This is a gear review about the Best Backpacking Stoves of 2023.
Choosing an ultralight backpacking stove can be a bit of a challenge because there are so many options. You’ve got different materials to think of, different fuels such as alcohol stoves, gas canister stoves, liquid fuel stoves, and different accessories. To make things easier, I have used and tested some of the best stoves for hiking and backpacking to determine which ones will be best for you.
How We Tested
All the Stoves in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has many years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. Some of the Backpacking Stoves were purchased and some were supplied by the manufacturer. They have been rigorously tested by the author in all kinds of weather. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to come up with the best backpacking stoves for 2023. Read the Review Policy for further details.
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Best Backpacking Stove 2023
The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2023 are:
- MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe
- SOTO WindMaster Stove
- MSR Windburner Stove
- BSR 3000T
- Snow Peak LiteMax Stove
- Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo
- MSR WhisperLite International
- Jetboil Stash
- AOTU Portable Camping Stoves
- MSR Pocket Rocket 2
- Jetboil Minimo
- Jetboil Flash
- Jetboil Zip
- Esbit 5-Piece Lightweight Trekking Cook Set
Best Backpacking Stove – Overall
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Review
Weight: 2.9 oz / 83 grams
Power: 11,000 BTU
Boil Time 1L: 3 mins 20 secs
Pros:
> Lightweight
> Works well in the wind
> Quick Boil Time
> Good simmer control
Cons:
> Piezo Ignitor can fail
Think of the MSR Pocketrocket Deluxe as the slightly heavier but much more efficient version of the standard MSR Pocket Rocket 2. It is built to the same very high standard as all MSR products and is a very tough canister fuel stove.
It is more efficient and much better in the wind than almost any stand-alone stove. You need to look at the integrated MSR Windburner to get the best performance in the wind.
It has an integrated Piezo Ignitor which is a good upgrade. But in my experience with Piezo Ignitors, it is not a question of if they fail but when. Although I have had no issues while testing this stove, there have been many others who have had issues with the piezo ignitor.
I have extensively used and tested this stove for almost 2 years as part of a long-term reliability test of this stove. I have been impressed by how quickly it could boil water when it was windy, the lightweight, and how compact it was.
Overall, this is the best backpacking camp stove and a very well-made lightweight canister stove for backpacking and hiking that works well in windy conditions.
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Read the full, in-depth review of the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Stove
Best Hiking Stove – Runner Up
SOTO WindMaster Stove Review
Weight: 2.3 oz / 65 grams
Power: 11,000 BTU
Pros:
> Very fast boil times.
> Ultralight weight.
> Easy to use and store.
> Performs well in adverse conditions.
> Flame control handle.
> Good simmer control
Cons:
> Not cheap
The SOTO Windmaster is one of the Best Stoves for Hiking and Backpacking for 2023.
At only 2.3 oz this canister stove is lighter than a deck of cards and puts out some impressive heat. This hiking stove has equal amounts of quality, power, and a higher overall build standard than most other lightweight stoves for backpacking.
The Soto Windmaster performs well at altitude, in bad weather, or in low temperatures.
The power this thing can put out is very good. It can go up to 11000 BTU and boils 2 cups of water in 2.5 minutes in windy conditions. That time is reduced on a calm day.
The pot supports are separate from the burner making it a much easier shape to store. It also reduces the risk of the pot support legs from snapping.
There is a nice long handle on the flame control valve which is easier to use than some other stove designs. Using this handle, you can set the flame low for good simmer control, or high to boil water.
The Piezo ignition system on the Soto Windmaster works very well, even in windy conditions. Although, like all Piezo systems, they tend to fail at the wrong time, so bring matches with you.
The only major issue is the price. You can easily buy complete cook sets for half the price of this burner and pot stand. The difference comes down to the quality.
Overall, the Soto Windmaster is a great ultralight stove and the best backpacking stove on the market right now. Great solo stove for boiling water fast and efficiently.
