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Updated September 7, 2023: New additions added, including our update of the top 10 for 2023, more info on how to choose them, and a hint of what’s to come.
A stove will very likely be one of your most important kitchen purchases. You might ask, “Why not just use a fire?” Well, there are several reasons. First of all, fires are not allowed in many backcountry sites—especially in national parks.
Second, the environmental impact is greater than you could ever imagine, and with the horrible wildfires occurring every year, it just doesn’t make sense to use fire when it can be so dangerous and unpredictable.
Think of the number of people now backpacking and multiply that with how much wood would be needed to cook meals and provide that campfire “ambiance.”
Don’t get me wrong, I know how enjoyable sitting around a cozy campfire can be. It’s just that wood is scarce in the southwest. People aren’t aware that much of the wood here appears to be dead but is actually just dormant at the time. They will chop down live trees without even knowing it!
A pet peeve of mine is to find a wonderful campsite in the wilderness and be surrounded by fire rings. Some are built right next to the other! Why? If you find a fire ring and feel you must have a fire, use the existing fire rings! Please don’t build another one.
If you do have to build a fire (of course, in an area that allows it), build a small one in an area cleared of all flammable material. Before you leave your campsite, be sure to return the site to as pristine a condition as possible.
Make sure the fire is DEAD OUT and mix the ashes with dirt and bury them. Make it look as if you never had a fire. There is something wonderful about getting somewhere and feeling you are the first one to see it. Allow someone else that same pleasure and leave the area pristine.
Stoves have come a long way since people first started recreational backpacking, and you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to operate them! In fact, many of the newer stoves are as easy as using your stove at home. I’ve listed below some of the most popular types of stoves along with their strengths and weaknesses.
For a complete run-down on the pros and cons of many of the stoves and fuels available to the backpacker, be sure to check out several of the review sites available, such as the Gear Review or Outdoor Review sites. Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, has an excellent page on Portable Stoves that does an excellent job of explaining the different types of stoves and the fuels they use.
Canister Models
Perhaps the easiest and safest stoves to operate are those that use the butane/propane cartridges. If you are terrified of large flames and fear burning up your eyebrows, canister-style stoves are a wonderful choice. They are very safe and simple to use. These stoves can be lit without any priming or flame flare-up, something you have to be familiar with using the liquid-fuel stoves.
The fuels used in canister stoves are either butane or, more commonly, a combination of butane and propane. They are both easy to use, but if there is any chance you’ll be dealing with cold weather, go for the combination fuel.
Butane does not heat well in cold temperatures, so you’ll be burning a long time just to get a pot of water to boil. Add high altitude to the mix and you could be cooking forever! The addition of propane to the mix makes a much hotter and efficient cooking flame, although any of the canister-style stoves lose their efficiency as the fuel gets low.
MSR and Jetboil make some of the best in this category. They each have piezoelectric lighting mechanisms and are extremely easy to operate. Aside from the fact that they become inefficient as the fuel canister gets low, my main complaint with any of the stoves is that they are not refillable or easily recyclable.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Fuel readily available for most brands in U.S.
- Extremely easy to operate
- Requires little to no maintenance
- Very dependable
- Adjustable flame down to a low simmer
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Non-refillable canister
- Cannot carry fuel—and more often lately even stoves—on airplanes
- Inefficient in cold temperatures or at high altitude
- Inefficient as fuel becomes low
- Difficult to gauge how much fuel to carry
- Very difficult to recycle canisters
- Difficult to find uses for partially canisters
- Ultralight (2.6 oz) and compact (2x2x3 in) folding canister stove for minimalist adventures, backpacking, hiking, trekking, camping, and global travel
- Boils one liter of water in just 3.5 minutes and flame easily adjusts from a simmer to a rolling boil for gourmet cooking in the outdoors
- Fueled by high-performance isobutane-propane fuel canister (not included); self-sealing threaded canister fuel is available in most countries
- Easy to setup and operate—no priming, preheating, or pressurizing is required; serrated pot-supports accommodate a wide range of pot sizes and...
