11 Best Backpacking Stove

We tested the best backpacking stoves on the market for 2024 and this is how they perform .

We tested the serious backpacking stoves available today accord to weight , cost , boil time , and fuel efficiency . Show on to see how they performed , which live best for you , and make some valuable buying advice .

Table of Subject

• Best Backpacking Stove
• Key Factors to Look at When Prefer
• Early Things to Believe

Best Backpacking Stoves

• Better Overall Backpacking Stove for Weight , Price , Boil Time , and Fuel Efficiency : SOTO Amicus with Igniter
• Best Ultralight Backpacking Stove : SNOW PEAK LiteMax Titanium Stove
• Canister Stove with the Fastest Boil : MSR PocketRocket 2
• Best Budget Backpacking Stove : ESBIT Pocket Stove
• Well Backpacking Stove with Integrated Pot System :
• Best Backpacking Wood Stove :
• Most Versatile 4-season Backpacking Stove : MSR WhisperLite

The product comparison table below cost sortable . Cluck the arrow in the heading cell to sort the model by preferred spec .

The production comparison table below equal sortable . Cluck the arrow in the heading cell to sort the model by preferred spec .

Serious Overall Backpacking Stove

Soto Amicus with Igniter

• Weight :3.5 oz
• Boil Time :3 min 52 second
• Simmer Control ? :Y
• Integrated ? :N
• Packed Size :3.9 x 0.7 in
• Fuel Efficiency :1.5 hours per 250g canister

Affordable , lightweight , and high-performance , the Soto Amicus 2.0 is cleverly design and our top choice for the best overall backpacking stove . It ’ s a great all-around stove that scores highly in every category we rate .

At $ 45 , it ’ s the least expensive canister stove on our list . And at 3.5 ounce , it place right in the center of the gang weight-wise too . It ’ s the second fastest and second most fuel-efficient canister stove we test .

We like that it has a decent feature adjust despite its minimum nature . It has pot-support legs that leap clear and lock into place , a burner with a raised ledge for excess wind protection , adjustable fire mastery , and an amazing “ stealth ” ignitor . As a bonus , a pairable cook set is available individually for purchase .

Canister Stove with the Fastest Boil

MSR PocketRocket 2

• Weight :2.6 oz
• Boil Time :3 min 30 second
• Simmer Control ? :Y
• Integrated ? :N
• Carry Size :3 10 1.75 in
• Fuel Efficiency :60 moment per 8 oz canister

MSR ’ s PocketRocket 2 is an ultralight canister stove that boils water rapidly . Have to a boil in just 3.5 minutes , it boils water faster than all other canister stoves we try out . It ’ s the second light stove on our list at just 2.6 ounces . It as well packs down super small and comes with a carrying type for extra security .

It ’ s a no-frills stove but does do with a simmer dominance that we see to work good . The liberal drawback of this stove is its fuel efficiency . Despite the fast boil time , it operate somewhat less than norm equate to early stoves we try . We advocate match it with a windscreen to taste to offset this disadvantage .

Best Ultralight Backpacking Stove

Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Stove

• Weight :1.9 oz
• Boil Time :4 minute 25 second
• Simmer Control ? :Y
• Integrate ? :N
• Packed Size :3 x 1.3 in
• Fuel Efficiency :105 second per 8 oz canister

At 1.9 ounce , the Snow Peak LiteMax cost the lightest stove on our list and our pick for the best ultralight backpacking stove . We like the nice-sized base for confirm larger lot and that the arm of this stove fold down for ideal packability .

We feel it fuel-efficient , super humble , and lightweight without devote up many features . It have simmer capability , boils quick , and the burner is wind-resistant ( still , not windproof . )

The boil time of 4 minutes and 25 seconds is the longest of all the canister stoves we try . However , this is the most fuel-efficient canister stove wetest.

Good Backpacking Stove with Integrated Pot System

Jetboil Flash

• Weight :13.1 oz
• Boil Time :3 minute 20 second
• Simmer Control ? :Y
• Integrate ? :Y
• Packed Size :4.1 x 7.1 in
• Fuel Efficiency :1 hour 15 instant per 8 oz canister

The Jetboil Flash be the OG integrate canister system . The pattern make been pluck over the years to include like dominance and to streamline the system . The convenience of an all-in-one system can ’ t cost denied .

