At the end of a tough day’s hiking, I want my coffee and a hot meal. I want it fast and with minimum fuss. Having the best stove for backpacking and the right camping mess kit is crucial to making this happen. The main differences between backpacking stoves come down to the fuel they burn.

Each backpacking stove has pros and cons which we’ll delve into a little more below. Choosing the best one largely comes down to your budget and the conditions you’ll be hiking in. We’ve included a few of each type in our best backpacking stoves review below.

Our Top Picks for Best Backpacking Stoves

*If you want to stick around and see what I think, you’ll find detailed reviews of the backpacking stoves and a buyer’s guide, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.


Backpacking Stove Reviews

MSR Windburner

At a Glance:
  • Canister is integrated into stove
  • Completely windproof
  • Boils extremely fast – 2:45 minutes even in wind
  • Insulated pot can be handled safely after cooking
  • Comes with coffee press and hanging kit
  • Not self-lighting – need matches / lighter
  • High price tag
MSR WindBurner Personal Windproof Camping and...

Get it on Amazon for $133.65

If you’re tired of trying to get your lightweight backpacking stoves burning in windy weather then this may be the stove you’ve been waiting for. This backpacking integrated canister stove system is enclosed, windproof design means your flame will survive those cold gusts with ease.

This is one of the most efficient lightweight backpacking stoves we’ve reviewed. It uses an integrated canister stove system and once it’s lit it gets really hot, really quickly with very little fuel.

Overall, we really like the design features that come with this integrated canister stove system. The 1 Liter pot is covered by a heat-resistant fabric so you can pick it up with your hands after cooking.

MSR WindBurner Personal Windproof Camping and...
MSR WindBurner Personal Windproof Camping and...

This backpacking stove also has a straining lid that allows for spill-proof drinking straight from the pot as well as it breaks down quickly, once you’re done cooking. Afterward, clean-up is a breeze because everything is stored inside the integrated pot.

Additionally, the MSR Windburner also accommodates a coffee press, skillet, accessory pots, and hanging kit that are sold separately. In case you want to use a pot of your own, with this integrated canister stove you can.

The stove burner is compatible with standard locking integrated pot supports like the ones that Jetboil supply.

Jetboil MiniMo

At a Glance:

  • Shallow pot and bowl make for easier eating and even heating
  • Boils really fast – about 2 minutes
  • Integrated igniter
  • Good performance in wind
  • Expensive
  • Canister doesn’t pack into pot
Jetboil MiniMo Camping and Backpacking Stove...

Get it on Amazon for $169.95

Another great integrated canister stove is JetBoil MiniMo. It’s in the same league as the MSR Windburner when it comes to efficiency and speed but there are some subtle differences. The integrated pot and bowl have a wider, shallower design than the MSR stove.

This gives the integrated canister stove a squatter overall size while still holding 1 liter of liquid. The squatter design allows for a shallower entry for your spoon which makes it easier to reach that last morsel in the bottom of the pot.

Jetboil MiniMo Camping and Backpacking Stove...
Jetboil MiniMo Camping and Backpacking Stove...

What’s more, the lid has a convenient sipping hole and a strainer to get rid of liquid if you’re cooking rice or pasta. The integrated canister stove’s design is also windproof and the integrated igniter makes it easier to light than the MSR unit.

Once lit it will boil a liter of water in about 2 minutes which is pretty quick. The valve and regulator of Integrated canister stoves give you excellent control if you want to have something simmer rather than have it go full blast.

As far as accessories are concerned, you can buy the coffee press, hanging kit, or pot support if you want more flexibility. All in all, the shallower pot design and integrated push-button lighter make it worth paying a little extra.

MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Stove

At a Glance:
  • Very light and compact
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Regulator and valve offer excellent flame control
  • Pot support accommodates wide range of pot sizes
  • No built-in igniter

Get it on Amazon for $49.95

If you want the lightest and smallest budget backpacking stove then the PocketRocket 2 is the way to go. This updated model replaces the MicroRocket and the previous model of the PocketRocket which have both been discontinued.

Not only does the clever design allow the stove to fold up, but it also packs down into a tiny form factor that fits into the small plastic case it comes with. Once in the box, it only weighs around 119 grams so you hardly need to bother to add this to your weight budget.

MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Camping and...

Indeed, you could easily pack this budget backpacking stove and canister into a small pot. It boils a liter of water in 3.5 minutes.

While not completely windproof, the burner does have three wind-isolated areas to prevent a complete blowout. Lastly, we also like how quickly the stove cools down after use.

