March 30, 2022 | By Mary Murphy
The right stove makes life on the trail better. From ultralight canisters to four-season and multifuel options, we’ve found and tested the best backpacking stoves.
Sure, you could just eat a handful of trail mix or a can of tuna, but it’s hard to beat a hot meal after a long day on the trail. On the other hand, you want to keep your pack weight low. Luckily, there are plenty of backpacking stoves on the market today that make quick work of heating up dinner without weighing you down.
We spend a lot of time camped out in the backcountry, so we understand how important it is to have a reliable, long-lasting stove. From multiday trips on the PCT or AT to lightweight overnights in the Rocky Mountains and staff camp trips, we logged a lot of time preparing meals outside and testing stoves.
The primary factors we looked at were weight, packed size, boil time, and simmer abilities. Secondarily, we considered fuel efficiency, performance in wind and cold, and additional stove features.
While there isn’t a single backpacking stove that’s best for everyone out there, we’ve organized this guide into categories to help you find the best stove for you. Below you’ll find our best picks for budget, wind performance, and more, as well as the best options in the following categories:
In each section is an explanation of the category and the options within it. And at the end of this article is a buyer’s guide with useful tips on choosing the best backpacking stove.
And it’s worth noting this article focuses solely on backpacking stoves. If you’re looking for a larger two-burner camp stove, check out the best camping stoves of 2022.
The majority of stoves we tested were canister stoves. While these stoves aren’t the only option on the market, they do have lots of perks, which we’ll explain in detail below.
These stoves typically screw directly onto a fuel canister filled with a blend of isobutane-propane. Benefits include ease of use and low maintenance.
On the flipside, canisters can’t be refilled, causing additional waste (they can be recycled, but you’ll need to take them to a recycling facility). And they’re prone to freezing up or providing a weak flame in cold winter conditions.
The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe ($70) is similar to the MSR PocketRocket 2 (see below) but with a few improvements and extra features.
The Deluxe model is an ultralight stove with stainless steel folding pot legs, a fast boiling time, and a compact design. The Deluxe is just a few grams heavier than the PocketRocket2. But unlike the 2, the Deluxe has a built-in pressure regulator (like in the MSR WindBurner), a broader burner with wind protection, and a piezo igniter.
During testing, we found the pressure regulator did equate to more consistent boil and simmer capabilities and helped reduce the impact of cold and wind on stove performance. It also boiled faster than all but one other stove on this list.
Plus, the simmer capabilities of this stove are great. The slightly wider burner makes a difference, and when cooking dishes like oatmeal or mac and cheese, we didn’t experience any burning or sticking on the bottom of the pot.
Simply put, this stove is the best due to its combination of light weight, consistent performance, boil time, and price.
The GSI Outdoors Glacier ($30) has a lot going for it, not just the amazing price. The canister stove can support virtually any size pot or pan (great for those who frequently camp and cook in groups), and the wider burner spreads heat out evenly.
The burner also has an impressive output of 11,000 BTUs, putting the power of a traditional camp stove in canister stove form. Given the output, we were hoping this stove would have a slightly faster boil time. That said, it held up in windy conditions, and the boil time stayed roughly the same.
The stove also has clearly marked +/- simmer controls. We loved using this stove to pan fry, sauté, and even rehydrate and cook some beans. Everything in the pan was nice and evenly cooked.
Our only con? The wide and sturdy pot support design doesn’t fold, so — with a 5-inch diameter — it’s not the most compact. However, it can still be packed/stashed into a larger pot. And for the quality of the stove, it’s still a great deal.
These stoves connect to refillable fuel bottles. They are generally filled with white gas, but you can also use other fuels, including kerosene and gasoline. This is ideal if traveling overseas. This stove type can be slightly more complicated to use (in other words, it requires maintenance), but it performs well in cold conditions.
With the option to burn nearly any fuel — including white gas and isobutane-propane — this stove has quickly become a four-season favorite. This is especially true if you find yourself traveling to countries outside North America where fuel options may be limited. It’s not the lightest stove on the market at 13.7 ounces, but its versatility makes up for that.
We’ve used this stove for really tough winter camping, and it has outperformed everything other folks have brought to elk camp. While canister stoves die in cold weather, the WhisperLite Universal ($169) cranks out water-boiling BTUs, even above 10,000 feet.
We had no problem balancing a pot on it. With simmer control, we were able to make everything from fluffy pancakes to delicately scrambled eggs. Plus, it got the water boiling for coffee in no time.