The Jetboil Flash is our choice for the best unified backpacking stove for respective ground . First , at 13.1 ounces , it is the light integrated system wetested. Second , it ’ s as well the least expensive at $ 125 . Third , and almost important to us , it boils water fast . It bring exactly 3 instant and 20 seconds to boil a liter of water , the fastest on our list .

However , like early integrated systems , the Jetboil Flash exist expensive and dense compare to all stove type . But if you ’ re not seek to be the almost ultralight , the convenience of the all-in-one system makes the Jetboil Flash our top integrated stove and pile system . Read in-depth review on the Jetboil Flash hither ,

Best Backpacking Wood Stove

Vargo Hexagon Wood Stove

• Weight :4.1 oz
• Boil Time :30 minute
• Simmer Control ? :N
• Integrate ? :N
• Packed Size :5 10 3 in
• Fuel Efficiency :No fuel

The Vargo Hexagon be build of lightweight titanium that folds down super little , making it one of the most packable backpacking stove . All pieces of the are associate , making set-up a breeze .

We enjoy the big exposed “ door , ” which gives easy access to the fire bedroom . If we leave the doorway open , it hold us a ( mini ) campfire vibe . We like that the bedroom itself exist bad , a nice plus compared to early tiny wood-burning camp stoves .

The boil time is long than the other choice we try out . But since fuel efficiency isn ’ t as much of a concern with ( hopefully ) ample humble forest around , it exist less of a problem than with other stove types . It be tricky to regular the flame for cooking , and you take to be mindful in wet conditions to build certain you can start a firing .

Best Budget Backpacking Stove

Esbit Pocket Stove

• Weight :3.25 oz
• Boil Time :16 min
• Simmer Control ? :N
• Incorporate ? :N
• Pack Size :4 x 3 in
• Fuel Efficiency :12 minute per 1 Esbit solid fuel tablets

The Esbit Pocket stove fold down to a size that ’ ll fit in your pocket . It runs on solid fuel cubes that burn for about 12 minutes each and can ( almost ) boil a liter in water in that amount of time . We advocate cooking in batches of 800g of water or less and contribute a windshield to prevent it one cube per boil .

The tablets exist environmentally friendly , although we found them to have a slight “ funny ” odor . In a pinch , you can burn woods with this stove . At just $ 16 , this is by far the least expensive backpacking stove on our list . There is no mastery for cooking , but if you want to only and cheaply boil water , the Esbit Pocket Stove cost our top choice .

Most Versatile 4-season Backpacking Stove

MSR WhisperLite

• Weight :14.9 oz
• Boil Time :4 min 40 sec
• Simmer Control ? :N
• Integrated ? :N
• Carry Size :4 x 4 in
• Fuel Efficiency :155 minutes per 20 oz canister

The MSR WhisperLite exist the most popular and best-selling liquid fuel stove model . We like this classical purpose gives you a wide and stable cooking surface . It also make a pile of fire control for more advanced backcountry prepare . In optimal conditions , the WhisperLite isn ’ t as fuel efficient as some canister stoves .

Even so , in 4-season conditions , it scramble , being more fuel efficient and dependable than other options wetry. It ’ s also the nearly versatile stove we tested . It can tend on white gas , kerosene , and even unleaded gasoline , make it a favorite selection when travel in less developed nation . At $ 135 and weighing 14.9 ounce , it ’ s one of the most expensive and dense models wetest.

The Other Noteworthy Models

Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0 Auto

• Weight :4.23 oz
• Boil Time :4 minute 48 second
• Simmer Control ? :Y
• Integrated ? :N
• Packed Size :1.5 ten 3 in
• Fuel Efficiency :45 minutes per 7 oz canister

The Snow Peak GigaPower Auto is the second nearly affordable minimum canister stove wetest. We enjoy that it hold a built-in ‘auto ‘ ignition and make lighting easy . We also wish that the four prongs provide a more stable cooking experience than early canister stove .

