Backpacking Stove

I f you are a hiking passionate, you know that your arsenal must include a long list of tools and equipment that will make every experience a comfortable and safe one. The camping stove is at the top of that list because it’s an essential aid in preparing your food. If you are not sure what model to purchase for your next adventure, discover the most efficient ones that are easy to use and carry around.

Top 13 Camping Stoves Compared

Photo	Product	Boil time	Materials	Fuel type	Weight	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. Solo Stove Lite	8-10 minutes	304 stainless steel and nichrome wire	Pine cones, twigs, sticks, and other biomass	9 ounces	Lifetime	Check Price
	2. Coleman Bottletop Propane	4 minutes	Metal	Propane	2.2 pounds	3 years	Check Price
	3. Etekcity 2 Pack	1 liter of water in only 3 and a half minutes	Aluminum alloy and stainless steel	Butane or butane-propane mixed canisters	8.8 ounces	1 year	Check Price
Best for Cold Weather	4. MSR MicroRocket	1 liter of water in 3 and a half minutes	Metal	80/20 blend of isobutane and propane	2.6 ounces	3 years	Check Price
Our Choice	5. Ohuhu Portable Wood Burning Camping	1 liter of water in approximately 4 minutes	Stainless steel	Pine cones, twigs, leaves, and wood	14 ounces	30-day money back guarantee	Check Price
Best for Car Camping	6. Odoland Camping Cookware	5 minutes	Titanium	Butane Gsd	10 ounces	30 days	Check Price
	7. Reehut	1-2 minutes	Aluminum alloy and stainless steel	Gas	9.6 ounces	Satisfaction guarantee
	8. Redcamp	Approximately 10 minutes	Aluminum alloy and brass	Alcohol	5 ounces	1 year
Best for Trekking	9. OutSmart Ultralight Titanium	2 minutes	Stainless steel	Propane, butane and isobutene	0.8 ounces	Lifetime	Check Price
Best Low-Budget	10. Canway Camping Stove	3 minutes	Stainless steel	No fuel canisters needed	1.12 pounds	2 years	Check Price
	11. Primus Classic Trail	1 liter of water in about 5 minutes	Stainless steel	Gas	8 ounces	30-day money back guarantee	Check Price
	12. OUTAD Windproof Foldable	1 liter of water in 2 and a half minutes	Stainless steel	Gas	9.7 ounces	30-day money back guarantee	Check Price
	13. Lixada Titanium	N/A	Titanium	No fuel canisters required, works with wood	10.2 ounces	Satisfaction guarantee	Check Price

1. Solo Stove Lite

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The high-quality stainless steel and nichrome wire used in the manufacturing process makes this product very resistant for a long period of time. Furthermore, it has a nylon stuff sack and it comes with a lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship. One of the main reasons why it is such a great model is the fact that due to its patented design, it uses less fuel in comparison with other models. The design features a double wall and a secondary combustion , which makes it extremely efficient while producing less smoke.

Smart Features

At the same time, it features innovative holes on the bottom increasing the airflow and eventually causing the secondary combustion. Another interesting aspect about it is the fact that it doesn’t work on fuel, but it uses wood, leaves, twigs, sticks, or pinecones , which makes the product very convenient because you won’t have to carry any fuel in your bag. In what concerns the design of the Solo Lite, you will surely like the fact that it has a compact design, measuring 5.7” x 4.25” x 4.25” and weighing only 9 oz.

Award-winning

It is one of the best models on the market, the reason for which it occupies the first place in our top. The model is also recommended by Backpacker Magazin, being the winner of 2014 Gear of the Year. Therefore, with the help of this product, you can travel wherever you want and still enjoy a nice, warm meal. Since it doesn’t use any fuel, is an environmentally-friendly option, which is definitely an advantage.

