Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024

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The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe backpacking stove in front of a jagged mountain with red bands
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

A backpacking stove can enhance your wilderness adventures in a way that few other tools can, whether you’re a boil-water-and-let-it-sit kind of hiker or more of a backcountry gourmet. Key features like convenience, weight, packability, power, efficiency, and precision can determine which stove is right for you.

We’ve researched and tested over 40 of the best backpacking stoves available across the sky-high mountains of Nepal, the freezing ridges of Mt. Hood, and just about everywhere in between. We used our experience and expertise to narrow down this list of our absolute favorites.

And for more info, check out some of our other most popular gear guides:

Quick Picks for Backpacking Stoves

Check out this quick list of the best backpacking stoves if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorites with in-depth reviews.

Best Backpacking Stove Overall: MSR PocketRocket 2 ($50)

Best Value Integrated Stove System: Jetboil Flash ($130)

Efficient Stove with Excellent Wind Performance: SOTO WindMaster ($70)

Ultralight Canister Stove with a Tiny Packed Size: Snow Peak LiteMax ($60)

Best Budget Ultralight Stove: BRS 3000T ($20)

Highly Wind-Resistant Integrated Stove System: MSR WindBurner ($190)

Best Budget Stove & Cookset Bundle: SOTO Amicus Cookset Combo ($50)

Affordable Stove with a Wide Burner: Primus Essential Trail Stove ($30)

Integrated Stove System with Wide Cookpot & Simmer Control: Jetboil MiniMo ($170)

Durable Canister Stove with Convenient Features: Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0 ($50)

Best Liquid Fuel Stove for Winter Treks: MSR WhisperLite ($135)

High-Efficiency Wood Burning Stove: Solo Stove Lite ($70)

What’s new

We’ve put several hundred more miles of use on our favorite backpacking stoves and updated our reviews with long-term testing notes:

  • The SOTO Windmaster impresses us and scores high on our list, and we’ve added a full review.

  • The MSR WhisperLite takes the title of best liquid fuel stove for winter treks.

  • The MSR PocketRocket 2 remains our number one stove, and we’ve added some new details to our review.

Backpacking Stoves OVerall Testing Scores

MSR PocketRocket 2

Best Backpacking Stove Overall

Score: 79.8/100

Price: $50

Weight: 2.6 oz.

Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister

Boil Time: 3m 30s

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 60m

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Compact
  • Durable
  • Simmer control
  • Efficient

Cons

  • Somewhat bulky carrying case
  • Not as good in wind as some

The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a lightweight, compact, and durable stove that won’t break your budget. During testing, the PocketRocket 2 consistently outperformed more expensive stoves with its great simmer control and fast boil times.

One unique feature is the hard plastic storage case that comes with the PocketRocket 2. This keeps the stove protected from debris and ensures it won’t get bent or damaged in your backpack. We sometimes opt to leave the case behind when we want to go as light as possible, but it only weighs 1.6 oz. – not a big penalty for the added peace of mind.

MSR also offers the PocketRocket 2 Kit, which comes with the stove, a pot, a bowl, a straining lid, and a pot grip. The kit is an awesome value if you’re looking for a complete cooking setup.

Another upgrade you can opt for is the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe (which is also available as a Stove Kit). The Deluxe comes with a push button igniter, a pressure regulator to help performance in cold temps and at high altitude, and a recessed burner head for improved wind performance.

The standard PocketRocket 2 is a great choice for seasoned thru-hikers and backpacking novices alike. Though the Deluxe has a more robust regulator for high altitude and cold weather, we’ve never had an issue with the PocketRocket 2.

MSR PocketRocket 2 Full Review

Jetboil Flash

Best Value Integrated Stove System

Score: 77.5/100

Price: $130

Weight: 13.1 oz.

Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister

Boil Time: 2m 40s

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 50m

Pros

  • Convenient
  • Fast boil time
  • Pot included
  • Push-button igniter
  • Performs well in wind

Cons

  • Expensive (but comes with pot)
  • No simmer control
  • Heavy & bulky for backpacking

Among this stove type, the Jetboil Flash is one of the most affordable and dependable integrated stove options out there. Its fast and convenient performance is best suited just for boiling water quickly since it doesn’t have the best simmer control, but that’s all a backpacker needs for dehydrated meals and morning coffee.

Integrated stove systems are perfect for beginners because of their simplicity. There’s no need to figure out and purchase separate cookware, and the burner ignites with the push of a button.

Hikers who prefer a stove with simmer control can still enjoy the convenience of an integrated stove system with the Jetboil MiniMo listed below. It costs more than the Flash, but it gives you the ability to get more creative with your meals since you can control the flame.

Jetboil Flash Full Review

SOTO WindMaster

Efficient Stove with Excellent Wind Performance

Score: 76.3/100

Price: $70

Weight: 3.1 oz.

Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister

Boil Time: 3m 5s

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 70m

Pros

  • Performs well in wind
  • Lightweight
  • Efficient
  • Push-button igniter
  • Stable pot support
  • Simmer control

Cons

  • Slightly bulkier than some
  • Expensive

The SOTO WindMaster is a highly efficient stove that, as the name would imply, performs beautifully in windy conditions. This powerful little stove boils very quickly and is noticeably quieter than many other stoves we’ve used.

The WindMaster outperforms other stoves in windy conditions because the recessed burner has a lip around it, and there’s very little open space between the burner head and the pot. This means there’s not a lot of room for wind to interfere with your flame, and the result is a faster and more efficient boil in unideal conditions.

We also love that the WindMaster can be adapted to suit different pots. You have the option to attach the included 4-prong support for larger cooksets, or you can purchase an ultralight 3-prong attachment for small pots. While the WindMaster is slightly bulkier than some of our other favorite canister stoves, it’s still quite manageable and packs a lot of power for such a neat little package.

SOTO WindMaster Full Review

Snow Peak LiteMax

Ultralight Canister Stove with a Tiny Packed Size

Score: 71.8/100

Price: $50

Weight: 1.9 oz.

Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister

Boil Time: 6m 5s

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 60m

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Compact
  • Durable
  • Simmer control

Cons

  • Not great in wind

The Snow Peak LiteMax is an ultralight, durable, and compact canister stove that packs down very small. The LiteMax is built with titanium to keep weight to an absolute minimum. Its main strength is its highly collapsible folding design, which makes it easy to pack away in any cookpot. It also has a decent boiling time, ensuring you can get water hot quicky, as well as decent simmer control, so you can cook your rice or noodles without fear of scorching the bottom of the pot.

The LiteMax isn’t the most powerful or efficient stove on the market, but it might take the cake for most durable ultralight stove. Its titanium construction feels much sturdier than other UL options, and the arms are built to accommodate a range of pot sizes.

Snow Peak LiteMax Full Review

BRS 3000T

Best Budget Ultralight Stove

Score: 69.8/100

Price: Around $20

Weight: 1 oz.

Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister

Boil Time: 4m 45s

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 75m

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Ultralight
  • Compact

Cons

  • Not as durable as some
  • No simmer control
  • Knob to turn gas on/off is a little finicky
  • Not as good in wind as some

If you’re looking for a super cheap and ultralight stove that’ll work for 1-2 people, the BRS 3000T is about as affordable and light as they come. While the BRS stove isn’t nearly as dependable as many of the other stoves on this list, it’s worked well for us over thousands of trail miles.

The BRS doesn’t feel very sturdy so you have to treat it with care, but for its price and weight, it’s a solid option for thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers. Don’t expect any frills with this stove (no simmer control, push-button igniter, fuel regulator, etc.), but it’s great if you just need something cheap and light to get the job done.

We pair the BRS stove with the TOAKS Titanium 750ml Pot for a truly ultralight cooking system.