We’ve heard reports of problems with the fuel connector threads stripping, but we haven’t experienced a problem in more than a year of testing.
Because it uses liquid fuel, this stove does require some TLC and stove knowledge, including priming the stove before use and stove maintenance in the field on longer excursions. As long as you familiarize yourself with the stove, you should be set.
One more bonus with liquid fuel — gas is cheap! A gallon of white gas will cost around $10 and should last you for years.
This multifuel stove ($169) is a great option for travelers and winter campers. The adjustable flame means you can quickly boil a pot of water and perfectly scramble an egg. This is also a great choice if you need to cook for a large group.
We were impressed with the stability, even with large pots. It’s a bit noisy, but it’s a great choice if versatile group cooking is what you’re after.
The reason this canister stove made it on our list is its ingenious configuration specifically for cold-weather cooking. The MSR WindPro II ($119) combines the design of a liquid fuel stove with the lightweight perks and versatility of a canister stove.
This stove has a wide burner with folding pot legs and a fuel line that allows the stove to burn fuel in the upright canister position or an inverted liquid-feed mode. The stove comes with a windscreen and canister stand.
Inverting the canister definitely equates to better performance and fuel efficiency in cold and wind. Anyone who lives at high altitude (hey, Colorado friends!) and frequently camps in colder conditions should consider this stove. And it won’t break the bank.
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Jetboil’s newest stove system is designed for solo backpackers who want to keep weight down. The entire system (stove, pot, stand, cup, and lid) weighs just over a pound and packs together nicely.
The biggest perk of this stove is its super-fast boil time — about 3 minutes per liter. Like the previous model, the Jetboil Flash ($114) has an all-in-one design with a push-button igniter, improved stove-vessel integration (locking the pot to the stove), and updated pot and lid designs.
The stove also has a heat-indicating sleeve that changes color to let you know when water is boiling so you don’t waste time or fuel.
Overall, this is a great and durable stove system. However, it does have its limitations, as you can only cook what can fit in the pot. If you’re looking for a stove that can easily boil water and cook the basics quickly, this is a great option.
The traditionalists out there will appreciate a wood stove. You get the pleasure of cooking over a fire packed into a smaller space.
The upside is you don’t need to carry fuel. The downsides include susceptibility to wind, unpredictable cook times, and fire restrictions.
Anyone keen on ditching fuel and using what nature provides will appreciate this stove ($70). Using small sticks, you can bring a quart of water to a boil in about 10 minutes. Be sure to collect a substantial pile of small sticks before getting started so you can continuously feed the flame.
Because you don’t need to pack fuel, the 9-ounce stove weight is reasonable. And the integrated design allows it to pack down easily.
In our testing, we loved the design which encourages “gasification” of the solid fuel. This means it pretty much burns all the smoke, resulting in very few fumes and a nice, hot fire.
For a fully integrated system, consider adding on the Solo Stove Pot for an additional $35. For more, check out our Solo Stove cooking system review.
Yes, this stove is pricey and significantly heavier than others on this list, but it’s also more than just a stove. Most of the stove weight is in the integrated battery, which takes energy from a burning fire and converts it to charge your electronics.
So not only do you not need to pack fuel, but you also won’t need to pack a portable battery charger for your next outdoor excursion.
We can attest a lot of time and effort went into this stove’s design. The BioLite CampStove 2 ($150) has lightweight aluminum legs, features a protective exterior between you and the burn chamber, and uses combustion technology to circulate air and increase efficiency.
While there’s not a power switch like on gas stoves, the four fan settings (ranging from low to high) do a great job at controlling the size of the flame. It also doesn’t take too much time to cool after use.
At first glance, we had concerns about the scalloped, curvy pot stand lips (which are designed to be compatible with BioLite’s pot and grill cookware). But upon testing, we had no issues balancing off-brand pots as well, even a small 1L pot.
We also were skeptical of its trail weight, but the components of the CampStove 2 pack within each other nicely. If you’re investing in a stove for longer trips and don’t want to carry excess weight in fuel, consider getting this stove.
For a wood-burning stove, the BioLite also has an impressive boil time at a little over 4.5 minutes.
Alcohol stoves win the prize for simple, light, and cheap. Composed of one small fuel unit, alcohol stoves are primitive and far less efficient than other options. A previous favorite among thru-hikers, these are quickly declining as fuel for canister stoves becomes easier to find in small trail towns.