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2. Coleman Bottletop Propane

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Compact and easy to carry, the Coleman Bottletop is a propane stove that lets you prepare delicious meals just like you do at home when you are on camping trips. It takes only 4 minutes for it to boil 1 liter of water, and on a full 16.4-ounce propane cylinder, it delivers up to 2.5 hours of cooking. One of its most impressive stats is that it delivers up to 10000 BTUs of cooking power to get your meals done as quickly as possible.

It allows precise temperature control due to the adjustable burner that you can set as you desire. It uses the PerfectFlow technology to provide a consistent performance regardless of how extreme the outdoor conditions are, so you can rely on it even at high altitudes or in sub-freezing temperatures. Another mention-worthy feature is the PerfectHeat technology that ensures less fuel is used in the food preparation process to grant efficient cooking.

It fits an 8-inch pan, features a large base that is stable enough to ensure no incidents occur as you stir, and it comes with wind baffles that protect it from wind to ensure maximum heat throughout. Furthermore, Coleman backs it against defects during the first 3 years after you make the acquisition.

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3. Etekcity 2 Pack

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Whenever you need a model that is easily portable and easy to use, you can rely on the Etekcity that includes not one, but two stoves that can be attached to regular gas canisters. Any 7/16 thread butane or butane/propane fuel canister is compatible with it. It burns the fuel completely so there are no traces or debris left behind after use, thus protecting the environment.

A feature worth naming is the adjustable control valve that allows you to adjust the flame’s intensity according to your needs. What it lacks are wind deflectors to protect the flame from wind, but this doesn’t keep it from boiling 1l of water in 3.5 minutes. While other models feature a 3-leg design, this one has 4 support legs for even more sturdiness during cooking.

Its support legs are made of a durable aluminum alloy that can hold heavy pots and can resist to high temperatures without changing shape or breaking under pressure. It is collapsible so you can easily fold it and carry it around in a backpack whenever you go camping as well. For even more convenience, there is also a carry case included so you can store them away. The product is covered by a 1-year warranty.

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4. MSR MicroRocket

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It’s small in size, but its efficiency outcomes the larger models. Weighing only 73 grams and measuring 5″ L x 3.5″ H x 4″ W, the MSR MicroRocket can be easily carried and thanks to the folding pot supports, it can be folded to fit into an insulated mug for transportation.

Few products cover this aspect so it’s another advantage of this great camping model. However, it doesn’t sacrifice durability for compactness as it is made of sturdy materials that can withstand any type of weather without rusting. The pot supports are long and wide enough to hold pots of various sizes without the risk of tilting or falling. If other models can give you a hard time when igniting them, you will have no trouble lighting the flame of the MicroRocket.

The Piezo ignition consists of a protected element inside the fuel gathering tube so that the flame is rapidly ignited. Moreover, it features a WindClip protection for persistent flame despite the weather. Once it is lit, it will boil one liter of water in 3.5 minutes so you can shortly enjoy performance and efficiency.

Despite the fact it works on gas, there is nothing to worry about when handling it because the valve is tightly sealed to avoid any gas leaks. Simply connect it directly to a MSR gas canister and watch it performing an excellent job.

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5. Ohuhu Portable Wood Burning Camping

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Our next choice is the Ohuhu that is as efficient and easy to use as the others but differs in an essential detail, which is the fuel type. It works on wood , meaning you won’t have to buy a fuel canister as well. You can feed it with leaves, twigs, wood, or pinecones, and it will provide an even and stable flame.

The alcohol plate included feeds the flame and helps you ignite it fast so you can have a quick and lasting flame. You will notice that there is no feeding slot to keep adding wood to the flame and that is because it continues to burn the resulted carbon released from the burned wood in order to keep the flame burning.

It measures 5.3″ x 5.3″ x 3″ and weighs a little over 14 ounces, meaning you can grab and toss it into a bag to have it at hand whenever you need it. It also comes with a carry case for convenient transportation. Despite the lightweight design, it is durable, with support legs made of stainless steel that create a solid cooking platform and evenly distribute heat.