- Lightweight protective case included; stove weighs 2.6 oz (4.2 oz with case), measures 4.8x4.8x3.6 inches open, collapses to 2x2x3 inches
- Optimized for efficiency, the Jetboil Flash boils water in a lightning-quick 100 seconds, making it the fastest Jetboil ever.
- Jetboil's 1-liter FluxRing cooking cup with insulating cozy makes boiling water—and keeping it warm—a breeze.
- Start heating instantly with the convenient, reliable pushbutton igniter, and verify that the water's ready with the thermochromatic color-change heat...
- Compatible Jetboil accessories, such as a coffee press, hanging kit, pot support, skillet, FluxRing cooking pot, and utensils make this a necessity...
- Includes fuel canister stabilizer; bottom cup doubles as a measuring cup and a bowl; easy to pack and carry at only 13.1 ounces. One-year limited...
- Product Type: OUTDOOR_RECREATION_PRODUCT
- Package quantity: 1
- No batteries required
- Country of Orgin: China
Liquid Fuel Models
Liquid fuel stoves are the workhorses of the stove world. The most common liquid fuel is white gas, but there are various models that will burn alcohol, methanol, kerosene, and/or gasoline.
Available nearly everywhere, white gas (also available commercially as Coleman® fuel) is clean-burning, hot and burns efficiently in cold temperatures and at high altitudes.
But there is a catch; they are trickier to use for the novice. A liquid fuel stove requires a little more finesse. To light it, one must first pump the stove to pressurize the fuel canister.
Once it is primed, you open the nozzle to release a small amount of fuel into a little bowl located below the burner. The fuel is then lit to bring up a good-sized flame (this is the part that freaks some people out) that warms the burner so it will light.
Once the burner is warmed but the flame is not quite out, you open up the burner valve to release the fuel which lights the burner. The flame at this point becomes a nice, even blue flame that looks just like the one on home stoves, although the flame cannot usually be brought low enough to simmer nicely. MSR excels in the manufacture of this type of stove.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Fuel available nearly everywhere in the world
- Burns efficiently at high altitude and in cold temperatures
- Refillable canisters
- Can be kept burning efficiently even with low fuel by manual priming
Cons
- Requires priming
- Flame flare-ups to master
- Requires more maintenance
- Fuel must be filtered to keep from clogging stove
- Good idea to carry extra parts
- Not good at simmering, some better than others
- Sounds like a jet plane taking off!
- Cannot carry fuel—and more often lately even stoves—on airplanes
- Multiple included fuel injectors allow the stove to burn white gas, kerosene, or even unleaded auto fuel
- Lightweight stainless steel legs are stamped to offer excellent stability and weight savings
- Compact design folds small and fits inside most MSR pots
- Self-cleaning Shaker Jet technology and one-piece leg assembly allow fast cleaning and maintenance in the field
- Includes fuel pump, windscreen, heat reflector, small-parts kit, instructions, and stuff sack. (Fuel bottle not included)
- Dual-valve design provides unrivaled flame control, enabling it to deliver precision simmer-to-boil-control
- Extra wide pot supports provide stability for pots and pans up to 10" in diameter, making this stove ideal for group cooking
- Efficient suspended burner cup design enables the stove to burn hot and strong while reducing the heat lost to the ground
- Compact design folds down to 1/3 of its working size and fits in a two-liter pot for easy storage
- Shaker Jet technology and smart engineering allow complete cleaning and maintenance in the field
Alternative Stoves
The stoves discussed so far are the most commonly used backcountry stoves, but they are not the only, or even necessarily the best, available stoves. As mentioned above, different types of stoves will appeal to different types of people or even different trips.
The stoves that I’m discussing in this category tend to be much less technical and usually lighter in weight. Some of them can even be homemade out of materials you already own.
On average, they do not bring your water to a boil as quickly, but their benefits and the inexpensive price tag can outweigh the disadvantages.
Esbit
One stove which has a loyal following is the Esbit Pocket Stove. The stove uses “tablets” of solid fuel similar in substance to bar soap. They don’t require any special handling and can be shipped and checked with baggage when flying.
