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We all have to eat even when we are roaming the wilderness communing with nature and getting away from the hectic lives that we live every day. But cooking with a traditional fire takes a long time to set up and get going, and after a long day of backpacking, it can seem like a heck of a chore.
That’s why if you are a diehard backpacker, you will want to invest in a backpacking stove. This will save you time and allow you to have the versatility of choice when out roughing it. But just like with everything else, there are so many choices finding the one that will fit your backpacking style and your cooking needs.
Even with all the available options, there are a few backpacking stoves that stand out above the rest. In this review, we are going to look at some of the best stoves for backpacking. Hopefully, one of our choices will be the right one for you.
Table of Contents
Best Stove for Backpacking Comparison Chart
Jetboil Flash Camping Stove Cooking System
MSR PocketRocket 2 Camping Stove
BRS Ultralight Camping Gas Stove
Jetboil MiniMo Stove Cooking System
MSR WindBurner Personal Stove System
Best Stove for Backpacking Reviews
1. Jetboil Flash Camping Stove Cooking System
Our first entry is a system that offers optimized cooking efficiency and a lightweight piece of equipment perfect for that backpacking adventure.
Review
To create one of the best stoves for backpackers, the folks at Jetboil needed to include features that would make the Flash Cooking System easy to carry and use. These features include the following:
- Designed to boil in rapid fashion
- Easy to use push-button starter
- Compatible with Jetboil accessories
- Built-in fuel canister stabilizer
- Designed with a thermochromic heat indicator
Ultimately this unit truly shines when it comes to the compact, lightweight design, which is crucial when you are looking for a good stove for backpacking. It comes with a stabilizer system and an insulated pot that helps increase the boiling efficiency and speed up the time, which means you can have that coffee quicker than other options.
It is small and doesn’t offer much versatility, though it is compatible with many of the Jetboil accessories that will increase the versatility the system itself limits you to the pot it comes with.
Though it is small and doesn’t allow you to use any other pot that isn’t from Jetboil, this model is still an excellent choice for any wilderness explorer.
PROS
- Lightweight and compact design
- Boils fast
- Stable
- Pot insulated
CONS
- Small
- No versatility
2. MSR PocketRocket 2 Camping Stove
Our next enters comes from MSR and is an ultra-lightweight propane-fueled backpacking stove that will round out any backpacking gear in the most efficient way possible.
Review
MSR is another big name in camping equipment when you are talking about the cooking arena. With this ultra-lightweight option, they have crafted a small unit that offers a lot of great features. To make it one of the best options on the market, the design team included these features:
- Minimalistic foldable design
- Easy to adjust flames
- Designed to run off isobutane-propane
- Crafted with a self-sealing threaded canister
- Comes with a lightweight, protective case
This unit is uncomplicated, and that means that this is an excellent option for new backpackers who don’t want to have to learn yet another new piece of equipment. It is lightweight and compact, and that combined with the ease of use makes this the perfect tool for the long-term backpacker. It is inexpensive as well, and therefore we feel it is an excellent choice for anyone’s camping needs.
Because of its simplistic design, there is no stabilization unit or ignition system. This could be a problem for some backpackers that are looking for quick-cooking action.
In the end, the simplistic design leads to a lack of technology, but for those looking for a lightweight easy to use option, this model from MSR could be just the ticket.
PROS
- Simple to use
- Lightweight and compact design
- Price
- Durable
CONS
- No stabilization
- Lack of Piezo ignition
3. BRS Ultralight Camping Gas Stove
Our next entry is an ultra-compact lightweight gas stove system that will help you keep your kit down to just the bare necessities. With the BRS Ultralight Camping Gas Stove, your meal prep will be elevated without adding any stress to your back.
