How To Choose The Best Camping Stove: Ultimate Guide

Camping stoves have become a more popular option than open fires for those who love to explore the great outdoors. They are simple (most of the time), and portable devices used for cooking food and boiling water in the wilderness. When it comes to camping, lightweight and compact stoves are the best choices for hikers.

With so many options available, choosing the best camping stove for hiking can be daunting. In this article, we will discuss the factors that should be considered when selecting the best camping stove for your intended use.

I’ll also provide you with a list of my favorite camping stoves in each category, and you will learn what is best for you.

Importance of Choosing the Right Camping Stove

Choosing the right camping stove is actually pretty vital for a successful (and safe) camping trip. The importance of selecting the appropriate camping stove cannot be overstated. Without the right stove, your trip can actually turn into a miserable experience.

How, you ask?

Well, if you took a canister stove with you when the weather was a chilly 5 Degrees Fahrenheit, you would quickly learn that you won’t be able to operate that fuel canister as you thought. Instead, I’d go with a liquid fuel stove (discussed below, as these are best for cold-weather camping).

A stove that also can efficiently meet your cooking needs is also necessary, and it’s crucial to consider the size and weight of the stove for portability when out traveling in the wilderness. For example, if you plan on making elaborate meals, or are car camping, then something with precise flame control would be ideal.

On the opposite side, if you are just trying to boil water then canister fuel is preferable for many outdoor adventures due to its compact nature and ease of use.

When selecting a stove, it’s also essential to consider the weather. Wind-resistant and sturdy stoves are best for camping in windy conditions or on uneven terrain to avoid accidents.

What Are The Different Types of Camping Stoves?

Canister Stoves

Best For Backpacking

Canister stoves are a popular choice for thru-hikers who prioritize portability and ease of use. These stoves are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in a backpack. They operate using prepackaged fuel canisters that screw into the stove for easy setup and ignite with the push of a button or a flame.

Canister stoves are known for their reliability and efficiency, making them an excellent choice for those who want a stove that is both easy to use and effective.

They are also ideal for cooking in areas with fire restrictions or where there is a risk of wildfire, as they do not require an open flame.

However, canister stoves are not as versatile as some other types of camping stoves, as they are designed to be used with only specific fuel canisters, and may not be practical for longer trips where frequent fuel canister changes would be necessary.

Additionally, they may struggle to perform well in extreme temperatures or high altitudes, making them less suitable for certain types of wilderness expeditions. Overall, canister stoves are an excellent choice for hikers and campers who are looking for a reliable, lightweight, and easy-to-use stove that is well-suited for most types of outdoor cooking.

Liquid Fuel Stoves

Best For Expeditions Or Long-Term Wilderness Adventures

Liquid fuel stoves are ubiquitous camping stove that utilizes liquid fuel to generate heat. This type of camping stove is highly versatile and offers users a wide range of fuel options. Liquid fuel stoves are ideal for cold-weather camping trips and high-altitude adventures, as they perform efficiently in extreme conditions.

In fact, during polar expedition training, we used a liquid stove that had an Arctic fuel pump designed to work under 0 degrees F.

They are also more efficient than canister stoves and have a higher heat output, which makes them perfect for group expeditions or camping trips.

However, liquid fuel stoves require more maintenance than other types of stoves, and users need to clean them regularly to prevent fuel clogs. Liquid fuel stoves are also quite heavy (for shorter trips), which could be a disadvantage for hikers looking for lightweight options.

This type of stove is highly versatile, and (depending on the stove model) users can choose between white gas, diesel, kerosene, and unleaded gasoline to fuel their stoves.

Liquid fuel stoves are a reliable and versatile option for hikers, especially those who camp in cold weather or high altitude conditions. While they require more maintenance, they are fuel-efficient and have a higher heat output than other types of stoves, making them an excellent option for larger groups or challenging camping trips.

Wood-Burning Stoves

Best When Wood Is Plentiful

If you want an environmentally friendly option for your camping or hiking trips, consider using wood-burning stoves. These stoves run on natural resources like wood or other biomass fuels like twigs, leaves, and small branches.