The stove itself is constructed simply with several pieces of metal riveted together, allowing the pot to be suspended over the burning tablet. One reviewer mentioned that while he uses a white gas stove as his primary source of cooking, he always carries two tablets for emergencies. Great idea!
- Simple and stable stove is constructed from durable, galvanized steel; Folds down to a small, compact size
- Includes 6 smokeless, Esbit 14 g solid fuel tablets; Each tablet burns approximately 12 minutes; One tablet boils 500 ml of water in about 8 minutes
- Two cooking positions suitable for cups, pots, and pans (not included)
- Dimensions-closed: 3.9 inches x 3 inches x 0.9 inches (9.8 x 7.7 x 2.3 cm); Weight, including solid fuel: 6.3 ounces (180 g)
- Made in Germany; 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
So without further ado, let’s get into our takes on the best backpacking stoves right now!
10 Best Backpacking Stoves for 2023
Backpacking stoves are essential for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy a warm meal or drink while on the trail. With the plethora of options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. Based on online reviews and product features, here are the top 10 backpacking stoves for 2023:
- MSR PocketRocket Deluxe
- Best for: Long hikes
- Please search on REI or Amazon for purchase.
- Overview Summary: The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove Kit is a compact and lightweight backpacking stove designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts a robust construction, making it durable for various outdoor conditions. The stove is easy to start, heats up quickly, and offers easy modulation for cooking.Average Price: Approximately $70-$90 (Prices may vary based on location and availability)Benefits:
- Lightweight and compact, making it ideal for backpacking.
- Robust construction ensures durability and longevity.
- Easy to start, reducing the hassle during camping.
- Fuel: Isobutane-propane
- Weight: 2.9 ounces
- Dimensions: 3.3 x 2.2 x 1.8 inches
- Limited to canister fuel type.
- Might not be as efficient in extremely windy conditions without a windscreen.
- Smaller size might not be suitable for group cooking.
- Jetboil Flash Cooking System
- Best for: All-in-one stove system
- Please search on REI or Amazon for purchase.
- Jetboil Flash Cooking SystemOverview Summary: The Jetboil Flash Java Kit Cooking System is designed for those who want both convenience and efficiency in the backcountry. It allows users to brew coffee effortlessly, just as they would at home. The system can boil 2 cups of water in just 100 seconds, making it a favorite for quick meals and beverages.Average Price: Approximately $93.69-$104.19 (Prices may vary based on location and availability)Benefits:
- Rapid boiling time, allowing for quick meal preparation.
- Designed specifically for brewing coffee, offering a home-like experience in the wilderness.
- Compact and lightweight, making it a top choice for backpackers.
- Fuel: Isobutane-propane
- Weight: 15.25 ounces
- Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.5 x 4.1 inches
- Limited to canister fuel type.
- Might require a windscreen in windy conditions for optimal performance.
- The specific design for coffee might not be versatile enough for some users.
- Soto WindMaster
- Best for: Windy conditions
- Please search on REI or Amazon for purchase.
- Soto WindMasterOverview Summary: The Soto WindMaster is a high-performance backpacking stove known for its exceptional wind resistance. Its unique design ensures consistent performance even in gusty conditions. With a compact and lightweight design, it’s a favorite among backpackers who face unpredictable weather.Average Price: Approximately $60-$80 (Prices may vary based on location and availability)Benefits:
- Exceptional wind resistance ensures consistent cooking.
- Compact and lightweight design is ideal for backpacking.
- Quick boiling time, making meal preparation efficient.
- Fuel: Isobutane-propane
- Weight: Approximately 2.3 ounces (without the igniter)
- Micro regulator maintains consistent output in cold weather.
- Limited to canister fuel type.
- Might require additional pot support for larger cookware.
- Some users might find the igniter placement a bit awkward.
- MSR WhisperLite Universal
- Best for: Cold weather
- Please search on REI or Amazon for purchase.
