Going on outdoor adventures means you need lightweight, efficient, and versatile cooking gear. Backpacking stoves are key for boiling water, cooking meals, and staying fed on the trail. This guide reviews the best backpacking stoves, helping you pick the right one for your adventures.
Looking for a strong, wind-resistant stove for high-altitude trips? Or maybe a super light stove for minimalist hikes? Or perhaps a cheap stove for casual camping? This article covers a wide range of stoves to fit your needs. We’ll look at the features, performance, and value of top canister, liquid fuel, alcohol, and wood-burning stoves. This will help you choose the best stove for your backpacking trips.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the best overall backpacking stove for efficiency and wind resistance
- Explore high-value and ultralight options to maximize your outdoor experience
- Uncover the top budget-friendly stove choice for the cost-conscious adventurer
- Learn about the most lightweight and compact backpacking stove on the market
- Dive into the benefits of integrated canister stoves for fuel efficiency and simmering control
Backpacking Stove Review: The Essentials
When picking a backpacking stove, think about a few key things. Look at the stove’s weight, fuel type, how fast it boils, and if it can simmer well. Also, consider how it handles wind and its price. Ultralight hikers want something light, while mountaineers need something that works in cold, windy spots. Those cooking more complex meals might want better simmer control, and budget-conscious hikers look for something affordable.
What to Look for in a Backpacking Stove
- Weight: Lightweight stoves are key for backpacking, especially for long hikes and climbs.
- Fuel Type: You’ll find canister, liquid fuel, alcohol, and wood-burning stoves. Each has its own pros and cons.
- Boil Time: A quick boil is important for melting snow or heating water fast.
- Simmer Control: Some stoves simmer better, offering more cooking options.
- Wind Resistance: Stoves that handle wind well are vital for high-altitude camps.
- Price: Stoves should match your budget while still performing well.
Types of Backpacking Stoves
The main types of backpacking stoves include:
- Canister Stoves: Use isobutane-propane canisters, which are light and easy to use.
- Liquid Fuel Stoves: Burn white gas or other liquid fuels, great for cold weather and high altitudes.
- Alcohol Stoves: Use denatured alcohol, making them light and cheap.
- Wood-Burning Stoves: Burn twigs and wood, a green fuel option for remote areas.
Each stove type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Consider weight, fuel efficiency, cold-weather performance, and cooking abilities.
Best Overall Backpacking Stove: Soto Windmaster
The Soto Windmaster is our top pick for backpackers. It’s light (3 oz.) and has great features for camping. It’s perfect for solo or group trips.
Key Features of the Soto Windmaster
The Soto Windmaster has amazing features. These include:
- A powerful 11,000 BTU burner that produces a blue, efficient flame
- A piezo igniter that reliably lights the stove with the push of a button
- Sturdy 4-flex pot supports that accommodate a range of cookware
- A pressure regulator that maintains consistent gas output, even in cold temperatures
Performance and Ease of Use
The Soto Windmaster performs well in tests. It boils water fast, even in windy weather. It’s great for cooking different meals.
It’s also easy to use. The piezo igniter works well, and the pot supports are sturdy. It’s light and easy to pack, but it can be a bit loud.
The Soto Windmaster is our top choice for backpackers. It’s reliable and efficient, making it essential for outdoor adventures.
High Value and Ultralight: Soto Amicus
The Soto Amicus is perfect for backpackers who want to save weight without sacrificing performance. It weighs only 2.9 oz. and has a compact design. It also comes with a piezo igniter and is stable for small pots and kettles, all for $50.
Though not the lightest, the Soto Amicus shines with its quality and performance. It uses about 8.9% of a 4-ounce fuel canister to boil 1 liter of water. With a total weight of 14.92 oz. (including pot and canister), it’s still a great choice for outdoor adventures.
The Amicus’s design helps it work well in windy conditions. It boils water in 6 minutes and 32 seconds even when it’s windy. It also supports a variety of pot sizes and has great simmering capabilities.