MSR WhisperLite International

At a Glance:
  • Burns multiple fuels – unleaded gasoline, white gas, kerosene
  • Lightweight and folds up small
  • Wide span legs offer good stability
  • Great for cooking for long periods or melting ice
  • Generates plenty of heat for larger amounts of water
  • Difficult to start in the wind
  • It’s pretty loud
  • Little to no flame regulation – hard to simmer

Get it on Amazon for $111.96

If you want the option of burning multiple fuels then ditch the canister and get one of these backpacking stoves. This is a liquid fuel backpacking stove and it will run on unleaded gasoline, white gas, or kerosene.

What’s more, these backpacking stoves are all easier to obtain and cheaper than gas canisters. Certainly, the fuel bottle (not included) is more environmentally friendly since it’s refillable, so there’s nothing to throw away after your trip.

MSR WhisperLite International Compact Multi-fuel...

The backpacking stove comes supplied in a stuff sack with a fuel pump and a small maintenance kit. It takes a little effort to get the stove to start but once it’s hot it’ll keep burning even in windy conditions.

In the beginning, there are plenty of flames so it’s not ideal to use in a tent. Once it gets up to speed it’s great for longer periods of cooking.

If you want the versatility of being able to also use a canister for fuel then you can spend a bit more for the WhisperLite Universal stove.

Bulin 5800W Ultralight Backpacking

Bulin Camping Stove Burner...

At a Glance:

  • Dual valve design allows for good simmer to boil control
  • 10 oz Ultra-Compact size – folds to a third of its size
  • 3 burners Generates plenty of heat – boils a litre in about 2.5 minutes
  • No generator tube
  • No protection around hose

Get it on Amazon for

If you want the fuel flexibility of the WhisperLite but with simmer control then the Bulin is a great option. This Bulin Stove works very well, produces a lot of heat, and sits rock-solid on the ground. 

Basically, this 3 season stove runs off of isobutane. To clarify, the 5800W is more than 19,000 BTU which will boil water in a hurry. However, this does cause the canister to drain fast. Despite those downsides, the high heat and easy setup make sense to pack this as a survival kit. Pack a couple of folded aluminum foil for your windscreen and you’ll be eating in no time.

Bulin Camping Stove Burner...

The real benefit of this lightweight backpacking stove is the level of control you get. You can boil up snow at full blast or simmer a stew at a low temperature on the same stove.

Surprisingly, there isn’t any protection around the hose leading to the fuel canister, which seems like a big design flaw. If you’re only ever going to boil water or your food then go for the WhisperLite. If your camp cooking needs a little more finesse then this stove is a better bet.

Solo Stove Lite – Compact Wood Burning Backpacking Stove

Solo Stove Lite - Portable Camping Hiking and...
At a Glance:
  • PrCompact and lightweight designo
  • Double wall design minimizes smoke
  • Burns hotter than regular wood stove
  • Efficient burning – uses less wood than open fire
  • A little pricey

Get it on Amazon for $69.99

We love the idea of free fuel but wood-burning stoves can be smoky and inefficient. This cleverly designed Solo stove solves this problem.

Given that the double wall feeds heated oxygen back into the firebox to create secondary combustion, the results are a more efficient use of the fuel, less smoke, and higher heat.

Solo Stove Lite - Portable Camping Hiking and...
Solo Stove Lite - Portable Camping Hiking and...

Fill it up with some hardwood twigs and you’ll boil a liter of water in 8 to 10 minutes. The stove has been designed to pair perfectly with the Solo Stove Pot 900.

You could use other pots but the stove has been designed to pack into the Solo pot for better packability.

Vargo Triad Titanium Alcohol Stove Jetboil MiniMo

VARGO Triad Alcohol Stove
At a Glance:
  • It doesn’t get much lighter or smaller than this
  • Fuel cost is extremely inexpensive
  • Rugged design and tough construction
  • Not great in the wind – needs a windscreen

Get it on Amazon for $34.95

If you’re an ultralight backpacker then the alcohol stove will fit nicely into your tiny pack. Surely, you’ll have no issues because this camp stove weighs around an ounce and is 2.5 inches in diameter.

The sturdy legs of an alcohol stove fold out to make for a fairly stable stove when they’re pressed into the ground. While it takes a little priming to get started, you’ll get plenty of heat while burning very little fuel.

Vargo Titanium Triad Multi-Fuel Stove - Solid...

Though it’s nowhere near as fast as an ultralight canister stove, it will boil water of 0.5 liters in 5 to 6 minutes. Patience is a virtue.

Wind is not your friend when using this stove, due to a lack of windshield. As a result, make sure you buy (or make) a windshield to use with it. If you’re looking for a tiny stove that’s inexpensive to run on environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient then this alcohol stove is a great choice.

Just don’t expect to be cooking a meal for 4 people on it.