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Best Backpacking Stove Kit
MSR Windburner Stove Review
Weight: 15.3 oz / 433 grams (1L pot)
Power: 7,000BTU
Pros:
> Best in class performance in the wind
> Very fast boil time
> Uses less gas per boil than many other stove systems
> Compact size which will fit a small size gas canister inside
> Windburner stove can be used with either a 1L or 1.8L pot
Cons:
> Not really ultralight
> Expensive
The MSR Windburner is my new favorite integrated pot and stove system. After trying out this product there is a lot to like. I tested this stove and found it to be the most efficient stove in cold windy environments. And it uses less fuel to boil water or cook food than many other stoves.
This Hiking Stove has a very high build quality and the simmer control is quite good. The integrated pot works very well in bad weather so when it is windy. The pot support stands also help with the stability of the stove but when I tested the stove I didn’t use them that often as I found the stove to be quite steady without them. Add to that the fact that you can add the MSR Coffee Press and even another pot or skillet and this is the all-in-one system that I prefer to use when heading into the backcountry.
But there are some things that could be better. It is expensive and it could be lighter. Also, there is no integrated piezo ignitor like that found in some of the competitors. I have found that you always need to carry a lighter anyway as the piezo ignitors tend to fail at the worst possible moment.
Overall, the MSR Windburner is the best canister stove system for use in windy conditions. No other stove in this review works as well as this one when it is windy.
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Read the full, in-depth review of the MSR Windburner Stove
Best Ultralight Backpacking Stove
BRS 3000T Review
Weight: 1 oz / 28 grams
BTU: 9,000 BTU
Pros:
> Ultralight
> Made with titanium
> Compact
> Affordable
Cons:
> Not as hot as some other stoves
> Not very good in the wind
> Not as efficient as some of the other stoves
The BRS 3000T is an ultralight canister stove that is very affordable and half the price of most of the competitors. It is a titanium camping stove that will really only suit the ultralight hikers who are looking for the best mini camp stove and place weight as their number one priory.
The stove is not as well made as any of the MSR or Soto products and feels a little bit flimsy in design. It doesn’t work too well in the wind and the fuel efficiency does not match the other stoves in this backpacking stove review. Add to that the lack of simmer control and lack of integrated piezo igniter system. But don’t discount this stove because of that. It is very cheap and very lightweight. Those reasons alone make this a worthy mention on this list.
Overall, this is the best budget titanium camping stove for the ultralight hiker who places weight above quality. There are better hiking stoves than this list but not at this price or weight.
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Best Lightweight Backpacking Stove
Snow Peak LiteMax Stove
Weight: 1.9 oz / 56 grams
BTU: 11,200 BTU
Pros:
> Lightweight Titanium Stove
> Compact Size
> Quick boil times when in sheltered areas
> Reasonably Priced
Cons:
> Not so good in strong wind
The Snow Peak LiteMax Ultralight Stove is not only super lightweight and compact but it pumps out a lot of heat. Just keep the stove out of the wind or boil times and fuel use will both increase in a not-so-good way.
The Snow Peak LiteMax Ultralight Titanium Stove is quite solidly built and is high quality. It also burns hot and the pot legs are good enough for most pots, although they could be a bit bigger.
Overall, the Snow Peak LiteMax Ultralight Stove is a good option for backpackers who are looking for an ultra-lightweight stove that is both good quality and burns super hot.
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Best Value Backpacking Stove Kit
Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo
Weight: 11.2 oz / 318 grams
BTU: 11,000 BTU
Pros:
> Reasonable Priced
> Complete with 2 x pots and a burner stove
> Perfect for first time beginners
Cons:
> Not the lightest hiking stove combo unit
The Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo is the stove and cookware combo that you buy when you are first starting out and want something reasonably priced that works well.
The Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo comes complete with everything you need including a 500ml pot, a 1000ml pot, and a stove. And everything packs into the 1L pot for easy compact transport in your backpack.
While there is a lot to like about this pot set and stove just be sure to keep it away from strong wind which will slow down the burn time and increase the fuel usage. Having said that, it is only marginally slower at boiling water than the Windmaster.
Overall, this is the best beginner stove set with everything you need to boil water and cook meals in the backcountry, all at a reasonable price.