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6. Odoland Camping Cookware

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In case you want to start an adventure outdoors, you should consider this kit. Inside of the package you will receive a mini stove, 2 aluminum non-stick pots, 1 spoon, 1 knife, 1 fork, and 1 stainless steel cup. As well as, you will also receive a 1 silicone insulated cup protector and 2 carry bags so you can fit it wherever you wish. Additionally, you will enjoy the fact that the models are designed with anti-slip and anti-heat handles.

The anti-slip silicone handles and the silicone cup protectors will protect your hands from the excessive heat. In addition to this, the mini stove can be folded to save space. As well as, you can also remove the handles so you can make additional storage space. Moreover, the non-toxic anodized aluminum has a strong structure that you can rely on for numerous years to come. Even though it’s made from thick steel, the kit is lightweight and portable.

You should use the kit for camping, hiking, climbing, and hunting as the material is shock-proof and easy to clean. This means that it doesn’t require thorough maintenance and you can wash them with whatever you have at hand.

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7. Reehut

Burdening yourself with a heavy backpack is the last thing you want. Luckily, the stainless steel and aluminum alloy build of the Reehut ensure it won’t only handle the rough conditions outdoors but that it won’t weigh much, maintaining a praise-worthy portability. With the acquisition, you even receive a carry case to more conveniently travel with it by your side.

The stainless steel gas furnace resists rust and corrosion for prolonged use. It features a windproof screen that condenses the flame and increases oxygen circulation to ensure efficient utilization of the combustion fuel. You have the freedom to adjust the flame as you like fur to the control valve it comes with.

If you choose to turn the heat up to the maximum point, it will boil water in approximately 2 minutes. Its piezo ignition system produces a push-button spark in an instant regardless of the conditions outdoors at that moment.

Its broad compatibility is another mention-worthy highlight as you can use any 7/16 thread single butane or butane-propane canister with it. Moreover, it features collapsible holding arms that can hold large-sized pots measuring as much as 7.87” in diameter.

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8. Redcamp

Easy to use and incredibly small, the Redcamp shines from the get-go as it is manufactured by a leading brand in the domain of backpacking/camping equipment. It is made with aluminum allow and brass so that it withstands even harsh conditions, all while maintaining a lightweight design which makes it a cinch to carry the stove on your trips.

The wind screen base enhances stability and ensures the flame won’t die out easily even if the wind blows. Moreover, it is designed to support pots and pans so that you can prepare meals or coffee just as easily as you would at home.

It sues alcohol as fuel, and with 100 milliliters of alcohol you can expect the fire to last for up to 50 minutes. This incomparable efficiency is granted by the combustion holes it features which increase air ventilation. It even features a rubber seal that keeps the alcohol from leaking or evaporating.

A velvet bag that you can use for storage and transportation is included with the acquisition. Furthermore, the manufacturer backs it with a 1-year warranty against defects.

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9. OutSmart Ultralight Titanium

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A compact and lightweight addition to your camping gear that provides with the luxury of you being able to prepare food and boil water, the OutSmart comes at a cheap price which further adds to its appeal. It weighs a mere 0.8 ounces and measures 2 inches by 1.5 inches. It is compatible with multiple types of fuel, including isobutene, butane, and propane, consuming only 4.9 grams of gas per hour, which means that the costs of using it are incredibly low.

It is made with stainless steel which grants it high durability over the years and it is an Eco-friendly option to go for. As the valve can be folded, if you want to save extra room in the backpack, you can do so as folding it makes similar in size to a lighter.

One of its most appealing features, however, is the spiral flame technology which ensures an even flame distribution so that your meals are prepared quick and water is boiled faster than you would have ever expected, boiling a cup in only 2 minutes.

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10. Canway Camping Stove

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One of the most Eco-friendly options to go with, the Canway helps you cook your food when you are on a trip without the use of fuel canisters, thus no harmful emissions being released. As fuel, you can either use solidified alcohol, or leaves, twigs, and wood. It weighs only 1.12 pounds, so it will be a cinch to carry, while the compact 5.5-inch by 5.5-inch by 3.38-inch size makes it fit even in a crowded backpack.

