The Ultimate List of Backpacking Stoves
When it comes to backpacking, weight will always and forever be a huge factor. The weight of every single thing that goes in your pack should be evaluated, even your camp stove. Below is a list of backpacking stoves that are on the market today that are catered to the backpacker. You won’t find attached grills or double burners or USB outlets but what you will find are backpacking stoves that are perfect for your backpacking adventure.
How to Decide on a Backpacking Stove
First and foremost, the stove you choose to carry in your pack will depend on the climate, how you choose to cook, and how many people you intend to feed. There are different stoves that work well in different climates. If you will be predominately in a colder climate or in higher elevations, you should seek out a liquid fuel stove, for example. You should also consider the type of food you are wanting to cook. Do you need to simply boil water to rehydrate a meal or are you looking to simmer your food for awhile? Also, the amount of people depending on one stove will depend on if you should purchase a group/family stove or a personal stove. Some stoves come complete with a cook system by including a pot in the purchase. Whatever your preference is, there is a stove catered just for you! In many of the stove descriptions below, these preferences are addressed.
To clarify, there are a variety of stoves listed below, including multi-fuel stoves, isobutane stoves, and wood-burning stoves. If you happen to know of a backpacking stove not included in this list, please leave a comment below and it will be added.
Don’t have the funds for these backpacking stoves? Don’t let lack of money get you down. You can definitely make your own backpacking stove. Check out our article to learn all about DIY cookware.
Lightest Stoves:
NomadLife Lightweight Titanium Stove (0.9 oz) and Olicamp Ion Micro Titanium Stove (1.5 oz)
Cheapest Stoves:
JOGR Canister Stove ($14.99 USD, burns isobutane), Bleuet Pocket Stove ($7.25 USD, burns esbit)
MSR Stoves | Jetboil Stoves | Optimus Stoves | Primus Stoves
Snow Peak Stoves | Soto Stoves | Olicamp Stoves | Kovea Stoves
Other Stove Brands (Coleman, Bluet, Vargo & More)
(Click on the links above to jump to that brand’s table)
MSR Stoves / Shop MSR
Read our review on the MSR Whisperlite
| Name | Stove Type/Fuel | MSRP | Min Weight (oz) of stove (not including gas or packed weight) | Boil Time | Best Uses / Qualities | Flaws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSR PocketRocket | Canister/
Isobutane |
$39.95 USD | 3 oz. | 1L in 3.5 min | Inexpensive
Comes with hardcase Lightweight |
Unstable |
| MSR MicroRocket | Canister/
Isobutane |
$59.95 USD | 2.6 oz. | 1L in 3.5 min | Smallest and lightest MSR stove
Comes with hardcase Comes with piezo lighter |
Unstable
Wind guard recommended |
| MSR WindBurner | Integrated Canister/
Isobutane |
$129.95 USD | 15.25 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Personal Stove
Solo Trips Comes with 1L pot Comes with folding stand |
Heavy |
| MSR Reactor | Integrated Canister/
Isobutane |
$189USD | 14.7 oz for 1L size | 1L in 3.5 min | Comes in different sizes (1L, 1.7L, 2.5L)
Can accommodate 1-3 ppl depending on size purchased Storm proof |
Heavy
Does not simmer Expensive |
| MSR XGK-EX | Remote Canister / Liquid Fuel/
Multi-Fuel |
$159.95 USD | 13.8 oz | Depends on fuel type | Multi-fuel capable (kerosene, white gas, diesel)
Comes with windscreen Retractable legs and pot platform = stable |
Heavy/bulky
No temp control Expensive |
| MSR SuperFly | Canister/
Isobutane |
$65-$75 USD | 4.6 oz | 1L in 3 min | Multi-mount interface/gas capable = great for international travel | Tough to pack
Wind guard recommended |
| MSR Wind Pro II | Remote Canister/
Isobutane |
$99.95 USD | 6.6 oz | 1L in 3.6 min | Fits in 1L potCold weather
Low fuel performance |
Bulky
Expensive |
| MSR DragonFly | Remote Canister / Multi-Fuel | $139.95 USD | 14 oz | Depends on fuel type | Burns white gas, kerosene, unleaded auto fuel, diesel, and jet fuel | Heavy
Expensive Noisy |
| Whisperlite (Check out our review of this stove!) |
Remote Canister / Liquid fuel |
$89.95 USD | 11 oz | 1L in 3.9 min | Simple and small | Heavy
Difficult to simmer |
| MSR Whisperlite Universal | Remote Canister / Multi-Fuel | $139.95 USD | 11.5 oz | Depends on fuel type | Burns canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline
Good for cold weather
|
Reviews stated issue with adapting to canister fuel
Most expensive of the Whisperlite series |
| MSR Whisperlite International | Multi-Fuel | $99.95 USD | 10.9 oz | Depends on fuel type | Burns white gas, kerosene, and unleaded auto fuel
Good for large groups (not recommended for solo or partners)
|
Difficult to simmer
|
JetBoil Stoves / Shop JetBoil
Read our review on the JetBoil Flash!
