Build Quality
The Hornet Ⅱ is constructed from a mix of titanium, stainless steel, aluminium, and copper, chosen for their balance of strength, weight, and heat resistance. Titanium forms the core structure, keeping the stove ultralight while maintaining rigidity. Stainless steel adds durability to the pot supports and burner head, while copper and aluminium components help with heat distribution and fuel regulation.
The build quality is impressive for a stove in this weight category. The folding arms lock securely into place, and the burner head is precision-machined to deliver a consistent flame. Despite its minimalist design, the Hornet Ⅱ feels solid and dependable. It’s clearly engineered for real-world use, not just showroom specs.
Weight and Packability
At 48.5 grams (1.7 oz), the Hornet Ⅱ is one of the lightest gas stoves available. It folds down to 50 x 80 mm, making it small enough to fit inside a 750ml titanium pot with room to spare for a mini gas canister. This compact footprint is ideal for ultralight setups, bikepacking kits, or emergency bivvy bags.
The stove comes with a small protective case, but many users prefer to nest it directly inside their cookware to save space. It’s a perfect match for solo hikers and minimalist travellers who count every gram and cubic centimetre.
Setup and Usability
Setting up the Hornet Ⅱ requires a few steps, but once familiar, it becomes second nature. The pot stand slides down the stove’s shaft and locks into place with a twist. The arms then fold out to create a stable platform for pots ranging from 64mm to 122mm in diameter. This range covers most solo and two-person cookware, including titanium mugs, ultralight pots, and compact skillets.
The flame control is smooth and responsive, allowing for both rapid boils and gentle simmers. The stove attaches easily to standard isobutane canisters, and the connection feels secure. There’s no built-in ignition, so you’ll need a lighter or firestarter, but that’s typical for ultralight stoves.
Boil Time and Performance
Despite its featherweight design, the Hornet Ⅱ delivers serious heat. With a 2.5kW output (8531 BTU/h), it can boil 1 litre of water in approximately 3 minutes and 25 seconds, depending on altitude and ambient temperature. That’s competitive with much larger stoves and more than sufficient for trail meals, coffee, or sterilising water.
The burner head is designed to focus heat efficiently, and the flame pattern is tight and consistent. In moderate wind, the stove performs well, though it benefits from a windscreen in exposed conditions. For alpine use or winter camping, pairing it with a reflective base and wind protection enhances fuel efficiency and boil times.
Stability and Pot Support
One of the standout features of the Hornet Ⅱ is its 122mm stand diameter, which provides excellent stability for a stove this size. The arms grip cookware securely, and the low centre of gravity helps prevent tipping. Even on uneven surfaces, the stove holds its ground, making it suitable for backcountry cooking where flat terrain isn’t guaranteed.
The pot supports are serrated for grip and fold away cleanly when not in use. While the setup mechanism may feel fiddly at first, it becomes intuitive with practice. The design prioritises compactness without sacrificing safety or usability.
Fuel Efficiency and Compatibility
The Hornet Ⅱ runs on standard isobutane-propane canisters, widely available from outdoor retailers and compatible with most backpacking setups. Fuel consumption is rated at 179g/h, which is efficient for its output. A 100g canister can last several days depending on usage, making it ideal for short trips or emergency kits.
Because the stove lacks a pressure regulator, performance may dip slightly in cold conditions or with low fuel levels. However, for three-season use and typical backpacking scenarios, it remains consistent and reliable.
Durability and Long-Term Use
Titanium and stainless steel components give the Hornet Ⅱ excellent durability for its weight. Users report years of reliable use with minimal wear, provided the stove is stored properly and not subjected to excessive force. The folding mechanism and burner head are robust, and the materials resist corrosion and heat damage.
The stove is backed by a 3-year warranty, which adds peace of mind for long-term users. It’s not indestructible, but it’s built to withstand regular use in demanding environments.
Price and Value
At around £30–£35, the Hornet Ⅱ offers exceptional value for an ultralight titanium stove. It competes with premium models like the BRS-3000T and Soto WindMaster, but undercuts them on price while matching or exceeding performance in key areas.
For budget-conscious ultralight hikers, it’s a smart investment. You get titanium construction, reliable heat, and compact design without paying a premium. It’s also frequently discounted, making it even more attractive for gear optimisers.
Use Cases and Ideal Scenarios
The Hornet Ⅱ is best suited for:
- Ultralight backpacking: Minimal weight and compact size make it ideal for solo hikers.
- Bikepacking: Fits easily into frame bags or cook kits.
- Alpine missions: Lightweight enough for summit pushes, with enough power for quick meals.
- Emergency kits: Reliable and compact for backup cooking.
- Minimalist travel: Perfect for stripped-down setups and fastpacking.
It’s not designed for group cooking or gourmet meals, but for boiling water and simple trail food, it excels.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultralight titanium construction
- Compact and highly packable
- Fast boil time (3:25 per litre)
- Stable pot support for varied cookware
- Excellent value for money
- Durable and corrosion-resistant
Cons:
- No built-in ignition
- Setup mechanism takes practice
- Limited wind protection without accessories
- Not ideal for large group cooking
Comparison with Similar Stoves
| Stove Model | Weight | Boil Time | Material | Price Range | Wind Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firemaple Hornet Ⅱ | 48.5g | 3:25 | Titanium | £30–£35 | Moderate |
| BRS-3000T | 25g | ~3:30 | Titanium | £15–£25 | Low |
| Soto WindMaster | 87g | ~2:30 | Stainless | £50–£60 | High |
| MSR PocketRocket 2 | 73g | ~3:30 | Steel | £45–£55 | Moderate |
The Hornet Ⅱ sits between the ultralight BRS and the more feature-rich Soto, offering a balance of weight, performance, and price. It’s the sweet spot for minimalist users who want reliability without bulk.
Final Verdict
The Firemaple Hornet Ⅱ Titanium Gas Stove is a standout choice for ultralight adventurers who need dependable heat in a compact package. Its titanium build, fast boil time, and stable pot support make it a top performer in the minimalist stove category. While it lacks some features like ignition or wind shielding, its core functionality is excellent.
For solo hikers, bikepackers, and alpine climbers, the Hornet Ⅱ is a smart, efficient tool that delivers exactly what you need—and nothing you don’t. It’s a stove that respects your pack weight, your budget, and your time on the trail.
