Best Backpacking Stoves
- Aaron Richards
- Aug 17
- 5 min read
Choosing The Best Backpacking Stove
Cooking on trail can make or break a trip. Whether it’s a cup of coffee at sunrise or a hot meal after a long day, the right stove can make all the difference. I've had some truly gourmet food prepared over a WhisperLite, and been extremely grateful for a quick-boiling cup of hot cocoa on a cold and rainy evening Thanks to my JetBoil. After years of testing everything from ultralight canister burners to classic liquid-fuel setups (and even some cold soaking), here are four stoves that stand out in different ways - each excels in a specific category.
What to Consider When Choosing a Backpacking Stove
Backpacking stoves come with a bunch of features and tradeoffs, and knowing what really matters can save you time and frustration on the trail. Here’s what I focus on when picking a stove for the backcountry:.
1. Weight & Packed Size – Every ounce counts. Look for stoves that pack small and light but still fit your cooking style. Ultralight stoves can shave ounces but sometimes sacrifice stability or power.
2. Fuel Type & Availability – The most common backpacking fuels are canister gas (isobutane/propane blends) and white gas (liquid fuel). Canister stoves are clean and easy but don’t perform as well in cold weather. Liquid fuel stoves burn hotter and work in extreme conditions but need more maintenance.
3. Burner Output (BTUs) – Higher BTUs mean faster boil times but often more fuel used. Balance speed and efficiency based on your cooking needs.
4. Stability & Pot Support – A stove that wobbles or can’t support your favorite pot is frustrating and potentially dangerous (most backcountry injuries happen in the kitchen). Consider wider bases or integrated pot supports if you use bigger cookware.
5. Ignition Type – Some stoves have built-in piezo igniters for easy startup; others require matches or lighters. Built-in igniters are convenient but can fail, so always carry a backup.
Best Backpacking Stoves at a Glance:
Best All Around: MSR PocketRocket 2
Most Efficient: Jetboil 1.0L Fast Boil System
Most Versatile: MSR WhisperLite International
Best Budget: Soto Amicus
Best All Around: MSR PocketRocket 2
A true classic. Simple, lightweight, and proven over and over. Small enough to fit into a pot along with the gas canister, just screw it on and you're ready to go. In all my years of using one I've never had anything go wring. When I take a stove into the backcountry, it's usually this one.
Best for: Weight conscious hikers who want a reliable, compact stove that boils fast
Average Boil Time (1L): 3.5 minutes
Type: Canister stove (isobutane/propane)
Weight: 2.6 oz (74 g)
Price: ~$60
✅ Pros:
Super lightweight and packs tiny
Boils water quickly
Piezo igniter for easy starts (deluxe version only)
Stable pot supports for small to medium pots
Simple design, little maintenance required
❌ Cons:
Little simmer control—hard to get low flame
Canister fuel isn’t great in cold temps
Isobutane canisters are non-refillable
Also worth checking out:
BRS Ultralight Stove — Even lighter and cheaper, but less durable
Soto Amicus — Adds simmer control with a bit more weight (see below)
Most Fuel Efficient: Jetboil 1.0L Fast Boil System
Jetboil has been popular for its integrated cooking systems for a long time. Its favored for ease of use, speed, and efficiency. While bulkier and more expensive than traditional stand alone burners, its still a great option for streamlining any backcountry cooking. I've carried a JetBoil on many adventures, and still use it often when car camping because it boils water so fast.
Best for: Fast boiling and cooking with good simmer control in an all-in-one system
Average Boil Time (1L): 4 minutes or less
Type: Integrated canister stove system
Weight: 13.1oz
Price: ~$145
✅ Pros:
Boils water fast (2 cups in 2 minutes)
Built-in igniter and simmer control
Integrated pot with heat exchanger for fuel efficiency
Stable base and lid doubles as frying pan
Compact and convenient
❌ Cons:
More expensive than simple burners
Limited pot size, less versatile for bigger meals
Proprietary fuel canisters recommended for best results
Also worth checking out:
MSR WindBurner — Similar design, optimized for wind resistance
Snow Peak GigaPower — Smaller conventional stove with a windscreen.
Most Versatile: MSR WhisperLite International
This stove has been a staple of expedition cooking for decades. Its high power output, simple maintenance, and versatile fuel compatibility make it well worth the additional weight and bulk. While priming can be a pain, you get used to it, trust me; I've used this stove on almost every backpacking trip I've guided from New Mexico to Vermont.
Best for: Big groups, cold weather, and long trips where fuel availability and power matter most.
Average Boil Time (1L): 3.5 Minutes
Type: Liquid fuel stove (white gas, kerosene, unleaded gas)
Weight: 14.9 oz (370 g)
Price: ~$160
✅ Pros:
Burns multiple fuel types—great for international trips
Powerful burner with simmer control - good for big groups and gourmet cooking
Performs well in cold and high altitude
Durable and easy to repair in the field
Larger pot support for bigger cookware
White gas is cheaper than isobutane
Can be safely used with a windscreen (unlike most canister stoves)
The WhisperLite Universal ($200) can be used with canisters
❌ Cons:
Heavier and bulkier than canister stoves
Requires pumping and priming
Learning curve for safe operation
Refillable fuel bottle sold separately
Also worth checking out:
Primus OmniFuel — Similar multi-fuel stove with slightly different design
MSR DragonFly — More advanced, with even finer simmer control
Best Budget: Soto Amicus
Similar in design to the Pocket Rocket but a little less stable (and less pricy) the Amicus is a great beginner/budget option. Truth be told, there are a lot of cheap, simple stoves like this one on Amazon. Some are great, some not so much. I'll caution you against low quality stoves. After all, you don't want to find yourself in the backcountry with no way of cooking.
Best for: Backpackers wanting a reliable stove with simmer control and great fuel efficiency
Average Boil Time (1L): 3.5 minutes
Type: Canister stove
Weight: 3.6 oz (102 g)
Price: ~$50
✅ Pros:
Excellent simmer control for cooking versatility
Stable, wide pot supports
Piezo igniter included
Lightweight and compact
Efficient burner saves fuel
❌ Cons:
Slightly heavier than simplest ultralights
Canister fuel issues in cold weather still apply
Also worth checking out:
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe — A bit lighter, with simmer control and igniter
Primus Essential Trail Stove — Low cost option with good simmer control
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best Backpacking stove boils down to what kind of cooking you want to do, where you’re going, and how much weight you can carry. If you’re racing miles and just need hot water, a lightweight stove like the PocketRocket is perfect. Want to cook full meals with simmer control? Check out the Jetboil Flash or Soto Amicus. Heading into cold or international terrain? The WhisperLite’s multi-fuel flexibility is hard to beat.
Disclaimer: A good stove only makes your meal faster, not tastier. That’s what hot sauce is for.
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