BRS 3000T Full Review

MSR WindBurner

Highly Wind-Resistant Integrated Stove System

Score: 69.3/100

Price: $190

Weight: 15.3 oz.(Stove & Pot)

Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister

Boil Time: 2m 55s

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 95m

Pros

  • Performs well in wind
  • Convenient
  • Fast boil time
  • Pot included

Cons

  • Expensive (but comes with pot)
  • Simmer control isn’t great
  • Heavy & bulky for backpacking

The MSR WindBurner is another extremely convenient integrated stove system. The main advantage it has over other integrated systems is its excellent wind resistance. Stiff winds can greatly reduce stove efficiency, but that’s not an issue with the WindBurner. The WindBurner also has excellent simmer control and some of the fastest boil times, making it a breeze to cook with. 

Although it is one of the highest-performing and most efficient of the integrated stoves we tested, it is also the heaviest and has the highest price tag. If you’re after something slightly lighter, with more convenient features, and in a more budget-friendly package, we recommend checking out the JetBoil Flash or MiniMo.

MSR WindBurner Full Review

Soto Amicus Cookset Combo

Best Budget Stove & Cookset Bundle

Score: 69/100

Price: $50

Weight: 11.2 oz. / 2.7 oz.(Stove & Pot/Stove Only)

Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister

Boil Time: 4m 20s

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 90m

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Affordable
  • Two pots included
  • Simmer control
  • Stable pot support
  • Performs well in wind

Cons

  • Pots don’t have measurement marks

The SOTO Amicus Stove Cookset Combo is a super affordable bundle that includes both an ultralight stove and a pot. The Amicus stove has good simmer control, four locking legs that provide solid pot support, a push-button igniter, and a recessed burner for increased performance in the wind.

The cookware that comes with this set is somewhat basic, but it’s lightweight and gets the job done efficiently. We like that the pot has a generous capacity so we can heat enough water for everything at once, and the deep lid can be used as a separate cup.

We recommend the Amicus Combo to anyone on a budget who needs a complete, lightweight cook system for backpacking.

SOTO Amicus Cookset Combo Full Review

Primus Essential Trail

Affordable Stove with a Wide Burner & Great Simmer Control

Score: 67.3/100

Price: $30

Weight: 4 oz.

Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister

Boil Time: 3m 30s

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 60m

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Simmer control
  • Stable pot support
  • Durable
  • Simple design

Cons

  • Heavier/bulkier than some
  • Doesn’t come with a stuff sack/carry case

For beginners and those on a tight budget, the Primus Essential Trail Stove is one of the simplest and most affordable stoves on our list. The simmer control has a nice range for precision cooking, and the wide burner provides stability and even heat dispersion. The Primus Essential Trail even performs better than most in the wind. Its solid pot stand arms act as an excellent windshield. We’re highly impressed by this stove’s overall performance and how it competes with the best of them in such an affordable package.

We typically prefer stoves that fold down smaller as this one can be difficult to store inside small cook pots with a fuel canister. That’s a minor gripe though, and the no-frills design of the Essential Stove makes it a great choice for stove users on a budget.

Primus Essential Trail Full Review

Jetboil MiniMo

Integrated Stove System with Wide Cookpot & Simmer Control

Score: 65.8/100

Price: $170

Weight: 14 oz.(Stove & Pot)

Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister

Boil Time: 3m 30s

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 30m

Pros

  • Convenient
  • Fast boil time
  • Simmer control
  • Pot included
  • Push-button igniter
  • Performs well in wind

Cons

  • Expensive (but comes with pot)
  • Heavy & bulky for backpacking

The Jetboil MiniMo is a complete cooking system that’s just about as convenient and efficient as backcountry stoves get. We especially love this particular model for a variety of cooking applications. The MiniMo is loaded with useful features including a sturdy handle, push-button igniter, excellent simmer control, and a stout shape that makes eating out of it easier. The MiniMo is slightly heavier and more expensive than some ultralight stove/pot combinations, but its speed, convenience, and stability make it exceptional for the backcountry. The Jetboil MicroMo is the same stove with a slimmer and slightly smaller pot to reduce weight. The Jetboil Flash is less expensive and also excellent, but it doesn’t have great simmer control.