This Biolite camp stove above is what I plan to bring on a near future 30-day wilderness canoe expedition in Canada. Wood will be plentiful and I will be able to charge my GPS… it’s a win-win!

They are the heaviest of all camping stoves and require a certain level of patience to operate, but they can provide plenty of heat and are often more reliable than other types of camp stoves.

One of the biggest advantages of using a wood-burning stove is that you do not need to carry fuel, thereby reducing the weight of your backpack if planning on being out for an extended period of time (like a canoe trip).

Additionally, wood-burning stoves are the least expensive type of camp stoves, and the cost of fuel is often free since you can collect wood in the wilderness. Some of the wood-burning stoves can get expensive if they have an internal charging device that, when heated, can charge your electronics.

My favorite? The Biolite Stove that is pictured above.

Tip: It is important to note that not all campsites allow the use of wood-burning stoves, so check with the campsite before packing one.

Solid Fuel Stoves

Best For Emergency Bug Out Bags

In camping, solid fuel stoves stand out for their portability and compactness. These stoves are lightweight, making them ideal for hikers who are looking for a space-saving, efficient cooking system for very short trips. Solid fuel stoves use fuel tablets as a source of heat for cooking.

They are easy to use and light quickly, and a single fuel tablet can cook a meal or boil water in less than ten minutes.

The downsides of solid fuel stoves include longer cooking times and the difficulty of controlling the heat they produce. Additionally, fuel tablets have a shorter shelf life and can be more expensive than other fuel options.

In my humble opinion, after using one of these, I think they pair perfectly with a bug-out bag or emergency car kit where you need a simple, reliable stove. There are better options that are more geared toward camping and backpacking trips.

Popular brands of solid fuel stoves include Esbit and Sterno.

Alcohol Stoves

Best For Budget Or Ultralight Travel

Alcohol stoves are another popular option for hikers and backpackers looking for an ultralight camp stove to take on their shorter adventure travels. These stoves are popular for being easy to use, light in weight, and affordable. They operate using denatured alcohol, which is readily accessible and inexpensive.

Alcohol stoves come in two main types: open-flame and pressure-based. Open-flame alcohol stoves, (For example, a cat can stove), are the simplest and most lightweight options. You can make one by punching holes in aluminum cat cans and burning alcohol in them.

These are super easy to make. Watch this youtube video below:

Pressure-based alcohol stoves, on the other hand, are slightly heavier but offer more efficiency and control over the flame. They work by pressurizing the alcohol and releasing it through a nozzle to create a flame.

Alcohol stoves are best for light cooking in a solo or small-group setting where weight and cost are critical factors. However, they are not (at all) as efficient or safe in windy or cold conditions and can take longer to boil water than other stove types.

It’s important to note that alcohol stoves do not generate as much heat as other stoves, so they may not be the best choice for cooking more elaborate meals. When choosing an alcohol stove, consider the size and weight of the stove, the amount of fuel it can hold, and the type of pot or pan that will be used with it.

Features to Look for in a Camping Stove

Weight

When it comes to choosing the best camping stove for hiking, weight is a crucial factor to consider. A heavy stove (or stove type) can add significant weight to your backpack, making it difficult to carry and impeding your ability to enjoy your outdoor adventure.

Additionally, considering the weight of your fuel canister is also crucial. While liquid fuel canisters are heavier than canisters with compressed gas, they can often provide a more efficient fuel source, which may make them a better option for longer hiking trips and for cold temperatures.

Size

Size is also an important factor to consider when choosing the best camping stove for hiking. The size of a camping stove can directly affect its portability, as a larger stove may be more difficult to carry and pack.

For example, if you are thru-hiking the John Muir Trail with an ultralight kit, you would never want to pack a liquid fuel stove or wood-burning stove. Instead, you’d go with a canister stove or alcohol stove.