The Solo Stove Alcohol Burner ($20 on sale) is an awesome low-tech or backup stove option for fast and light travel in the backcountry. The stove is fueled by denatured alcohol — simply add in a few ounces of alcohol and light. Solo’s Alcohol Burner has a flame regulator (similar to the simmer controls on canister stoves) and a steady-to-burn design.
Solo’s Alcohol Burner also features a screwtop cap and rubber gasket, so you can store liquid fuel directly inside. It’s a truly compact system.
This stove takes about 5 minutes to bring a liter of water to boil (although wind and weather can add a few minutes to boil time). It weighs just 3.5 ounces and is super compact.
Our only con: This alcohol burner doesn’t come with a pot support (it’s meant to be used in conjunction with a Solo Stove Lite), but there are ways to still make this work. If you are looking for a solid-performing alcohol burner, still consider this one.
For the budget- and weight-conscious hiker, the PocketRocket 2 ($49) is a proven stove at a good price. Weighing in at a scant 2.6 ounces (excluding the fuel canister), this is a supremely packable stove. The serrated supports can hold a variety of pots, and lighting is a simple matter of turning the knob and using a match to ignite.
We’ve had a few close calls when stirring aggressively or bumping the pot, so set it up in a level spot and take care to keep the pot upright. Nobody wants to pick their dinner out of the dirt. The MSR PocketRocket 2 is also one of the best-performing stoves out there in terms of price.
Why it’s not our top choice: Trust us, it was close. But between the PocketRocket 2 and MSR’s new Deluxe model (which offers an integrated pressure regulator and igniter and performs better in wind), the Deluxe won us over.
Ultralight and by far the lightest canister stove on this list at just 26 g, the BRS-3000T ($17) is a titanium alloy stove manufactured by BRS in China. What we liked about the BRS — it’s ultralight and performs great. In testing, we really liked its packability, easy setup, and fairly good performance in windier weather.
This is our top recommendation if you are looking for a truly ultralight stove (less than a third the weight of an MSR PocketRocket Deluxe).
Why it’s not our top choice: The hinges that allow the pot supports to rotate out are a little stiff (this might get better with time). The pot supports are also a bit more delicate and narrower than on other canister stoves, meaning it’s better for smaller pots (1-1.5L) and ultralight cookware, rather than large pots and pans.
If you are concerned about the camping pot you own being compatible with this stove, we recommend double-checking the dimensions.
This new stove ($29) from Primus works really well, offers pretty great simmer control and heat distribution and, best of all, comes with a hard-to-beat price point. It’s a simple construction with no folding elements and easily stashes into a pot or mesh stove bag.
You can also get the new Primus Essential Trail Stove kit (a stove, an anodized aluminum pot, a hybrid pan/pot lid, and a storage bag) for just $60.
The only con we discovered is there’s no resting notch or angled indentation in the pot support design. They are completely level, which makes balancing a well-used pot (one that might have some heat warping or dents) tricky. It’s definitely not a flaw but something to note.
What’s nice is this stove’s pot supports are wide enough for a variety of cookware sizes (we tried it with 1-2L pots and an 8-inch pan).
Why this isn’t our top budget choice: It was very close. But ultimately, while this stove weighs a few ounces less than our top budget choice, it also has fewer BTUs, and the burner doesn’t pack down as small. That being said, it’s still a great stove.
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GSI Outdoors has long been a popular brand for camping cookware. And with stoves like this, it’s moving more into the technical camping space. The GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Stove ($49-79) is a high-efficiency backpacking stove with pot supports that swivel down for super-compact storage and swivel up to create a 5-inch-diameter cooking surface.
The first thing you’ll notice on this small but mighty stove is the pot supports. They’re attached to the stove body with grommets and swivel into a notch to lock in place. They also sit slightly higher above the burner than other stoves, which we think contributed a little to this stove’s slightly slower boil time.
That being said, we found this stove to be just as stable as other ultralight options we tested — as long as you pick a good surface.
In terms of performance, the stove boiled fairly well and simmered well too. It’s also a similar price point to other stoves about its size. The Pinnacle made this list because of its compact nature — it’s the smallest and lightest stove out there.
Why it’s not our top choice: This stove is a bit slow to boil but still functions great.
GSI Outdoors also makes a four-season version of the Pinnacle with a fuel line, stove stand legs, and remote burner specifically for alpinists. We only tested it a few times in colder weather, but it burned strong and even and held up pretty well.