Due to its superior ventilation, it is easy to fire it up, its high thermal efficiency enabling it to boil water in less than 3 minutes. As it is made of stainless steel, there is no reason to worry about its resilience to slight drops or other unwanted incidents. The secondary combustion it uses is useful as it keeps it burning for an additional 20 minutes solely on wood chips and dry firewood.

It comes in three different styles, style-1 being suitable for 1-2 people, style-2 being suitable for 1-2 people but boasting a higher profile, and style-3 being suitable for 4-6 people. All the more gladdening is the 2-year warranty provided by the manufacturing company for it. While the product is under this warranty agreement, it will be repaired or replaced completely for free, as long as you make sure to use it properly, as instructed in the accompanying manual.

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11. Primus Classic Trail

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If you want to save money and you are looking for a cheap alternative that will also offer performance, try the Primus and discover how efficient a small model can be. It works on gas and can be attached to any regular gas canister, preferably a 230g one if you want to enjoy fire for 70 minutes.

It features a manual ignition meaning you have to open the valve and use a match, which could be a drawback if you can’t find one. Other than that, you will love the solid design with the 5” wide cooking platform that evenly distributes the heat. Thanks to the built-in windscreen that is actually the base of the legs, the flame will remain constant even in windy conditions.

Although not foldable, it is so small and lightweight that fitting it into a bag should not be an issue. It measures only 2.2” L x 4.9” W x 4.9” H and weighs only 8 ounces, being among the smallest models out there.

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12. OUTAD Windproof Foldable

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OUTAD provides a safe and sturdy product that is incredibly small but also durable and safe to use. The entire item measures no more than 4.2 x 5.3 x 5.4 inches and weighs around 9.7 ounces , being the perfect thing to carry around on your trips or when you want to cook something outdoors. In addition, it can be folded to palm-size and includes a carrying case that makes transportation easier so you won’t have to worry about a thing.

Another detail that matters is its performance in igniting fast and ensuring a constant and powerful flame. The OUTAD scores great points due to the high-density 13.8” gas line with a Lindal valve connection that sends gas to the igniter for quick ignition. Worry not about safety as the valve is perfectly sealed to prevent gas leaks. Additionally, there is a 360-degree wind deflector that protects the flame of wind of over 40 mph so you can use it in any weather conditions.

The flame is so strong that it can boil a liter of water in 2.5 minutes, being among the fastest and most powerful models available. The manufacturer trusts their product so much that they provide a money-back warranty in case the customer is not satisfied with the performance, case in which they either refund the money or replace the defective item.

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13. Lixada Titanium

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While it is indeed convenient to use from numerous points of view, the fact that it requires wood, twigs, or branches to boil water and heat up your food disadvantages it greatly. However, considering the small asking price for it, it’s safe to say that it is a smart acquisition to go for. Probably its main highlight is the fact that it is made of titanium, a durable material that ensures years of use while keeping it lightweight.

As a matter of fact, as it weighs only 10.2 ounces, you won’t even feel it in your backpack as you carry it during your trips through the mountains. Another convenient design aspect is its size that ensures it won’t take up much space either – it measures 4.9 inches by 4.9 inches by 6.3 inches.

Due to the fact that it doesn’t require gas to run, it is an environmentally option to go for. In terms of efficiency, due to the wide design of the opening, you can rely on it to deliver intense flames to heat up your food quickly. This wide opening also makes it a lot more convenient to add wood whenever needed. Another interesting element is the cross-stand trivet it features that provides a stable platform for cooking, regardless of the size of the pot you place on it.

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Buying Guide

Just because you go backpacking with friends, it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a hot meal before you go to sleep or a warm coffee in the morning. Of course, for you to enjoy these things, you need a good quality camping stove by your side.

If you are the type of person who goes on adventurous trips often and you want to have a great product at your disposal to use when you need to prepare various foods or simply reheat them, then check out the following lines. Here, we will show you what are the important specs and features to look for.