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Best Multifuel Stove
MSR Whisperlite International Review
Weight: 11.2 oz / 320 grams
BTU: 11,000 BTU
Pros:
> Can be repaired in the field
> Super-fast boil time.
> Reliable
> Lifetime Warranty
> Can burn almost any fuel
Cons:
> Heavy
> Takes a while to learn how to use it
> Can be smelly when not in use
If you are looking for an expedition stove that can burn almost any fuel then the MSR Whisperlite International is the stove for you. I have been using this liquid fuel stove since the mid-1990s and also when Cycling from Alaska and Argentina, that’s over 20 years of experience using this product. It is reliable, able to be repaired in the field, and produces a very hot flame.
The MSR Whisperlite stove is a powerful, versatile, and incredibly usable liquid fuel stove! It was designed for someone heading into the mountains for a long period of time.
First up, let’s look at the weight. At 11.2oz / 320 grams it’s not the lightest stove, but it’s not unmanageable either.
The ability to burn almost any type of fuel makes this the go-to stove for expedition-style trips. It can use Kerosene, white gas, or unleaded gasoline.
Where this stove really shines is the boil and burn times. Depending on whether you use white gas or kerosene, you can boil a liter of water in 3.5 or 4.5 minutes!
As for burn times and fuel efficiency, the MSR Whisperlite will get around 110 minutes from 20oz of white gas and 150 minutes out of 20oz of kerosene. That’s enough time to boil about 31.5 liters of water! White Gas is the best fuel type to use but kerosene is also good.
The liquid fuel stove comes with windshields to keep your flame protected, but it does not come with cookware. You’ll need to factor in the weight of your cookware and fuel on top of the weight of the stove. This can make it feel a bit heavier than other stoves.
This stove is fully maintainable with a spares kit for any issues that may occur in the backcountry.
The only thing I don’t like about this stove is the smell. When using some types of fuel the smell can penetrate through the stove to the staff sac and into everything inside the backpack. Having said that.
When I head into remote areas and want to carry several weeks worth of fuel, the MSR Whisperlite is the only stove I consider. The fuel efficiency and ability to maintain the stove in the field make it supreme. This is the stove for you if spending a very long time away from resupply.
Overall, the MSR Whisperlite is the best stove for extended travel in remote areas. There is also the option of getting the MSR Whisperlite Universal which is similar but has the added feature of also being able to use an isobutane-propane fuel canister for added versatility.
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Read the full, in-depth review of the MSR Whisperlite Stove
Lightweight Canister Stove System
Jetboil Stash
Weight: 7.1 oz / 200 grams
BTU: 4,500 BTU
Pros:
> Ultralight pot and stove combo
> Reasonably priced
> Compact size
Cons:
> Not as good in the wind as other Jetboil Models
The other Jetboil models are much more efficient, quicker to boil, and better in the wind, but there is no denying the fact that this is a lightweight canister stove system that performs well.
At 7.1 ounces there is little doubt that the big selling point of this product is the weight. Considering that it includes a pot and a stove there are a lot of ultralight hikers that are keen to take this unit out on the trails.
The Aluminum Fluxring at the bottom of the pot is the key to keeping the stove working well in a slight wind. While all the other Jetboil models such as the Zip, Minimo, and Flash are much better in the wind, the extra weight may not be needed for most people.
Overall, this is the lightest stove and pot combo on the market.
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Best Budget Backpacking Stove
AOTU Portable Camping Stove
Weight: 4 oz / 113 grams
BTU: 10,200 BTU
Pros:
> Best price, best budget stove in this review.
> Decent boil time.
> Lightweight.
> Ignition button and flame control handle.
Cons:
> Small area for pots to sit.
> Slightly flimsy pot stand.
This budget backpacking stove is not going to win any awards for the highest quality or most efficient backpacking stove. But it is very cheap. If you just want something cheap to boil water or are a beginner heading out on your first backpacking trip to test if you like it, then this could be for you.
Firstly, it is a fraction of the price of name-brand stoves making the AOTU Portable Camping Canister Stove the best budget stove for backpacking.
