Best Backpacking Stoves: Whether you’re planning an overnight hike or a weeks-long thru hike, choosing the right backpacking stove can make or break your experience when it’s time to cook meals on the trail. But with countless lightweight stove options on the market, picking the perfect one for your needs can be daunting. To take the guesswork out of your search, we hit the trails testing 16 top-rated backpacking stoves available in the USA right now. We put compact canister stoves, versatile multi-fuel systems, and DIY alcohol burner kits through rigorous paces examining factors like weight, boil time, wind resistance, ease of use, and overall performance. After boiling a lot of water out in the backcountry, we’re rounding up the best picks across budget and fuel-type categories – from affordable options under $50 to high-end stoves under $200 and everything in between. Read on to discover which backpacking stoves rise above the rest on key criteria so you can find your perfect wilderness cooking companion.
Contents
- 1 16 Best Backpacking Stoves in The USA
- 2 What to Look For in a Good Backpacking Stove
- 3 Best Backpacking Stove Reviews
- 3.1 Jetboil Minimo
- 3.2 MSR PocketRocket 2
- 3.3 Soto WindMaster
- 3.4 Vargo Triad
- 3.5 Esbit Pocket Stove
- 3.6 MSR WhisperLite Universal
- 3.7 Snow Peak GigaPower Stove
- 3.8 Primus EtaPower Stove
- 3.9 Soto Amicus Stove
- 3.10 MSR Reactor Stove
- 3.11 Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove
- 3.12 MSR DragonFly Stove
- 3.13 Primus OmniLite Ti Stove
- 3.14 Soto Muka Stove
- 3.15 Vargo Hexagon Stove
- 3.16 Esbit Titanium Stove
- 3.17 Conclusion
16 Best Backpacking Stoves in The USA
| Serial No. | Stove | Weight | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jetboil Minimo | 7.1 ounces | $120 | Lightweight and compact, with a fast boil time. |
| 2 | MSR PocketRocket 2 | 2.8 ounces | $60 | Ultra-lightweight and compact, with a fast boil time. |
| 3 | Soto WindMaster | 2.8 ounces | $50 | Lightweight and compact, with a windproof design. |
| 4 | Vargo Triad | 2.7 ounces | $50 | Lightweight and compact, with a versatile design. |
| 5 | Esbit Pocket Stove | 0.3 ounces | $10 | Ultra-lightweight and compact, but requires solid fuel. |
| 6 | MSR WhisperLite Universal | 7.6 ounces | $100 | Reliable and durable, with a versatile design. |
| 7 | Snow Peak GigaPower Stove | 4.7 ounces | $150 | Lightweight and powerful, with a fast boil time. |
| 8 | Primus EtaPower Stove | 3.8 ounces | $120 | Lightweight and powerful, with a fast boil time. |
| 9 | Soto Amicus Stove | 15.7 ounces | $100 | Lightweight and compact, with a large pot capacity. |
| 10 | MSR Reactor Stove | 17.5 ounces | $180 | Fast and efficient, with a built-in heat exchanger. |
| 11 | Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove | 24.1 ounces | $250 | All-in-one cooking system with a large pot capacity and a variety of accessories. |
| 12 | MSR DragonFly Stove | 15.9 ounces | $200 | Powerful and versatile, with a wide range of simmering capabilities. |
| 13 | Primus OmniLite Ti Stove | 7.8 ounces | $170 | Lightweight and durable, with a wide range of simmering capabilities. |
| 14 | Soto Muka Stove | 6.7 ounces | $150 | Lightweight and durable, with a wide range of simmering capabilities. |
| 15 | Vargo Hexagon Stove | 2.9 ounces | $50 | Lightweight and compact, with a versatile design and a variety of accessories. |
| 16 | Esbit Titanium Stove | 0.7 ounces | $20 | Ultra-lightweight and compact, but requires solid fuel. |
What to Look For in a Good Backpacking Stove
When searching for a good backpacking stove, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice for your outdoor adventures. Here’s what to look for in a quality backpacking stove:
- Fuel Type:
- Consider the type of fuel the stove uses. Common options include canister fuel, liquid fuel, wood, alcohol, and solid fuel tablets. Choose a fuel type that suits your needs and the availability of fuel in your camping area.
- Weight and Portability:
- Backpacking stoves should be lightweight and easy to carry. Look for compact and foldable designs that won’t add unnecessary weight to your backpack.
- Boil Time:
- Check the stove’s boil time, which indicates how quickly it can heat water or cook food. Faster boil times are generally more convenient, especially in adverse weather conditions.
- Fuel Efficiency:
- Fuel efficiency is crucial for longer trips where resupplying fuel may be challenging. A stove that uses fuel efficiently can save weight and reduce the need to carry extra fuel canisters.
