Choosing a Backpack Stove

A quality backpack stove is an important piece of gear that allows you to prepare your backcountry meals and enjoy hot drinks as you set up camp and relax after a day hiking and exploring. The best stoves provide excellent fuel efficiency, high heat output and flame control. They are also lightweight, which reduces your pack weight and allows you to carry more food on your trip.

Choosing the right backpacking stove is all about what your cooking priorities are. It is important to consider the type of backpacking trips you will be taking, including if you are camping solo or in a group and the season. This will help you determine what kind of fuel your stove requires.

There are five main types of backpacking stoves: canister, liquid fuel, alcohol, wood-burning and alternative fuel. Canister and liquid fuel stoves use reusable gas canisters which offer convenience and reliability. They also have a lower impact on climate change and dependance on fossil fuels. Liquid alcohol stoves burn denatured alcohol, which is cheap, widely available and leaves no carbon footprint. They can be used in remote areas where fuel supplies may be limited and are popular among ultralight backpackers.

Wood-burning and alternative fuel tablets are very lightweight, but their fuel sources can be unpredictable and difficult to find in wet climates. They can also be prohibited in some parks, such as Rocky Mountain National Park. For these reasons, they are primarily used by wilderness backpackers who can stockpile dry fuel along the trail.