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Updated January 14, 2021
After a rigorous day of hiking and exploration on a wilderness trail, you need restorative food and clean, hydrating beverages to sustain you. A stove allows you to make a small safe fire that will boil some water and prepare something warm to eat to keep you going. For backpacking, an effective, lightweight, compact stove is essential to keep the burden down.
With the variety available on the market today, selecting the one to best suit your needs and style could take substantial research. To give you a leg up in that process, some of the best have been selected as an introduction. Beginning with a comparison table, each is reviewed with descriptions, specifications, key features, photos, and videos. To finish off there is a basic buying guide to set you on your way.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
For more information on camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
Best Backpacking Stove Reviews
- MSR Reactor Backpacking Stove System
- Jetboil Flash Backpacking Stove System
- Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Backpacking Stove
- Vargo Titanium Hexagon Wood Backpacking Stove
- Esbet Ultralight Folding Titanium Backpacking Stove
- Primus Classic Trail Backpacking Stove
- Etekcity Ultralight Backpacking Stove
- MSR PocketRocket Ultralight Backpacking Stove
Best Backpacking Stove Comparison Table
| Photo | Stove | Fuel Type | Weight | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | MSR Reactor Backpacking Stove System | Canister | 14 oz | 4.8 | $$$$ |
  | Jetboil Flash Backpacking Stove System | Canister | 13 oz | 5.0 | $$$ |
  | Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Backpacking Stove | Canister | 2 oz | 4.6 | $$ |
  | Vargo Titanium Hexagon Wood Backpacking Stove | Biomass | 4.1 oz | 4.2 | $$ |
  | Esbet Ultralight Folding Titanium Backpacking Stove | Fuel Tablets | .4 oz | 4.1 | $ |
  | Primus Classic Trail Backpacking Stove | Canister | 6.9 oz | 4.4 | $ |
  | Etekcity Ultralight Backpacking Stove | Canister | 3.3 oz | 4.5 | $ |
  | MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Backpacking Stove | Canister | 2.6 oz | 4.8 | $$ |
| Photo | Stove | Fuel Type | Weight | Rating | Price |
MSR Reactor Backpacking Stove System
The MSR Reactor Backpacking Stove System is a lightweight all-in-one stove that won the Backpacker Magazine 2019 Editors’ Choice Gold Award.
Available in three sizes, it has efficient fuel consumption and a protective housing that enables excellent performance in cold weather, winds, and high altitude.
Great for melting snow, an 8-ounce canister can boil up to 22 liters of water.
Perhaps the only possible drawback is the comparatively high price.
Specifications
- Weight: 1 lb 1 oz
- Dimensions: 6” x 6” x 7.75”
- Capacity: 1.7 liters (also available in 1-liter and 2.5-liter versions)
- Fuel Type: canister
- Fuel: isobutane-propane
- Boil Time: 1 liter in 3 minutes
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Price: $$$$
Key Features
- radiant burner, heat exchanger, and internal pressure regulator provide fuel-efficiency in all conditions
- heat exchanger encloses the radiant head providing a windscreen to protect the flames
- One 8-ounce fuel canister can produce 22 liters of boiled water (fuel canister sold separately)
Jetboil Flash Backpacking Stove System
The Jetboil Flash Backpacking Stove System is another all-in-one model that includes a great package of features and accessories.
At 13 ounces it is lightweight and all components including the fuel canister fit inside the Jetboil cup for easy packing.
A push-button igniter ensures safe, easy starting and a thermochromatic color-change indicator keeps you abreast of temperature levels.
The bottom cover doubles as a measuring cup or bowl and an insulated pot cozy keep the contents warm.
It brings a quart of water to a boil in 1 minute 40 seconds and is fully compatible with a range of Jetboil optional accessories (listed below) including a coffee press.
This exceptional stove is reasonably priced for all that you get and comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Specifications
- Weight: 13 oz
- Dimensions: 1” x 4.1” x 7.1”
- Capacity: 1 liter
- Fuel Type: canister
- Fuel: isobutane-propane
- Boil Time: 16 fluid ounces in 100 seconds
- Colors: camo, matrix, carbon, or wilderness
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $$$
Key Features
- Push-button igniter
- The bottom cover can serve as a bowl or measuring cup
- Insulating cozy
- Compatible with optional accessories that include a coffee press, hanging kit, pot support, skillet, fluxring cooking pot, and utensils
- Thermochromatic color-change heat indicator
- Windscreen
- Fits standard backpacking canisters, one 100-gram Jetpower fuel canister can produce 12 liters of boiled water (fuel canister sold separately)
Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Backpacking Stove
The Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Backpacking Stove is ultralight at 2 ounces (canister not included) and has folding arms that make it compact in your backpack but fold out to fit a range of cookware.