JetBoil MiniMo Full Review

Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0

Durable Canister Stove with a Lot of Convenient Features

Score: 53.3/100

Price: $45

Weight: 4.2 oz.

Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister

Boil Time: 8m 35s

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 30m

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Efficient
  • Simmer control
  • Durable
  • Stable pot support

Cons

  • Slightly bulkier than some
  • Not as good in wind as some

The Snow Peak Gigapower 2.0 is a compact canister stove that’s built to outlast everything else in your pack. Its solid construction features minimal moving parts and seems almost indestructible. Beyond that, it’s convenient and easy to use. It has a push-button igniter, simmer control, and decent boil times.

The Gigapower also has four flat pot supports, which makes it more stable than most three-prong stoves. Snow Peak makes a Gigapower Manual version as well, which is slightly lighter and less expensive, but doesn’t have a push-button igniter.

The Gigapower is not the most efficient stove in the lineup. Its burner is exposed, making it susceptible to wind, and it burns a little more fuel than other stoves. However, it’s lightweight and built to last which we think makes up for its downfalls.

Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0 Full Review

MSR WhisperLite

Best Liquid Fuel Stove for Winter Treks

Score: 51/100

Price: $135

Weight: 9.5 oz.

Fuel Type: White gas

Boil Time: 5m 50s

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 44m

Pros

  • Performs well in extreme cold & high altitude
  • Efficient
  • Quieter than other liquid fuel stoves
  • Stable pot support

Cons

  • Slight learning curve
  • No simmer control
  • Heavy/bulky
  • Expensive

The MSR WhisperLite is one of the most popular liquid fuel stoves because it’s among the lightest, smallest, and least expensive on the market. It’s also much quieter than many other roaring liquid fuel stoves. After you get used to the priming process, It’s simple to use and it will last for a long time with regular maintenance. The WhisperLite will work for you in extreme cold and high altitude where canister stoves fail. Even wind has a minimal effect on this stove due its naturally sheltering construction and included windscreen. 

Pick up the WhisperLite service kit to keep your stove functioning efficiently. If you want the ability to use fuel types other than white gas, check out the WhisperLite International (white gas, kerosene, unleaded gas) or WhisperLite Universal (white gas, kerosene, unleaded gas, or isobutane-propane). Though it takes a little more time to setup, this stove is great for large groups.

MSR WhisperLite Full Review

Solo Stove Lite

High-Efficiency Wood Burning Stove

Score: 44.5/100

Price: $70

Weight: 9 oz.

Fuel Type: Wood

Boil Time: 10m

Burn Time (8 oz. fuel):

Pros

  • Don’t need to carry fuel
  • Efficient
  • Low smoke design
  • Stable pot support

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavy
  • Slightly bulky
  • Can’t control flame

The Solo Stove Lite is a double-wall natural convection inverted downgas gasifier stove. And what do all those fancy words mean? Who knows!?! What we can tell you is the Solo Stove is incredibly efficient and effective. Air intake holes in the bottom of the stove feed the fire from below and above. The end result is a hot and less smoky burn that doesn’t require a windscreen and won’t scorch the ground under your stove. At 9 oz., this stove isn’t winning any weight prizes, but not having to carry fuel does help. Combine the Solo Stove with the Pot 900 for a completely nested cooking system and more space in your pack. The Solo Lite is a good size for 1-2 people. For 2-4 people, bump up to the Solo Titan.

