camp stoves
There are five things to keep in mind when you're searching for the perfect camp stove: fuel type, weight, size, heat output, and ease of use.
Fuel type is important because it affects the stove's weight, efficiency, and ease of use. Most backcountry stoves run on either canister fuel or liquid fuel, and each type has its own pros and cons. Canister stoves are typically lighter and easier to use, but they can be less efficient in cold weather. Liquid fuel stoves are generally more durable and efficient, but they can be heavier and more complicated to operate.
Size and weight are also important, especially for hikers and backpackers who carry their gear. Lightweight and compact stoves are ideal for these situations, but they also need to be durable enough to withstand repeated use. You want a stove that's lightweight, compact, and built to last.
Heat output is another factor because it affects the stove's ability to cook food quickly and efficiently. Look for camp stoves with a high BTU output for faster cooking times, especially if you'll be cooking for a group.
Finally, ease of use is crucial, especially if you'll be using your camping stove in challenging conditions. Look for stoves with simple, easy-to-use ignition systems, along with intuitive controls for adjusting heat output. A reliable stove that's easy to set up and use can make a big difference when you're tired and hungry after a long day on the trail.
camp stove reviews
Jetboil Flash Camping and Backpacking Stove
A perfect camping stove for preparing coffee, soup, or dehydrated meals on the trail, the Jetboil Flash boils water in a lightning-quick 100 seconds inside a 1-liter FluxRing cooking cup.
The cooking cup comes with a thermochromatic color-change heat indicator to tell you the water's ready and an insulating cozy to keep your meal or hot beverage warm. The bottom cup doubles as a measuring cup and a bowl.
A convenient, reliable push-button igniter starts it all.
The compact design includes fuel canister stabilizer (bottom feet) and the 1-liter cooking cup. It's a breeze to pack and carry at only 13.1 ounces (371 grams). Packed dimensions are 4.1 x 7.1 inches (10 x 18 cm).
Boasting efficient fuel consumption of 9000 BTU/h / 2.6 kW, you get longer usage without needing to carry excessive fuel. Don't forget to bring an isobutane-propane fuel canister!
The limited cooking surface is not be suitable for larger meals or more elaborate cooking. Stability on uneven ground can be a concern, particularly when the fuel canister is attached to the stove.
There are a number of Jetboil accessories you can buy separately to supplement the 1-liter cooking cup, like a pot support, skillet, FluxRing cooking pot, utensils, coffee press and hanging kit.
MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Camping and Backpacking Mini Stove Kit
A durable, ultra-compact cook-and-eat stove kit for minimalist solo backpackers or bikepackers, the PocketRocket 2 kit is a perfect size to make hot water for one pouch meal or cup of coffee. It boils 1 liter of water in just 3.5 minutes. It weighs just 9.9 ounces (260 grams), and packs down to 4 x 4 x 5 inches (10 x 10 x 13 cm).
The pot doubles as your eat-and-drink vessel with an insulated grip. The pot lid doubles as a strainer and the bowl is hot- and cold-safe. All this nests -- stove and a 4-ounce (110 grams) fuel canister -- inside the pot.
MSR's PocketRocket 2 does not come with a built-in ignition system. Carry a separate lighter or match for ignition!
The kit includes a stove, 0.75-liter (25 fl. oz) aluminum pot, a 16-ounce (454 grams) bowl, a clear lid with straining ports, an ultralight mini pot lifter, and a stuff sack. No fuel canister! But a 4-ounce (110 gram) isobutane-propane canister is designed to fit inside the pot.
Precision flame control goes from torch to simmer, while the WindClip® windshield boosts efficiency in breezy conditions. I'm told the stove can be a bit noisy when the flame is turned up to higher settings, but I haven't noticed it myself.
The stove may wobble or tilt if not placed on a stable surface.
Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Stove
Weighing a mere 1.9 ounces (56 grams), the LiteMax stove is barely detectable in your pack. Foldable arms offer a built-in windscreen for maximum flame protection. This stove is hassle-free to assemble and disassemble and the titanium construction is famed for durability.
It measures 5-inches (13 cm) in diameter and 3 inches (8 cm) in height. The stove supports pans up to 5.5-inch (14 cm) diameter or pot weigh up to 2L (68 fl. oz). Flame control is very easy.
You are getting a stove - that's it. Buy a separate lighter or piezo ignition. This item is usually paired with Snow Peak's Trek 700 Titanium (a pot and lid). The 700 is designed to nest the stove and a 4-ounce (110 gram) fuel canister inside. Don't forget your iso-butane fuel canister!
Burning at 11,200 BTU, quickly heat up water and conserve fuel during extended trips.
And the LiteMax is unstable on uneven surfaces - like all minimalist stoves.
GOT FEEDBACK?
If you've used one of the stoves I reviewed and you have something to add that could help other campers, I'd love to hear it.
Same, if you have a stove you love (or hate) that's not reviewed here, tell me about it and I'll pass it on.
Your fellow campers thank you!