- Stability:
- Ensure the stove is stable and won’t tip over easily, even on uneven terrain. Look for models with sturdy pot supports and a low center of gravity.
- Wind Resistance:
- Wind can significantly affect the performance of a backpacking stove. Choose a stove with wind-resistant features such as a windscreen or integrated wind protection.
- Simmer Control:
- If you plan to cook a variety of meals, having good simmer control is essential. Some stoves offer precise flame control for simmering and cooking more delicate dishes.
- Ease of Use:
- Consider how easy the stove is to set up, ignite, and maintain. Look for models with simple, user-friendly features.
- Maintenance and Durability:
- Opt for a stove that is easy to clean and maintain in the field. Stoves with fewer moving parts are generally more reliable. Durability is also key, as backpacking stoves should withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
- Cooking Surface Compatibility:
- Ensure the stove is compatible with the cookware you plan to use. Some stoves are designed for specific pot sizes or shapes.
- Price:
- Determine your budget and find a stove that offers the features you need within that range. Keep in mind that higher-quality stoves often come with a higher price tag but may offer better performance and durability.
- Reviews and Recommendations:
- Read reviews and seek recommendations from fellow backpackers or outdoor enthusiasts. They can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of different stove models.
- Environmental Impact:
- Consider the environmental impact of your chosen fuel type. Some fuels, like alcohol or wood, may have a smaller ecological footprint than others.
Best Backpacking Stove Reviews
Now that you have in mind the type of stove you want, here are the best lightweight backpacking stoves on the market:
Jetboil Minimo
The Minimo from Jetboil is an ultra-compact canister stove known for quickly boiling water thanks to Jetboil’s specialized FluxRing technology. It’s ideal for minimalist solo adventures.
MSR PocketRocket 2
The PocketRocket 2 is a lightweight and versatile canister stove from MSR that offers adjustable flame control. It’s excellent for fast-paced activities.
Soto WindMaster
Soto’s WindMaster stove performs well in windy conditions with its unique pressure-control system. It’s a great choice for alpine use.
Vargo Triad
The Triad from Vargo is a unique hybrid stove that allows switching between wood burning, alcohol burning, and solid fuel tablets. This flexibility suits longer trips.
Esbit Pocket Stove
Esbit’s solid fuel pocket stove is simple, lightweight and requires no fuel canisters. It’s ideal as an emergency backup stove.
MSR WhisperLite Universal
The WhisperLite Universal from MSR is a liquid fuel stove with adjustable output for larger cooking tasks. It suits group camping.
Snow Peak GigaPower Stove
Snow Peak’s 2-burner GigaPower stove offers the largest cooking surface of portable camp stoves, making it perfect for cooking for groups.
Primus EtaPower Stove
The EtaPower from Primus is a fully integrated canister stove great for cold weather performance thanks to its heat exchanger.
Soto Amicus Stove
Soto’s Amicus is an all-in-one canister stove designed to be user-friendly with its push-button igniter and Power Control valve system. It’s a great entry-level camping stove.
MSR Reactor Stove
The Reactor from MSR is built for speed, with dual burners and rapid-boil technology that can shave significant time off meal preparation on the trail.
Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove
With its large cooking surface and 10,000 BTU burner, Jetboil’s Genesis Basecamp stove is built for convenient cooking for groups at campsites.
MSR DragonFly Stove
The DragonFly from MSR is a fully featured liquid fuel stove known for its dual-valve design that allows precision flame control. It’s a top choice for global expeditions.
Primus OmniLite Ti Stove
The ultra-lightweight OmniLite Titanium stove from Primus offers excellent cold-weather performance and simulated-altitude burner technology for minimalist hikers.
Soto Muka Stove
The Muka stove is Soto’s heavy-duty model designed for large-batch cooking, making it a great choice for hunters and outfitter camps.
Vargo Hexagon Stove
Vargo’s Hexagon wood stove is unique for its patented design that can burn both wood and solid fuel tablets based on your trip needs – adding versatility.
Esbit Titanium Stove
The pocket-sized Esbit Titanium Stove pairs with solid fuel tablets for a lightweight emergency stove option.
Conclusion
After comparing the key features and performance of leading backpacking stove options, the MSR PocketRocket 2 stands out as the best overall choice. It combines lightweight portability with adjustable flame control and fast boil times—exactly what most backpackers need. The PocketRocket 2’s compact canister design packs easily, won’t spill fuel, and performs well in windy conditions. Yet it still provides the boiling power to quickly cook trail meals for 1-2 people. For backpackers who want a reliable, no-fuss stove that won’t weigh them down, the MSR PocketRocket 2 combines packable performance with the right balance of features at an affordable price point. It’s the ideal trail companion.