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One of the most unique things about this integrated canister stove is its ability to work with both propane and butane. That’s a nice option when switching between backpacking and car camping, or if you don’t know what type of fuel will be available wherever you’re traveling. The stove ($120) works great and is one of the most affordable integrated stoves available.
We found it a little slower to boil than the Jetboil Flash but were impressed with how reliably the piezo igniter worked. The main downside is the packed size. The 1.5L pot is overkill for solo backpackers and takes up too much space in ultralight backpacks.
On the plus side, the slightly larger and wider pot means it has a greater surface area to distribute heat. For a couple or group, this is a solid option with a larger capacity and versatile design.
Why it’s not our top choice: It’s not as easy to pack, and the propane fuel adapter is heavy.
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The integrated lock-on pot maximizes heat transfer, and the radiant burner means you don’t have to worry about a flame dying in the wind. There are lighter and cheaper options available, but what makes the WindBurner ($169) great is its quick boiling time and ability to work in all manner of weather.
At the end of a long day on the trail, it’s nice to be able to easily fire it up and make your favorite dehydrated meal in a flash. And being more efficient means wasting less fuel.
One of our editors used this stove while motorcycle camping for more than a year and never once had a problem. It fired up without a hitch, boiled water quickly, and packed up small.
The canister packs into the pot, and the plastic cup slips on the bottom to create an integrated package. Just remember to remove the cup before cooking. Trust me — it will melt.
Why it’s not our top choice: It’s not ideal for groups, and its price is on the higher end.
Ultralight, foolproof, and steady to burn, Esbit’s newer titanium model solid fuel stove ($19) is the best and simplest we’ve used yet. The ultralight design is crazy — even adding in a few days’ worth of fuel, it’s lighter than many of my canister stoves. The Esbit is made of titanium, with three folding legs that swivel out.
One thing I liked about the legs and pot supports is the ability to adjust them to different angles — they are on a swivel and don’t click into place, so you can move the legs 360 degrees. This is a great perk if you’re setting up on uneven terrain or a slightly sloping rock.
The legs and the fuel tray —that’s pretty much it. Light the fuel, sit back, and in about 10 minutes you’ll have a steady flame for boiling water or heating up a basic meal.
This stove is also unique in that it doesn’t require liquid (white gas or alcohol), pressurized fuel, or wood (collecting wood for fires is banned in some protected wildernesses and parks). The fuel is a solid, noncombustible cube that is fairly easy to light — and you can travel with it!
Note: Several reviewers online have noted the fuel cubes have a fishy, malodorous smell to them. We did notice a bit of a pungent smell once unwrapped but didn’t experience any smelly fumes once the cube was burning. It burns clean, and there’s no ash. That being said, we recommend keeping the fuel in a sealable baggy stored separately so the smell isn’t an issue.
Our only con with this stove: It took more than a few tries with matches and is much easier to light with a lighter.
All that, and this stove is under $20. An ultralight steal.
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Constructed of titanium, this sturdy stove ($60) packs down flat and weighs in at a scant 4.6 ounces. Like the Solo Stove, you’ll need to collect a pile of sticks and expect to wait around 10 minutes for a boil.
Be sure to set this on a sturdy surface to maintain airflow. We had problems at one point in a soft, sandy spot due to sinking and lack of oxygen. But placed on a rock, it did great.
On several online platforms, fans of the product have recommended drilling extra holes on the sidewall to increase airflow. But we haven’t tried that.
As with all wood-burning stoves, this will only work in areas with an abundance of sticks, and you’ll need to pay close attention to fire restrictions. Some state parks across the west don’t allow wood-burning stoves.
The right stove depends on a variety of factors. What works for one person might not suit your particular adventures. Read on for tips on choosing the best backpacking stove.
If you plan to eat mainly dehydrated backpacking meals (just add water), you’ll want a simple stove with a fast boiling time. If, on the other hand, you’d like to cook more elaborate meals, it will be more important to find a stove with better simmer control, and maybe a wider burner.
Think about how often and for what type of cooking you’ll be using your backpacking stove before buying.
The stoves on this list weigh anywhere from an ounce to 2 pounds (but most are within the 3- to 9-ounce range). Some can fit in the palm of your hand, and some take up a bit more room.
Not everyone needs the tiniest stove on the market. Especially if you camp year-round, you’ll want to choose a four-season stove, or one better rated for cold performance.