Secondly, it has some premium features despite the low price tag. The Piezo ignition system is great because it means we don’t need to fumble around with matches or lighters, however, I always bring a small lighter with me anyway just in case.
It has a flame control valve with a nice long handle. This means you don’t need to stick your hand near the flames or underneath the pot.
In its plastic storage box, this stove weighs about 4 oz which is great considering the budget price. Sure there are lighter-weight backpacking stoves but nothing is close at this price.
The boil time is respectable, between 3 and 6 minutes for a liter of water. For the price, this is rather good.
The main complaint with this stove is the build quality. The pot stand is uneven making the whole thing a bit unstable. This problem can be fixed by bending them slightly to ensure the pot sits perfectly flat and even.
Overall, this is the best budget backpacking stove.
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More Quality Hiking Stoves
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Review
Weight: 2.6 oz / 74 grams
BTU: 8,200 BTU
Pros:
> Ultralight.
> Simple but effective to use.
> Excellent boil times.
> Flame control handle.
Cons:
> Expensive
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is an iconic camping stove. This ultralight backpacking stove weighs only 2.6 oz and folds down to about 2 x 3 inches.
This is the standard most other lightweight backpacking stoves are judged.
The boil time of this canister stove is about 3.5 minutes for a liter of water which is right up there with the best of the best.
The flame control handle on the Pocket Rocket is long enough to reduce the risk of burning yourself when you turn it down to simmer. Speaking of simmering, this backpacking stove simmer control is great and works at very low levels which is great for cooking meals like pasta.
You get good fuel efficiency with the MSR PocketRocket 2 but it is not even close to the MSR Windburner or any of the Jetboil stoves in that department.
Overall, there is a reason why the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is the most popular ultralight backpacking stove on the market right now. There is nothing bad to report about this hiking canister stove. Great quality mixed with outstanding performance at a reasonable price.
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Jetboil Minimo
Weight: 14.6 oz / 415 grams
BTU: 6,000 BTU
Pros:
> Push Button Piezo Ignition
> Quick Boil Time
> Good simmer control
Cons:
> Not the cheapest stove in this review
The Jetboil Minimo is built around a wider pot that improves stability by keeping the weight lower to ground. Well, as much as is possible with this integrated style pot and stove setup.
While I am a fan of the fatter, more compact pot, that is not what makes this stove a better chioce for most people seeking to spend time in the backcountry. It has a quick boil time and good fuel efficiency but not as good as some of the other stoves in this revoew. The Jetboil Minimo has a good adjustable flame that makes for good simmer control. If you are a couple, and a 1L pot is good enough for you, and you like to cook when you are on a backpacking trip then this is a good option for you.
The compact pot and simmer control comes at a higher price point which might have manyhikers prefering the price of many other cheaper options.
Overall, the Jetboil Minimo is one of the best stoves for backpacking with simmer control that comes with everything you need. Just a camping spork and a gas canister and you a ready to start cooking.
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Jetboil Flash
Weight: 13.1 oz / 371 grams
BTU: 9,000 BTU
Pros:
> Push button ignition system
> Very fast boil time
> Good fuel efficiency
Cons:
> No simmer control
The Jetboil Flash is a super fast, super efficient water boiling system that is either turned on to boil water as quick as a flash, or it is off. This stove offers the best in class boil time and is perfect for anyone wanting to only boil water for meals such as Freeze Dried Meals, coffee, and more.
There is no simmer control on this stove which limits the cooking options for some people. But considering a simple feature like simmer control adds about 20% to the cost I suspect not everyone will want to pay extra for this. Like the Zip and Flash Models, it has everything you need including the stove unit that works well in the wind, the insulated pot, cup, and canister stand.
Overall, the Jetboil Flash is a master at boiling water very fast and efficiently making it a great option for backpackers wanting to cook simple meals or boil water for freeze dried meals.
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Jetboil Zip Review
Weight: 12 oz / 340 grams
BTU: 4,500 BTU
Pros:
> Well-liked and established brand.
> Very fuel-efficient.
> Full cooking system.
> Quick boil times.
Cons:
> Can only be used with Jetboil accessories.
> No flame controls.
