Our squad of honorary backcountry cooks has collectively examined tons of of the very best backpacking stoves, whipping up meals in probably the most distant places possible and in all types of circumstances.
The testers for this information have thru-hiked the Triple Crown of lengthy trails, and we’ve been placing new fashions to the check for years when dialing within the choice for this information. The first components we checked out have been weight, packed dimension, boil time, and simmer skills. Secondarily, we thought of gasoline effectivity, efficiency in wind and chilly, and extra range options.
Whereas there isn’t a single backpacking range that’s greatest for everybody on the market, we’ve organized this information into classes that will help you discover the very best range for you. Our high choose, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, is an all-around winner for many backpackers on the market, whereas the spend-wise GSI Open air Glacier does simply as properly on a picnic bench because it does on fast overnights.
Make sure you take a look at our useful Comparability Chart, Purchaser’s Information, and Worth & Worth sections for extra assist in narrowing in on the very best range for you. Beneath, you’ll discover our greatest picks for finances, wind efficiency, and extra, in addition to the very best choices within the following classes.
Editor’s Observe: We up to date our Backpacking Range information on November 8, 2024, so as to add the MSR XGK EX as our new Greatest Expedition Range choose and a brand new Worth & Worth part.
The Greatest Backpacking Stoves of 2024
Weight:
2.9 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Isobutane
Burn Time:
60 min. per 8 oz. of IsoPro gasoline
Boil Time (1 Liter):
3 min., 23 sec.
Piezo Ignitor:
Sure
Very quick boil time
Efficient simmer capabilities
Very compact dimension and comes with small stuff sack
Raised sides of burner head assist scale back range being blown out
Huge combination deal with is simple to dial in
Piezo ignitors aren’t as sturdy as SOTO variations, and are not user-replaceable
Not as gasoline environment friendly as some canister stoves
Second greatest at wind resistance
Mary Murphy
Weight:
5.8 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Canister
Burn time:
N/A
Boil Time (1 Liter):
5 minutes, 30 seconds
Piezo Ignitor:
No
Reasonably priced value
Giant, highly effective burner
Good simmer skills
Powerful to wreck
Not the quickest boil time
On the heavier facet
Pots aren’t held as tightly to the stand
Does not collapse
Mary Murphy
Weight:
13.7 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Liquid or Canister
Burn Time:
1 hr. 50 min. (20 oz. white fuel)/ 1 hr. 15 min. (8 oz. isobutane)
Boil Time (1 Liter):
3 minutes, 30 seconds (white fuel)
Piezo Ignitor:
No
Can use a wide range of gasoline varieties
Nice for chilly climate cooking
Performs properly at excessive altitudes
Discipline repairable
Not probably the most packable
Fairly heavy
Have to prime the range and do upkeep within the subject
Mary Murphy
Weight:
13.2 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Liquid white fuel
Burn Time:
1 hr. 49 min. per 20 oz. of white fuel
Time to Attain Boil (1 Liter):
3 minutes, 30 seconds
Piezo Ignitor:
No
Multi gasoline range can burn white fuel, diesel, and kerosene
Rugged construct employs user-replaceable {hardware} for servicing
Shaker Jet retains gasoline jet clear all through journey
Broad pot stand can accommodate inventory pots
Might want to buy separate gasoline bottles
Fairly loud roar when working
Costly
Mary Murphy
Weight:
13.1 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Isobutane
Burn Time:
N/A
Boil Time (1 Liter):
2 minutes, 58 seconds
Piezo Ignitor:
Sure
Fast boil time
Warmth-indicating sleeve reveals when boiling
Whole techniques nests into the pot
Canister stand makes system fairly secure
On the heavy facet
Restricted to what can match within the included pot
Piezo ignitor shouldn’t be replaceable
Mary Murphy
Weight:
9 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Wooden
Burn Time:
Limitless relying on wooden provide
Boil Time (1 Liter):
8-10 minutes
Piezo Ignitor:
No
Makes use of naturally accessible gasoline
Saves weight by not having to hold gasoline
Considerate, efficient design
Could be fulfilling to have a tendency and watch a hearth
Pot will get fairly scorching
Requires extra upfront work to start out up
Could be messy to scrub up the soot and ash
Mary Murphy
Weight:
3.5 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Alcohol
Burn Time:
N/A
Boil Time (1 Liter):
5-7 minutes
Piezo Ignitor:
No
Light-weight
Compact, self-sealing design can transport leftover gasoline contained in the range
Makes use of denatured alcohol which is simple to seek out, use, and transport
Good for utilizing with skillets for a low-powered and broad flame
No pot assist
Knocking this range over can get actual, fast
Mary Murphy
Weight:
2.6 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Canister
Burn Time:
Roughly 60 min. per 8 oz. of IsoPro gasoline
Boil Time (1 Liter):
3.5-4.5 minutes, relying on wind
Piezo Ignitor:
No
Confirmed design
Light-weight however sturdy
Reasonably priced
Strong simmer management
No piezo lighter
Considerably unstable
No stress regulator as within the Deluxe mannequin
Mary Murphy
Weight:
26 g. (0.92 oz.)