- MSR WhisperLite UniversalOverview Summary: The MSR WhisperLite Universal is a versatile backpacking stove that stands out for its multi-fuel compatibility. This model is equipped with three self-cleaning shaker jets, allowing it to operate on white gas, isobutane canisters, kerosene, or unleaded gasoline. Its design ensures reliability and adaptability, making it a favorite among backpackers who venture into diverse terrains and climates.Average Price: Approximately $139.95 (Prices may vary based on location and availability)Benefits:
- Multi-fuel compatibility offers flexibility for different trips and conditions.
- Self-cleaning shaker jets ensure consistent performance and reduce maintenance.
- Reliable and robust design suitable for various outdoor conditions.
- Fuel: White gas, isobutane canisters, kerosene, unleaded gasoline.
- Equipped with three self-cleaning shaker jets.
- Redesigned model that’s 10% lighter than its predecessor.
- Might be on the pricier side for some users.
- Multiple fuel options mean carrying different types of fuel, which might be cumbersome.
- The stove might require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance with different fuels.
- Solo Stove Lite
- Best for: Solo trips
- Please search on REI or Amazon for purchase.
- Solo Stove LiteOverview Summary: The Solo Stove Lite is a minimalist’s dream, designed for solo backpackers who prioritize simplicity and efficiency. This wood-burning stove eliminates the need for fuel canisters, allowing users to utilize twigs and small wood pieces for fuel. Its unique double-wall construction ensures efficient burning and minimal smoke.Average Price: Approximately $70-$90 (Prices may vary based on location and availability)Benefits:
- No need for fuel canisters, making it environmentally friendly.
- Lightweight and compact design is perfect for solo backpackers.
- Double-wall construction ensures efficient burning and reduces smoke.
- Fuel: Twigs, small wood pieces.
- Weight: 9 ounces.
- Dimensions: 4.25 x 3.8 inches.
- Reliance on wood means it might not be suitable for areas with limited wood resources.
- Might not be as quick as gas stoves in terms of boiling time.
- Requires manual effort to gather and prepare wood for burning.
- Primus Lite+
- Best for: Fuel efficiency
- Please search on REI or Amazon for purchase.
- Primus Lite+Overview Summary: The Primus Lite+ is a versatile and efficient stove system designed for backpackers who value both performance and convenience. It integrates a stove and pot into a single compact unit, ensuring easy setup and use. The stove boasts a fast boiling time and is known for its fuel efficiency.Average Price: Approximately $100-$120 (Prices may vary based on location and availability)Benefits:
- Integrated stove and pot design simplifies the cooking process.
- Lightweight and compact, making it ideal for backpacking trips.
- Efficient fuel consumption ensures longer cooking times with less fuel.
- Fuel: Isobutane-propane
- Weight: Approximately 15 ounces (including pot).
- Boil time: Around 4 minutes for 1 liter of water.
- Integrated design might limit versatility in terms of using other pots or pans.
- Might require a windscreen in windy conditions for optimal performance.
- Some users might find the pot size limiting for group cooking.
- Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System
- Best for: Simmer control
- Please search on REI or Amazon for purchase.
- Jetboil MiniMo Cooking SystemOverview Summary: The Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System is a compact and efficient stove system designed for backpackers who prioritize both speed and simmer control. Its innovative design allows for a more user-friendly simmering and cooking experience, making it perfect for those gourmet meals on the trail. The wide pot makes it easier to eat directly from it, and the system boasts a fast boiling time.Average Price: Approximately $123.69-$164.95 (Prices may vary based on location and availability)Benefits:
- Excellent simmer control for diverse cooking needs.
- Compact design with a wide pot for easy eating and cleaning.
- Fast boiling time ensures quick meal preparation.
- Fuel: Isobutane-propane
- Weight: Approximately 14.6 ounces (including pot).
- Boil time: Around 4 minutes 30 seconds for 1 liter of water.
- Might be slightly heavier than some ultralight options.
- Canister fuel might not be ideal for extremely cold conditions.
- Some users might find the price point a bit high for their budget.
- BRS 3000T
- Best for: Budget ultralight stove
- Please search on REI or Amazon for purchase.