Jetboil Stove / Photo Credit: Erik & Pia Sjostedt via Flickr
| Name | Stove Type/Fuel | MSRP | Min Weight (oz) of stove (not including gas or packed weight) | Boil Time | Best Uses / Qualities | Flaws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JetBoil MiniMo | Integrated Canister/
Isobutane |
$129.95 USD | 13.1 oz. | 0.5L in 2 min 15 sec | Quick boiling
Nice temp control |
Expensive
No wind guard |
| JetBoil MicroMo | Integrated Canister/
Isobutane |
$159.95 USD | 11.2 oz | 0.5L in 2 min 15 sec |
Lightweight Titanium cooking cup |
For heating/water boiling only, no simmer |
| JetBoil Flash (Read our review on this stove!) | Integrated Canister/
Isobutane |
$99.95 USD | 14 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Efficient
Insulated Pot |
Heavy |
| JetBoil Flash Lite | Integrated Canister/
Isobutane |
$99.95USD | 11 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Fairly Lightweight
insulated pot Recommended for personal use
|
Does not work well in cold and wind |
| JetBoil Joule | Integrated Canister/
Isobutane |
$99.95USD | 11 oz | 1L in 2 min 40 sec | Award-winning group cooking system | Heavy
Not recommended for personal use |
| JetBoil Sumo | Integrated Canister/
Isobutane |
$139.95USD | 17.1 oz | 1L in 4 min 15 sec | Group cooking system
|
Reviews claim that lid does not stay on and certain parts on not very durable |
| JetBoil Zip | Integrated Canister/
Isobutane |
$79.95USD | 12 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Compact
Recommended for personal use
|
Does not come with igniter
Lacks features common with other JetBoil models Not recommended for simmering or cooking (only boiling) |
Optimus Stoves / Shop Optimus
| Name | Stove Type/Fuel | MSRP | Min Weight (oz) of stove (not including gas or packed weight) | Boil Time | Best Uses / Qualities | Flaws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optimus Polarus Optifuel |
Remote Canister/ Multi-Fuel |
$179.95 USD | 16.75 oz. | 1L in 3.4 min | Can burn White gas, LPG Gas, Gasoline, Kerosene, Diesel, Jet fuel | Heavy
Rather loud |
| Optimus Nova |
Remote Canister/ Multi-Fuel |
$149.95 USD | 16.22 oz. | 1L in 3.5 min | Can burn White gas, Jet Fuel, Diesel, Kerosene |
Heavy |
| Optimus Nova+ |
Remote Canister/ Multi-Fuel |
$159.95 USD | 15.16 oz | 1L in 3.5 min | Can burn White gas, Jet Fuel, Diesel, Kerosene | Heavy
Large |
| Optimus Svea |
White gas |
$119.95 USD | 19.4 oz | 1L in 7 min |
Lid doubles as cook pot Made of solid brass/durable |
Heavy Slow boil time |
| Optimus Vega | Remote Canister/ Isobutane | $94.95 USD | 6.3 oz | 1L in 4.5 min | 4-season stove
Fairly lightweight Simmers well |
No built-in igniter
|
| Optimus Crux |
Canister / Isobutane |
$49.95 USD | 3 oz | 1L in 3 min | Lightweight | Burner oxidizes |
| Optimus Crux Lite | Canister/
Isobutane |
$39.95 USD | 2.6 oz | 1L in 3 min | Lightweight
|
Burner oxidizes
Not as compact as MSR’s PocketRocket and MicroRocket |
| Optimus Elektra FE | Canister / Isobutane | $94.95 USD | 16 oz | 1L in 2.3 min | Efficient
Includes pot and windscreen |
Not the lightest |
| Optimus Crux Weekend HE |
Canister / Isobutane |
$79.95 USD | 9.7 oz | 1L in 3 min | Includes pot and fry pan (pan doubles as pot lid)
Pot has pour spout |
Must carry lighter or matches |
| Optimus Crux Lite with Terra Solo | Canister / Isobutane | $59.95 USD | 9.6 oz | 1L in 3 min | Crux Lite stove with Terra Solo cook set | Poor cold weather performance |
Snow Peak Stoves / Shop Snow Peak
| Name | Stove Type/Fuel | MSRP | Min Weight (oz) of stove (not including gas or packed weight) | Boil Time | Best Uses / Qualities | Flaws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Stove | Canister/
Isobutane |
$59.95 USD | 1.9 oz. | 1L in 4 min 25 sec | Lightweight | Slow boil time |
| Snow Peak GigaPower Manual Stove | Canister/
Isobutane |
$39.95 USD | 3.25 oz. | 1L in 4 min 48 sec | Lightweight
Inexpensive |
Does not come with igniter Not very stable Slow boil time |
| Snow Peak GigaPower Stove Auto | Canister/