It will boil water in fewer than 4 and a half minutes, has a flame-control valve enabling simmer-control, and a built-in windscreen to keep the flame steady.
The pricing is quite reasonable and it is backed by a lifetime warranty that includes repairs and exchanges.
Specifications
- Weight: 2 oz
- Dimensions: 4.9” x 3.14”
- Capacity: NA (container not included)
- Fuel Type: canister
- Fuel: isobutane-propane
- Boil Time: an average of 4 minutes 25 seconds
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Price: $$
Key Features
- Ultralight titanium construction
- Built-in windscreen
- Foldable arms
- Flame-control adjustment
- Matches well with the Trek 700 Titanium Cook Set
- Canister sold separately
Vargo Titanium Hexagon Wood Backpacking Stove
The Vargo Titanium Hexagon Wood Backpacking Stove takes you back to the basics with a design providing safe containment for natural fuel that you don’t have to carry with you.
Made of ultralight, sturdy, heat and corrosion-resistant titanium, it folds flat for easy packing.
The hinged design quickly assembles in seconds and has a conical shape keeping the fire contained, focused, and compact.
A hinged door allows you to load kindling and other natural biomass and to adjust ventilation. Check out the video below for a refresher on how to make a safe wood fire and full instructions on how to use this stove.
It should last a lifetime and is guaranteed by Vargo as such.
Specifications
- Weight: 4.1 oz
- Dimensions: 5” x 3” x 4”
- Capacity: NA (container not included)
- Fuel Type: biomass
- Fuel: wood, organic matter
- Boil Time: an average of 8-10 minutes
- Warranty: lifetime guarantee
- Price: $$
Key Features
- Ultralight, strong, corrosion and heat-resistant titanium construction
- One-piece hinged design folds flat
- Conical shape with a hinged door for ventilation and loading
- Easy assembly
- Nylon carry case
Esbet Ultralight Folding Titanium Backpacking Stove
The Esbet Ultralight Folding Titanium Backpacking Stove is as light as they come at less than half an ounce, great for minimalist backpackers who still want the ability to boil water and cook.
The 3-legged design adapts well to uneven surfaces and the titanium is exceptionally sturdy, and corrosion and heat-resistant, able to withstand the 1,400°F temperatures generated by the Esbit tablets used for fuel.
The folding design packs away small in its mesh carry bag and sets up in seconds.
A variety of pots and cups are suitable, especially Esbit Titanium Cookware.
The pricing is low and the stove is backed by a 2-year warranty.
Specifications
- Weight: .4 oz
- Dimensions: 3.3” x 1.1” (folded)
- Capacity: NA (container not included)
- Fuel Type: Esbit solid fuel tablets (sold separately)
- Fuel: fuel tablets weighing .5 oz each
- Boil Time: NA
- Warranty: 2-year manufacturers
- Price: $
Key Features
- Ultralight, strong, corrosion and heat-resistant titanium construction
- 3-leg folding design
- Tablet tray for fuel
- Esbit fuel tablets burn for about 12 minutes each
- Easy assembly
- Suits various shapes of cups and pots and Esbit Cookware
- High-quality mesh carry bag
Primus Classic Trail Backpacking Stove
The Primus Classic Trail Backpacking Stove is a sturdy, reliable, stainless steel stove.
With no folding parts, it has a wide flame for even distribution of heat that has a control knob for fine-tuning from a slow simmer to a fast boil which can be achieved in less than 3 minutes.
The design is wind-resistant and has a stable 4-point pot stand suitable for a variety of pots that can accommodate cooking for 3.
It is a bit heavy at 6.9 ounces but setup takes less than a minute, it packs nicely in its nylon storage bag and comes at a very budget-friendly price.
Specifications
- Weight: 6.9 oz
- Dimensions: 4.9” x 4.9” x 3.2”
- Capacity: NA (container not included)
- Fuel Type: canister
- Fuel: isobutane-propane
- Boil Time: under 3 minutes
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $
Key Features
- Stainless steel construction
- No folding parts
- 4-point pot stand for stability, suitable for a variety of pot sizes
- Knob for fine-tuning the flame size
- Wind-resistant
- Nylon storage bag
- Canister sold separately
Etekcity Ultralight Backpacking Stove
The Etekcity Ultralight Backpacking Stove is a super low-priced stove with a good all-around package of features.