Sterno Camp Stove Kit with Frame and Wind-Shield Panels

Sterno Foldable Camp Stove - Portable Camping...
At a Glance:
  • Lightweight stove / pot integrated design/ easy storage and transport
  • Good performance because of wind panels
  • Compact at 6″L x 6″W x 6″H inches
  • Price
  • Lid is tough to remove when pot is hot

Get it on Amazon for $8.79

Alcohol or spirit burner stoves are normally pretty basic and susceptible to wind. By comparison, the Sterno Inferno kit gives you the clean and cheap fuel option combined with a two-quart capacity, multi-use spork utensil, and a windproof design.

Also, the spoon and fork (spork), has a cutting edge that you can use to open the sterno canned fuel with, as well as a spoon-like edge. Furthermore, this tool is made to rest on the pot handle.

Surprisingly, the whole set weighs just over two pounds(without fuel) and packs down into the cup. The stove base clips out of the cup lid with legs that fold out for a secure base.

Sterno Camp Stove Kit with Frame and Wind-Shield...
Sterno Camp Stove Kit with Frame and Wind-Shield...

You can pack two 7-ounce cans of Sterno fuel inside the cup but you could probably use other gel or spirit fuel if you prefer.

As with other alcohol stoves, it’s not the quickest. However, the heat sink integrated into the cup’s bottom improves the fuel efficiency over regular alcohol stoves. Overall, this backpacking stove takes 25 minutes to boil 8 ounces of water since Sterno fuel is used for warming and heating

Esbit Ultralight Folding Pocket Stove with Solid Fuel Tablets

Esbit Ultralight Folding Pocket Stove with Six 14g...
At a Glance:
  • Compact folding design
  • Quality construction – Made in Germany
  • Supplied with 30 fuel tablets
  • Price
  • Not very efficient

Get it on Amazon for $15.99

This stove offers the convenience of solid fuel cooking in a compact, folding design. Esbit has been making these since World War 2 so it’s a tried and tested design.

Once folded it is 3.9’x3’x0.9 and weighs just 6.3 ounces. When folding it out there are two positions to cater for a cup or a larger pot. The stove comes supplied with Esbit fuel tablets that each burn for about 12 minutes.

Esbit Ultralight Folding Pocket Stove with Six 14g...
Esbit Ultralight Folding Pocket Stove with Six 14g...

It’s pretty slow though and takes around 8 minutes to boil 500ml of water. Still, the flame is virtually smokeless and, unlike other solid fuel tablets, won’t leave a residue on the underside of your pot.

Though the stove system is made from galvanized steel and comes with a 2-year warranty, its fuel tablets will burn at high altitudes in sub-zero conditions and can be stored for up to 10 years.

MSR WindBurner Duo Windproof Camping and Backpacking Stove System

MSR WindBurner Duo Windproof Camping and...
At a Glance:
  • Boils fast – 0.5L in just 1.5 minutes
  • Very efficient
  • Excellent performance in the wind
  • Compact – all components fit into the pot
  • Price
  • No good for simmering

Get it on Amazon for $186.96

This newer version of the tried and tested MSR Reactor comes with a few ounces shaved off and a handy pour spout lid. This is one of the fastest boil times we’ve seen and can be attributed to the attention MSR has given to improving efficiencies.

The large pot and stable base make it a good option if you’re cooking for more than one person. Where it really shines is when you’re cooking in the wind. This is one of the few best backpacking stoves that can honestly claim to be windproof.

MSR WindBurner Duo Windproof Camping and...
MSR WindBurner Duo Windproof Camping and...

The excellent efficiency means the canister will last you a long time too. A medium canister will last for about a week of boiling water for breakfast and dinner for two people.

It may be a little big for solo use but if you’re a party of two and you want food boiled in a hurry then the Reactor is hard to beat.

BRS Ultralight BRS-3000T

BRS Outdoor BRS-3000T Ultra-Light Titanium Alloy...
At a Glance:
  • Extremely light – weighs less than an ounce
  • Titanium Alloy is durable for its weight
  • Good flame regulation
  • Price
  • Pot support is very narrow

Get it on Amazon for $17.90

If you’re a gram-weenie backpacker that likes to have the “mine is lighter than yours” conversation then you’ll love this ultralight stove. At under an ounce, it’s about as light as it gets.

It’s really compact too. When you fold it up it occupies a space of only 2’x1’x1. It isn’t the most efficient ultralight backpacking stove but it will still boil 500ml of water in just over 3 minutes. This small stove is ideal for shorter ultra-light trips.

BRS Outdoor BRS-3000T Ultra-Light Titanium Alloy...
BRS Outdoor BRS-3000T Ultra-Light Titanium Alloy...

If you’re going on longer trips then the weight you save on the ultralight backpacking stove will be negated by the need to carry an extra canister. The pot supports are a little narrow though so you’ve got to be extra careful when cooking.

The price, titanium construction, and lightweight backpacking stove make it a good option for ultralight backpackers.


