Best Backpacking Stoves 2023

You might be surprised by how light and compact you can travel with the same packing list when you consider how a backpacker's bag has changed over the past 40 (or even 20) years. Everything continues to become better, lighter, and more effective.  The backpacking stove has changed from complicated, bulky, and frequently unreliable devices to simple, lightweight models. However, not all backpacking stoves are created equal, and the best backpacking stoves for you will likely depend on your travel plans. Let’s go over our suggestions below to choose the most suitable one.

• Best Overall: JetBoil Stash

• Best Premium:  MSR Reactor 1.7L Stove

• Best Wood Fuel: Solo Stove Lite

• Best Budget: GSI Outdoors Glacier Camp Stove

• Best Purchased:  Optimus Crux Stove

1. JetBoil Stash

Specifications:

• 7.1-ounce stove system (with a 0.8-liter cook pot)

• 40% lighter than any other Jetboil cooking system

• Ultracompact nesting design

• Dimensions: ‎4.4 x 4.4 x 5.1 inches

• Item Weight: 1.15 Pounds

• Material: Aluminum

Pros:

• A very little design

• Fast and effectively boils

Cons:

• Ideal for heating water, not for cooking directly.

• Fragile foldable valve knob.

Summary:

Similar to carrying an adult hamster or four extra Cinnamon Pop-Tarts, this 7.1 ounce stove is portable. With Jetboil's patented FluxRing technology, which expands the pot's surface area to heat it more quickly and efficiently, 500 ml of water can be boiled in just 2.5 minutes. The entire system, including a 100 ml gas canister and a lighter, fits inside the pot.

Related post: Best Electric Stoves

2. MSR Reactor 1.7L Stove

Specifications:

• Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane

• Material: Alloy Steel, Aluminum

• Weight: 1.09 Pounds

• Product Dimensions: 5.8"L x 5.4"W x 6.7"H

Pros:

• No matter the weather, an efficient burner and quick boil times.

Cons:

• Relatively heavy

Summary:

There isn't a better stove for boiling water or melting snow in difficult conditions than the MSR Reactor, which is by far the most expensive item on our list. According to reports, the MSR cooked water substantially more swiftly in strong winds than the Jetboil Stash—about four times faster.

It's undeniable that the Reactor dominates the market for hiking stoves, but not everyone can afford such a potent model. However, if you're prepared to spend the money, there's no doubt that the Reactor is the best option for professional hikers and climbers who frequently visit alpine regions.

You can refer to this cheaper MSR stove but still offers great performance in high winds.

3. Solo Stove Lite

Specifications:

• Fuel Type: Wood

• Material: Stainless Steel

• Weight: 9.6 Ounces

• Dimensions: 4.25"L x 4.25"W x 5.7"H

Pros:

• No waste generated from gas canisters

• Stays hot when fueled consistently 

• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Compared to a fire, gas maintains a more constant flame.

• Your pot or pan has residue from the fire.

Summary:

This stove uses only twigs and sticks to run, maintaining a strong blaze with little smoke. It's crucial to be mindful of the fire regulations at your destination even though this stove is lightweight and environmentally friendly because it doesn't burn fuel or waste canisters. 

It might not be necessary to have a backup if you are only going out for one or two nights in a low-fire threat area. But  for longer trips in the West where fire restrictions are frequent and unpredictable throughout the summer and fall, this stove may not be for you.

Related post: Best Camping Stoves

4. GSI Outdoors Glacier Camp Stove

Specifications:

• Brand: GSI outdoors

• Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane

• Material: Stainless Steel, Aluminum

• Item Weight: 0.37 Pounds

Pros:

• Inexpensive

• Supports large pots and pans

• Simple design

Cons:

• Doesn’t fold up 

• Valve doesn’t regulate gas well

Summary:

A large burner-style hiking stove, the GSI Glacier can hold wide, heavy pots. It is a fully functional stove that is lightweight considering its capacity and excellent for feeding sizable crowds. Its boiling power can be comparable to that of the other, more expensive stoves on this list, but its construction is less competitive.

Learn more: Best Range Hoods

5. Optimus Crux Stove

Specifications:

• Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas

• Material: Synthetic

• Power Source: Gas Powered

• Item Weight: 0.5 Pounds

• Dimensions: 4.2"L x 4.2"W x 5.4"H

Pros:

• Go from simmer to boil with precision control

• Burner head folds down to be stored on the underside of your own fuel canister

Summary:

With a small, folding design that fits in the bottom of a fuel canister using a neoprene bag that is provided, this stove stands out from the competitors. With a competitive boil time of three minutes, efficient flame control, and straightforward, user-friendly operation, the Optimus meets all of the criteria for a high-quality canister stove.

What kind of stove is ideal for backpacking?

Because of their effectiveness, portability, and convenience of use, canister stoves are typically the most used variety among backpackers. Fuel canisters typically come preloaded with a pressurized mixture of isobutane and propane and come in quantities of 4, 8, and 16 ounces.

How many BTUs will my backpacking stove require?

We advise a BTU output of at least 20,000 per burner for these applications. 10,000 BTUs per burner or fewer is sufficient for smaller parties of up to four people or individuals who don't want the extra power, while the time needed to cook or boil water will probably rise.

How much time does a backpacking stove last?

Using a range of heat settings, an 8 ounce canister of fuel can reportedly burn for up to three hours. The fuel canister will not last as long if you always intend to boil water on high heat.