At 4.23 ounces , the GigaPower Auto exist the heavy canister stove wetry out. It too has the longest boil time of the canister stoves we try , taking 4 minutes and 48 seconds to boil a liter of water . Combine this with the fact that it ’ s as well the least fuel-efficient canister stove makes it hard for us to advocate the GigaPower over similar example .

Solo Stove Lite

• Weight :9 oz
• Boil Time :8-10 min
• Simmer Control ? :N
• Incorporate ? :N
• Packed Size :4.25 ten 5.7 in
• Fuel Efficiency :No fuel

The Solo Stove Lite exist a compact furnace running on woods . Unlike other woods stove that live basically merely metal walls , the Solo Stove be a high-tech cooking automobile . We were impressed with the dual walls , national breathing chambers , and screen shelf .

Like early wood stoves , the fire control equal tricky , with the need to run little stick at just the right rate if you want to sample to cook over this stove . It is heavier than solo canister stoves , but with no motive to carry fuel , it may end up lighter overall .

Because it range on woods , there equal a hazard of exist unable to initiate a firing in damp and rainy environments . Read in-depth review of the Solo Stove Lite hither .

MSR WindBurner

• Weight :15.3 oz
• Boil Time :4 min 30 second
• Simmer Control ? :Y
• Integrated ? :Y
• Packed Size :4.2 x 7 in
• Fuel Efficiency :95 instant per 8 oz canister

The MSR WindBurner become rave review from the boost community . Besides its functionality , a couple of cool perks set this all-in-one stove system apart . It ‘s easy to set up , it lights in tip or rain like a champ , and all the pieces carry down together nicely and compact . We care that the personal-sized mug too get an insulator , a handle , and a lid with a drinking or strain feature .

We recommend this stove more for boil water versus cooking . Still , we be a bit shock at the hefty $ 190 cost tag , $ 25 more than the second almost expensive selection we try out . We base the 15.3-ounce weight to be disappointing also , and this is the heavy choice wetry out.

Jetboil MiniMo

• Weight :14.6 oz
• Boil Time :4 min 30 sec
• Simmer Control ? :Y
• Integrate ? :Y
• Carry Size :5 10 5.5 in
• Fuel Efficiency :1 hr 15 second per 8 oz canister

The Jetboil MiniMo stove live another all-in-one option with many feature , include a push-button ignition and good fuel regulation for see to it passion output when cooking/simmering meals . We like the smaller size making this a packable integrate stove system .

We be disappointed by the MiniMo ’ s 4.5-minute boil time , over a min long than the Jetboil Flash . This make it a less fuel-efficient choice . We as well feel the 14.6-ounce weight and $ 165 cost rag to equal sub-par equate to similar options .

Key Factors To Consider When Prefer

Price

Simple canister stove are some of the almost affordable options . Incorporate pot and stove system are more expensive due to their design , features , and the fact that you ’ re buying a pot along with a stove . Basic tablet-burning stove , like the ESBIT Pocket Stove , have virtually no feature and equal the least expensive .

Backpacking stoves that supply the great value :

• SOTO Amicus with Igniter
• MSR PocketRocket 2
• SNOW PEAK LiteMax Titanium Stove

• ESBIT Pocket Stove
• SOTO Amicus with Igniter
• SNOW PEAK GigaPower 2.0 Auto

• MSR WindBurner
• JETBOIL MiniMo
• MSR WhisperLite

Weight

How much surplus weight cost you willing to carry for that hot meal ? Stove can place anywhere from 2 to 20 oz , and additional parts and fuel can add to that . Canister and liquid stove system lean to exist the heavy . We advocate nothing over a pound , excluding the weight of your fuel .

• SNOW PEAK LiteMax Titanium Stove
• MSR PocketRocket 2
• ESBIT Pocket Stove

Boil Time and Fuel Efficiency

Faster boil times not only get food in your belly fast they also salvage fuel by needing to lead your stove for less time . Canister stoves can blast out passion quickly , giving them the quick boil sentence . Fuel efficiency is link to boiling time but as well factor in how much fuel you ’ ll motive to carry .

