How to choose a backpacking stove

A reliable stove is essential to any well-planned backpacking trip. A warm meal at the end of a long day or that first sip of hot coffee in the morning can make any trip more enjoyable. But with so many stove options available it can be difficult to know where to start. What kind of stove you need depends on a variety of factors. Let's start with some simple questions: What kinds of trips do you plan on taking? Are you going ultralight? Do you plan on being on the trail for weeks or months at a time thru-hiking? Maybe you’re a weekender out for a quick getaway from work. Also, how many people you will be cooking for. Are you using the stove to boil water or do you have full meals planned? Keep these things in mind while you decide. Features to consider Weight – Did you drill holes in your toothbrush handle just to shave off a gram or two? Then your choice in stove may differ from someone on a shorter weekend trip with friends. Burn Time – How long a stove burns on a given amount of fuel will determine how much fuel you need to carry. Boil time – This measures how quickly a stove can boil water. Temperature Control – Is the stove capable of maintaining a simmer for prolonged cooking, or is it designed primarily for boiling water? Maintenance – Will the stove require periodic field maintenance and special tools? Types of stoves Backpacking stoves can be placed into three major categories, based on fuel type. These are canister, liquid fuel, and alternative fuel. Canister – Canister stoves are usually easy to use, requiring very little maintenance. They typically screw onto the top of a threaded fuel canister containing pressurized gasses. Liquid – Liquid fuel stoves offer a bit more versatility with refillable fuel bottles. Often utilizing white gas, some may accept multiple liquid fuels for those traveling internationally. Alternative fuel – These stoves are gaining in popularity and run on a variety of fuels, including solid fuel tablets, wood, and denatured alcohol. Each type of stove has advantages as well as drawbacks. Let’s take a more detailed look at some of these pros and cons. Canister Stoves Canister stoves are some of the cleanest available. They are very low odor and require almost no maintenance. The fuel stored in non-refillable self-sealing canisters that almost eliminate fuel spills and leakage. They burn butane, isobutene, propane, or combination of these gasses. Canister stoves are often the easiest to operate. They are light and dependable and provide solid temperature control. The performance of these stoves can be markedly reduced at high altitudes and extremely low temperature. Canister depressurization can occur when the fuel is cold, resulting in inefficient or weak output. Canisters are not refillable and must be packed out for disposal or recycling. Pro: Compact – innovative designs often allow the stoves to fold for storage Lightweight – Some can weigh as little as 1.9oz Easy to light – many are equipped with a Piezo electronic igniter Sealed canister – no fuel leakage or trailside spills Temperature Control – Allows for simmering Con: Hard to gauge remaining fuel – Sealed canister offers no way to accurately gauge remaining fuel Cost of fuel – Compared to liquid-fuel stoves, the cost of fuel is greater Lack of windscreen – Use of windscreens can cause canisters to overheat and rupture Depressurize in cold weather – Causes inefficient fuel use and weak flame Canister waste – Empty canisters must be packed out for proper disposal Liquid Fuel Stoves This style of backpacking stove burns liquid fuel, primarily in the form of white gas, but some multi fuel models can utilize kerosene or unleaded gas. The fuel bottle is pressurized manually using a small hand pump, offering enhanced performance in cold weather. Fuel bottles can be refilled as often as needed. Liquid fuels do not burn as cleanly as the gas from canister stoves, resulting in fouling and frequent field maintenance. The refillable fuel bottle has an increased risk of fuel leakage and spills and must be pressurized before use. Many of these stoves must also be primed for optimal usage. Pro: Stable – A low center of gravity provides a more stable cooking surface for larger pots View fuel levels – Fuel levels can be visually inspected between uses No Waste – Reusable fuel bottle eliminates the need to pack out disposable canisters Perform at high elevation / cold temp – The hand pump allows you to control fuel pressure Con: Prime & maintain – Requires priming and maintenance for proper operation Fuel Spill – Refillable bottle increases the risk of fuel spills and leakage Weight – Tend to be heavier than canister stoves Cost – Higher initial cost Alternative Fuel Stoves Wood Burning Because these burn small twigs gathered at camp, it eliminates the need to carry fuel, a nice option for longer or lighter trips. Pro: Simple – Few parts, often consists of a simple base with pot support and windscreen Lightweight – Frequently constructed of lightweight titanium No fuel – Eliminates the need to carry fuel bottle or canister Con: Locating fuel – requires gathering of small twigs prior to use Wet conditions – wet conditions can severely limit access to dry fuel Use prohibitions – May be prohibited during a burn ban or in areas of high elevation Solid Fuel These are frequently carried by ultralight backpackers. Some models are small enough to fit in your pocket. Pro: Inexpensive – Low initial cost Lightweight – Few parts and small sizes help reduce weight Ease of use – Fuel tablets light easily and may be extinguished for later ues Con: Slow – Operate at lower temperatures and are slow to bring water to a boil Odor – Tablets may burn with an odor Availability of fuel – Fuel tablets may not be readily available in all locations Alcohol These stoves appeal to ultralight backpackers because they weigh only an ounce or two. Fuel can be carried in lightweight bottles sized to fit individual needs. Pro: Inexpensive – Low initial cost Low maintenance – Alcohol burns clean eliminating fouling and maintenance Cost of fuel – Denatured alcohol is inexpensive and relatively easy to find across the U.S. Lightweight – Small with few parts Con: Slow – Alcohol burns at lower temperatures than other liquid fuels Windscreen – Windscreen is essential for optimal performance Difficulty locating fuel internationally – Denatured alcohol can be hard to find outside the U.S.