Fuel Efficiency

One of the most important considerations when selecting a camping stove for hiking is its efficiency. Fuel efficiency plays a vital role in determining how much fuel is consumed for cooking, which, in turn, impacts the weight of the backpack and the $$ of the fuel.

Many stoves are designed to be efficient, but there is always room to optimize. The fuel efficiency of a camping stove is determined by a combination of its design and the type of fuel it uses. For example, a flame from a canister stove is going to be more powerful than a flame from a wood-burning stove.

They burn cleanly and provide a consistent flame, making them the best choice for backpacking. White gas is also a reliable option, but it tends to be less efficient for short-term trips.

When selecting a camping stove, it’s also important to consider the weather conditions. Many places, when in a draught, place fire bans on the areas causing you to HAVE TO use a non-open flame stove.

Therefore, depending on the backpacking trip, distance, and weather, it’s essential to determine the right balance of weight and fuel efficiency, and safety for the camping stove.

Boil Time

Boil time is an essential factor to consider when choosing a camping stove for hiking. Waiting for water to boil while camping is one of the most time-consuming tasks, especially when using inefficient stoves.

Therefore, it is crucial to select a camp stove with the shortest boiling time possible if that is important to you. Most hiker-friendly stoves can boil water in less than four minutes. However, boil time depends on several other factors such as fuel type, elevation, wind, and ambient temperature.

Wind resistance also affects the boil time of stoves, so choosing stoves with good wind baffles and improving shelter can reduce boil time.

Finally, temperature affects the time taken to boil water; it takes longer to boil water in colder temperatures than in warmer ones.

For the fastest boiling setup, I would go with a Jetboil system. It is one of the best backpacking stoves that, due to its engineering, boils water rapidly.

Ease of Use

The ease of use of a camping stove is a crucial factor to consider when choosing the best one for hiking. A camp stove that is difficult to set up, light, or turn off can cause frustration and potentially dangerous situations.

When looking for a camping stove, consider the number of steps it takes to set up and use. Some can be as simple as a push-button ignition or as complex as liquid gas stoves that require maintenance.

Turning off and cleaning the stove should also be considered when choosing the best camp stove for hiking. A stove with detachable parts that are easy to clean will make maintenance easier, in case of frequent use.

Moreover, the stove should be simple to extinguish, especially when there are unexpected wind or fire hazards. This is one downside with the DIY alcohol stoves as they aren’t easy to put out.

My recommendation would be to choose a stove that has features such as a shut-off valve or an adjustable flame, which can help regulate the flame and prevent unintended fires.

Durability

A durable stove can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor activities, making it a reliable gear for longer periods.

It’s easy to find knock-off versions of many items listed above, however, they are almost always made cheaply too. Don’t sacrifice durability!

The type of stove you choose should be able to handle what you plan to put on it whether it be a big skillet or a small pot. The stove’s legs should be sturdy enough to support weight on uneven terrain.

The best part about liquid fuel stoves is that for expeditions, I bring spare parts because they are easily replaceable. Making an already bombproof stove even more bombproof.

Additionally, the durability of a camping stove is affected by how well it is maintained and cleaned. Proper cleaning and maintenance will help extend the lifespan of the stove.

Wind Resistance

Wind resistance is an essential factor to consider when choosing between the different camp stoves above. When camping outdoors, there is likely to be wind, which can impact the performance of a stove.

A stove that is not resistant to wind will be challenging to use when the wind blows out the flame. Therefore, it is essential to choose a stove that can withstand wind gusts if you plan to be around ridges or other exposed areas.

Some stoves come with windshields to improve their wind resistance. Windshields prevent the wind from blowing out the stove’s flame and allow for better heat retention, making the stove’s performance more efficient.

Having a camping stove that is resistant to wind not only makes cooking easier but can also be safer, minimizing the risks of accidental fires. So it is really, really important to select a stove that can withstand varying wind levels, as wind speeds can change quickly in outdoor environments.

Simmer Control

Simmer control is an essential feature in a camping stove, if you are cooking delicate dishes from scratch. While mountaineering on a glacier in Alaska, we used an MSR liquid fuel stove’s excellent simmer control to make cinnamon rolls from scratch! (It wouldn’t have turned out well if we had other types of stoves).