Gasoline Sort:
Canister
Burn Time:
N/A
Boil Time (1 Liter):
4 minutes
Piezo Ignitor:
No
Reasonably priced value
Tremendous compact packed dimension
Ultralight
Scorching sufficient to boil water pretty shortly
Small burner head
Not probably the most fuel-efficient range
High quality management is not the very best
Mary Murphy
Weight:
1 lb. 3 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Canister
Burn Time:
1 hr. 20 min. per 8 oz. of IsoPro gasoline
Boil Time (1 Liter):
3 minutes
Piezo Ignitor:
No
Unimaginable wind-resistance
Tremendous quick boil time
Minimal operation noise
Radiant and convective warmth switch
Capable of be suspended throughout use
Heavy and hulking
Tough to simmer
Costly
Mary Murphy
Weight:
14 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Isobutane
Burn Time:
60 minutes per 100g canister
Boil Time (1 Liter):
3 minutes 25 seconds
Piezo Ignitor:
Sure
Simple to prepare dinner and eat from
Strong warmth distribution
Packable design matches a 4 oz. gasoline canister inside
Not as windproof as comparable designs
Deal with rivets contained in the pot complicate cleansing a bit
Does not boil as fast as different range techniques
Mary Murphy
Weight:
2.9 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Canister
Burn Time:
1.5 hours per 8 oz. of IsoPro gasoline
Boil Time (1 Liter):
N/A
Piezo Ignitor:
Sure
Nice burn time and functionality in chilly and wind
Deeper lip round crown of burner
Higher pot assist (4 legs as an alternative of three)
Cookset and range combo is cheaper than many standalone stoves
On the loud facet
No stress regulator
Plastic overlaying on cookware handles can soften
Mary Murphy
Weight:
4.1 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Wooden
Burn Time:
Limitless relying on wooden provide
Boil Time (1 Liter):
8-10 minutes
Piezo Ignitor:
No
Gentle and packable
Titanium cools shortly after use
Easy to arrange
Soot buildup on pots
Takes work to get going and hold lit
No sticks? No cooking
Mary Murphy
Weight:
15.3 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Canister
Burn Time:
95 minutes per 227g canister
Boil Time (1 Liter):
4.5 minutes
Piezo Ignitor:
No
Strong wind-resistance
Nice gasoline effectivity
Built-in cup is sweet for measuring out elements
Broad canister stand retains issues upright
On the costly facet
Heavy
No built-in piezo ignitor
Mary Murphy
Backpacking Stoves Comparability Chart
A lineup of canister backpacking stoves we examined; (picture/Eric Phillips)
How We Examined the Greatest Backpacking Stoves
Our Professional Testers
Our total employees contributed to testing and utilizing a wide range of backpacking stoves over time. However yearly, we check new and up to date fashions. Along with testing in group settings, we dedicate a whole lot of time to non-public journeys packing in and utilizing these stoves.
We pay extra-close consideration to every range’s burner efficiency in wind and colder circumstances, in addition to its normal usability. Information creator Mary Murphy has spent over 250 days within the backcountry on solo backpacking, tenting, and pack-paddleboarding journeys, and has additionally section-hiked the Appalachian Path and Colorado Path. She fastidiously curated our preliminary choice of 15 various stoves starting in 2020.
Senior Editor Chris Carter started aiding in testing in 2022. He has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of lengthy trails in america: the Pacific Crest Path, the Continental Divide Path, and the Appalachian Path, and is aware of the significance of a dependable range for diet and sustenance on path. No person likes cold-soaking — it doesn’t matter what the ultralight cult says.
