i own one of these. took it backpacking twice. it works fine. it probably is a good buy if this is really what you want. reason i say that is for what i do (short backpacking trips 11000 feet or less) it is overkill. there are good reasons to get a white gas backpacking stove, but if you do not have a good reason, it is dumb, because it is way more complicated, heavier, and bigger than a simple isobutane cannister stove attachment. kovea makes those also by the way, mine is titanium. it weighs 3.31 oz (+ isobutane cannister). BTW if you have trouble lighting the Hydra, just get some fuel to spill or leak onto the head and light it. once the head is hot you will have a gas burner just like at home in the kitchen. really hot. but think about it - if you are going to use an isobutane cannister anyway, why lug the Hydra along?