When Jetboil releases a new stove system, expectations are usually pretty high, and the new TrailCook 1.2L gave our staff plenty to talk about. From quick boil times and real simmer control to better meal-making for campers who want more than just freeze-dried dinners, this system made a real impression with our staff! Here’s what five of them had to say after putting it to use in the field.
"The whole [TrailCook] system feels quite luxurious while being super light."—Laila, VPO Abbotsford
I had a chance to test the new Jetboil Trailcook 1.2L in the backcountry this past weekend, and it honestly blew my old stove system out of the water! We spent 3 days testing it out, so it was used for a variety of meals and I couldn't have been more impressed.
The boil time is so incredibly quick, I found a full pot of water boiled within a minute at medium heat, which outperforms any other stove I've tried in the past. The ability to control the heat was awesome for simmer control, and I found the knob wasn't too hot to turn even while the flame was on to boil. The rubber handle and outer sleeve also dispersed the heat so picking up the pot was fine after cooking or boiling, and the pot itself cooled off rapidly without a heat source. The included support for the canister kept the whole stove nice and stable on rocky ground, which I appreciated as I have been known to jump up quickly and knock over pots.
The lid was another huge bonus, both the straining side and the spout came in handy for cooking. The lid does need to be held down while pouring as the gasket doesn't hold it tightly onto the pot, but this was similar to other pots I've owned. The spout I used to pour into mugs for coffee in the mornings, and found it allowed for better control of the water flow. The strainer I used with both grains and noodles and neither were able to escape through the slots. I do however prefer to cook from scratch right in my pots, so those with backpacking meals aren't as likely to use or need this feature.
The ceramic lining on the pot gave a very even boil, and is hydrophobic so a wipe clean is all it really needs. As mentioned above, I like to cook directly in the pot, and the pot is great as a one person meal size. I was able to get lunch for two made in it, but a single dinner portion basically filled the pot so size is something to be aware of. However, an updated Jetboil feature is that the pot no longer locks onto the stove, so a larger pot is simple to pop on top instead of the 1.2L pot that comes with the kit. I did find that boil times with a non-Jetboil, and larger pot were significantly slower, but it still felt very stable and boiled after a couple minutes. I think this is a great feature, as the stove piece can be used for solo use or groups with a simple swap of the pot. I think the value of the adaptability is huge, and much more cost conscious than owning multiple stove systems.
For packability, I did find that anything larger than a 4oz canister did not fit inside the pot with the stove piece also stored inside which was a bit inconvenient. I ended up carrying the canister elsewhere in my bag, but much prefer when my full kitchen kit can be packed into the pot for ease of unpacking and starting to set up camp.
Overall, I really enjoyed using the TrailCook. The quick boiling meant I wasn't waiting ages to eat at camp, and I loved that nothing stuck to the pot so clean up was easy. The whole system feels quite luxurious while being super light and I felt like it was intentionally very modifiable for every user with the pot being separate. Jetboil has outdone themselves with this one!
"[The TrailCook 1.2L] is the perfect size for two people or one very hungry outdoors person."—Luke, VPO Squamish
The Jetboil TrailCook 1.2L is the perfect balance between the classic Jetboil boiling speed and the ability to cook a whole meal while away. The simmer control really stands out while still being able to boil water exceptionally quickly.
I have taken the TrailCook 1.2L on a number of weekends away and was able to store it efficiently, make cups of tea on a dime and still cook a hearty meal for two. No need for any dehydrated meals or cheap ramen anymore. Treat yourself to a proper feast, capable with the TrailCook.
This product is for those who want the efficiency of a Jetboil but want the versatility to cook fully homemade meals. The options are endless. This would be great for car camping, regular camping, kayaking, bike packing, hiking, base jumping or anything else you can think of. It's the perfect size for two people or one very hungry outdoors person. This is my new favourite Jetboil item. Summer here we come!
"The flux-ring cover is also a great shape for a bowl for smaller meals, and the pot itself works well for those needing more fuel!"—Margaret, VPO Revelstoke
The Jetboil TrailCook 1.2L stove is super efficient on gas and has great simmer options. So far I have taken it on both kayaking and snowshoe missions and it has been the perfect compact stove for both.
It is super nice to not have to worry too much about gas conservation when having to boil drinking water from streams and lakes.
It melts snow super well—noticeably faster than my Jetboil Flash, likely due to the increased surface area on the base.