> A bit heavy
> Match ignition.
Jetboils have a bit of a cult following. There are plenty of people who refuse to use anything else.
What’s great about these stoves is that they are a completely integrated canister stove system. They include a burner, pot supports, cooking pot, and a measuring cup which also works as a bowl.
The reason Jetboil provides all this is that their stoves aren’t really compatible with any other kit. This is frustrating if you lose or damage the cooking pot.
At 12oz it is one of the heavier stoves on our list however it does include the cookware, so the weight makes a lot of sense. All you need is the isobutane/propane gas canister and away you go.
This stove packs a fair bit of power. It can boil half a liter in about 2.5 minutes. That’s more than enough for most freeze-dried meals!
On the downside, there is no ignition system, so you better remember your matches! It also doesn’t have a flame regulation system, so everything gets, well, jet boiled!
Overall, I love Jetboil. I love the fuel efficiency, the quick boil times, the quality, and the fact that they are a complete canister stove system. Jetboil Zip is the best complete backpacking cook system on the market right now. If you need to boil water fast and efficiently, this is for you.
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Esbit 5-Piece Lightweight Trekking Cook Set
Weight: 14 oz / 397 grams
BTU: Unknown
Pros:
> Full cook set.
> Multi-fuel use.
> Measuring scale on the pan.
> Adjustable burner.
Cons:
> Slow boil time.
This is a full cook system including the alcohol burner, two pots, a solid fuel burner, and a stand. This means that you can choose whether to use solid fuel or alcohol in your stove making it incredibly flexible.
I first started using solid fuel stoves back in the early 1990s and then moved to alcohol stoves. This Esbit Cook Set allows you to combine these two fuel sources if and when needed. And it wasn’t that many years ago that this was the ultralight stove of choice for thru-hikers, but things have changed over the years.
The full weight of this set comes in at 14oz which is a decent weight for everything that is included.
They achieve this low weight by using lightweight, anodized aluminum for the pots and stand.
The two pots also save space by packing together as a lid and a pot. Everything else will comfortably sit inside the pots. It’s a neat construction that will save space in your pack.
This is a multi-fuel stove that can also burn solid Espit fuel tablets. I always carry some of these fuel tablets with me when heading into very remote areas an emergency fuel source to make a fire for warmth or cooking.
The fuel can be stored inside the brass alcohol burner but this is not a good idea, a separate fuel bottle is the best way to carry the fuel.
The boil time isn’t great when compared to some other stoves. It comes in at about 10 minutes for two cups of water. That being said, once it’s at a rolling boil, the burner keeps its heat very well.
Overall, this is a great cheap alcohol stove that can burn both Esbit solid fuel tablets and alcohol. But burn times are not good enough for most people.
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Best of the Rest
Here is a list of stoves that are not on the main list but are worthy of a look, most are on this list as I have not been able to review them as yet:
- Snow Peak Gigapower 2.0 – The Snow Peak Gigapower 2.0 is another strong performer but I think the Snow Peak Litemax would be the better option for canister stoves.
Stove Comparison Table
| Brand | Weight | Output (BTU) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe | 2.9 oz | 11,000 | Gas Canister |
| SOTO WindMaster Stove | 2.7 oz | 11,000 | Gas Canister |
| MSR Windburner Stove | 15.3 oz | 7,000 | Integrated Gas Canister Stove & Pot |
| BSR 3000T | 1 oz | 9,000 | Gas Canister |
| Snow Peak LiteMax Stove | 1.9 oz | 11,299 | Gas Canister |
| Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo | 11.2 oz | 11,000 | Integrated Gas Canister Stove & Pot |
| MSR WhisperLite International | 11.2 oz | 11,000 | Liquid Multi Fuel |
| Jetboil Stash | 7.1 oz | 4,500 | Integrated Gas Canister Stove & Pot |
| AOTU Portable Camping Stove | 4 oz | 10,200 | Gas Canister |
| MSR Pocket Rocket 2 | 2.6 oz | 8,200 | Gas Canister |
| Jetboil Minimo | 14.6 oz | 6,000 | Integrated Gas Canister Stove & Pot |
| Jetboil Flash | 13.1 oz | 9,000 | Integrated Gas Canister Stove & Pot |
| Jetboil Zip | 12 oz | 4,500 | Integrated Gas Canister Stove & Pot |
| Esbit 5-Piece Lightweight Trekking Cook Set | 14 oz | Not Specified | Alcohol, Esbit Solid Fuel |
Backpacking Stove Buyers Guide
What Types of Backpacking Stove Fuels are there?
