Let me set the scene - its Boxing Day 2005 and most of the country is covered in a thick blanket of snow! I dig out the winter hiking gear and decide to head to Spithope Bothy in Northumberland on my own for an overnight stay!
The drive to Northumberland was treacherous enough but I'm motivated! Just as I get within a couple of kilometers of the bothy the sky grows dark and the snow falls hard and fast! Its decision time - do I move on to the bothy or do I turn back - its a calculated decision but I chose to carry on. Arriving through the door of my favourite bothy (in any season) I look more like the Mitchelin Man or maybe a Yeti!
Time to address my priorities! Start a fire - easy enough! Then get something hot to eat and drink! So out comes the beast! The MSR Dragonfly!
Having brought with me some chicken, some Smash and a Coleman's Chicken Supreme mix I put the MSR Dragonfly through its paces - it was great! The raw power to fry and cook through the diced chicken breast and the subtle flame control to gently simmer the sauce - all with a gloved hand!
I even invested in the MSR Dragonfly Servicing Kit - so when a Fuel Pump seal failed I was well prepared to replace it without any kind of tool!
That night the temperature dropped to minus 16 degrees according to the thermometer in the bothy. The wood burning stove was kept lit all night and I had the place all to myself! But I have to admit - I'm not sure if it was the wood-burning stove or the excellent gourmet meal (compared to other things) - made thanks to the MSR Dragonfly - that kept me warmest that evening!
And as for breakfast the next day... that was a whole other level!
(Written by: sthwaites)