Over time, we’ve examined numerous fashions to carry you the exhaustive listing of 14 stoves you see at present. We persistently have our noses to the bottom, sniffing out new merchandise the second they hit the market to make sure this information represents probably the most up-to-date, deserving choice attainable. Relaxation assured, each range on this listing has been vetted by our seasoned employees of backpacking fans, and has confirmed to be worthy.
Our Testing Course of and Testing Grounds
Our backpacking range testing breaks down into two broad classes: subject and bench testing. Discipline testing places these stoves smack dab in the course of the motion, and we lean on them to supply scorching meals on the ends of our common backpacking journeys. Many of those stoves are tailor-made for various kinds of backpackers or journeys, so we intention to make use of them as they have been meant.
Meaning stoves just like the MSR EGK get despatched to Alaska, and ultralight items just like the BRS-3000T head out on the PCT. After we’re out within the subject, we’re ease of use, the way it units up, how packable it’s, how adaptable it’s in sudden eventualities, and finally, the way it feels to make use of on a each day foundation. We use a range for months if not years and are answering the questions: What is that this range greatest at? The place can it’s improved? And who does it match greatest?
All of those stoves additionally finally hit the bench, the place we’ve assembled a slate of checks to measure them as pretty as attainable towards each other and reply these questions: how shortly can a range boil a liter of water each with and with out wind? And the way gasoline environment friendly is it whereas doing so?
Right here’s the way it works: we arrange a timer and thermometer, flip a range to max output, carry a liter of cool faucet water as much as boiling temp in a lidless titanium pot, and measure the gasoline container earlier than and after. For simulating wind, we use a generic field fan set to medium and place the range 8 ft away. Throughout these checks, we’re targeted on the small particulars so issues keep constant. Exams happen in a big draftless indoor room, every range will get a contemporary optimized gasoline supply, beginning water temperatures are an identical, and we’re utilizing the identical wide-base titanium pot.
When all is alleged and completed, we come away with each skilled opinions and laborious information — a combo that ensures you’re getting the very best range advice to your backcountry kitchen setup.
Purchaser’s Information: The way to Select a Backpacking Range
Backpacking stoves are important parts of a well-rounded backpacking package; (picture/Chris Carter)
The correct range relies on a wide range of components. What works for one individual may not fit your explicit adventures. Learn on for recommendations on selecting the very best backpacking range.
It’s additionally price noting that this text focuses solely on backpacking stoves. In the event you’re on the lookout for a bigger two-burner camp range, take a look at the Greatest Tenting Stoves of 2024. Additionally, take a peek at our information to the Greatest Backpacking Meals for some backcountry culinary inspiration.
Kinds of Backpacking Stoves
There are a number of various kinds of backpacking stoves, and which one you resolve to go together with boils down to non-public desire and the kind of journey you intend to apply it to.
The MSR PocketRocket 2, a light-weight canister range, is a well-liked mannequin amongst thru-hikers going the space; (picture/Chris Carter)
Canister Stoves
These stoves sometimes screw immediately onto a gasoline canister stuffed with a mix of isobutane-propane. Advantages embrace ease of use and low upkeep.
On the flip facet, canisters can’t be refilled, inflicting extra waste (they are often recycled, however you’ll have to take them to a recycling facility). They usually’re vulnerable to freezing up or offering a weak flame in chilly winter circumstances.
High examples of canister stoves embrace the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe and SOTO Amicus.
The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe is our high choose for canister stoves; (picture/Seiji Ishii)
Liquid Gasoline Stoves
These stoves hook up with refillable gasoline bottles. They’re typically stuffed with white fuel, however you may as well use different fuels, together with kerosene and gasoline. That is very best if touring abroad. This range kind might be barely extra sophisticated to make use of (in different phrases, it requires upkeep), however it performs properly in chilly circumstances.
Our high choose for liquid gasoline stoves can be the MSR WhisperLite Common, adopted carefully by its expedition-ready cousin, the XGK EX.
Woodburning stoves, just like the Solo Range Lite, let you use available gasoline to prepare dinner your meals; (picture/David Younger)
Woodburning Stoves
The traditionalists on the market will respect a wooden range. You get the pleasure of cooking over a hearth packed right into a smaller area. The upside is you don’t want to hold gasoline. The downsides embrace susceptibility to wind, unpredictable prepare dinner instances, and hearth restrictions.