I also love the option to be able to cook regular rice and pasta on trips that don't necessarily require saving weight and space with freeze-dried meals. The flux-ring cover is also a great shape for a bowl for smaller meals, and the pot itself works well for those needing more fuel!
One negative that I have with this stove however is that the first time that I lit it the neoprene cover melted at the base and caused smoke to go everywhere. I am a little nervous about it happening again, and am hesitant to put it on full gas still in fear of damaging the neoprene further.
"This system is a tad more short and stout than its other Jetboil family members, giving you a larger surface area for cooking. It's also much easier to eat directly out of."—Natalia, VPO Nanaimo
When it comes to all the lovely outdoor hobbies that involve hauling a pack, we always hear LIGHTWEIGHT! SAVE SPACE! The MOST PACKABLE SIZE EVER! Blah blah blah. Yes, lightweight and packable gear is amazing, but I am always happy to sacrifice some space and weight to add a little bit of whimsy on my adventures.
Am I going to pack a book very well knowing I'm not going to read more than a page? Yes. Am I going to have binoculars swinging from my neck in case I see a cool bird or just want to spy on the people further up the trail? Yes. Does my cozy sleep set weights more than I’d like to admit? Yes. Am I going to pack a slightly larger cooking system so I can do more than JUST boil water? Absolutely yes!
This system is a tad more short and stout than its other Jetboil family members, giving you a larger surface area for cooking. It's also much easier to eat directly out of. If you don’t want to eat directly out of the pot, there is a sweet little nesting bowl it comes with. Being a smidge over a litre gives you a comfortable amount of room to cook for more than just yourself.
The new design for this TrailCook pot DOES NOT lock onto the stove the way the other models do, so you can easily remove the pot from heat or switch to another pan. Don't worry, there is a built in lip for pot support that is pretty bomb proof. Trust me—I shook that thing around. This model also has an actual classic pot handle! The stove dial has a very straight forward turn and click ignition so matches/ lighters are not necessary for this stove, one less thing to forget to pack. The lid has an easy grab tab and a strainer built right into it as well as a spout for easier and safer precision pouring.
As much as I love a pack meal, I would rather truly cook when camping. Having a system that can not only boil but actually simmer, is ideal for me. Whether I’m making hot chocolate in the pot or attempting a backcountry brie bake, temperature control is key. I’m not always trying to boil water as quickly and efficiently as possible. That’s why I’ll be packing the JetBoil Trailcook 1.2L!
"Unlike many Piezo igniters I’ve had on stoves in the past, the one provided on the TrailCook is bomber! It ignited the stove 100% of the time on the first try."—Ryan, VPO Invermere
I am thoroughly impressed with the new TrailCook 1.2L from Jetboil. I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now and the ability to actually cook meals from scratch was an easy and welcome surprise in the world of compact cook systems. From cooking freshly caught Rainbow Trout, steaming dumplings to morning pancakes and bacon, the TrailCook handled it all. The thicker ceramic cook pot holds heat well and evenly, and is a breeze to clean.
The pot supports are thoughtfully designed and held a variety of other camp cookware stable. Small kettles, frying pans and even some larger pots were stable and didn't slide around. I appreciate the lid design, it fits snug and works well as a strainer. The pivoting lift tab is solid and large enough to facilitate easy on and off.
Unlike many Piezo igniters I’ve had on stoves in the past, the one provided on the TrailCook is bomber! It ignited the stove 100% of the time on the first try. It seems well built and very sturdy, I don’t see it moving around and requiring micro adjustments like Piezo ignitors in the past. I’m also quite impressed with the new rotating dial to control the flame, this is a huge improvement over older wire adjustments on past Jetboil stoves. Having the piezo ignitor as part of the dial mechanism makes igniting the stove quick and simple.
Although it is a vast improvement over most other compact camp stove systems it still takes a delicate touch to simmer on the lowest of settings. When trying to get a very low simmer you’re toeing the shut-off line and it will occasionally go out and need to be re-ignited. The stove is also not the strongest against wind, especially when trying to simmer at low heat. Some planning, strategic placement and use of wind blocks will help maintain even heating and fuel efficiency.
So far the ceramic coating is showing zero signs of wear and is still super non-stick. I hope Jetboil eventually sells the pots on their own. I would love to have both the 2.0L and 1.2L pots in my cook kit.