Best Alcohol Stoves For Backpacking

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Best Alcohol Stove for Backpacking

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This is a review of the best alcohol stoves for backpacking in 2024.

If you are planning on going backpacking for an extended period of time, then you need to think about how you are going to cook your food.

There are many options to cook food and boil water in the backcountry. There are traditional gas backpacking stoves, multifuel stoves like the MSR Whisperlite and there are backpacking alcohol stoves. Many of these alcohol stoves will need you to purchase a separate backpacking cookset and a spork and you will be good to go.

I’ve been using and testing alcohol stoves for well over 20 years. They are a lightweight option and perfectly suited to many situations when camping in the backcountry.

With so many alcohol stove brands out there for you to choose from, I have looked through most of the alcohol stove brands and come up with the best alcohol stoves for backpacking, hiking, and camping in 2024.

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How We Tested

All the Alcohol Stoves in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has more than 30 years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. He also spent several years managing a hiking retail store and is regarded as a hiking and backpacking gear expert. Some of the Alcohol Stoves were purchased by the author for this review. They have been rigorously tested by the author in all kinds of weather while thru-hiking, backpacking, and bike touring. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to present this honest and unbiased review. Read the Review Policy for further details.


Best Backpacking Alcohol Stoves 2024

The best backpacking alcohol stoves for 2024 are:

Best Backpacking Alcohol Stove – Overall

Trangia Spirit Burner

Trangia Spirit Burner Alcohol Stove

Pros:
> Lightweight construction.
> Twist on cap to prevent draining the stove after each use.
> You can purchase optional pots, stands, and wind breaks which is a great option.
Cons:
> Adjusting the ring while the stove is on is difficult.

The Trangia Spirit Burner is made in Sweden. It is considered one of the best alcohol stoves money can buy, yet it won’t cost you a lot of money. One liter of water boils in 8 minutes.

This was the first alcohol stove I ever purchased, almost 20 years ago. When using it I loved the simmer ring. It is perfect when you need to simmer foods such as pasta or rice and in many ways, it is better than any gas stove option. Even if it can be annoying to adjust from time to time. 

Also, there is an O-right twist-on cap that closes a burner, so you won’t need to drain the fuel every time you finish cooking. Though the cap and simmer ring add to the 3.8-ounce weight, it gives this stove a lot more flexibility when on the trail.

With no moving parts, it is almost unbreakable. And you can buy the integrated pot, lid, and wind protection, which is what I used all those years ago.

The Trangia Spirit Burner is one of the best alcohol stoves you can choose from when it comes to backpacking in 2024.

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Best Alcohol Stove Cookset

Esbit Brass Alcohol Burner Camping Stove Set

Esbit Alcohol Burner

Pros:
> Foldable handle.
> Small.
> Twist top and rubber seal.
Cons:
> Handles are difficult to move when hot.

You only need a small item to get your meals and beverages heated up, whether you’re backpacking or camping alone. The Esbit Alcohol Burner is portable and simple to operate.

The twist top with rubber seal is fantastic because it eliminates the need to discard any leftover fuel. This also reduces the risk of it seeping into your luggage.

The Esbit Brass Alcohol Burner Camping Stove is constructed from tough brass. This not only makes it durable but helps to generate heat a lot quicker as well.

There is a fold-away handle, which allows you to control the flames and temperature of the stove. In my opinion, the best option is to buy this alcohol stove kit which comes with the post and wind breaks.

Overall, there is a lot to like with the Esbit Brass Alcohol Burner Camping Stove, making it one of the best alcohol stoves for backpacking in 2024.

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Best Ultralight Alcohol Stove

Evernew Ti Stove DX

Evernew Ti Stove DX Alcohol Stove

Pros:
> Lightweight.
> Wide burning flames.
> No additional burner is necessary.
Cons:
> No flame cover.

The titanium Evernew is a favorite among those who are ultralight and want to reduce their weight. Nonetheless, this stove burns through fuel considerably more quickly than the brass variants as a result of its low weight.

I have used and tested this stove in several countries in all sorts of weather. I can advise that when the ground is stable, you can use up to a reasonably large pot with it. Which is another perk of its design that intentionally permits wide-burning flames.

A benefit of this model is how rapidly it comes to a boil. There is no need for an additional burner or accessory of any kind when using this side-burner design. This is because the pot or pan you are using will sit right on top of the stove.