Isobutane |
$49.95 USD | 3.75 oz | 1L in 4 min 48 sec | Lightweight | Slow boil time |
Primus Stoves / Shop Primus
Primus Classic Trail / Photo Credit: Leon Brocard via Flickr
Primus ETA Express / Photo Credit: Mikael Leppä via Flickr
Primus Spider / Photo Credit: Werner Moser via Flickr
| Name | Stove Type/Fuel | MSRP | Min Weight (oz) of stove (not including gas or packed weight) | Boil Time | Best Uses / Qualities | Flaws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primus OmniLite TI | Remote Canister/ Multi-Fuel | $179.95 USD | 12 oz. | 1 L in 2.4 min | Made of titanium
Suitable for 1-2 people Burns butane, gasoline, diesel, white gas, kerosene, and aviation fuel |
Expensive |
| Primus OmniFuel II |
Remote Canister/ Multi-Fuel |
$169.95 USD | 15.9 oz. |
Suitable for 1-4 people Burns LP gas, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, aviation fuel |
Heavy
Expensive |
|
| Primus ETA Spider Stove Set | Remote Canister/
Isobutane |
$159.95 USD | 15.25 oz | 0.5L in 2 min 50 sec | Compact system for two
Can upgrade to use multi-fuel |
Heavy
Expensive |
| Primus ETA Lite | Integrated Canister/
Isobutane |
$104.95 USD | 14.8 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Comes pot coozie
Efficient |
Small pot compared to competitors |
| Primus Classic Trail | Canister / Isobutane | $19.95 USD | 8 oz | Lightweight
Recommended for 1-3 people Cheap |
Lightweight for Primus but heavier than competitors | |
| Primus Express | Canister/
Isobutane |
$39.95 USD | 2.9 oz | Lightweight
Cheap Fast Boil |
Doesn’t simmer well | |
| Primus ETA Express | Canister/
Isobutane |
$129.95 USD | 15.8 oz | 1L in 3.6 min | Nice windscreen | Heavy
Expensive |
Soto Stove / Shop Soto
Soto Muka / Photo Credit: Erik & Pia Sjostedt via Flickr
| Name | Stove Type/Fuel | MSRP | Min Weight (oz) of stove (not including gas or packed weight) | Boil Time | Best Uses / Qualities | Flaws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soto AMICUS | Canister/
Isobutane |
$44.95 USD | 2.6 oz. | Can purchase with or with Piezo lighter
Lightweight |
||
| Soto Windmaster | Canister/
Isobutane |
$74.95 USD | 2.3-3 oz depending on pot support | 1L in 3.5 min | Come with two different pot supports, one recommend for small pots and one for larger pots
Lightweight |
Slower boil time |
| Soto MicroRegulator | Canister/
Isobutane |
$69.95 USD | 2.6 oz | Lightweight
Great in high altitude/cold temperatures |
Fragile pot support | |
| Soto Compact Foldable Stove | Canister/
Isobutane |
$40 USD | 5 oz |
One of the world’s smallest igniter stoves
|
Not very stable | |
| Soto Muka Stove | Remote Canister/ Multi-Fuel | $146.95 USD | 11 oz | Depends on fuel type | Burns white gas or auto fuel | Pot support is very stable
Expensive |
Olicamp Stoves / Shop Olicamp
| Name | Stove Type/Fuel | MSRP | Min Weight (oz) of stove (not including gas or packed weight) | Boil Time | Best Uses / Qualities | Flaws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olicamp Ion Micro Titanium Stove | Canister/
Isobutane |
$49.95 USD | 1.5 oz. |
Boasts to be smallest and most compact canister stove in the world |
Unstable | |
| Olicamp Kinetic Ultra Titanium Stove | Canister/
Isobutane |
$49.95 USD | 1.7 oz. |
Lightweight |
Unstable
Control valve too close to flame Case is awkward to pack |
|
| Olicamp Electron Stove | Canister/
Isobutane |
$39.95 USD | 3.9 oz | Lightweight
Foldable pot supports Efficient due to round burner head |
Unstable | |
| Olicamp Vector Stove | Canister/
Isobutane |
$29.95 USD | 3 oz | Lightweight
Compact Efficient Cheap |
Could be more stable
Flame control is only ok |
|
| Olicamp Xcelerator Ultra Titanium Stove | Remote Canister/
Multi-Fuel |
$69.95 USD | 3.5 oz | Depends on fuel type |
Stable with larger pots Lightweight
|
No built-in igniter
|
Kovea Stoves / Shop Kovea