An Overview of the Different Stove Types

Solo Stove Lite & Pot 900 Set: Portable, Wood...

Canister Stoves

Pros
These backpacking stoves use canisters filled with isobutane fuel and offer the fastest heating of all backpacking stove types. The stoves are compact, light, and very fuel-efficient. Because the canisters are pressurized these backpacking stoves are also less susceptible to wind.

Jetboil Jetpower Fuel for Jetboil Camping and...

Cons:
The fuel canisters are expensive and you’re not going to be able to buy them just anywhere. This is especially true if you’re traveling outside of the US. Once the fuel canisters are empty they can’t be refilled so there’s an environmental footprint to consider. Fuel canister stoves also don’t work very well in extreme cold so they’re not a good option for winter hiking or at higher altitudes.

Why? In spite of the higher fuel cost these fuel canister stoves are probably your best bet for lightweight, convenient, 3-season backpacking. Get one with an integrated windshield and a decent flame regulator and you’ll have most of your camping cooking bases covered.

Liquid Fuel Stoves

Pros:
Liquid fuel stoves will often work with kerosene, unleaded gasoline, white gas and sometimes even diesel. These are often cheaper than canisters of isobutane and easier to source. These fuels also burn in sub-zero conditions so and provide plenty of heat at a good efficiency. Once they’re up to temperature they’ll keep burning in windy conditions.

Cons:
A liquid fuel backpacking stove requires a stove, a fuel bottle, and a fuel pump so they’re heavier and bulkier than canister stoves. They take a little effort to get started, especially in the wind, and the bigger flames while starting to make them a fire risk. The nozzles will require some periodic maintenance. These backpacking stoves can be pretty noisy.

Why? If you’re planning on cooking for longer periods and multiple people then liquid fuel stoves are your best bet. Also, if you’re heading into snow then a fuel stove will work far better for melting large amounts of snow for water. Just be prepared for the added weight and space in your pack.

Alcohol Stoves

Pros
Alcohol stoves use simple containers with denatured alcohol or similar cheap fuels to produce a flame. The simple construction makes these alcohol stoves very cheap, lightweight and compact. The fuel is easy to source and burns without making any noise.

Cons
These alcohol stoves don’t produce a lot of heat so they take a long time to boil water. Because the flame is less intense alcohol stoves perform poorly in wind and need to be used with a windshield. Filling the stove with alcohol can get messy or even dangerous.

Why? If you need a cheap backpacking stove and you don’t mind waiting a little longer for your cup of coffee then these alcohol stoves will do just fine. Just make sure you have a plan to deal with any wind that comes up and a safe way to store the fuel.

Solid Fuel Stoves

Pros
These backpacking stoves are really cheap due to their basic construction. Because the fuel pellets, or tabs, are solid there’s no mess or fuss when fuelling the ultralight stove. These solid fuel stoves are simple to use and require nothing more than placing a pellet in the stove and lighting it.

Cons
The pellets can be a little pricey and hard to find in small towns. While solid fuel stoves are easy to light they are very susceptible to wind. Unlike alcohol fuel, the tabs give off an odor and some will also leave a deposit under your pot. They only manage a medium flame so work very slowly.

Why? If you want cheap, simple solid fuel stoves that are very compact then these will get the job done. Solid fuel stoves are less messy than an alcohol stoves but you’ll need to deal with the pricier, smellier fuel.

Esbit Ultralight Folding Pocket Stove with Six 14g...
Esbit 1300-Degree Smokeless Solid 14g Fuel Tablets...

Wood Stoves

Pros
Having a supply of free fuel wherever you go makes wood-burning stoves a great option for your pocket and the environment. Simply fill it with sticks, leaves, and pine needles and you’re done. Not having to carry fuel with you saves space and weight in your pack. With wood-burning stoves, you get the pleasant “campfire” effect but with more efficient use of the heat.

Camping Stove, Ohuhu Camp Stove Wood Burning Stove...

Cons
If there aren’t any sticks around or if it’s been raining you’ve got no fuel for your wood-burning stove. The soot produced by burning wood will blacken the bottom of your pot. The smoke that the wood-burning stove generates makes them impractical to use in a tent. These stoves are not safe to use during fire bans.

Why? If you’re sure that you’ll find fuel when you make camp then a well-designed wood-burning stove can be very effective. Wood-burning stoves don’t heat very quickly but they’re more pleasant to use if you prefer more old-school methods.

Camping Stove, Ohuhu Camp Stove Wood Burning Stove...

Backpacking Stove Fuel Considerations

Committing to a stove type is committing to a fuel. Besides the performance of the stove, it’s worth noting the pros and cons of different backpacking fuel types.