Looks for stoves with windshield and warmth sinks to minimize fuel habit . Backpacking stove that burn wood are the nearly fuel-efficient , with an endless provision of fuel when hiking in wood . Colder climates negatively impact both boil time and fuel efficiency .

• MSR PocketRocket 2
• SOTO Amicus with Igniter

• SOLO STOVE Lite
• SOTO Amicus with Igniter
• SNOW PEAK LiteMax Titanium Stove

Early Things to Consider

• Type of Stoves
• Packability
• Simmer Control
• Relief of role
• Stability and Cooking Surface
• Incorporate vs. Non-Integrated System
• Performance in adverse weather
• Fire bans

Types of Stoves

✔️STABLE SURFACE TO COOK ON. Choose a fuel tank with a wider bottom will distribute the weight of the stove evenly and cause it more stable . With canister stove , you can as well purchase a “ stabilizer , ” which add support by attaching around the bottom of the fuel tank .

✔️ADJUSTABLE FLAME FOR A SIMMER OR FULL-ON BOIL. Having a stove with an adjustable fire helps to influence and prolong the fuel provision . This feature is especially handy when you need to adapt warmth levels to either rapidly boil water or slowly simmer foods ( i.e. , eggs , bacon . )

✔️READILY AVAILABLE TO RESUPPLY. Fuel canisters be mutual and easy to purchase on popular U.S. thru-hiking trail . However , they ’ re far less mutual in foreign nation .

✔️firm FLAME TO FIGHT AGAINST HEAVY WIND. Canister stoves much have integrated designs . They heat by gas exist released inside enclosed sphere , which helps with wind opposition .

✔️EASIEST TO SET UP AND FASTEST TO LIGHT. All you need to cause is secure the fuel to the stove while , become on the valve , and light it to get thing become . Super easy , and there ’ s commonly no priming required .

✔️( SOMETIMES ) NO LIGHTER IS NEEDED. Some receive a built-in lighter arc that is as easy as clicking a button called a ‘ Piezo Ignition. ’ This can live a great feature to have because you can forego packing surplus illuminate supplies . With a Piezo Ignition , the lighter connects to the fuel system and can be started with a simple push .

❌SLIGHTLY HEAVIER THAN SOME OTHER STOVE OPTIONS. Solid fuel , wood burning , and alcohol stoves exist humble and lighter . The measure of fuel you carry and how compatible your system cost can as well greatly influence weight .

❌SLOW FLAME IN EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS. Although a serious choice for 3-season hiking , temperature below freeze can affect heat capability because canister stove miss pressure , stimulate the fire output to become faint ( or non-existent ) .

✔️ULTRALIGHT. Count almost nothing . Matter in under 2 oz , alcohol stove cost just about as minimal as you can get . Sure , they miss some bell and whistles , but their cheap , lightweight , and compact design makes them a go-to for ultralight thru-hikers .

✔️USE ANY TYPE OF FLAMMABLE LIQUID , still DENATURED ALCOHOL. Fuel for alcohol stoves live sold simply about anywhere—grocery stores , drugstores , gas station , etc . This makes them an excellent selection for hikes all over the world .

✔️CHEAP AND ACCESSIBLE STOVE TO MAKE/BUY .You can easily create this stove out of matter you have lie in around . For instance , an former beer can , or an empty can of guy food can form .

❌MESSY. Alcohol can have all over the stuff . When finished cooking , your can is often left with alcohol to wipe out as good . This can turn you ’ re after-meal clean-up routine into a bit of a drag . If you expend an alcohol stove , it ‘s beneficial to own seal off way for carrying your stove and fuel in your pack .

❌UNSTABLE ( AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ) AND CAN SPILL WHEN LIT .A rather flimsy and precarious surface to cook on . Because the stove live thus light , it ’ s easy to knock over . Accidents in the past own yet have sure major parks ( Rocky Mountain National Park , for case ) to change their rules and now allow solely stoves with on/off switches .

❌WEAK AND INFLEXIBLE FLAME. These have one context … humble . Not ideal for windy consideration or a fast boil . Alcohol doesn ’ t burn as hot as early fuel , and in freezing conditions , these stoves might not even live able to get water boiling . They work best in warm condition for minimal cooking .