Portability

When you go on a camping trip with friends, you need to carry as little weight with you as possible. The hiking backpack can carry large amounts of weight, but you shouldn’t push your limits when it comes to carrying it, though.

This is the reason why it’s mandatory to pay attention to the weight and overall portability, choosing one that is easy and convenient to carry in order to prevent having a tough time getting to the spot where you set up your tent.

Boil Time

If you want to have a unit that is as efficient as possible by your side, the boil time is the spec that you must pay attention to when making the purchase. Of course, the boil time differs depending on the type of model that you’re using, so it’s essential for you to know how each type works.

Integrated canister system models are the fastest when it comes to boiling water and the most efficient due to the fact that they use minimal fuel. Canister models boil the water quick and they’re good at simmering as well. Liquid-fuel models might have varying simmering abilities , but they are able to boil the water quick even if it’s really cold outside. Last but not least, alternate-fuel models might be slower, but they are highly effective at boiling water nonetheless.

Burn Time

If you go with a fuel operated model, then you have to look at the burn time as well. The burn time represents how long it will burn given a certain amount of fuel. The longer the burn time is, the better as it shows that it will work for a long amount of time.

Push-Button Ignition

A feature that is very important and that you definitely have to look for is for it to have push-button ignition. This type of ignition is typical for canister-fuel models, and it is essential due to the fact that it allows you to use it even if you don’t have matches or a lighter. If you have been on camping trips often, you know how easy it is for matches to get lost or wet, so it’s easy to see why this feature is so important.

Stabilizers

Another feature that is definitely worth looking for is for it to have stabilizers that will get attached to the bottom , reducing the chance for it to tip over. Some models come with stabilizers, while others require you to purchase them separately. Pay attention to this aspect and buy them separately if they’re not included in the package to ensure complete safety while using it.

Types

You might think that they are no biggie and that picking one is just a matter of size but you must know that there are a few types that differ in the way they are fueled. While your home stove can only work with gas, be it natural or propane, note that camping models can work on 5 types of fuel , as follows:

• Solid fuel stove
  They use tablets of fuel that light on fire and are very easy to use and incredibly cheap. However, the biggest drawback is that you can’t control the flame, you can only add more tablets to increase the intensity. Furthermore, the solid fuel is a little messy and the pots will come out greasy and hard to clean.
• Gas cartridge stove
  The second type and also the most popular uses gas cartridges that can be replaced when they are emptied. You will find it very easy to use and control and the flame is very strong so you can boil water in minutes. The disadvantages are that the cartridges are rather bulky and you can’t use a windscreen because they might explode if overheated.
• Liquid fuel stove
  These work on alcohol that is known to ignite in a blink and they are very cheap considering they work on plain alcohol. The downsides are that you can hardly control the flame and it’s quite unpleasant to travel with a bottle of alcohol in your backpack. Additionally, the flame doesn’t last for long and you have to keep adding alcohol, which can be tricky.
• Pressurized liquid fuel stove
  With this type, you have plenty of fuel options because you can find fuel cans with white gas, kerosene, diesel, or unleaded gasoline. It’s one of the easiest to use and control and you will have an intense and constant flame. The problem is with the big size that can be hard to fit in a backpack. Additionally, your hands might stink after using it and you will also get some bad odors in the air.
• Alternative fuel stove
  The last type is the innovative model that works on alternative fuel, usually wood. The most high-tech models even let you charge your phone using the energy created, which is great considering that hiking doesn’t offer too much electricity.

How to Get the Most of Your Fuel Canister

If you run out of gas canisters at home, there is no panic because you can always go and buy a new one but things are more complicated if you run out of fuel in the middle of the woods while cooking dinner. To make sure you never get in that situation, here are a few tricks to help you make the most of your fuel canister.