Lightweight at 3.3 ounces, the collapsible design sets up quickly and fits nicely for packing in its compact, palm-size carry case.
It has a convenient and safe piezo ignition system and adjustable flame control to fine-tune your cooking and can boil water in as few as 3 minutes or so.
Four serrated dual-position legs form a base for pots and add to stability and grip.
The one possible drawback is that there is not any built-in wind protection for the flame.
Along with the budget price, it is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.3 oz
- Dimensions: 15″ x 2.36″ x 1.81″
- Capacity: NA (container not included)
- Fuel Type: canister
- Fuel: isobutane-propane
- Boil Time: around 3 minutes
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $
Key Features
- Stainless steel and aluminum construction
- Collapsible design
- Serrated pot legs/holders for a firm foundation
- Built-in piezo electric-spark ignition system
- Adjustable flame-control to fine-tune the flame size
- Carry case
- Canister sold separately
MSR PocketRocket Ultralight Backpacking Stove
The MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Backpacking Stove has been improved from the original and is even more lightweight.
With a folding design it sets up quickly and after you’re finished folds back into its compact hardshell case and drawstring carry bag to occupy minimal space in your backpack.
Available with a piezo ignition system, it has MSR’s WindClip wind protection design with a focused burner very difficult for the wind to blow out.
The adjustable flame control takes the flame from simmer to torch and can boil a liter of water in 3 and a half minutes.
The 3 folding pot supports have a serrated edge to grip pots and cups firmly.
It works with MSR fuel canisters or a range of self-sealing canister brands.
The pricing is quite reasonable and MSR backs it with a 3-year warranty.
Specifications
- Weight: 2.6 oz
- Dimensions: 5″ x 2.2″ x 3.3″
- Capacity: NA (container not included)
- Fuel Type: canister
- Fuel: isobutane-propane
- Boil Time: 3 minutes 30 seconds
- Warranty: 3-year limited
- Price: $$
Key Features
- WindClip wind protection and focused burner
- Foldable for packing
- Serrated stainless steel pot supports for a firm foundation
- Available with or without a built-in piezo electric spark ignition system
- Adjustable flame-control to fine-tune the flame size
- Lightweight hard protective case and carry bag
- Compatible with most self-sealing fuel canisters
- Canister sold separately
Best Backpacking Stove Buying Guide
Canister Stoves – The most popular stoves for backpackers, canister stoves are simply designed, compact, lightweight, and durable. They employ pressurized isobutene and propane gases which burn clean and are frequently adjustable to achieve large and small flames suitable for boiling or simmering. Many models have an electric spark ignition system for convenience and safety. Although the stoves themselves are lightweight, the canisters of gas are somewhat bulky and heavy. If you are on a short trip, canister stoves are a good choice for simple cooking and boiling water. On longer trips, it can involve more use of fuel than is convenient to carry perhaps making other alternatives a better choice. Some models also don’t perform as well in cold weather.
Canister Stove Systems – This refers to systems that integrate a canister stove and fuel canister with a cup or cooking pot that is built-in and specifically designed for coordinated use. They often are very efficient at boiling and in some cases compatible with other pots or cookware. Oftentimes the system provides wind protection and better performance in cold weather. The downside is they are heavier, bulkier, and with a tall profile less stable than standard canister stoves.
Liquid Fuel Stoves – These often use white gas, but there are some that use kerosene, unleaded gasoline, or diesel. The fuel is contained in refillable bottles which combined with the stove itself is comparatively heavy. A bottle of fuel typically lasts longer than a canister of fuel making it suitable for longer trips and cooking for groups. They often boil water quickly and perform well in colder temperatures. Aside from their weight, other drawbacks are that they require more maintenance and spills are more possible.
With a heavier weight, liquid fuel stoves are not the most suitable for backpacking and none were reviewed in this article. Here are a couple of examples of high-quality liquid fuel stoves: MSR Dragonfly MSR XGK EX
Alternate Fuel Stoves – Those models designed for backpacking are often ultralight and can be made of aluminum or titanium to achieve that, and are very compact. The fuels referred to include wood/biomass and solid fuel tablets. The best stoves are designed to maximize efficiency and to contain the fire. A drawback that sometimes puts them outside of local safety regulations is that they lack a built-in cut-off mechanism. Tablets are lightweight and of course, biomass can be found on the campsite with no need to carry it in.
How to Choose the Best Backpacking Stove
For more information on camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
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