The piezo ignitor might be a bit tricky at times, but the stove is easy to use. Soto Outdoors, the Japanese company behind it, is known for its top-notch engineering and attention to detail.
In short, the Soto Amicus is a lightweight and affordable stove that excels in build quality, fuel efficiency, and wind resistance. It’s a top pick for backpackers looking for a high-performance, ultralight stove without breaking the bank.
Best on a Tight Budget: BRS-3000T
The BRS-3000T is perfect for backpackers watching their budget. It’s super light, weighing only 0.9 oz., and costs about $20. It’s small enough to fit in any ultralight kit. But, it doesn’t work as well in cold, windy, or high places, and it doesn’t have a piezo igniter.
This tiny stove can heat up to 2,700W. In good weather, it boils 1 liter of water in over 5 minutes, using about 0.47 oz of fuel. But, it’s not good in windy places. It needs 35% more fuel to boil water in windy conditions.
Specification | BRS-3000T |
---|---|
Weight | 0.88 oz I 26 g |
Output | 2700w |
Gas Consumption | ~140g per hour for 1L of water |
Boiling Time (Warm Weather) | Approximately 5 minutes to bring 500ml to a boil |
Fuel Efficiency | Decreases in cold, wind, high elevations, or long stretches between refueling |
Pot Support | Suitable for pots up to 900ml capacity |
Price | $19.99 |
The BRS-3000T is great for solo backpackers or as a backup stove. It’s cheap and small. It’s not the best in tough conditions, but it’s a good choice for those on a tight budget.
Best Ultralight Backpacking Stove: MSR PocketRocket Deluxe
The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe is a top pick for ultralight backpacking stoves. It weighs just 3 ounces and has impressive features. These make it a favorite among outdoor lovers.
Lightweight, Compact, and Efficient
The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe is both powerful and light. It weighs 3 ounces and boils water fast. Its design is compact and easy to pack.
The stove’s large knob is simple to use. It works well with small pots and fuel canisters. This ensures a smooth cooking experience.
In tests, the Deluxe used 0.52 ounces of fuel to boil water in calm weather. In windy conditions, it used 0.83 ounces. This is just 16% of a 4-ounce fuel canister. It boils water in 3 minutes and 14 seconds, making it a great choice for backpackers.
Compared to other small canister stoves, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe shines. It boils water faster than the MSR PocketRocket 2. It also handles wind and temperature better than the Soto Windmaster.
The Deluxe has a piezo ignitor for easy lighting. Its integrated pressure regulator keeps the flame steady. At $69.95, it’s the priciest small canister stove. But its quality and performance are worth it for serious backpackers.
Best Integrated Canister Stove: Jetboil MiniMo
The Jetboil MiniMo is our top pick for an integrated canister stove system. It’s great at using fuel efficiently and boiling water quickly. Plus, it has better simmer control than older Jetboil models, letting you cook more than just simple meals.
Fuel Efficiency and Simmer Control
In our tests, the MiniMo showed amazing fuel efficiency. It boiled 1 liter of water using just 0.28 ounces of fuel in calm conditions. In winds of 2-4 mph, it used 0.4 ounces. On average, it used only 5% of a 4-ounce fuel canister to boil 1 liter of water.
It also shines at simmering. Its regulator keeps the gas pressure steady, making it easy to control the temperature. This is great for cooking a variety of meals, not just quick boils.
Metric | Jetboil MiniMo |
---|---|
Fuel Efficiency | 0.28-0.4 oz per 1 liter boil |
Boil Time (1 liter) | 4-4.8 minutes |
Weight | 14 oz (Stove & Pot) |
Simmer Control | Excellent |
Price | $170 |
The Jetboil MiniMo is a top choice for backpackers. It’s light, compact, and works well in all seasons. Its ability to use fuel efficiently, boil water fast, and simmer well makes it a standout.
Powerful Alpine Performer: MSR Reactor 2.5L Stove System
The MSR Reactor 2.5L Stove System is a favorite among mountaineers, alpinists, and backpackers. It has a strong 9,000 BTU burner and a protective housing. The large 2.5L pot quickly melts snow and boils water, even in harsh winds and cold.