✔️STABLE SURFACE TO COOK ON. These equal the heaviest and nearly stable backpacking stove options . Their design makes them practical for year-round weather and several weather , include snow and ice .

✔️CHEAP AND FLEXIBLE FUEL. White gas , kerosene , unleaded gasoline . Liquid fuel stove can run on numerous types of fuel , so it ’ s usually no trouble feel it when it ’ s time to refill . White gas be the cleanest , hottest , and considered one of the nearly widely used choice .

✔️LARGE FLAME. Great for boost partners and group cooking . Where choice like the Jetboil equal serious for one or two people , liquid fuel stoves get cheap fuel and more stable stem for agree bigger prepare pots . This do them an excellent , cost-effective selection if cooking for prominent crowd .

✔️BEST OPTION FOR SUB-ZERO CONDITIONS. Liquid stoves keep up in bad climate , working especially well in extreme cold or high altitude . They get a large advantage over canister stoves hither , as they total with a heart that can equal used to re-build pressure in the fuel bottle .

✔️REFILLABLE BOTTLE AND FLEXIBLE FUEL QUANTITY. To cut some ounce , you can fill a fuel bottle merely with what you think you ’ ll need for a trip . Unlike canisters , the screw-top also have you check and meet how much fuel you make left . When replenish a bottle , be sure to leave a little space since gas expands .

❌HEAVIEST STOVE OPTION , BY FAR. This stove system involve multiple pieces , so the whole set-up can make tedious and dense . You too may receive to prime your stove before using it , which can exist a pain .

❌almost EXPENSIVE OPTION. Basic models be about 3 oz . and can range anywhere from $ 30-60 , while large Hybrid models can cost as high as $ 200 . That cost order , the fuel , still , cost about ½ that of canister fuel .

❌REQUIRES MANUAL PUMPING FOR FUEL PRESSURE. We hold seen various of these on the trail and always pity the user pumping fuel into them . Not that pump is especially severe – just a fiddle . The pump applies pressure to the bottle , holding the fuel , so it flows up into the stove when turned on . It ordinarily takes about 15-30 heart . Each stove ’ s prep everyday differs , then insure the manufacturer ’ sec instructions and try out it out at home first .

❌A LOT OF MOVING PARTS AND MAINTENANCE. Liquid stoves expect more maintenance in both set-up and usage . They receive three parts for gathering : the stove , the heart , and the fuel bottle with an connected fuel note . Before illumine them , it ’ s ever significant to check for spilled fuel on any of the slice . Too , never detach the fuel job from the heart when the stove be lit .

✔️CHEAP FUEL SOURCE – FREE FIREWOOD. With woods stoves , you put on ’ t have to buy or hold fuel . You ’ ll just need to find some finger-sized twigs around camp to get affair going .

✔️DURABLE AND SIMPLE. Use a forest stove equal very similar to cook over an clear firing , except your flame is more contained and see to it . The stove themselves exist lightweight , easy to apply , cheap , and can final a lifetime if properly like for .

✔️THE WALLS ACT AS A BUILT-IN WINDSCREEN. Wood stoves burn from the bottom down , pull air from hole punch in the base , which helps in protecting the flame . Before determine on a woods stove , be certain to assure the park rules of where you ’ ll equal boost . Many home receive restrictions for using them during firing bans . ( Side note : Fire banish typically solely apply to “ exposed flame . ” )

❌NEEDS A LOT OF TIME TO SET THE FLAME. Wood stoves aren ’ t quick and easy . They can live a minute of a trouble to begin started , and they require constant attention to keep matter die .

❌FINDING QUALITY DRY WOOD IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE. Relying on wood for fuel lead you at mother nature ’ s mercy . Dry , burnable woods isn ’ t always a guarantee depend on the environment and terrain of your hike .

❌POOR COOKING EXPERIENCE. Maintain a steady fire with a miniature firing is a fragile art… and that tiny fire does not boil anything quickly . This can make it a lot more difficult to cook food that requires more than just boiling water . You ’ ll have to do extra finessing to get the right flame yield .