- BRS 3000T Ultra-Light Titanium Camp StoveOverview Summary: The BRS 3000T is an ultra-lightweight titanium stove that has gained popularity among backpackers and hikers for its minimalistic design. Weighing in at a mere 25 grams, it’s one of the lightest stoves on the market. Despite its small size, it offers a robust flame, making it suitable for various cooking needs.Average Price: Approximately $15-$25 (Prices may vary based on location and availability)Benefits:
- Extremely lightweight, making it perfect for ultralight backpacking.
- Durable titanium construction ensures longevity.
- Offers a strong flame despite its compact size.
- Fuel: Isobutane-propane canister.
- Weight: Approximately 25 grams.
- Foldable design for easy storage.
- Might not be as stable as some larger stoves, especially with bigger pots.
- Some users have reported inconsistent performance in windy conditions.
- Being an ultralight stove, it might not be suitable for group cooking or gourmet meals.
- Vargo Titanium Hexagon Backpacking Wood Stove
- Best for: Group camping
- Please search on REI or Amazon for purchase.
- Vargo Titanium Hexagon Backpacking Wood StoveOverview Summary: The Vargo Titanium Hexagon Backpacking Wood Stove is a unique wood-burning stove designed for backpackers who prefer a natural fuel source. Made from durable titanium, this stove is both lightweight and robust. Its hexagonal design ensures efficient burning and acts as a windscreen, making it perfect for outdoor cooking.Average Price: Approximately $60-$80 (Prices may vary based on location and availability)Benefits:
- Uses natural fuel sources like twigs and wood, eliminating the need for fuel canisters.
- Lightweight titanium construction ensures durability without adding weight to your pack.
- Hexagonal design provides wind protection and efficient burning.
- Fuel: Twigs, small wood pieces.
- Weight: Approximately 4.1 ounces.
- Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 3 inches (when set up).
- Gathering and preparing wood can be time-consuming.
- Might not be as quick as gas stoves in terms of boiling time.
- Some users might find it challenging to maintain a consistent flame.
- TOAKS Titanium Alcohol Stove
- Best for: Ultralight backpacking
- Please search on REI or Amazon for purchase.
- TOAKS Titanium Alcohol StoveOverview Summary: The TOAKS Titanium Alcohol Stove is a lightweight and efficient solution for backpackers who prefer using alcohol as a fuel source. Made from durable titanium, this stove is designed for simplicity and reliability. Its compact design ensures easy storage and transport, making it a favorite among ultralight backpackers.Average Price: Approximately $20-$40 (Prices may vary based on location and availability)Benefits:
- Uses alcohol as fuel, offering a clean and efficient burn.
- Lightweight titanium construction ensures durability without adding unnecessary weight.
- Simple design with no moving parts reduces the chances of malfunction.
- Fuel: Alcohol (like denatured alcohol or methylated spirits).
- Weight: Varies based on model but generally very lightweight.
- Compact design for easy storage and transport.
- Alcohol might not be as readily available as other fuel types in some regions.
- Boiling times might be slower compared to gas stoves.
- Open flame design might require a windscreen in windy conditions.
How to Choose a Backpacking Stove
When choosing a backpacking stove, consider the following factors:
- Type of stove: Canister stoves, liquid fuel stoves, alcohol stoves, and wood-burning stoves are common types of backpacking stoves. Each type has its pros and cons, so choose one that suits your needs and preferences.
- Fuel efficiency: Some stoves are more fuel-efficient than others. Consider the fuel type and efficiency of the stove, especially for longer trips.
- Weight and portability: Lightweight and compact stoves are ideal for backpacking, as they take up less space and add less weight to your pack.
- Boil time: Faster boil times are more convenient and save fuel. However, this may not be a priority for everyone.
- Simmer control: If you plan to cook more elaborate meals, choose a stove with good simmer control.
- Cold weather performance: Some stoves perform better in cold weather than others. If you plan to backpack in cold conditions, choose a stove designed for such environments.
Remember, the best stove is the one that fits your specific needs and enhances your outdoor experience. Safe travels and happy cooking!
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API