But, this stove’s power and durability come with a price. It’s heavier and more expensive than other options.
The MSR Reactor boils 1 liter of water in just 4 minutes and 3 seconds without wind at 8,000 feet. Even with a simulated malfunction, it boils half a liter in 3 minutes and 54 seconds. This shows its reliability.
Compared to other backpacking stoves, the Reactor leads in boil time and foul-weather performance.
Feature | MSR Reactor 2.5L |
---|---|
Boil Time (1L, no wind) | 4 min 3 sec |
Boil Time (0.5L, simulated malfunction) | 3 min 54 sec |
Weight (with 1L pot) | 14.5 oz |
Fuel Efficiency (2-4 mph wind) | Excellent |
Simmering Ability | Limited |
Price | $140 MSRP |
The Reactor is great at boiling water fast and works well in windy conditions. But, it doesn’t simmer well. Its high price might also be a problem for those on a budget.
Still, for a reliable and powerful stove for alpine and extreme environments, the MSR Reactor 2.5L is a top choice.
Wind-Resistant Integrated System: MSR WindBurner
The MSR WindBurner is perfect for backpackers who often deal with wind. Its design keeps the burner safe from gusts. This lets it boil water fast and use fuel well, even in windy places.
This stove weighs 15 ounces, which is a bit heavy. But it boils water in just 5 minutes and 17 seconds. It’s efficient because of its insulated pot and special burner. It doesn’t have a Piezo igniter, which could help it handle wind better.
Even though it’s pricey, many think it’s worth it. It’s great for windy and cold adventures like mountaineering. Its ability to boil water quickly and use fuel well is a big plus.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Weight | 15.3 oz (435 g) |
Boil Time | 2 minutes and 55 seconds |
Burn Time | 95 minutes (8 oz. fuel) |
Price | $190 |
The MSR WindBurner is made for solo use. It’s small and easy to set up, taking less than a minute. It also has a safety feature to prevent overheating.
While it might not be the best deal, its wind resistance is key. It’s a good choice for solo backpackers and hikers who face wind often. It’s a solid investment for those who value these features.
Versatile Multi-Fuel Option: MSR WhisperLite Universal
The MSR WhisperLite Universal is perfect for backpackers who need a stove for different fuels. It can use white gas, kerosene, and unleaded fuel. This makes it reliable in cold, high places where other stoves might fail.
Reliable Performance in Extreme Conditions
The MSR WhisperLite Universal has been a trusted friend for backpackers since 1984. It’s known for its reliable performance. It’s light, weighing just under 15 ounces, and boils water fast, in just 3.5 minutes.
This stove stands out because it can use many fuels. It works with white gas, gasoline, naptha, and kerosene. Its brass-clad tube helps it perform well in cold, making it great for high-altitude trips.
Fuel Type | Boil Time (1 Liter) | Fuel Consumption |
---|---|---|
White Gas | 9 min 9 sec | 0.6 oz |
Canister Gas | 7 min 20 sec | 0.495 oz |
The WhisperLite Universal also has extra features for cold weather. It has an extra base and fuel valve for isobutane canisters. Even though the author hasn’t used it, the WhisperLite line’s reputation makes the Universal a great choice for backpackers.
Efficient Wood-Burning Stove: Solo Stove Lite
Backpackers looking for a green option might like the Solo Stove Lite. It’s a wood-burning stove that uses small twigs and branches. This means you don’t need to carry fuel like liquid or canisters.
Even though it’s heavier than some stoves, it offers a special cooking experience. You can cook right in the stove itself.
The Solo Stove Lite weighs 255g and costs $70 at REI. It’s made in China and is good for 1-2 people. It’s made of stainless steel and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
It’s great at boiling water using just wood. Start with softwoods like pine, but use hardwoods like White Oak for better heat. It can boil 24 or 36 ounces of water, but it’s best for small groups.
Using the Solo Stove Lite takes some practice. In some places, cooking with an open flame is banned during dry seasons. Always be careful and follow safety rules.