| Name | Stove Type/Fuel | MSRP | Min Weight (oz) of stove (not including gas or packed weight) | Boil Time | Best Uses / Qualities | Flaws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kovea Booster Dual Max | Remote Canister / Multi-Fuel | $146.97 USD | 15 oz | Burns white gas and butane, unleaded petrol/gasoline | Expensive
Heavy |
|
| Kovea Booster +1 | Remote Canister/
Multi-Fuel |
$157 USD | 15 oz. | Stable
Efficient Simmers Burns White gas, butane/propane canisters |
Expensive
Heavy Pump carried separately |
|
| Kovea Hydra |
Remote canister / Multi-Fuel |
$195.95 USD | 15 oz. | Burns White gas, butane/propane canisters
Noise is reduced |
Expensive
Heavy |
|
| Kovea Camp-5 | Remote Canister/
Butane |
$49.50 USD | 5.5 oz | Has copper pipes
Lightweight for remote canister stove |
May not be great for simmering
Hard to get stove back in case Small feet |
|
| Kovea Dual Flame | Remote Canister/
Isobutane |
$74.44 USD | 8 oz |
Perfect for simmering because of dual flame design comes with piezo igniter |
Small feet | |
| Kovea Expedition Stove | Remote Canister/
Isobutane |
$75.95 USD | 15.7 oz | 1L in 4.3 min | Auto igniter | Heavy |
| Kovea Moonwalker | Remote Canister/
Isobutane |
$69.95 USD | 10.22 oz | 1L in 5 min | Foldable legs
Electric piezo ignition |
Heavy-ish |
| Kovea Spider | Remote Canister/
Isobutane |
$64.95 USD | 6.6 oz |
Lightweight Compact |
Slow average boil
Not efficient in windy conditions |
|
| Kovea Backpackers | Canister/
Isobutane |
$20 USD | 6.7 oz | 1L in 4.3 min | Ideal for solo campers
rustproof components |
A bit heavy compared to similar stoves
Not the best at simmering |
| Kovea Eagle | Canister/
Isobutane |
$29.95 USD | 3.7 oz | 1L in 4.65 min | Cheap
Lightweight |
Not the most stable
Not recommended for large pots |
| Kovea Fireman | Canister/
Isobutane |
$49.95 USD | 3.1 oz | Aluminum body
Lightweight Adjustable pot support |
||
| Kovea Flame Tornado | Canister/
Isobutane |
$19.95 USD | 15.25 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Personal Stove
Solo Trips Comes with 1L pot Comes with folding stand |
Heavy |
| Kovea Hiker | Canister/
Isobutane |
$129.95 USD | 15.25 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Personal Stove
Solo Trips Comes with 1L pot Comes with folding stand |
Heavy |
| Kovea Maximum | Canister/
Isobutane |
$129.95 USD | 15.25 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Personal Stove
Solo Trips Comes with 1L pot Comes with folding stand |
Heavy |
| Kovea Power Nano | Canister/
Isobutane |
$129.95 USD | 15.25 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Personal Stove
Solo Trips Comes with 1L pot Comes with folding stand |
Heavy |
| Kovea Scorpion | Canister/
Isobutane |
$129.95 USD | 15.25 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Personal Stove
Solo Trips Comes with 1L pot Comes with folding stand |
Heavy |
| Kovea Scout | Canister/
Isobutane |
$129.95 USD | 15.25 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Personal Stove
Solo Trips Comes with 1L pot Comes with folding stand |
Heavy |
| Kovea Solo | Canister/
Isobutane |
$129.95 USD | 15.25 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Personal Stove
Solo Trips Comes with 1L pot Comes with folding stand |
Heavy |
| Kovea Supalite Titanium | Canister/
Isobutane |
$129.95 USD | 15.25 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Personal Stove
Solo Trips Comes with 1L pot Comes with folding stand |
Heavy |
| Kovea Titanium | Canister/
Isobutane |
$129.95 USD | 15.25 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Personal Stove
Solo Trips Comes with 1L pot Comes with folding stand |
Heavy |
| Kovea Vulcan | Canister/
Isobutane |
$129.95 USD | 15.25 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Personal Stove
Solo Trips Comes with 1L pot Comes with folding stand |
Heavy |
| Kovea Alpine EZ Eco | Integrated Canister/
Isobutane |
$129.95 USD | 15.25 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Personal Stove
Solo Trips Comes with 1L pot Comes with folding stand |
Heavy |
| Kovea Alpine Pot | Integrated Canister/
Isobutane |