These are improbable choices for these trying to harken again to the roots of the backcountry culinary artwork. However, these aren’t probably the most dependable stoves for lengthy journeys. Trudge by means of the rain all day and there will not be any dry tinder to heat up that freeze-dried spaghetti you so meticulously ready beforehand. In the event you do resolve to go this route, both carry a backup gasoline supply or embrace occasional cold-soaking.
The Solo Range Lite and Vargo Titanium Hexagon are a number of the higher wood-burning backpacking stoves available on the market.
Range Use: Cooking vs. Boiling
In the event you plan to eat primarily dehydrated backpacking meals (simply add water), you’ll need a easy range with a quick boiling time. If, however, you’d prefer to prepare dinner extra elaborate meals, will probably be extra vital to discover a range with higher simmer management, and possibly a wider burner.
Take into consideration how typically and for what kind of cooking you’ll be utilizing your backpacking range earlier than shopping for.
The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe range affords good simmer management for cooking; (picture/Seiji Ishii)
Range Packed Measurement and Weight
The stoves on this listing weigh anyplace from an oz to 2 kilos (however most are inside the 3- to 9-ounce vary). Some can match within the palm of your hand, and a few take up a bit extra room.
Not everybody wants the tiniest range available on the market. Particularly in the event you camp year-round, you’ll need to select a four-season range, or one higher rated for chilly efficiency.
There are additionally a number of variations to think about between dimension and packed dimension. For instance, the Jetboil range itself is bigger and barely heavier than different canister stoves on our listing. Nonetheless, it integrates with all the opposite elements and packs down tremendous small (together with the pot, lid, range, and gasoline).
The ultralight, tiny BRS3000T perched on a camp desk throughout range testing in Colorado; (picture/Eric Philips)
Weight is one other consideration. If you’re occurring a 2-day in a single day, weight gained’t matter as a lot as, say, a 30-day wilderness trek.
Additionally, take into consideration what different gear you’ll be carrying. Do you’ve got a light-weight backpacking tent that doesn’t take up a lot area? Or will you be carrying a lot of gear, like a digital camera or climbing gear?
In the event you frequent forests or parks that enable people to gather firewood, or if you will an space the place gasoline is more durable to come back by, possibly a wooden range can be the best choice. In the event you’re an oz counter, an ultralight canister range could also be what you’re after.
Winter and Chilly Efficiency
Stoves just like the JetBoil Flash provide stable wind and climate resistance for chilly winter tenting; (picture/Mary Murphy)
Not all stoves are created equal, and nowhere is that this extra evident than within the frigid temps of winter tenting circumstances. In the event you camp within the hotter months solely, this isn’t a priority.
However in the event you head out within the winter, you’ll most likely use your range to soften snow and boil a whole lot of water. You want to have the ability to depend on it when the mercury drops. The MSR Reactor is a good range for this objective.
For this, you’ll need a liquid gasoline or four-season range. We’ve discovered liquid gasoline stoves to be probably the most dependable alternative in winter.
Different Concerns
Group dimension: In the event you recurrently backpack and plan meals with a gaggle (households, faculty college students), contemplate dispersing the load and investing in a bigger group cookset and range. Or, a wider burner that may accommodate a wide range of pots and pans. The MSR WhisperLite Common is a good alternative for group tenting.
In the event you’re a solo adventurer, a smaller canister range like the favored MSR PocketRocket 2, is a advantageous alternative.
Be sure to are comfy utilizing no matter range you resolve to purchase earlier than relying on it within the backcountry; (picture/David Younger)
Suggestions for Utilizing a Backpacking Range
While you purchase your first backpacking range, put money into a number of further gasoline canisters too. This allows you to have a stockpile for spur-of-the-moment journeys and early-morning endeavors — you gained’t must run to a retailer to trace down gasoline.
At all times learn the directions. (Sure, even in case you are conversant in camp stoves.) The directions will inform you how you can prime your range, and would possibly even have recommendations on cleansing and restore.
Keep away from spills by establishing on the flattest spot attainable. Flat rocks make nice cooking surfaces.
At all times carry matches to mild your range in case of emergency. Sure, even when your range has a piezo igniter. Igniters can fail, lighters can break, and there’s nothing sadder than a chilly meal as a result of you may’t get a flame.
By no means prepare dinner inside your tent or car. On high of being a hearth hazard, this may trigger carbon monoxide poisoning and dying. In the event you camp continuously in wet climates, put money into a tarp and a few man line for a secure overhead kitchen shelter.