There are also a few differences to consider between size and packed size. For example, the Jetboil stove itself is larger and slightly heavier than other canister stoves on our list. However, it integrates with all the other components and packs down super small (including the pot, lid, stove, and fuel).
Weight is another consideration. If you are going on a 2-day overnight, weight won’t matter as much as, say, a 30-day wilderness trek.
Also, think about what other gear you’ll be carrying. Do you have a lightweight tent that doesn’t take up much space? Or will you be carrying lots of equipment, like a camera or climbing gear?
If you frequent forests or parks that allow folks to collect firewood, or if you are going to an area where fuel is harder to come by, maybe a wood stove would be the best option. If you’re an ounce counter, an ultralight canister stove may be what you’re after.
Will you be using this stove every weekend? Twice a month? Twice a year on big trips?
It makes sense to invest more if you’ll be relying on it to feed yourself regularly. If you’ll use it only fairly often or if it’s for emergencies, consider purchasing a less expensive model.
That being said, if you need a backpacking stove, there are stoves in every price range: $10-40, $40-70, and over $100.
Not all stoves are created equal, and nowhere is this more evident than in the frigid temps of winter camping conditions. If you camp in the warmer months only, this isn’t a concern.
But if you head out in the winter, you’ll probably use your stove to melt snow and boil a lot of water. You need to be able to rely on it when the mercury drops.
For this, you’ll want a liquid fuel or four-season stove. We’ve found liquid fuel stoves to be the most reliable choice in winter.
Group size: If you regularly backpack and plan meals with a group (families, college students), consider dispersing the weight and investing in a larger group cookset and stove. Or, a wider burner that can accommodate a variety of pots and pans.
If you’re a solo adventurer, a smaller canister stove is a fine choice.
Our entire staff contributed to testing and using a variety of backpacking stoves over the years. But every year, we test new and updated models. In addition to testing in group settings, we dedicate a lot of time on personal trips packing in and using these stoves.
We put extra-close attention on each stove’s burner performance in wind and colder conditions, as well as its general usability. Our author and editor Mary Murphy has spent over 250 days in the backcountry, on solo backpacking, camping, and pack-paddleboarding trips, and has also section-hiked the Appalachian Trail and Colorado Trail.
Camp stoves and backpacking stoves are both built for use in the outdoors, but vary wildly in features. Camping stoves weigh anywhere from 6 to 15 pounds, and they’re designed for use on a camp table or picnic table in more front-country settings (you won’t want to carry one far).
On the other hand, backpacking stoves are designed to hike with. They weigh 1-12 ounces, and they are designed to pack small to fit in a pocket or pack.
Backpacking stoves tend to have a single burner, with some sort of fuel connector, regulator/simmer dial, and pot support platform. That’s it!
The best backpacking stove that won us over in testing was the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe (the PocketRocket 2, the previous model, is also a solid stove).
However, we recognize that this isobutane canister stove might not fit everyone’s needs, or maybe budget. Which is why we’ve compiled our list of best backpacking stoves by fuel type, and also differentiated by price and size.
The lightest backpacking stove — of any fuel type — on our list was the Esbit Titanium at only 11 g (less than half an ounce)! The smallest canister stove we tested was the BRS3000T at 0.9 ounces, with the GSI Pinnacle coming in second at 2.4 ounces.
For just a few more ounces, and with a few more features (piezo igniter), you can consider our top choice, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, which rings in at 2.9 ounces.
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit — essentially, it’s a measurement unit of heat. In stove speak, BTUs refer to the energy required to raise the temperature of boiling water — higher BTUs mean a stove will have a more powerful output of energy and/or heat (not necessarily hotter).
Lower BTUs have a weaker output, but are often better for simmering and providing a more controlled regulation of your stove’s flame.
As you can see, stoves range widely in price! But expect to pay at least $25-$50 for a durable backpacking stove.
If you are on a tight budget, consider waiting until your favorite stove is on sale. (Pro tip: bookmark this article and check back on price throughout the season.)
Mary is the Managing Editor of GearJunkie and is based in GearJunkie's Denver, Colo. office. She has a degree in English and journalism, and has a background in both newspaper and magazine writing. Her outdoor interests span from running to sport climbing, from landscape photography to skiing to pack-paddleboarding. If she's not writing, you can most likely find her at the top of a fourteener, or in a local bakery.
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