The Evernew Ti Stove DX is a great ultralight titanium option and is one of the best titanium alcohol stoves for backpacking in 2024.

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Vargo Triad Multi-Fuel Stove

Vargo Triad Multi Fuel Stove

Pros:
> Foldable legs.
> Compact.
> Lightweight.
Cons:
> Long boil time.

The Vargo Triad is a small, jetting stove with incorporated legs to raise it off the floor and a stand to accommodate a pot. Furthermore, these legs are foldable, which helps to make this stove much more portable.

Since it is constructed of titanium, the Vargo Triad Multi-Fuel Stove is incredibly durable. Compared to other stoves, the stove may take up to just 5 minutes to heat up.

The Vargo Triad Multi-Fuel Stove is a very lightweight and durable stove to have on hand. It is also versatile, since it burns alcohol, fuel tabs or gels.

It has a burn time of around 20 minutes, which is plenty of time to heat your food.

Overall, the Vargo Triad Multi-Fuel Stove is a great choice for the best alcohol stoves for backpacking that are on the market right now.

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TOAKS Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove

TOAKS Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove

Pros:
> Durable.
> Fuel efficient.
> Lightweight.
Cons:
> Additional pot support is required.

A straightforward open-design stove with vertical jets all the way around the rim is found on the TOAKS Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove. Even before the jets are primed, this stove can begin to boil water.

This reduces boil times and helps you to conserve fuel. When the stove is hot enough, the jets begin to function, but by that time, your water will also be halfway through the boiling process.

Due to being constructed with titanium, this alcohol stove only weighs around 0.7 ounces. Making it incredibly lightweight, to carry around with you on your travels.

In addition to this, the titanium helps to ensure that this stove is durable and will last while being thrown into your backpack.

The TOAKS Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove does require a windshield and separate pot support. However, TOAKS does offer these products, but they need to be bought separately.

If you are looking for a fast boiling stove, then the TOAKS Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove is good alcohol stove for 2024.

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Price

When it comes to anything, price is a huge consideration. It is important that you find the right balance between price and quality. Alcohol stoves are a cheap piece of equipment because of their straightforward construction. Most models cost less than $35, more if made with titanium.

Additional amenities, such windscreens and pot stands, are included with more pricey models. They are also more adaptable, letting you burn other fuels like solid fuel or wood.

Thus, you need to weigh up these features and what you require, to see how much you are willing to pay. It is always good to have some kind of budget in mind. However, most alcohol stoves are usually quite affordable.


Weight

Due to their small weight, alcohol stoves are quite popular with hikers and ultralight backpackers. The most popular reason to bring an alcohol stove is to conserve weight. The weight of several of these small stoves is one ounce or less.

Look for options with fewer features to minimize weight, as these stoves will be far easier to carry around. Hence, if you are backpacking for an extended period of time, you will be thankful how lightweight your alcohol stove is.

Using and testing an ultralight titanium alcohol stove
Using and testing an ultralight titanium alcohol stove

Boiling Times

Your stove will be more efficient if it takes less time to reach a boil, requiring less fuel to be carried. Longer-burning alcohol stoves allow you to heat more water, which is fantastic if you’re cooking for a large group of people.

You may direct additional heat toward the stove by adding a windshield to your setup. Stoves with an open flame are the least efficient, whereas side or vertical stoves perform better and pressurized flame stoves perform best.

Using an alcohol stove in winter, or when snow camping is not recommended. It takes a very long time to boil water, and the alcohol fuel will need time to warm up before the flame reaches full efficiency.

Alcohol Stove boiling water from snow
Boiling water from snow is a slow process with an alcohol stove

Wind Protection

Alcohol stoves will need some form of wind protection to ensure the flame is directed to the backpacking pot and the heat is not lost. Some alcohol stoves come with integrated wind protection, others sell them separately.

Another cheap option that I have used on numerous occasions is to purchase an aluminum oven tray and cut it to the size of the stove. I use the left over sections to make a lightweight pot lid.

By doing this I save a lot of money and end up with a lightweight wind protector for the alcohol stove. This method will not last forever but can be replicated by purchasing another oven tray.

Alcohol Stove with wind protection
Aluminum Foil from an oven tray can be used for cheap and lightweight wind protection. Leftover aluminum can be used for a lightweight pot lid.

Surface Area

The term “surface area” can be used to describe both the physical surface area on which your pot will be placed and the size of the flame that is accessible for cooking. By model, these both change

While some stoves have a wider shape that works well with a larger pot, others have a narrower design that makes it simple to boil in a smaller cup. It is important that you consider how many people will be using this stove.