There are 5 different kinds of commonly used fuels for backpacking stoves. They are:
- Liquid Fuel Stoves
- Alcohol Stoves
- Canister Fuel Stoves
- Wood Stoves
- Solid Fuel Stoves
Liquid Fuel Stoves
The liquid fuel stoves, which are also called Liquid Gas Stoves, run on liquid fuel which often goes by the name of Coleman fuel, White Gas, or Bencina Blanca. Most liquid fuel stoves tend to be a bit bulkier than other stoves as you need to carry the stove and a separate fuel bottle. A liquid fuel backpacking stove will work well for extremely cold weather, high altitude, group cooking, or extended periods in remote areas.
Liquid fuel stoves do not have the best simmer controls but they can be turned down to simmer meals if needed, it just isn’t the best.
I love liquid fuel stoves for long-term travel in remote areas and for overseas travel. Looking to cycle across Africa or hike for months through the remote areas of the Himalayas? Then the liquid fuel stove would be best suited to spending a very long time away from resupplies they are more fuel-efficient. If you can find it, white gas is always best.
If you are planning a weekend backpacking trip or even up to a week then a canister stove is more fuel efficient and will be a lighter overall weight.
Alcohol Stoves
Alcohol Stoves are great and I’ve used them for hundreds of nights of camping. These stoves use denatured alcohol which you can pick pretty much everywhere in the world.
The fuel is found in drugstores, marinas, hardware stores, as well as outdoor stores. They’re easy to use and light as anything.
They are the most simple of all these stoves with no moving parts but they just can’t pump out the same amount of heat as a canister stove. Unless you are buying a high-end alcohol stove it is difficult to control the flame and heat output. But their simplicity and light weight make them a good option for ultralight thru-hikers.
Canister Stoves
Canister Stoves are by far the most popular kind of stoves with backpackers. Fuel Canister stoves are lightweight and usually fold down to a small size. They burn a fuel mix of isobutane-propane.
The canister stoves are also compact and offer much better simmer control than any other type of stove which is better for cooking food rather than simply boiling water. A lot of them use a piezo igniter but they are prone to breaking just when you need them most, so be sure to always carry matches or similar to light the stove when needed.
These things can put out a decent amount of heat but most don’t offer you huge amounts of control. They’re more about boiling things than simmering.
One thing most people dislike is that spent fuel canisters end up in landfills and are a complete waste of resources.
It could be said that they are not so good for traveling overseas but gas for fuel canister stoves are becoming more and more available. Thinking of hiking the remote mountains in Peru, should be no problem to buy a fuel canister for the stoves in the large towns where trekkers base themselves.
Wood Burning Stoves
A Wood Burning Stove burns twigs and sticks which is super handy if you’re in a forest or similar environment.
I have used a combination alcohol stove and wood stove for multiple years and love them. But I have found that wood-burning stoves are slow to use and not very efficient and horrible in wet weather.
There are several downsides of wood-burning stoves:
- Wood Stoves are banned in a lot of places due to the risk of causing forest fires.
- A Wood fuel stove is very inefficient and with slow cook times
- Not easy to always find small sticks in the high mountains
- Good luck with wet weather finding dry wood and twigs
- There will be smoke when burning the wood which always seems to follow you and get in your eyes and lungs!
- Worst of all, the pots you use with wood stoves end up covered in black soot! I still have a very black, soot-covered titanium pot that will not revert back to its original color.
Solid Fuel Stoves
These alternative fuel stoves burn blocks of fuel. Solid Fuel Stoves are super lightweight, but the fuel can be difficult to find outside of camping or outdoor stores.