Review
Though it may not seem like much because of its compact frame, there are a lot of features included in the BRS Ultralight Stoves design. These features include:
- Lightweight and compact
- Built to generate 2700W
- Constructed to provide an even, stable flame
- Flip-out support legs for pot
This system is not as complicated as some and with its simple design brings a lot of things to rave about to the table. It is lightweight and compact which, when you are living out of a bag strapped to your back, is a crucial feature. The design is crafted to optimize the burner’s efficiency, and it cools quickly for easy setup and takedown.
Though because of this simple design, there is no stabilization system added. This means you must be careful how you set it up, and with limited simmer control, you will need to pay close attention while cooking. There have also been some complaints of durability.
In the end, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, and that is why this backpacker stove has found its way onto our list.
PROS
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to use
- Cools quickly
- Burner efficiency
CONS
- Limited simmer control
- Stability
4. Jetboil MiniMo Stove Cooking System
Our next entry offers optimal fuel efficiency with its FluxRing Technology. Jetboil offers innovation and maximized performance in all its products, and this MiniMo stove is no different.
Review
Innovation is a word that is synonymous with Jetboil, and with this stove, the design team has opted to utilize features that are crafted to optimize performance. These features include:
- Built with FluxRing technology for more efficiency
- Proprietary regulatory technology
- Crafted with durable materials
- Built-in push-button ignitor
- Crafted with a fuel canister stabilization system
An innovative duo began Jetboil, and as each new model is released, the designers stay true to their mission. This mission is to create innovative, easy to use, and lightweight units that optimize the customer experience, and the MiniMo does this in spades. It is easy to use and offers heightened simmer control as well as a rapid boil system. This will help the backpacker prepare and eat their meals quickly so that they can get back to enjoying the beauty of nature.
There are a few issues that should be addressed before your final decision. The first is the price. You will pay more than other options on our list, but then again many of them do not come with the features that this unit does. The last thing many backpackers have found fault with is the heft of the unit itself. Though still lightweight, it does come at a heavier weight than many of our other options.
Even with those two issues, when you look at all that you get from the unit from Jetboil, it is very easy to see why many backpackers rave about this cooking system.
PROS
- Easy to use
- Boils fast
- Efficient use of fuel
- Works well in the wind
- Good simmer control
- Built-in push-button ignitor
- Sturdy handles
CONS
- Price is high
- Heavier than other models
5. MSR WindBurner Personal Stove System
Our last backpacker stove is another from MSR and is a fast boiling, fuel-efficient cooking system that will elevate your culinary exploits while taking in all the fantastic scenery that is out there among the wilderness.
Review
The MSR WindBurner Stove is designed with the elements in mind and the ability to cook in them. The challenges that you experience when in the wilderness regarding the elements can be trying but with the following features, you will get a well-protected, highly efficient piece of equipment.
- All-in-one cooking system
- Built with a radiant burner for heightened efficiency
- Enclosed design for max performance in the wind
- Compatible with other MSR accessories
Wind will not be a problem with the enclosed design. This means that you will be able to take advantage of all this unit’s benefits even at the highest altitudes and in the roughest of weather. It is crafted with high-grade materials so it is also durable which means it truly can take whatever nature and you throw at it.
There are several things that people have taken issue with, but the biggest is perhaps the lack of a push-button igniter. This may not be a deal-breaker, but it could be troubling in some of those situations where you need a quick-start stove.
In the end, the unit may have issues, but when taking in the entirety of the design, you will find that it is simply one of the best stoves on the market form backpackers.
PROS
- Boils quickly
- Easy to use
- Efficient use of fuel
- Works well in the wind
- Durability
- Good simmer control
CONS
- Lack of push-button ignitor
- Durability of handle
Final Thoughts
Having all the right tools to make your adventure the one dreamt of is essential. One of the most important tasks of your day will be the meals you cook so that you will have enough energy to check out all the fantastic natural wonders, so having the right camping stove is a crucial step.
That is why we gathered together the best stoves for backpackers of 2019 and now we hope you are ready to find one that will work for your needs, pack it up, and head out to take in the grandeur that is Mother Nature.
