How to Choose a Backpacking Stove

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When heading into the backcountry, you need a reliable heat source for boiling water and cooking. Turning to any outdoor recreation retailer, you’ll be flooded with different gear options and may find yourself overwhelmed—- So how do you choose a backcountry stove and why can’t you just rely on an open fire? Although open fire cooking is a practice that has been around for centuries, many wilderness areas do not allow fires or the gathering of wood due to the risk of forest fires and other ecological impacts. Because of this, recreators turn to modern backcountry stoves that are a more practical and ecological option for backcountry cooking.

Whether you need it to rehydrate dry food on a multi-day backpacking trip or melt snow to make water while winter camping, a modern backpacking stove is key for overnight expeditions in the backcountry.

This step-by-step guide aims to explain the different types of stoves, their pros and cons, and help you choose a backcountry stove that works best for you.

Step One: Understand the Types of Backpacking Stoves

Canister: Fuel canisters filled with a mix of isobutane and propane serve as the base for the stove burner, which screws into the top of the canister and interfaces with the cookware. Some brands offer integrated systems with a pot that fits securely onto the burner. The single-use fuel canisters are recyclable and are a popular choice for backpackers.

Liquid fuel: These stoves use flammable liquid that either burns in a reservoir or is pressurized in a tank. Pressurized liquid fuel is aerosolized through a jet in the burner, while alcohol fuel doesn’t need to be pressurized and burns in a reservoir below the cooking surface. Liquid fuel is also a top choice for backpackers because there are many fuel options for stoves.

Solid fuel: A solid chemical fuel, like a flammable briquet or Sterno canister, offers quick, consistent heat to cook over.

Wood: Firewood or special pellets burn in a self-contained chamber with a cooking platform above the flames. Some models, such as those from BioLite, produce electricity from the heat, which can charge your devices and power an included light.

The Reactor Stove uses canister fuel and is a great option for cold or windy locations as it uses magnetic coils to head the pot faster.

Step Two: Compare the Pros and Cons

Canister Stoves: A popular option because they are lightweight, simple, convenient, and boil water very quickly. Although they can be expensive—especially the models with integrated cooking pots. Also, the canisters are not reusable, but they are recyclable. For long multi-day trips, carrying several canisters can be bulky. Finally, all airlines prohibit fuel canisters on the plane so plan ahead and ensure there is a source for canisters at your destination if traveling.

Pro – boils water quickly

Pro – lightweight and simple to use

Con – expensive, especially the models with integrated cooking pots

Con – non-reusable, for multi-day trips you will need several canisters

Liquid Fuel Stoves: Often the choice for alpine and expedition climbers, these stoves are fully serviceable and easy to clean, which makes them a dependable option. Though less bulky than fuel canisters, liquid fuel is heavier. Some models also have an adapter to use isobutane canisters. The stoves that use a pressurized tank are compatible with white gas, kerosene, and even unleaded gasoline—so no problem finding fuel even in remote international locations.

Pro – fully serviceable and easy to clean

Pro – pressurized and non-pressurized options that work with a variety of fuel options

Con – liquid fuel is heavier than canister fuel

Con – can be more finicky to manage the flame, especially when lighting

Solid Fuel Burning Stoves: An inexpensive and reliable option to heat something, solid fuel burning stoves may not be the most ideal for backpacking since they take longer to boil; however, are good to have in an emergency. Please note these incendiary products are prohibited on airplanes.

Pro – inexpensive and reliable for heating

Pro – solid fuel takes up less space than liquid fuel bottles and canisters

Con – longer boiling time than liquid or canister fuel stoves

Con – not viable for travel as the solid fuel is prohibited on airplanes

Wood Burning Stoves: More suitable for car or basecamp camping trips, these stoves are heavy though are eco-friendly as they burn natural fuel sources. However, if you’re camping in the desert or above tree line, then you need to bring wood pellets with you. Wood stoves are also dirty and produce ash as the byproduct. Finally, the flame is not adjustable—so no simmer.

Pro – eco-friendly as they burn wood found in natural environments

Pro – lightweight and packable

Con – limited fuel available if camping above tree line or in the desert

Con – the flame is not adjustable and can be tricky to manage heat while cooking

Boiling water on a backcountry stove works well with dehydrated meals that simply need hot water

Step Three: Choose the Best Backcountry Stove for your trip

Now that you know your stove options and some of the pros and cons of each, you need to figure out which stove will best meet your trip needs. For one- or two-night trips where you only need a stove to heat water, canister fuel stoves are convenient and have a fast boiling point so you can be efficient in cooking.

For longer multi-day trips, liquid fuel stoves are a top choice as they are the most versatile in terms of fuel compatibility, and are also great for international expeditions where your fuel options differ.

Solid fuel burning stoves are easy for when you need a quick flame. These are good to keep in an emergency kit and if you’re camping on a budget.

Wood burning stoves are good for areas with abundant wood on the ground. Having a battery charger and LED lamp is a handy bonus. If you don’t already know how to build a fire, then this may not be the best option. These stoves are not permitted in wilderness areas during fire restrictions and periods of high fire danger.

Backcountry stoves make alpine lakes more enjoyable providing hot water for warm drinks and meals.

Step Four: Go Adventure!

So which is the best stove? Well, there isn’t a simple answer. Depending on intended use, trip length and budget there is a best option that will meet everyone’s needs. Now that you’ve got a baseline knowledge of your stove options, you can start planning your next backcountry adventure with a little more ease and excitement!

by Cassandra Ali, Content Writer, jans.com