No matter how good the stove is, it can't be used r where or when either it is illegal, gathering wood fuel for it is illegal or above timberline where no fuel is to be had.

In most of the Cascade range (even this past summer which was cooler and wetter than normal) the use of wood fires--including any kind of wood stove--is banned during the dry season (yes, we do have one!), even in front-country campgrounds with fireplaces, because of the high fire danger.

In addition to the problem of fire scars, many areas near timberline have no dead wood left because so many people have used it up over the years. The Forest and Park Services want what dead wood is left, even twigs, to decay and replenish the extremely thin soils in alpine areas, the main reason wood fires are banned at higher altitudes.

I don't think that someone from eastern North America who has never been in the west and who is used to lots of wood everywhere and frequent rain can visualize conditions out here. You are welcome to come out and find out for yourself!