Solo Stove Lite Full Review

BRS 3000T – Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

Product Comparison Table

Product Price Weight Fuel Type Boil Time Burn Time (8 oz. fuel) Convenience Weight & Packability Power & Efficiency Precision
MSR PocketRocket 2
View at REI View at Amazon
$50 2.6 oz. Isobutane/propane canister 3m 30s 60m 7.5 9 8 7
Jetboil Flash
View at REI View at Amazon
$130 13.1 oz. Isobutane/propane canister 2m 40s 50m 9.5 5.5 9 6.5
SOTO WindMaster
View at REI View at Amazon
$70 3.1 oz. Isobutane/propane canister 3m 5s 70m 7.5 7.5 8.5 7
Snow Peak LiteMax
View at REI View at Amazon
$50 1.9 oz. Isobutane/propane canister 6m 5s 60m 6.5 9.5 5 7
BRS 3000T
View at Amazon View at Garage Grown Gear
Around $20 1 oz. Isobutane/propane canister 4m 45s 75m 6 10 6 4.5
MSR WindBurner
View at REI View at Amazon
$190 15.3 oz. (Stove & Pot) Isobutane/propane canister 2m 55s 95m 8 3.5 9 8.5
Soto Amicus Cookset Combo
View at REI
$50 11.2 oz. / 2.7 oz. (Stove & Pot/Stove Only) Isobutane/propane canister 4m 20s 90m 7 7.5 6.5 6
Primus Essential Trail
View at Amazon View at REI
$30 4 oz. Isobutane/propane canister 3m 30s 60m 6.5 6 8 7
Jetboil MiniMo
View at REI View at Amazon
$170 14 oz. (Stove & Pot) Isobutane/propane canister 3m 30s 30m 9 4.5 5.5 6.5
Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0
View at Snow Peak View at Amazon
$45 4.2 oz. Isobutane/propane canister 8m 35s 30m 5.5 6 3.5 6
MSR WhisperLite
View at Backcountry View at Amazon
$135 9.5 oz. White gas 5m 50s 44m 4.5 5 4.5 7.5
Solo Stove Lite
View at Amazon View at Dick's
$70 9 oz. Wood 10m 4 5.5 4 4

Scores for each characteristic (i.e. convenience, weight & packability, power & efficiency, precision) are rated 1-10 as follows:
> 9 = Exceptional; 8-8.5 = Very good; 7-7.5 = Good; 6-6.5 = Average; 5-5.5 = Slightly below average; < 5 = Below average

How We Test & Methodology

There are four key metrics we use to test backpacking stoves: convenience, weight, packability, power, efficiency, and precision. We put each stove through on-trail testing as well as rigorous controlled experiments.

CONVENIENCE

Convenience refers to the stove’s overall ease of use and setup. This includes things like ignitor switches, additional pot stands, neoprene sleeves, and pour spout lids. We also factor in overall stove stability by giving it the ‘tip test’. In other words, how easy is it to knock over? All of these elements are taken into account to give it an overall convenience score.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

Whether you are an ultralight backpacker or a bushcrafter, the amount of weight you are carrying makes a huge difference. We weigh each stove with and without its extra accessories, measure its size, and see if it’s packable inside a one liter pot along with a fuel canister. This helps us (and you) determine if the overall features of the stove justify its weight and size.

POWER & EFFICIENCY

We assess power and efficiency by how quickly a stove can boil water and how much fuel is consumed in the process. We also look at how that performance changes in a windy environment. A quick boil is a much appreciated feature at the end of a long day and higher efficiency means less fuel is wasted. We time how long each stove takes to boil one liter of water, on high, with and without wind present. Then we measure how much fuel was lost.

PRECISION

Precision is defined by how much simmer control the stove has. Some stoves feature a fuel regulator which significantly increases its range, but even stoves without a regulator usually have some level of variability. With water in a pot, we put it on the stove and try to squeeze out as many definitive changes in flame output as we possibly can. Simmer control is most important to backpackers who want to do more than just boil water. Simmering provides more cooking versatility, allowing you to reheat a meal or even saute.

Why Trust CleverHiker

In addition to controlled lab-style testing, we put all of our backpacking stoves through real life, practical testing in the mountains. Gear Analyst, Brett Kretzer, has backpacked thousands of miles across the US and Europe. He’s thru-hiked the Long Trail, Colorado Trail, the GR11 in the Pyrenees as well as countless other desert and mountain treks. In the process, Brett has put a wide range of gear, including stoves from this list, through the harshest conditions. Through his roles as a gear tester and advisor, he’s learned to analyze and interpret the details that matter in gear selection and has become deeply familiar with how gear can alter the overall experience of a backpacking trip.