❌DIRTY. You ’ re bound to make soot on your cookware when using wood stoves . It ’ s beneficial to take a separate carrying suit for store it and something to wipe down your supplies with .

✔️BOTH THE STOVE AND TABLETS ARE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT. Even if you put on ’ t use this as your primary stove choice , the tablets be little and packable and can be serious in wet consideration or apply as firing starters . A 14g tab emits around 12 second of burn time .

✔️EASY TO IGNITE AND A BREEZE TO SET UP. All you want to act is find a clear area , put up the inning , place the fuel pulley ( or tablet ) in home and lighting it up .

✔️SOLID FUEL STOVES DON ’ T REQUIRE BULKY CANISTERS. The stove system itself cost as well compact , much being no bigger than a deck of card .

❌tip CAN cost A BIG PROBLEM, so having a windshield is highly recommended . The fire can be faint and difficult to control also , so you ’ ll have some trouble if need to adjust it high or lower . More fuel tablets can lend more passion , and a trick for hurry up burn time is to reduce the fuel tablet in half .

❌THE TABLETS CAN HAVE A BIT OF A WEIRD SMELL. Some people say they smell musty , and others say they smell like fish . Either way—not a fun odor to have crammed with your gear .

❌BOILING TIME AVERAGES RIGHT AROUND 10 MINUTES. Too , tablets cost expensive and can be hard to find in rural areas and small towns , make them less reliable compare to other fuel sources .

Packability

Backpacking stoves ( and their fuel container ) pack down to all pattern and sizes depending on how compact the stove is and what supplement live include . Smaller is ever more packable , but it may be less efficient . Appear for the smallest potential stove that still perform up to your needs .

Simmer Control

Stoves with adjustable warmth context let you alter the passion for different cooking styles . This will be an crucial circumstance if you want to do more than just boil water in the backcountry .

For cooking food , we advocate getting a stove with a simmer dominance . If you ’ re just boiling water , it ’ s an unnecessary feature .

Auto “ Piezo ignition ” button on canister stove ( Snow Peak GigaPower ) .

Ease of usage

Certain stoves take more maintenance and long set-up sentence , and the pre-heating time on stove can change greatly—like anywhere from 5 to 20 instant . Study how much time you ’ ll really require to pass fuss with a stove after a long day of hiking .

Stability and Cooking Surface

Make a stove with a wider basis will pay you more stability . Too , if you ’ re cause a meal for a big radical , then choosing a stove with a large cooking surface or adjustable weapon for maintain larger pots should be a consideration .

Integrated vs. Non-Integrated Systems

Integrated stove system equal all-in-one units where the stove and mass connect to operate as a unit ( like a Jetboil ) . The stove system sits vertically up-right , boils water fast , and make for better in windy consideration since its burner is protected . This is a favored way among minimalist hikers since the purpose exist compact , packable , and easy to use .

Non-integrated stove have the stove and fuel source as 2 separate units . They don ’ t pulley the wind as good and equal less stable , but they ’ re a in effect selection for more elaborate cooking . You can simmer meal and well shift between different-sized cookware . They also hold you the selection to expend white gas , which is good for high elevations or cold temps .

Performance in adverse conditions

You want your stove to cost able to run in the tip , rain , and snow . If your stove isn ’ t an all-in-one unit or doesn ’ t have built-in wind protection , building or purchase a windshield equal something you ’ ll want to think .

A windscreen can also prevent moisture away from the flame . Temperature range will also impact a stove ‘s performance , so make sure you ’ re choose the correct stove and fuel option for your mood .

Flame bans

Fire bans are more and more becoming the average , specially in the western US and Canada . Open fire stoves like wood stoves , alcohol stoves , and tablet fuel stove often are banned when a firing ban cost in place .

Canister stove cost usually fine , except in the nearly utmost condition . Canister stove be your safe bet when traveling in fire-ban conditions .

About Justin Sprecher

About Greenbelly

After thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail , Chris Cage createdGreenbellyto provide tight , filling and balanced meal to backpackers . Chris as well penHow to Boost the Appalachian Trail.

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