Fuel efficiency vs weight

An easy way to think about fuel efficiency is how much fuel (in weight) you need to burn to boil 500ml of water.

As an example, you’d need to burn twice as much alcohol as gas to produce the same amount of heat. Canister stoves are also lighter and more compact than liquid stoves.

But, besides the actual weight of the fuel, it’s important to consider the weight of the container the fuel comes in.

While alcohol stoves or liquid-burning stoves aren’t as efficient, if you’re looking to cut weight on a long trip they’re a good option.

Backpacker using MSR ISOPRO fuel
Dylan Dang waiting for dinner to finish cooking
Photo credit: @k.dangphotography

Alcohol stoves containers are lighter and less bulky than the multiple gas canisters you’d have to carry.

Fuel calculation for trips

You should only bring the fuel you need but you also don’t want to run out of fuel. So, how much fuel will you need for your trip?

Here’s an example of how you’d work it out. Let’s assume you’re boiling water around 500ml of water for each meal using a canister stove.

First, work out how many times you’ll be cooking. For each cooking session on a fuel canister stove, you’ll be using between 6 to 8 grams of fuel.

If you’re cooking breakfast and dinner for each day of a 5-day trip you’ll need at most 80g of fuel. In this case, a 110g canister would be a safe bet.

For better accuracy, you could weigh your fuel container (gas or liquid), boil a pot of water, and then weigh the container again. That will give you a fair idea of how much you’ll be using for each meal.


What to Consider when Choosing a Backpacking Stove

So you’ve decided that you like the idea of a having hot meal on your next trip but which among the best backpacking stove should you choose? Here are a few important considerations to take into account before pressing that buy button.

Number of people in the group

Are you doing dinner for one or are you the designated chef for a group of hungry hikers? If you’re only cooking for yourself then you could go for a small, light option designed specifically for ultra-light hikers.

backpacking stoves with women

If you’re cooking for a few people then you’re going to need something with a larger pot support and the pot to go along with it. A liquid fuel stove will be a good option if you’re looking for stable support for a larger pot.

It may make more sense to use two smaller stoves instead of having one person carrying a big stove.

Trip length/location

How long you’re going to be out for and the locations you’ll be in is important too. Your stove is going to need fuel and that means you’ll either have to take it with you or be able to source some fuel when you get near the start of your hike.

Gas canister stoves are great for shorter trips. The fuel stoves are lighter and more compact than liquid fuel stoves. The problem with them is that the canisters are bulky and on a longer trip you’d need to bring more than one.

For longer backpacking trips, it makes more sense to take a liquid fuel stove. The stove may be a little bulkier but carrying sufficient fuel for the trip takes up a lot less space.

Gasoline is also a lot easier to find than gas canisters. If you’re heading overseas or if you’re not sure about the availability of gas canisters then rather opt for a multi-fuel stove.

Compressed liquid gas stoves don’t like cold weather. If you’re heading into higher altitude or cold weather a white gas burning liquid fuel stove will perform a lot better than a gas canister or alternative fuel stove will.

Ease of operation

Which camping stove is easiest to use? Testing your kit at home is one thing but trying to get your stove set up with cold fingers, in the rain or when you’re exhausted is a different story.

Gas canister stoves are the easiest to use and don’t need any maintenance. Screw in the canister, open the gas, and light it. Done.

cooking with backpacking stoves

Liquid fuel stoves require periodic maintenance and need to be primed before use. It takes a little practice to get the right amount of fuel to come through before lighting it and getting it burning properly without getting flare-ups.

Boiling or simmering

Are you looking to boil some water or warm some food by letting it simmer? Most simple hiking meals or MREs just require boiling water to rehydrate the food. But before adding your food it, you will need to purify and filter your water to make it bacteria-free.

Fast boiling stoves are great at boiling water but terrible if you need food to simmer for a while.

The MSR Windburner and Pocket Rocket stoves are great for boiling water fast and are fairly inexpensive.

If you want a camping stove that can simmer you’ll have to spend a little more and get something like the Jetboil MiniMo or Dragonfly which have great simmer control.

Alcohol or solid fuel burning stoves are ok for basic simmering but take really long to boil water or regulate.

Pot and stove stability

If you’re using a smaller pot then you can get away with using a taller stove like a canister stove. As long as you’ve got a flat base to put it on then it’s not likely to fall over.

If you want to use a larger, heavier pot then you’ll need to opt for a lower profile stove like a liquid fuel stove that doesn’t sit on top of its fuel source.

Placing a big pot on top of a tall canister stove is not going to end well.


