Walking Equipment and Accessories

MSR LowDown Remote Stove Adapter | Review

An innovative little gizmo that adds a great deal of value to MSR’s popular range of stoves

Why We Chose the MSR LowDown Remote Stove Adapter: stability, versatility, compatibility.

Seattle-based equipment brand Mountain Safety Research (MSR) are driven by the belief that better, safer and more reliable equipment unlocks greater adventures. Their close-knit team strive to continually optimise and add value to the gear they’ve already created, thus keeping equipment alive for longer. As the adage goes, the most environmentally friendly piece of kit is the one you already own.

MSR have been rubbing shoulders with the crème de la crème of the backpacking stove world for a number of years now, with models like their popular Windburner and the small yet mighty PocketRocket. With the LowDown Remote Stove Adapter, they’ve created a product that adds substantial value to their stoves, enhancing the stability and usability of their – and, unofficially, most other – modern integrated cooking systems. In principle, it works a lot like a standard remote canister stove and has a wide base for stability. But rather than having a built-in burner, the LowDown has a mount that attaches other stoves’ burners. A simple, effective, yet unique idea.

Who is MSR LowDown Remote Stove Adapter for?

The LowDown’s mount connects to all MSR canister-fuel stoves, which use a standard EN417 connection, the same as is present in the majority of other modern stoves. This means that it is, in effect, compatible with a wide range of cooking systems, which greatly increases its potential market.
Anyone who has struggled to cook on uneven ground, cursed that their stove’s flame control valve was so perilously close a pot of boiling water, or wished they could use larger pots and pans with their system will benefit from the LowDown’s innovative design and features. Its portability and low weight make it a no brainer as an expedition essential, while the versatility it offers is a boon for campsite cooks.

Features

Many integrated stoves feature a fold out plastic support that increases the stability of the gas canister. However, they are usually still vulnerable to toppling over in a gust or when holding a large amount of water. The wide, 22cm base of the LowDown eliminates this vulnerability, while also bringing the whole system closer to the ground – hence, LowDown. This enhanced stability paves the way for use with bigger pots and pans, which is great for cooking up more refined campsite cuisine.

“The LowDown is a tiny but powerful gizmo.”

The flame valve is placed along with the canister connector, putting distance between your simmer control and the potentially dangerous duo of the burner flame and the pot of boiling liquid that are typically right next to and above the valve on a standard integrated stove.

Construction

The LowDown is a tiny but powerful gizmo that weighs more than its appearance would suggest. This is because it is forged from durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel to ensure many years of continuous use. However, weighing in at 182g, it’s hardly much of an impediment to an expedition, while its folding legs and bendy fuel line make it easy to stash in a backpack.