Analysis & Results

For backpacking stoves, it’s important that we test both with real-world experience as well as in a controlled environment to get a full picture of each stove’s value. Check out how each stove compares in every dimension: convenience, weight, packability, power, efficiency, and precision.

VALUE

Whether you’re going for the best performing, most highly featured stove on the market or the one with the most affordable price tag, it’s important to know you are getting the most bang for your buck. The PocketRocket 2 stands out as having some of the highest value overall with good stability, efficiency, and simmer control, all in a small package. For convenient, integrated stove systems, the JetBoil Flash takes the cake. For stoves that are the easiest on the wallet, the Primus Essential Trail and SOTO Amicus Cookset Combo bring the most quality at a great price.

CONVENIENCE

A stove with handy features that increase its overall functionality is more enjoyable to use. Integrated stove systems usually dominate this category, so it’s no surprise that the JetBoil Flash comes out on top. It’s thoughtfully designed with a fuel canister stabilizer, igniter switch, neoprene cozy, heat indicator and pour spout lid. It has all of the bells and whistles. Just behind the Flash are of course two more integrated stove setups, the JetBoil MiniMo, and the MSR WindBurner. The MiniMo is wider, more stable, and better for cooking. The WindBurner, while lacking a few of the fun things that the Flash includes, is more focused on performance.

All of the stoves on our list are highly functional and easy to use, but amongst the more lightweight stoves, the Primus Essential Trail and the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe stand just barely above the rest in convenience. They hold a pot of water almost just as stable as the top performers in this category and aren’t finicky to use. The PocketRocket Deluxe even features an ergonomic igniter switch.

Snow Peak Mini Solo Cookset & BRS 3000T – Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

Weight can be a major factor in determining if convenient features of a stove are worth it. Everyone loves a quick boil, but is it worth carrying extra weight on your back? The BRS 3000T is the clear winner here at just one measly ounce, but at the cost of efficiency and added convenience features. Just behind at 1.9 ounces is the Snow Peak LiteMax offering a little more simmer control and stability and a lot more durability.

Add another 0.7 ounces and you have the best overall stove on our list, the MSR PocketRocket 2. We think the PR2 balances function and weight the best with its efficient and powerful burner, excellent simmer control, and stability. With a few exceptions, the ratio of weight to added functionality is pretty linear. The more weight, the more convenient and highly featured the stove. Another one that falls right in the sweet spot is the SOTO WindMaster, featuring a very high level of overall performance in a three-ounce package, right before heading into the realm of integrated stove systems.

Jetboil MiniMo – Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

POWER & EFFICIENCY

Power and efficiency indicate how well the stove performs its main function – making things hot – and whether or not it uses a ton of fuel in the process. Fuel savings can mean weight savings and a quick boil is just nice at the end of a long day or when you’re desperate for your morning coffee. Hands down, the best stove at being a stove is the MSR WindBurner. It boils water quickly while using hardly any fuel. The enclosed burner with the integrated pot allows it to maintain most of that performance even in high winds.

Not far behind is another integrated stove system, the JetBoil Flash which ranks as the best value integrated system on our list. The SOTO WindMaster and Primus Essential Trail both impressed us with their abilities to compete with integrated stove systems in efficiency and wind performance. The WindMaster features a highly effective collared burner while the Essential Trail features solid pot supports. Both do a great job at blocking the wind.

Soto Amicus (left) & Snow Peak LiteMax (right) – Photo Credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

PRECISION

For some folks, having the versatility of a simmer control is important. The MSR WindBurner impressed us yet again by having the highest level of flame variability. With its fuel regulator, it allows you to minutely dial in your desired fuel output for excellent cooking versatility. Also equipped with a regulator and following close behind are the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe and the SOTO WindMaster. Although they are not equipped with the same quality of fuel regulators, the Snow Peak LiteMax and Primus Essential Trail had remarkably good simmer control.