Identify your backpacking cooking style

  • Freeze-dried meals – There are some great suppliers like Mountain House or Backpackers Pantry that supply delicious meals that just require boiling water. They cook in the bag and you can eat out of it too so there are no dishes. If you’re happy to just eat these meals then a simple stove that boils water fast is all you need.
  • Freeze-dried and DIY meals – If you want a bit of variety in eating some boil in bag meals as well as some of your own DIY meals you prepared at home then you’ll need a stove that can do more than just boiling. You’ll want a stove that boils fast but also has good simmer control.
  • DIY meals – If you prefer the taste of your home cooking and only take DIY meals along then a stove with good simmer control and good heat distribution is important. Boiling speed isn’t that big a factor then unless you don’t like waiting a while for your coffee.

What type of cookware will you be using?

More importantly, who will be cooking? If it’s the camp chef, they should be picking one to pick the best backpacking stove. This all depends on what you will be cooking. The camp cook does the meal planning, so your choice of pot or pan is worth considering when choosing the heat source or style of cooking you’ll be doing.

Titanium

Wild Peak Titanium Lightweight 3-Piece (1.2L,...

On the whole, titanium pots are light and durable but they’re fairly expensive. Conversely, titanium is a poor thermal conductor and is prone to scorching and heat spots. This makes them fine for boiling water but not for cooking food that needs simmering for a while.

Anodized aluminum

Esbit CS985HA 5-Piece Lightweight Trekking Cook...

Great conductivity and very lightweight. Anodized aluminum offers the versatility you’re after if you’re boiling water or some meals and letting others simmer.

Ceramic coated aluminum

These have the same lightweight and high conductivity properties that you get with anodized aluminum but with the added benefit of being non-stick. The non-stick coating doesn’t do well with high heat so you’ll need to be able to regulate the heat you’re using.

Stainless steel

Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for 4 | 21 Pcs Nesting...

Stainless steel is heavier and less conductive but it’s a lot cheaper and very durable. It also handles high heat and flames from a wood fire a lot better.


Backpacking stove considerations – specs & features

Best backpacking stove reviews and manufacturer’s descriptions will mention all sorts of specifications and features. A number of these may or may not be important to you but it’s worth knowing what each is referring to.

  • Burner size

    The size of the burner determines the size of the area of your pot that will get heated and how fast your fuel will be consumed. A smaller burner will be more fuel efficient but will produce a small hot spot on a pot with poor conductivity. A larger burner is great for simmering food but will be less fuel efficient.

  • Cooking platform

    What will be supporting your pot? If you plan on using a larger pot your cooking platform, or supports, need to be big enough. If you want the versatility to be able to use large or small pots then choose a stove with expandable supports.

  • Regulated or unregulated (canister fuel)

    Canister stoves will either be regulated or unregulated. An unregulated stove relies on the pressure inside the canister to force the fuel out. As the canister becomes emptier, or if the outside temperature drops, the internal pressure will drop and you’ll get a weaker flame as a result. A regulated stove will give you the same flame strength regardless of how full the canister is or how cold the weather is. The addition of a regulator does add to bulk and weight, though.

  • Integrated ignition

    Some stoves need to be lit by an external source while others have a built-in ignition source. Integrated ignition is very convenient but it does add some extra weight and can fail. You’ll need to carry a lighter as a backup.

  • Simmer control

    Simmer control refers to the ability to regulate the strength of the flame. Some stoves will deliver a flame that burns full speed only and these are great for fast boiling. If you want to be able to have your food simmer then you’ll need to be able to regulate the flame.

  • Wind protection

    Using your stove in windy conditions can be challenging. The wind will disperse the heat and could extinguish the flame. Some stoves will have integrated wind-shields while others will require the use of make-shift or specialty windscreens. Canister stoves present a particular challenge as completely covering the stove could cause the canister to overheat. The physical separation between the burner and fuel tank with liquid fuel stoves means you can use a tighter windshield around the burner.

  • Stove weight & packed size

    While weight and size are always important, reduced weight will come at a performance or feature cost. It’s not enough to focus purely on the size or weight of the stove. These considerations need to be balanced with the weight and bulk of the fuel canisters that also need to be carried. Additional features like simmer control and integrated ignition may be worth the extra ounces added to your pack.

  • Average boil time

    How long are you prepared to wait for your water to boil? Besides the time factor, the average boil time also gives you an idea of the fuel efficiency of the stove. Canister and liquid fuel stoves have short average boil times while alternative fuel stoves will take longer, and fuel efficient property before bringing water to a boil.

  • Stabilizers

    Canister stoves have fairly narrow bases so they’re prone to falling over if you’re not careful. Some have integrated stabilizers or you could buy them separately. These help to keep the stove from tipping over and are especially handy if the surface is a little uneven.

  • Flame control

    Flame control refers to the ability of the stove to regulate and vary the amount of heat it delivers. If you’re only interested in boiling then you probably don’t care about this but if you’re looking to have your food simmer, and not burn, then you need to be able to control the flam. A stove with a wide range of simmer control will give you more control, especially if you want to cook something really slowly.

