SOTO Amicus With Igniter Hiking Stove – Reviewed & Tested

Explorer Jess took the SOTO Amicus with Igniter Hiking Stove on multiple multi-day hikes and camping trips. Is the compact bargain worth every cent, or is it cheap for a reason?

The Amicus with Igniter hiking stove by Japanese brand SOTO Outdoors is a compact, lightweight canister stove that packs a punch. Designed to be a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance, the Amicus with Igniter is compatible with all bog-standard isobutane canisters. 

Whether you’re new to camping or a seasoned ultralight hiker, this review will help you decide if the SOTO Amicus with Igniter is the right stove for your next trip.

Never heard of SOTO? It’s actually a very well-reputed brand in the world of stoves!

Why am I the right person to do this review?

I’ve spent countless nights under the stars, and on just about all of them I’ve used a stove and sussed out the stoves of choice of my fellow hikers. I’m more than a chicken when it comes to open flames and if a stove is even remotely tricky to use, it’s on my blacklist pretty fast.

All this is to say that my standards are high. I buy my gear to last and it gets taken on a wide variety of adventures. If I recommend it, you’ll need a very special class of clumsy if you’re going to accidentally burn yourself or break it.

Quick Specifications

Output: 2800 kcal/h, 3260w, 10210 BTU
Duration: Will burn for approximately 1.5 hours with a 250g gas canister
Weight: 81g
Dimensions: 4.3 x 4 x 7.5cm
Igniter: Integrated piezo igniter
Fuel Compatibility: Gas canisters equipped with a Lindal valve system (like this one from Jetboil)
RRP: $89.99

The Lindal valve system is used in the mainstream gas canisters you’ve been using forever

Performance

Does the SOTO Amicus with Igniter hiking stove deliver on its promises? Absolutely. During my tests, I found that the stove managed to boil one litre of water in just under four minutes during ideal conditions, which is impressive for a stove at this price point.

Alas, most of the time it took longer to boil as Goldilocks weather is few and far between, especially when you’re hoping for it! For those unfamiliar with backpacking stoves, environmental conditions like temperature, wind, and elevation can all alter the time it takes for water to reach a rolling boil.

The flame is easy to adjust, allowing for a controlled simmer, which is a crucial feature for those who want to do more than just boil water. It’s temperamental if there’s any more than a slight breeze though (so it’s worth keeping an eye on!), and occasionally the igniter needs more than a few hits to produce a flame.

This is the stove on low – you can get an impressive range of flame intensity with the dial

The stove performed well each time it was used, and I’ve never had a serious issue with it in four months of regular use. The concave burner head design helps to shield the flame, though, in stronger winds, a windscreen would be beneficial. The Triple O-ring valve system also proved reliable, ensuring a steady fuel flow and reducing the risk of leaks.

Durability

The SOTO Amicus hiking stove feels durable, despite its tiny 81g and thin arms. I’ve taken it on several hikes, exposing it to rough handling, and it’s still going strong. The igniter has worked every time, and the stove shows no signs of wear or damage.

While it feels flimsy and small, having used it multiple times in different conditions, I’m confident this stove will last for many adventures to come, provided I continue to take care of it.

Don’t be fooled by the fine joinery, it’s tough as

Design

The design of the SOTO Amicus with Igniter is both functional and thoughtful. It’s incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just 81g, making it an excellent choice for ultralight hikers like myself.

The stove’s compact size means that it’ll probably fit in your small pot or cooking kit resulting in better protection on the move! It arrives in a neat little bag which is perfect for keeping it dirt-free and preventing it from scratching up the inside of your pot while stored.

The bag is higher quality than I expected

Piezo Igniter

The integrated piezo igniter eliminates the need for matches or a lighter (though I’m too much of a ‘what if’ kind of gal that I’ll always bring some just in case). I loved this igniter. It meant I could light the stove while keeping my hand below the flame. If you also inherited the clumsy gene I highly recommend making this feature a prerequisite in your future stove purchases.

The igniter is the red button, and the rectangle is the gas control dial

The stove’s operation is straightforward, with a simple twist to attach it to the gas canister (standard) and an easy-to-turn knob for flame adjustment. In windy conditions I found the stove struggled to maintain the flame unless I cranked the gas right up.

Something has evidently gone wrong here as the stove was specifically designed with a raised ledge at the crown of the burner head, with a concave burner surface to improve performance in the wind. Knowing this, I was pretty cavalier about watching the stove when it was windy, and all the more annoyed when it continually sputtered out whenever a gust of wind came through our campsite.

To be fair, it only went out when I had the flame on low. In windy conditions, you’ll need the gas on high to ensure it continues to operate. Make sure you’re keeping an attentive eye on the flame when cooking with any breeze, as if the flame goes out, you’ll just be wasting gas and wondering why it’s taking so long.

With low wind, this concave design works well to protect the flame

Pot Supports

The four folding pot supports are sturdy and can accommodate a range of pot weights, from small flat 360-degree pot lids with ½ cup of water, right up to tall pots filled to the brim with water.

It will struggle more with bigger pots, but if you want to push the boundaries, you’ll need a completely flat surface. Overall I was surprised and impressed by how stable this tiny stove is.

Make sure to centre your pot too

Sustainability

This section was tough to write as SOTO doesn’t have anything on its website about sustainability. The company prides itself on producing high-quality products that last, which in itself is a positive. A product that lasts longer reduces the need for replacements, ultimately reducing waste.

But, compared to other awesome B Corps we know and love who are offsetting carbon, using PFC-free materials, and committing to circular supply chains, I’m disappointed that sustainability doesn’t even warrant a paragraph on the website of what is clearly a very large international company.

Price

At an RRP of $89.99 AUD, the SOTO Amicus with Igniter Hiking Stove is pretty good value for money. It’s one of the more affordable stoves on the market but doesn’t compromise on durability or weight. Compared to more expensive options, the Amicus holds its own, and while fiddly in windy environments, it’ll ensure you get a hot dinner.

It’s a top choice for budget-conscious hikers keen to keep their pack weight down.

If you own a 360 Degrees pot or something similar sized. it fits snugly inside the lid

Final Thoughts

The SOTO Amicus with Igniter Hiking Stove is a nifty piece of kit that balances performance, durability, and affordability well. I wish it performed better in the wind but realistically, it’d probably require a price increase, and it’s a small sacrifice to make to use more gas occasionally.

Whether you’re planning a multi-day epic or a weekend camping trip, this stove won’t let you down. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and priced fairly.

FAQs SOTO Amicus With Igniter Backpacking Stove

What fuel canisters are compatible with the SOTO Amicus?

The SOTO Amicus is compatible with all standard isobutane canisters equipped with a Lindal valve, including brands like SOTO, Primus, Snow Peak, MSR, and Jetboil.

How long does it take to boil water with the SOTO Amicus?

On average, the SOTO Amicus can boil one litre of water in under four minutes, depending on environmental conditions.