Solid Fuel Tablet Stoves are not as popular as they once were but I always carry a small block of solid stove fuel for emergencies. They are lightweight, easy to light, and burn for quite a while.
On the downside, these fuels are very inefficient resulting in very low cook times. Overall, there are better options for most people.
Weight
When it comes to the weight, there’s a lot of variation because it depends on the fuel and what else you carry as part of your stove system.
The aim is to keep the stove as light as possible so that you have more room for fuel and food. Most ultralight canister stoves are simply small guards that sit over the fuel tank.
When it comes to fuel, you need to strike a balance between size and use. You could get a tiny gas canister but that won’t last you long on your lightweight stove. Equally, a large bottle of denatured alcohol will often be more than you need.
Another thing to consider is how much extra fuel will the stove burn when it is windy. Efficient stoves with windshields will always use less fuel than a stove without one.
Gas fuels are lighter, but you have to factor in the weight of the canister as well as the shape. Liquid fuels weigh more oz for oz, but they don’t tend to have large canisters.
Wind Performance and Windscreens
Using a backpacking stove in strong wind is about as efficient as cooking food in an oven with the door open. All the heat just fails to stay in the places where they are needed.
Stoves that have some form of wind resistance, whether it is in the form of a windscreen or an integrated stove that has built-in wind protection will always perform better.
It is possible to purchase aluminum windscreens but I prefer to make my own with some thin sheets of aluminum such as baking trays from the local grocery store. I cut and bend them into whatever size and shape I need and fold them when not in use.
Beware of using windshields with canister stoves that have very high heat output. Ensure there is adequate ventilation as it is possible that the stove can get too hot. Yes, it is possible.
For alcohol stoves, liquid stoves and wood stoves and windshield is compulsory in all but the calmest of weather.
Simmer Control
A lot of people only need a stove to boil water for coffee or dehydrated meals. If that fits your purpose for having a stove then almost any stove in this backpacking stove review will work well for you.
For backpackers who like to cook a meal that requires the stove to have a simmer capability then be sure to look for a stove that has this feature. Cooking rice, pasta, and many other backcountry meals require a simmer control feature.
Cold Weather, High Altitude, and Winter Use
If you are planning to use your hiking stove for winter use then not all the stoves in this review will work best for you. In very cold temperatures or high altitudes, you may need to melt snow for water and may need to use the stove in very windy conditions while using Winter Gloves.
In extremely cold weather or at high altitudes, a liquid fuel stove will be best. It will handle the wind and cold better than a canister stove and much better than an alcohol stove or solid fuel stove, all of which are not recommended.
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use the integrated canister stove wins. It is an all-in-one stove system with pot burners, pot supports, ignitor, and wind protection all in one package. Just screw on the isobutane-propane canister and away you go.
Integrated canister stoves like Jetboils are the clear winner here with liquid fuel stoves way down the list. Liquid fuel stoves need to be primed. This essentially means they need to be heated up before they work properly. Also, the jets need to be cleaned and matched to the correct fuel type.
When using poor-quality alcohol fuel there have been many occasions that I have needed to prime the alcohol stove too. This involves pre-heating the stove and alcohol before it can burn.
When in the high mountains of Mexico with low alcohol content fuel it can take a while for the stove to work properly. This happened to me a lot in cold temperatures.
Push Button Ignitor: Piezo Ignitor
Many of the stoves in this stove review have a push-button ignitor which is more commonly called a Piezo Ignitor. The Piezo Ignitor removes the need to carry matches, a lighter, or some other ignition source to start the stove.
Many hikers have found out over the years they tend to fail at the exact time when you forget to bring any backup ignition source such as a lighter. Although I have never had one fail on me I know too many first-hand stories from hiking friends who have had this happen to them. So please take a lighter with you when on your next trip into the backcountry just in case.
Cookware
Backpacking Cookware Sets need to be purchased separately for all stoves in this review except the integrated canister stoves such as the Jetboils and MSR Windburner. In most cases just buy the pot, a spork, and a gas canister and head off into the backcountry.