  • Cooking vs boiling

    A stove that can boil can’t necessarily be used for cooking. If you’re packing basic meals that just need rehydration then boiling is fine. If you prefer heating some DIY meals then you’ll need a stove with better flame control to be able to cook it more slowly.

  • Priming

    Canister stoves do not need to be primed but most liquid fuel stoves need to be primed. The burner needs to be preheated so that the liquid fuel burns efficiently as a gas and gives you a hot blue flame. Priming involves getting a small amount of fuel into the small reservoir under the stove, lighting it, and then waiting a few minutes for the fuel to burn up and heat the burner.

  • Fuel efficiency

    You don’t want your fuel to run out before the end of your trip but you also don’t want to carry more fuel than necessary. The fuel efficiency of a stove refers to how much fuel it burns to produce a certain amount of heat. While the efficiency can be greatly affected by conditions and operator, better quality stoves will generally heat more efficiently than cheaper ones will.

  • Versatility

    Do you want your stove to do more than just boil a single serving of food? A versatile stove will allow you to use a range of pot sizes and will be able to both boil quickly as well as simmer slowly. Some liquid fuel stoves also offer you the versatility of using multiple fuel types like white gas, gasoline, kerosene or even diesel.

  • Winter use

    As conditions become colder, canister stoves become less effective. The best backpacking stove for winter use is a liquid fuel stove. Getting it primed properly in the wind can be challenging but once it’s going it burns efficiently in even the coldest conditions.

  • Can you take it on a plane?

    If you’re planning on flying to your backpacking destination then you’ll probably have to leave your canister stove back home. Or you’ll at least have to leave the gas canisters behind and hope you can get fuel on the other side. If you’re traveling internationally then finding gas canisters can be tricky. A multi-fuel stove is a better option. You can find gasoline or diesel pretty much anywhere.

 


To Canister or not to Canister

Should you go for a canister stove? Well, it depends. It really comes down to which of the following pros and cons are a deal-breaker for you:


Pros:

  • Canister stoves are a lot lighter and more compact than liquid stoves
  • A single gas canister weighs less than a single liquid fuel bottle
  • No priming required
  • No maintenance required
  • Canister stoves are cheaper than liquid stoves

Cons:

  • On longer trips multiple gas canisters will be heavier and bulkier than the equivalent amount of liquid fuel
  • Canister stoves perform poorly at altitude and in cold weather
  • Gas canisters have a greater environmental impact than liquid fuel (energy input, few recycling options)
  • Fuel availability – not everyone sells gas canisters, tough to find overseas

For winter hiking or longer trips, a liquid stove is your best bet. For weekend hikes in milder temperatures, a canister stove is tough to beat.

Optimus Polaris Optifuel Stove, with 0.4L Fuel...

Fuel type

Canister stove – Uses a mix of butane and propane, or isobutane and propane, in a pressurized canister. Learn more on Everything to Know About Butane Canister article before purchasing this fuel type.

Liquid Fuel Stove – Most of these stoves will burn a few different liquid fuels:

  • White gas – cleanest burning but hard to find in rural areas or abroad
  • Automotive gasoline – lights are easy, easy to find but fuel additives can clog your stove
  • Diesel – easy to find but is tough to light and smells bad when burning
  • Kerosene – Easy to find in most hardware stores and burns easily and fairly cleanly

Alcohol Stove – Burns either ethanol or denatured alcohol


All-in-one system vs canister stoves

The simplicity and low-cost nature of canister stove systems make them very attractive but there are some great integrated all-in-one systems available from the likes of MSR.

Jetboil MiniMo Camping and Backpacking Stove...

Canister stoves are small and light but can be a little unstable and inefficient, especially in windy conditions. The simmering capability of a canister stove system makes it a better bet if you want to do more than just boiling.

Optimus Crux Lite Solo 0.6L Non Stick, Compact,...

Most all-in-one systems are very efficient, and perform well in wind but are only really suited for boiling. But they do it fast.

The integrated windshield and efficient direction of the flame make these super fast. Integrated systems are more expensive but they use less fuel and the pot doubles as a mug too.


Backpacking Stove Accessories

Even the best stove could do with a little accessorizing. Here are a few cool optional extras to consider throwing in with your backpacking stove.

  • Piezo igniters

    A piezo igniter uses a piezo crystal to generate a spark that you can use to ignite the gas of your stove. The igniter doesn’t use any fuel so you can use it for ages and it’s lightweight and tiny. You need to get the spark right up against where the gas is coming out but it’s a lot easier than trying to get a lighter or matches into a tight spot to light the stove. A piezo igniter is also going to make lighting your stove in windy conditions a lot easier too.