A scorching meal on the finish of a brutal day is essential for conserving morale up whereas on an extended backpacking journey; (picture/Chris Carter)
Worth & Worth
range rounds out your backpacking gear listing, and whereas there’s a spread accessible, it typically gained’t be too spendy to get one thing that ought to work for many of your adventures outdoor. That mentioned, there are a handful of specialised range techniques that may ask a reasonably penny, so contemplate the place you’ll be utilizing your range, in addition to how typically, and even what you’ll be cooking most.
Price range
Spend-wise backpacking stoves just like the GSI Open air Glacier ($30) are easy in design, simple to make use of, and get the job completed — simply don’t count on them to be wealthy with options. You possible gained’t see built-in ignition techniques within the finances value vary, or stress regulators, however we’ve whipped up many meals on stoves like these, and so they carry out nice.
The Glacier is a bit more durable to pack away because it doesn’t fold down. The BRS-3000T Ultralight Range ($17) however may be very small, virtually to the purpose of being too small and having too tight of a flame sample. There’s tradeoffs for every part, however you’ll discover them a bit extra the much less you pay.
Mid-Tier
Spending a bit extra will get you a range that’ll work for a greater diversity of journeys. Between $50 and $100 are many nice canister stoves just like the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe ($85), in addition to different gasoline stoves just like the woodburning Solo Range Lite ($70). For the cash, you’ll see some choices sport piezo ignitors, have higher wind resistance, pack down extra compactly.
In one other tier are range techniques, which it’s best to count on to pay between $130 to $200. Choices just like the Jetboil Flash ($130) or MSR WindBurner ($190) put the entire bundle collectively and provide a range that works in tandem with its prepare dinner pot, providing higher effectivity and wind resistance.
Premium
Something north of $200 is undoubtetly specialised for tough terrain or climate, and each the MSR XGK EX ($210) and MSR Reactor ($290) are primed for expeditions into chilly climates. A liquid fueled choice just like the XGK might be overbuilt and field-repairable (and can run on almost any liquid gasoline, in addition), whereas the Reactor makes use of a stress regulator and radiant burner head to maintain going when issues get chilly.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Camp stoves and backpacking stoves are each constructed to be used within the outdoor, however they differ wildly in options. Tenting stoves weigh anyplace from 6 to fifteen kilos, and so they’re designed to be used on a camp desk or picnic desk in additional front-country settings (you gained’t need to carry one far).
Alternatively, backpacking stoves are designed to hike with. They weigh 1-12 ounces, and so they’re designed to pack small to slot in a pocket or pack.
Backpacking stoves are inclined to have a single burner, with some form of gasoline connector, regulator/simmer dial, and pot assist platform. That’s it!
The most effective backpacking range that gained us over in testing was the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe (the PocketRocket 2, the earlier mannequin, can be a stable range).
Nonetheless, we acknowledge that this isobutane canister range may not match everybody’s wants, or possibly finances. Which is why we’ve compiled our listing of greatest backpacking stoves by gasoline kind, and likewise differentiated by value and dimension.
The smallest canister range we examined was the BRS-3000T at 0.9 ounces, with the MSR PocketRocket 2 coming in second at 2.6 ounces.
For only a fraction extra ounces, and with a number of extra options (piezo igniter), you may contemplate our best choice, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, which rings in at 2.9 ounces.
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is one among our favourite compact canister stoves that also delivers stable output for light-weight journeys; (picture/Chris Carter)
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit — basically, it’s a measurement unit of warmth. In range converse, BTUs discuss with the power required to boost the temperature of boiling water. Increased BTUs imply a range could have a extra highly effective output of power and/or warmth (not essentially hotter).
Decrease BTUs have a weaker output, however are sometimes higher for simmering and offering a extra managed regulation of your range’s flame.
As you may see, stoves vary broadly in value! However count on to pay at the least $25-50 for a sturdy backpacking range.
If you’re on a decent finances, contemplate ready till your favourite range is on sale. (Professional tip: Bookmark this text and examine again on costs all through the season.)
We examined the very best tenting stoves from Coleman, Camp Chef, Primus, and extra for this assessment. Test it out to see how every performs and which range got here out on high.
Backpacking meals are mild, simple to pack, long-lasting, and straightforward to make with simply boiling water. They usually’re getting higher on a regular basis.