It can be hard to light, especially in damp weather. But, you can buy an alcohol burner to make it easier to use.
The Solo Stove Lite is a unique, green choice for backpackers. It lets you cook without traditional fuels, making it a great option for those who care about the environment.
Affordable and Compact: Primus Essential Trail Stove
The Primus Essential Trail Stove is perfect for those on a budget but still want quality. It’s only $30 and has great simmer control and stability. It’s not the lightest, but it’s a great value for its price.
Simmer Control and Stability
The Primus Essential Trail Stove scores 67.3/100 for its simmer control and stability. It can boil a liter of water in just 3.5 minutes with its 2500-watt flame. It has fine-tuning options, making it ideal for simmering.
Even though it’s small, it can fit larger pots and pans. It weighs 4 ounces, but it’s still easy to use and affordable.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Score | 67.3/100 |
Price | $30 |
Weight | 4 oz |
Fuel Type | Isobutane/propane canister |
Boil Time | 3m 30s |
Burn Time (8 oz. fuel) | 60m |
The Primus Essential Trail Stove is a top choice for backpackers. It offers reliable performance, great simmer control, and is affordable. It’s a quality option without the high cost.
Backpacking Stove Accessories and Maintenance
To make your backpacking stove last longer, get some key accessories. Windscreens shield your stove from strong winds, helping it burn fuel better and boil water faster. Remote fuel line adapters let you use bigger fuel canisters, so you don’t have to change them as often on long trips. Maintenance kits with brushes and O-ring replacements keep your stove clean and working right, stopping clogs and ensuring it works every time.
It’s also important to take good care of your stove. Clean it after each use to remove soot and debris. Check the fuel lines and connections for damage and replace them if needed. By keeping your stove well-maintained, it will last longer and perform better on your adventures.
Accessory | Key Benefits | Recommended Products |
---|---|---|
Windscreen | Protects against wind, improves fuel efficiency | MSR Ultralight Windscreen, Soto WindMaster Windscreen |
Remote Fuel Line Adapter | Allows connection to larger, refillable fuel canisters | MSR Remote Fuel Line, Snow Peak Giga Power Remote |
Maintenance Kit | Includes tools for cleaning and replacement of parts | MSR Stove Maintenance Kit, Jetboil Maintenance Kit |
Investing in these accessories and maintaining your stove properly will keep it working great, even in tough outdoor conditions.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Backpacking Stoves
There are other eco-friendly backpacking stoves besides the Solo Stove Lite. Options like alcohol stoves and integrated canister systems are great. They help reduce environmental impact while cooking well in the wilderness.
Alcohol stoves, like the Trangia Spirit Burner, are a good choice. They use denatured alcohol, a clean, renewable fuel. These stoves are light, simple to use, and create little waste. The Jetboil MiniMo is another option that uses gas more efficiently, reducing waste.
When picking an eco-friendly stove, think about fuel type, weight, and efficiency. Choose stoves that use renewable fuels and are made to use less fuel. This way, you can enjoy meals outdoors without harming the environment.
Eco-Friendly Fuel Options for Backpacking Stoves
- Alcohol (denatured alcohol, metho, or ethanol)
- Integrated canister stoves with improved fuel efficiency
- Wood-burning stoves like the Solo Stove Lite
Your choice of backpacking stove matters a lot for the environment. By choosing sustainable options, you can enjoy nature while being kind to the planet. Happy and responsible adventuring!
Conclusion
Finding the right backpacking stove can be tough with so many options. But, by looking at weight, fuel type, cooking performance, and budget, you can choose well. This guide has shown you some top picks to help you decide.
Are you looking for something light and small, like the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe? Or maybe something strong and able to handle wind, like the MSR WindBurner? There’s a stove out there for everyone. Knowing what each stove offers helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Choosing the best stove is all about what you want and need for your adventures. By looking at the pros and cons of the stoves in this guide, you can make a smart choice. This way, you’ll get a reliable and effective stove for your next outdoor trip.