A camping stove with good simmer control allows you to turn down the heat to a low level, preventing your food from burning or boiling over. A stove with poor simmer control may force you to constantly adjust the flame or purely eat food that just requires boiling water, like freeze-dried meals.

This simmer feature is mainly found in liquid fuel camp stoves with adjustability options like a knob or a lever.

Price

Price is always an essential factor when selecting camping gear, and stoves are no different. The price range of camping stoves for hikers varies depending on their features, quality, and brand.

Camping stoves that are lightweight and portable are usually more expensive than their heavier and bulky counterparts. Hiking stoves with advanced fuel efficiency, boil times, and simmer control are also more expensive than basic models.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of affordable options for hikers who are on a budget or don’t want to invest too much money in their camping equipment. It is worth considering the long-term benefits of investing in a high-quality camping stove that is durable, versatile, and efficient.

Really though, the best camping stove for adventure travel is the one that fits your budget and meets your specific needs and preferences.

Top Lightweight and Portable Camping Stoves for Hiking

Here are a few of the stoves that I have grown to love tremendously.

Jetboil Flash

Best Canister Stove For Rapid Boiling

The Jetboil Flash is one of the most popular lightweight and portable camping stoves for hikers. This stove stands out because of its rapid boil technology, which allows for a 1-liter boil in under 3 minutes.

Its easy-to-use electric igniter system, coupled with its compact design and fuel canister stabilizer, make it convenient for campers. The Jetboil Flash weighs only 13.1 ounces, making it one of the lighter options in the market. Its 0.8-liter FluxRing cooking cup is designed to fit snugly with the burner base, ensuring that heat is transferred efficiently.

The Jetboil Flash’s burner has a simmer control, as well as a fuel regulator that ensures constant heat output even when the fuel canister is running low.

Its insulating cozy help keeps food warm and serves as a good indicator to let you know when the contents have come to a boil.

With easy-to-use Jetpower fuel canisters, the Jetboil Flash is an excellent and reliable choice for campers who desire a robust stove that is easy to take along on backpacking and hiking trips.

MSR PocketRocket 2

Best All-Round Canister Stove

The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a highly favored stove among hikers and backpackers for its lightweight nature and its efficient performance in various weather conditions. To me, this is the best overall camping stove due to the all-around use that it is fit for.

Able to boil a liter of water in under four minutes, the PocketRocket 2 is a reliable and efficient option for campers looking to cook and boil water quickly. The stove has a (semi) adjustable flame control that allows for a variety of cooking options ranging from a slight simmer to rapid boiling.

Additionally, the PocketRocket 2 is the simplest to use and is easy to set up; it’s collapsible legs and compact design make it an ideal choice for backpackers looking to minimize weight and save space in their packs.

It’s sturdy design and durable construction also make it a reliable option for long-term use on the trail or car camping. Whether it’s a morning cup of coffee or a hot meal at the end of a long day, the MSR PocketRocket has been giving me many, many mornings and evenings of enjoyment.

MSR Whisperlite Universal Stove

Best Liquid Fuel Stove

When it comes to reliable and versatile camping stoves, the MSR WhisperLite is a true legend in the outdoor world. Designed for adventurers who value simplicity and performance, this stove has been a trusted companion on countless wilderness expeditions.

In fact, my mentor Eric Larsen (polar explorer) has been using these MSR stoves on his expeditions for many many years.

The MSR WhisperLite is renowned for its robust design and outstanding durability. Built to withstand the toughest conditions, this stove is constructed with high-quality materials that can handle the bumps, bangs, and general rough handling that often comes with outdoor adventures.

Fuel efficiency is another key feature that sets the MSR WhisperLite apart from the competition. Designed to run on various liquid fuels, such as white gas, kerosene, and even unleaded gasoline, this stove is incredibly efficient, making the most of every drop of fuel. Its precision flame control allows for excellent simmering capability, so you can easily cook gourmet meals or simply heat up a quick cup of coffee.

