Selecting the right backpacking stove before hiking involves considering factors that align with your cooking preferences and the demands of your journey. Stove types generally fall into two categories: canister stoves and liquid fuel stoves.
Canister stoves, fueled by compressed gas, are known for their simplicity and ease of use. They are lightweight, compact, and ideal for quick boiling or simmering. However, they may struggle in extremely cold conditions.
Liquid fuel stoves, using white gas or other liquid fuels, provide versatility for varying conditions and extended trips. They are efficient in colder temperatures and allow you to carry a larger fuel supply. However, they tend to be heavier and require more maintenance.
Consider the cooking style you prefer. If you prioritize quick and simple meals, a canister stove might be suitable. For elaborate cooking or extended expeditions, a liquid fuel stove offers more flexibility.
Weight, fuel efficiency, ease of use, and versatility are essential factors to contemplate. By aligning these considerations with your hiking goals and cooking preferences, you can choose a backpacking stove that enhances your outdoor culinary experience.
BACKPACKING STOVE GUIDE
Review of 5 Best Backpacking Stoves
MSR
Pocket Rocket 2 Backpacking Stove
You will end up paying more for this product. This high-end stove is easy to use, boils water quickly, and is lightweight.
Pros
The footprint of this stove is small when folded. Simple to use. Just screw onto a propane canister. Manufacturer suggest up to two hours burning time per canister. Good quality. flame is adjustable. Serrated burner arms to better hold cooking pots and pans. Depending on altitude it should take about 2.5 minutes to boil water.
Cons
This stove is overpriced compared to other products of the same caliber. Ignition with match can be difficult in inclement weather.
Price
$56.09 USD
Monoprice
Pure Outdoor Pocket Backpacking Stove
This is a lightweight and affordable stove that is both stable and protective against the wind.
Pros
Stable design and solid construction that supports up to 15 pounds. This stove weighs in at 3.3 ounces and folds don to 2.8 x 3.8. Simple to use and adjust with propane canister. Comes with flame shield. Burn time with canister is typically one hour. Boils a liter of water in 3.5 minutes at sea level.
Price
$124.00 USD
Ohuhu
Stainless-Steel Wood Fuel Backpacking Stove
Primary fuels for this stove that runs primarily on wood, twigs, solidified alcohol and other available materials.
Pros
This stainless-steel stove has a good cooking surface support. Included is a mesh carrying bag. Folds down to 5.3 x 3 inches and has a weight of 14.2 ounces. This stove is stable.
Cons
If surrounding fuel available is wet or hard to come by, then this may pose a disadvantage. Bring along solidified alcohol as backup fuel source. In order to add more fuel to the fire you must lift the pot. Quality of metal is poor and may break or rust.
Price
$22.87
Coleman
Bottle Top Propane Stove
Efficient with a steady flame in poor weather and higher elevations.
Pros
This stove runs on an efficient technology known as Perfect Heat and Perfect Flow. Comes with an adjustable burner for even cooking. Burner is adjustable. Screws onto propane canister. This stove provides 10,000 BTU’s of cooking power. Protected from the wind by baffles, Weight of stove is less than 3.5 ounces. Stove comes with a carry box. Water boils in 4 minutes at sea level.
Cons
Quality issues with the stove involve screw threads which strip easily and plastic parts which break easily. Issue with controlling flame. Tendency to burn or scorch food because of flame control issue.
Price
$39.99
Venida
Portable Lightweight Wood Burning Stove with Nylon Carry Bag
This lightweight stove will reduce the weight in your backpack. Again, with wood burning stoves it becomes an issue if the surrounding fuel is wet.
Pros
Wood is the sole fuel source. Sounding wood sources such as leaves or pinecones will work if there is a good supply and they are not wet. Fuel may be added without removing the pot from the stove. Water boils in 7 to 10 minutes. Stove weighs 34 ounces (2lbs. 2 oz.) and measures 4.5 x 3.9 inches when broken down. Easy to assemble. Made from stainless steel. Includes nylon carry bag.
Cons
Solid alcohol as a fuel source is not an option. You need a dry available fuel source for this stove. Includes a nylon carry bag.
Price
$29.99