This will then affect whether you need a bigger surface area to allow you to heat more food. If the stove is just for yourself, then you can get away with a smaller surface area as you don’t need to heat as many liquids.


Stands

Every kind of stove will need some kind of stand which places the pot above the flames that you have created. As you will have seen above, some brands have incorporated the stand into the stove design.

While, with some of the other products I have looked into, the stove and the stand are separate, and you may have to purchase a separate stand for the stove.

However, you need to have a stand to be able to use your stove. Thus, this is a feature that you don’t want to overlook.


Design

There are a lot of different alcohol stoves out there. However, it is important that you look for a very simple design. This is because a stove with a simple design is much easier to use. It will be much easier to light and a lot more durable.

As a result, when you are browsing through the best alcohol stoves for backpacking, you should look for a stove with as few parts as possible. Since, the fewer the parts, the easier it is to carry around.


Capacity

Longer burn periods will be possible with alcohol stoves that contain more fuel. If you’re boiling a lot of water, say for two people, this can be useful. Stoves with a smaller capacity are more portable and lighter.

As mentioned above, it is essential to think about how many people will rely upon this stove. As this will affect the capacity that you need. There is no need to purchase a very large capacity alcohol stove, if the stove is only needed for you.

Using the left over fuel in your alcohol stove to warm shoes
Don’t use the left over fuel in your alcohol stove to warm your shoes…

Fuel

Every alcohol stove allows you to burn liquid fuel. However, there are some alcohol stoves out there that also allow you to burn other kinds of fuels, such as soil fuels or wood. This feature isn’t a necessity, but it is useful if you wish to be able to burn more fuel.

By being able to burn more kinds of fuel, it makes your stove a lot more versatile. Which is ideal if you happen to run out of one kind of fuel while you are on your trip. 

In North America, HEET is a great option and is available in almost all gas stations. In other parts of the world, it can be known as denatured alcohol, methylated spirits, meths, Denatured Ethanol, alcohol, alcohol industrial, spiritus, Bio-Ethanol, Alcool à brûler, and many more names.


Conclusion

The best alcohol stoves for backpacking that you can find in 2024 are:

Another one of the Best Backpacking Gear Reviews from BikeHikeSafari.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use An Alcohol Stove Anywhere?

Due to the continued fire risk, alcohol stoves are outright prohibited in Rocky Mountain National Park and the State of California, among other areas.

Even though there might be some circumstances under which these stoves are allowed. If in doubt, contacting your local land manager can help to clarify any restrictions that are currently in effect.

How Much Fuel Do You Need?

The quantity of fuel you must have for your alcohol stove is frequently stated to be one ounce.

Yet, in reality, this depends greatly on the volume of water you are attempting to boil, the fuel you are attempting to use, the temperature of the surrounding air, and the effectiveness of your alcohol stove.

As a result, you can assume that you will require a minimum of one ounce of fuel.

How Do You Extinguish An Alcohol Stove?

Ignite the fuel in the lid and carefully place your stand around the stove. Place the pot on the stand after flames are seen coming from the burner holes.

Remove the pot from the burner when you wish to put the flames out, and then carefully place the snuffer can on top of the stove.

Can You Make Your Own Alcohol Stove?

It is possible for you to create your own alcohol stove using a titanium can. However, you need to ensure that you follow a reliable design to ensure that you create a safe and well working stove.

However, since alcohol stoves aren’t that expensive, it is a lot easier to just purchase a stove, instead.

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Best Backpacking Alcohol Stoves

BikeHikeSafari Gear Review Process

The author, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small independent adventurer and outdoor gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.

BikeHikeSafari is not part of a large blog network and is proudly independent. All reviews on this site are independent and honest gear reviews of outdoor products by the author.

The author, Brad McCartney is a very experienced triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Read more). He was a manager of an outdoor retail store and is very experienced in what is important when using and testing gear for reviews like this.

BikeHikeSafari will never receive any money for reviews and they do not accept sponsored reviews on this website. All the comments about the gear reviews are from the author based on his years of experience. Hope this independent review was helpful for you.

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About the Author:
Brad is an Australian who has completed the hiking Triple Crown after he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. He has hiked on every continent (except Antarctica) and has cycled from Alaska to Ecuador. He is an expert on outdoor gear currently living in Chile.

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