Polar expedition teams receive training on how to use this stove to dry their clothes inside their tents in Arctic conditions.

So this stove type has been tested around the world by many different people! I’ve personally used one on polar expedition training, car camping, mountaineering in Alaska, and much more. They always perform.

Biolite Wood Burning Stove

Best Wood Burning Stove

The Biolite Wood Burning Stove is a portable cooking device that harnesses the power of wood-burning to generate heat. Its unique design not only allows you to cook your meals efficiently but also converts the excess heat into electricity.

This is the reason I think it’s the perfect expedition stove for backcountry canoeing. It isn’t perfect for some camping trips, but if you don’t want a gas stove and have endless wood around, then this becomes more and more ideal.

Most camping stoves don’t offer a renewable resource, and until they do, I will always have a wood fueled stove.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camping Stove

When it comes to choosing the right camp stove, certain factors must be taken into consideration to ensure an enjoyable and safe outdoor adventure. The first factor to consider is the type of fuel the stove uses.

There are stoves that run on propane, white gas, butane, alcohol, or wood. Each fuel type has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of burn time, heat output, and weight. The second factor to consider is the stove’s weight and size.

Lightweight and compact stoves are ideal for backpackers and hikers who carry their equipment over long distances. The third factor to consider is the stove’s cooking style. Depending on the camping trip’s type, different cooking styles must be taken into account, such as simmering, boiling, or grilling.

The fourth factor to consider is the stove’s ease of use and maintenance. Some stoves may require more maintenance and cleaning than others, leading to additional weight and time spent on stove upkeep.

The fifth factor to consider is the stove’s safety features. It is crucial to ensure that the stove’s safety mechanisms are functioning correctly to prevent accidents and injuries during camping trips. Lastly, the stove’s price point must be considered. The price range for camping stoves can vary widely, depending on fuel type, weight, and features.

FAQs

What factors should I consider when choosing a camping stove for hiking?

Factors to consider when choosing a camping stove for hiking include cooking performance, fuel type, weight, portability, durability, wind protection, and ease of use.

What fuel types are available for camping stoves?

Camping canister stoves typically use isobutane. Other stoves may use liquid fuel, wood, or other fuels.

What is a BTU and what should I look for in terms of BTUs when choosing a camping stove?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, which is a measure of heat output. When choosing a camping stove for hiking, you should look for a stove with a BTU output that matches your cooking needs.

What are the advantages of a lightweight camping stove?

A lightweight camping stove is ideal for hiking because it’s easy to carry and won’t add unnecessary weight to your pack. It can also help to conserve fuel during your trip.

What are the different types of camping stoves?

There are several types of camping stoves that we went over, including canister stoves, liquid fuel stoves, wood-burning stoves, and alcohol stoves. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs.

What are some features to look for in a portable camping stove?

When choosing a portable camping stove, consider features such as a sturdy base, adjustable flame control, wind resistance, and compatibility with your preferred fuel. Don’t forget to also consider the type of cooking you plan to do on your hike.

Conclusion: Choosing The Perfect Camping Stoves

The right camping stove can turn a good trip into a great one. In this article, we’ve addressed some of the most important characteristics and features to consider when choosing the best lightweight and portable camping stove for hiking.

We’ve covered the differences between canister, liquid-fuel, and wood-burning stoves, and what types of camping environments each works best in. I also wanted to talk about the importance of considering the stove’s size, weight, and fuel efficiency, as well as the types of food and beverages you plan to prepare on your trip.

By following these key points, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect camping stove for your next wilderness travel adventure, ensuring that you can enjoy delicious meals and hot beverages in even the most remote and rugged camping environments.

Nowadays, there really are a million ways to go about your camp kitchen. It all comes down to the type of trip that you plan on doing. Car camping? Well, that stove will be different than if you are backpacking the Sierras. Hopefully, this article will help clear up some information.

Thanks for checking out this post and please let me know if you guys have any questions!

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