  • Steel Striker

    If you’re more of an old-school, back to basics, kind of backpacker then you probably already have a steel striker and flint in your pack. Getting your backpacking stove going with one of these feels infinitely more satisfying than using a lighter. Also, a steel striker will still work in rain or snow when other ignition sources fail.

  • Fuel bottles

    Your liquid burning stove may have come with a fuel bottle but it’s always worth having a backup. On longer trips, the overall weight might make it worth buying a bigger fuel bottle rather than carrying two smaller ones.

  • Coffee accessories

    MSR and some other integrated stove manufacturers make cool coffee press kits that turns your Windburner stove into a coffee brewer. The French press attachment fits on top of the pot and makes sure you get your cup of coffee without carrying too much extra kit.

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MSR WindBurner Duo Camping and Backpacking…
  • Companion accessory pot for the MSR…
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  • Includes pot with fast-boil heat exchanger,…

Stove usage tips

Regardless of how good the stove system that you bought is, the performance you experience will largely be down to how you operate it. Here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your best backpacking stoves:

  • Only cook outside your tent. Using your stove system inside your tent could cause carbon monoxide poisoning and is a fire hazard too.
  • Make sure your stove is on a level surface. Sure it’s standing now, but the slightest incline could become a problem when you add the weight of a pot on top of the stove system.
  • If you sit on the ground next to your stove, make sure you are on the balls of your feet. Sitting cross-legged means that if the stove were to tip over, you’d be unable to get out of the way fast enough, and risk getting burnt.
  • Make sure you have a backup igniter.
  • Gas and liquid fuel can be dangerous. Always check fuel lines and connections for any damage or leaks before lighting.
  • Find a sheltered spot or use a windshield to reduce cooking time and improve efficiency Use a heat exchanger to improve efficiency
  • Turn it down. If your stove system has a regulator valve then don’t default to using it at 100%. Cooking may take a little longer but you’ll save fuel.
  • Use a lid. Trapping heat inside your pot will reduce cooking time and improve efficiency Use a wider pot. With a narrow pot the flames will often creep up the side and waste heat
  • List item

Tips for liquid stoves

  • Carry a small bottle of alcohol for priming. Alcohol burns cleaner and will leave your stove system soot-free.
  • Don’t overfill your fuel container. Leave enough room to cater for the air you’ll be pumping in when you pressurize it.
  • If your white gas has been sitting in that bottle for a while rather replace it or filter it before using it so you don’t clog up your stove to be fuel efficient.

Tips for canister stoves

  • In cold weather try to keep the canister stove system warm. Placing it in your sleeping bag at night or on you while hiking will maintain the internal pressure and it’ll burn better when you use it.
  • If you’re going to use a canister stove at altitude then get one with a pressure regulator. You’ll be able to get your gas/air ratio just right for an efficient burn.
  • Even though your canister stove manufacturer recommends using their canisters only, as long as the thread matches other brands will be interchangeable.
  • Isolate the bottom of your canister stove systems when cooking on snow to prevent ice from forming around the base.


How to measure remaining fuel

If you have an accurate scale at home you could weigh an empty fuel canister and a full one to get your full and empty weights.

When weighing a partially used canister you’ll now have a good idea of how much gas is left over. If you’re not in the habit of backpacking with a scale then you’ll need to check it another way.

Drop the canister in some water and watch how it flips upside down and settles in the water. The more gas it has, the lower it will sit in the water. Some MSR canisters have lines on the canister indicating where the water will come up to indicate full and empty.

If your canister didn’t come with these helpful water lines you could make your own. Place an empty canister in the water and mark the waterline and then do the same with a full canister.

Now use these measurements to mark the full and empty lines on the canisters you’ll be taking on your trip. If you’re an experienced backpacker you’ll eventually just be able to slosh the canister around to listen and feel how much fuel is left over.

Recommended reading:


Brief history of portable stoves

Your best backpacking stove isn’t quite as novel an idea as you may have thought. The Japanese can be credited with some of the earliest portable stoves and were using portable charcoal grills way back in the 1600s.

In the mid-1800s Alexis Soyer introduced the joys of glamping to the world with his “Magic Stove”. Some well-heeled genteel people wanted to enjoy cooked meals while dining al fresco.

Being the flamboyant chef that he was, Alexis made it happen with the first gas stove of its kind. In the late 1850’s it was used by soldiers in the Crimean War and even made it into the kit of Arctic explorers.

Towards the end of the 19th century, it was succeeded by the better known Primus stove.

The Primus stove system became so popular at the time that newspapers said of it: so certain in its operations that a gentleman may cook his steak or chop on his study table, or a lady may have it among her crochet or other work.

Well, we’ve not used our backpacking stove while crocheting but it does boil up a cup of dehydrated trail food pretty nicely.


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Last update on 2025-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API