Bottom Line
For hikers committed to an ultralight setup, the TOAKS Titanium hits the mark with a simple, straightforward design that avoids any unnecessary, weight-adding features. We tested this stove’s reliability across Colorado, from calm frontcountry camps to breezy alpine ridgelines.
What sets it apart from other budget ultralight stoves is its build quality. The pot supports feel solid and dependable compared to the shaky, fragile feel that’s common in its class. Importantly, the stove still packs down small enough to disappear into even the smallest cook kits.
There are some expected limitations. Flame control is fairly basic, and performance drops off in windy conditions. Efficiency is decent but nothing to write home above.
Despite its limitations, the TOAKS Titanium represents an excellent value. It’s only a small step up in price from the cheapest options on our list of the best backpacking stoves, but the added durability is noticeable. It’s a solid win for ultralight backpackers or as a reliable backup.
How We Tested
We tested this stove across a range of Colorado conditions, from calm desert camps to breezy alpine environments. In addition to field use, we ran controlled boil tests to measure fuel efficiency and performance. With extensive experience using ultralight and integrated stoves, we focused on real-world usability as much as measurable data.
Quick Specs
TOAKS Titanium
Best Ultralight Backpacking Stove
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $30
Weight: 1.7 oz.
Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister
Boil Time: 3m 35s
Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 70m
Pros
- Ultralight
- Packable
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Not very wind-resistant
- Not the most efficient
- Limited simmer control
Convenience
The TOAKS Titanium stove stays true to the brand’s reputation for minimalist, no-frills gear built with ultralight backpackers in mind. It does exactly what it needs to do without adding unnecessary features or weight.
The three folding pot supports are sturdier than expected for such a lightweight design. They provide a solid platform for small to medium-sized pots. That said, they’re not ideal for larger, heavier cookware, where optimum stability is a priority.
As expected for a stove in this category, TOAKS kept things simple. There’s no built-in igniter or extra accessories, so you’ll need to bring a lighter or matches every time. It does, however, include a lightweight stuff sack.
One concern we have with this stove is its giant flame. You’ll have to keep an eye on the flame if you’re opening it wide open for a quick boil. We accidentally burnt the rubber handles on one of our pots during testing.
Weight & Packability
Weight and packability are this stove’s strong suits. At just 1.7 ounces, it’s one of the lightest stoves we’ve tested, second only to the 0.9-ounce BRS 3000T. That said, the TOAKS Titanium is noticeably more robust and capable, striking a better balance between weight savings and real-world usability.
It also packs down very tiny – about the size of a golf ball. You’ll have no problem fitting it into even the most ultralight cook kit along with a 4-ounce fuel canister.
Power & Efficiency
The TOAKS Titanium delivered solid, middle-of-the-road performance in calm conditions. In our testing, it brought a half liter of water to a boil in about 3 and a half minutes, using roughly 0.4 ounces of fuel. At that rate, you can expect around 70 minutes of total burn time from an 8-ounce canister.
Where performance starts to fall off is in the wind. Despite having a built-in wind collar, the flame remains fairly exposed and noticeably affected by even moderate breezes. In steady wind, boil times nearly doubled to around 6 minutes and 45 seconds, highlighting a clear limitation in less protected situations.
Precision
This isn’t a stove built for elaborate backcountry cooking, but it does offer a modest level of control. For a simple valve design, the adjustment range is surprisingly wide, allowing you to dial things back more than expected.
That said, most of that usable control sits on the higher end. The flame ramps up quickly and gets large fast, with limited finesse at lower output. It’s enough for basic simmering but not ideal for more delicate cooking. A pressure regulator would help, but at the cost of added weight.
Should You Buy the TOAKS Titanium Stove?
For ultralight backpackers looking for a minimalist, boil-only design that sheds every ounce possible, this stove is a win. Compared to many budget ultralight options, it feels noticeably more durable. The pot supports are sturdy, and the overall construction inspires more confidence than the flimsy designs common in this category – all while still packing down small enough for even the most streamlined cook kits.
The trade-offs are what you’d expect. Precision is limited, and wind performance is a clear weakness. Though it’s on par with most stoves in its class, we wouldn’t mind seeing a little more efficiency. Still, for dedicated ultralight hikers – or as a reliable backup – it’s a no-brainer investment.
What Other Backpacking Stoves Should you Consider?
See how the TOAKS Titanium stacks up against the rest of our favorites in our guide to the best backpacking stoves.
BRS 3000T Review: Previously, the 3000T was the clear winner for dedicated ultralight backpackers on a budget. Although the TOAKS is more impressive in its quality and durability, the 3000T is still a win for the most discerning of gram counters and budget shoppers.
MSR PocketRocket 2 Review: In our opinion, the PocketRocket 2 is the best, most well-rounded ultralight stove. For a little more weight, bulk, and cash, you get better all-around performance. Most notably, it’s compatible with a wider range of pot sizes and is more wind-resistant.
SOTO WindMaster Review: As its name implies, the WindMaster is extremely wind-resistant, especially for a stove just barely over 3 ounces. It’s also very fuel-efficient and comes with several handy features, including a fuel regulator, ignition switch, and interchangeable pot stands to accommodate any cookset.