• Keep it warm
  If the temperatures go below zero, make sure you prevent the fuel from freezing so you won’t have trouble using it completely. Keep it in your sleeping bag or wrap it in an insulated jacket to ensure it stays warm and ready to be used. If you have two canisters, keep both warm so when you will swap them, you will have a warm replacement.
• Place it on a warm surface
  If you place the canister directly on the cold ground, it will become cold as well and it will be harder to maintain a flame. Therefore, place a sort of a barrier on the ground like a piece of cardboard or metal that will keep it from getting cold.
• Deflect the wind
  A strong wind can turn off your flame and make using the stove very difficult. Even the mildest wind can triple the fuel usage while cooking a meal so it’s best to build a wind barrier by placing rocks like a wall around it.
• Don’t boil water
  When preparing drinks, don’t bring the water very close to the boiling point only to let it cool off afterward. Slightly warm your water to the temperature that you can actually drink it at so you won’t have to add cold water to cool it off.
• Soak the food
  If you are planning on cooking foods like pasta, beans, or rice, soak it in water before boiling it so it will get softer and you will reduce the boiling time. A pre-soaked portion of rice or pasta will require less cooking time so you will save on fuel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

When you pack for a trip in the middle of nature, there are quite a few items you must cross off the list. While some are obvious even to the first-time hiker, like the 4-season tent that provides with shelter all year long, others, like the camping stove, aren’t all that obvious picks for the inexperienced. Here, we have rounded up the stoves you need for your trip to enjoy fresh hot coffee in the morning or to prepare food just as you would at home, picks that we are sure will serve you for years to come.

Best Overall: Solo Stove Lite
As it takes the top spot, it’s easy to figure out that the Solo Stove Lite excels from all perspectives. First and foremost, we must praise the design it boasts as the holes on the bottom help increase airflow for optimal performance.

It doesn’t require gas to work but rather wood, sticks, pinecones, or leaves, which adds to its desirability seeing how you don’t have to carry fuel with you and think about the schematics of the trip too much to ensure safety. Moreover, this makes it a more Eco-friendly option for campers who are conscious about their impact on the environment.

Editor’s Choice: Ohuhu Portable Wood Burning Camping
Our pick, the Ohuhu stove, works on wood, leaves, pinecones, or twigs, rather than gas. This aspect impressed us greatly as, just like our top pick, it is a considerably safer and more Eco-friendly stove to pack when you go camping. On average, it takes approximately 4 minutes to boil water with it, so not much time is lost when you need to cook. Furthermore, it is so light that you won’t even feel the difference when you store it in the backpack.

Best Low-Budget Backpacking Stove: Canway Camping Stove
Not only is the Canway the go-to budget pick for those who are short on cash yet still want to make a quality acquisition, but it doesn’t actually sacrifice much in the quality department to remain so cheap. As a matter of fact, it’s quite impressive considering that it takes only 3 minutes to boil water with it. Furthermore, it comes with 2-year backing on the manufacturer’s part, so if there are issues with it, you are covered and it won’t cost you a dime to solve the situation.

Best Backpacking Stove for Cold Weather: MSR MicroRocket
If you find yourself more often than not camping in areas where temperatures are low or you simply prefer to go backpacking when the cold weather strikes, then the MSR MicroRocket is what you need. Weather is crucial when it comes to choosing a stove as it can lead to it not functioning properly, so if you are a fan of cold weather, the only way you will enjoy your meals in peace is with this entry.

Best Backpacking Stove for Car Camping: Odoland Camping Cookware
Small-sized, sleek, and easy to use, the Odoland mini stove is a propane gas model that makes for a smart pick if you are a car camping fan. Its shock-proof design ensures it can take a tumble like a pro, but while the build is strong, it doesn’t add to its weight that much. Moreover, it’s quite easy to clean and care for, so using it isn’t too big of a hassle.

Best Backpacking Stove for Trekking: OutSmart Ultralight Titanium
What makes the OutSmart perfect for trekking is that it weighs a mere 0.8 ounces. You won’t even feel that you’re carrying with you! Additionally, it is among the most proficient models when it comes to performance as it maintains an even flame distribution throughout so that your meals are prepared to perfection, and takes only 2 minutes to boil water.