How to Choose a Backpacking Stove

FUEL TYPES

Isobutane/propane canister stoves are the most common and convenient, and they’re the easiest to use. Liquid fuel stoves are the most efficient for trips at high altitude or below-freezing temperatures. Wood stoves are nice because you don’t have to lug fuel around, but they don’t work for trips above treeline or in most desert environments. Solid fuel stoves and alcohol stoves are generally pretty budget-friendly and ultralight, but you can’t control the flame, they yield slow boil times, and they’re not great in wind.

Forest fire danger is an important consideration for any stove user any time of year, but especially when conditions are hot and dry. Fire ban rules differ from place to place, so check the specific regulations in your area. In some strict fire ban areas, all stove usage is prohibited, but that’s not common. In general, canister stoves are usually viewed as the safest option. Solid fuel stoves may be permitted as well. Wood stoves and alcohol stoves are usually not permitted. Liquid fuel stoves may be allowed, but exercise extreme caution when priming. Spilling highly flammable fuel while priming is easy to do and could quickly start a fire.

Solo Stove Lite – (CleverHiker.com)

COST

Typically the more you spend, the more features you get with backpacking stoves. More expensive stoves are likely to have better simmer control, superior wind performance, and many even come with an integrated cook pot. Hikers just looking to boil water for rehydrating meals may find that saving money with a less feature-rich option better suits their needs.

Jetboil MiniMo (left) & MSR WindBurner (right) – Photo Credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

WEIGHT

While it might not seem like a couple of ounces should make a big difference in the grand scheme of things, ounces add up into pounds, and when you’re carrying that weight for tens of miles per day, your body can feel the difference. When choosing a stove, we try to find the best balance between functionality and weight.

MSR Pocketrocket 2 – Photo credit: Casey Handley. (CleverHiker.com)

PACKABILITY

When we’re packing our bag, we like each piece of gear to fit neatly into its place and not take up an excessive amount of space. Many stoves fold down small enough to nestle into a pot along with a small fuel canister and a lighter, making the entire cookset conveniently contained in a single vessel. Most integrated systems are specifically designed to pack away like this. If we have to pack our fuel canister or stove separately, away from the rest of our cookset, we factor that into our stove selection.

Soto Amicus – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

BOIL TIME

Most backpackers these days make very simple meals that only require boiling water to rehydrate food. For that reason, the main purpose for most backpacking stoves is to boil water quickly, not necessarily to cook. The quicker this can happen, the better.

SOTO Windmaster – Photo Credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

EFFICIENCY

Just like your car, some stoves are more fuel-efficient than others. The rate at which a stove burns through fuel determines how long a single canister will last and how much fuel you need to carry. It’s not the most important spec in our book, but it’s worth taking into consideration.

Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

WIND PERFORMANCE

Backpacking stoves don’t like wind. Strong winds will whip away heat before it ever gets to your pot, which will make your stove far less efficient. Some stoves perform better in windy conditions (integrated canister stoves) and others perform very poorly (alcohol stoves, wood stoves, and solid fuel stoves). For that reason, a windscreen is recommended with most backpacking stoves.

MSR PocketRocket 2 – Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

STABILITY

Knocking a fully cooked dinner onto the ground is the pits. Unless you enjoy eating dirt, you’re going to want to avoid that move at all costs. If you plan to cook large meals in big pots, get a stove with a wide base that will rest securely on the ground. Smaller pots used with upright canister stoves will work just fine, but they do tend to be a little less stable, so cook with care.

Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0 – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

SIMMER CONTROL

SOTO Windmaster – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

IGNITER SWITCH

Jetboil Flash – Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

INTEGRATED SYSTEMS

Jetboil Flash – Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

CONCLUSION

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right backpacking stove. Whether you’re focused on minimizing weight or enhancing your outdoor cooking experience, factors like convenience, weight and packability, power and efficiency, and precision are crucial. Everyone prioritizes different features in a stove, and we hope this guide has helped you determine which stove is best for your purposes.