$190 USD | 14.7 oz for 1L size | 1L in 3.5 min | Comes in different sizes (1L, 1.7L, 2.5L)
Can accommodate 1-3 ppl depending on size purchased Storm proof |
Heavy
Does not simmer Expensive |
| Kovea Alpine Pot Wide | Liquid Fuel/
Multi-Fuel |
$159.95 USD | 13.8 oz | Depends on fuel type | Multi-fuel capable (kerosene, white gas, diesel)
Comes with windscreen Retractable legs and pot platform = stable |
Heavy/bulky
No temp control Expensive |
Other Brands/Models of Backpacking Stoves
| Name | Stove Type/Fuel | MSRP | Min Weight (oz) of stove (not including gas or packed weight) | Boil Time | Best Uses / Qualities | Flaws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOGR Canister Stove | Canister / Isobutane | $9 USD | 3.9 oz | Lightweight
Cheap |
Not efficient with fuel | |
| NomadLife Lightweight Titanium Stove | Canister/
Isobutane |
25.95 USD | 0.9 oz. | Extremely lightweight | May not fit some gas canisters | |
| Nomadic Stove Company’s Trekker |
Wood Stove |
$100 USD | 6.3 oz. | 1L in8-10 min | Made in USA
|
Not very efficient |
| EmberLit UL Titanium Stove | Wood/coal | $76.46 USD | 5.45 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Made in USA
Lightweight |
Expensive
Not very efficient |
| Bluet Stove | Bluet or esbit fuel | $24.73 USD | Pot and stove together 10 oz | Fairly lightweight | Burns esbit
Blackens cookware Windguard recommended Not very efficient |
|
| Bluet Pocket Stove | Bluet or esbit fuel | $7.73 USD | 3.25 oz |
Lighweight cheap |
Not efficient
burns esbit |
|
|
Esbit Fuel |
$29.95 USD | Pot and stove together 7 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min | Built-in windshield | Burns chemical esbit | |
| Bushcraft Essentials Bushbox Outdoor Pocket Stove | Wood/Esbit | $39.90 USD | 9.2 oz | 0.5L in 10 min burning esbit | Compact
Durable |
Blackens Pot
Can’t use during fire bans No flame control/simmering Burns chemical esbit |
| Campingaz Twister Plus Stove*
*There are more Campingaz stoves on the market but the stoves and gas may not be available in Canada and the U.S. |
Canister/
Isobutane |
$29.95 USD | 9.3 oz | 1L in 3 min 45 sec |
Fairly Cheap
|
Unstable
Not a screen on gas connector so gas cartridges may be difficult to find |
| Stansport Isobutane Backpacking Stove | Canister/
Isobutane |
$20.99 USD | 8 oz | Great for beginner stove because easy to use
Cheap |
Not for simmering
|
|
| Vargo Outdoors Decadon Stove |
Denatured Alcohol stove |
$34.95 USD | 1.2 oz | Made of titanium
Lightweight |
May not be the most efficient |
|
| Vargo Titanium Hexagon Backpacking Wood Stove |
Wood Stove |
$59.95 USD | 4.1 oz |
Lightweight |
Not the most efficient | |
| FireFly UL Titanium Collapsible Wood Stove |
Wood Stove |
$66 USD | 2.7 oz | 0.5L in 2.5 min |
Lightweight
|
Not the most efficient |
| Coleman Max Micro Backpack Stove | Canister/
Isobutane |
$59.95 USD | 6.7 oz | 1L in 3.25 min |
5-year warranty
|
Wind shield recommended |
Sources:
www.amazon.com
www.rei.com
www.primuscamping.com
http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/category
http://www.jetboil.com/
http://www.optimusstoves.com/us/us
http://snowpeak.com/collections/stoves
http://www.sotooutdoors.com/
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Stove-Reviews
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-stove.html
http://www.cleverhiker.com/stoves/http://backpackingstovejudge.com/
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Stove-Reviews
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-stove.html
http://www.cleverhiker.com/stoves/http://backpackingstovejudge.com/
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Stove-Reviews
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-stove.html
http://www.cleverhiker.com/stoves/http://backpackingstovejudge.com/
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Stove-Reviews
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-stove.html
http://www.cleverhiker.com/stoves/http://backpackingstovejudge.com/
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