My preference is for an ultralight Titanium Pot such as the Snow Peak Trek 900 Titanium Cook Set Pot and Skillet or the TOAKS Light Titanium 550ml Pot (Ultralight Version) but there are many to choose from.
Read More: Gear Review about the Best Backpacking Cookware.
Integrated Pot and Stove Systems
The system refers to the whole integrated canister stove system. These fuel-efficient stoves include a pot, insulated cozy, handle, lid, cup, a windscreen or heat transfer system to protect the flame from wind, and the stove unit. When all these items work in unison they produce a very fuel-efficient stove that works very well in windy conditions. In fact, the integrated canister stove system is the best stove for windy conditions.
Most of these stove systems lack flame control. With the stove being either on or off. If you need to vary the flame to simmer food then be sure to seek a stove that has a simmer control variable flame.
International Travel with a stove
Most airlines have a policy about carrying camping equipment and camping stoves.
I have traveled internationally with liquid fuel stoves, canister stoves, and alcohol stoves and have not had any issues. On several occasions, airline staff inspected my luggage when I declared that I was traveling with a backpacking stove.
I always cleaned my stoves multiple times with soapy water until not even the smallest amount of fuel smell was on the stove. By using normal dishwashing liquid and a sponge I clean, then rinse the stove more than once. This is not always easy with a liquid fuel stove that has used unleaded gas. Yes, it stinks.
When I present my stove for inspection it is wrapped in a clean t-shirt that I no longer want to wear. The t-shirt is super clean and smells like a cross between roses and rainbow unicorns. I’ve never had a stove confiscated.
I’m sure I don’t need to mention that leave the gas canister at home and don’t try to carry any form of fuel on a plane!
Best Stoves for Backpacking 2023?
Overall, the best stoves for backpacking in 2023 are:
These isobutane canister stoves will fit well into anyone’s ultralight backpacking setup. Not only are they light but they are efficient and will last for many years of service in the backcountry.
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Best Budget Backpacking Stove 2023
The best budget backpacking stove 2023
These budget canister stoves will do everything they promise and more.
Best Liquid Gas Stove
The best liquid fuel stove 2023 goes to:
When heading into remote areas for weeks or months on end then there is no use looking at any other stove. The liquid fuel stove is king and the MSR Whisperlite is the best of the best.
Best Alcohol Backpacking Stove
The best alcohol stove for backpacking is:
This stove will serve you well as a lightweight backpacking stove that uses denatured alcohol.
Conclusion
Here are all the best backpacking stoves for 2023:
- MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe
- SOTO WindMaster Stove
- MSR Windburner Stove
- BSR 3000T
- Snow Peak LiteMax Stove
- Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo
- MSR WhisperLite International
- Jetboil Stash
- AOTU Portable Camping Stoves
- MSR Pocket Rocket 2
- Jetboil Minimo
- Jetboil Flash
- Jetboil Zip
- Esbit CS985HA 5-Piece Lightweight Trekking Cook Set
Another one of the Best Backpacking Gear Reviews from BikeHikeSafari.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Fuel Do I Need For Backpacking?
This depends on how long you’re going for and how many people are using the stove.
In general, for a solo weekend, your average 100g isobutane gas canister is more than enough. In fact, you can probably get 2 or 3 solo weekend trips out of a 100g gas canister.
Which Is Better: MSR Or Jetboil?
It depends on which models you are comparing and what features are most important.
If you look at the Jetboil Zip and the MSR Windburner then Jetboil just edges out in front in terms of lighter weight and cheaper cost but the MSR Windburner has a much higher build quality and is much better in the wind. Overall, both are very good backpacking stoves.
What is the Best Backpacking Stove for Winter Use?
The Best Backpacking Stove for winter use is the MSR Whisperlite which can not only burn any type of fuel but burns very hot even at high altitudes. Usually, liquid fuel stoves work better than canister stoves, alcohol stoves, or wood stoves in winter.
What is the Lightest Hiking Stove?
The lightest hiking stove is the titanium BSR 3000T which weighs 1 oz / 28 grams. It is also very compact in size and affordably priced. But the lightweight comes at a cost. It is not so good in the wind and not as high a quality as some of the other lightweight hiking 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.
