The 5 best backpacking stoves that are lightweight, fuel-efficient, and powerful enough to cook food fast
- Backpacking stoves are vital for preparing hot meals and coffee, no matter how far in the backcountry you are.
- The best are fuel-efficient, lightweight enough to fit in your backpack, and reliable in inclement weather.
- Our top pick, MSR's WindBurner, is fast, powerful, and efficient, and weighs less than 3 ounces.
There are few things as refreshing as enjoying a hot meal at your campsite following a long day of hiking. Energy bars and trail mix do well to curb hunger during the day but when it's time to relax for the night, you'll want something a bit more substantial. That's where a reliable camp stove opens up the options for meals, snacks, and hot beverages, making your time in the backcountry much more enjoyable.
I spend much of the year, regardless of season, either out on a multi-day backpacking trip or planning my next one - and I've learned that prioritizing how and what I'll eat is always a vital consideration. This means making sure I'm able to start each morning with a cup of instant coffee and a few bites of rehydrated scrambled eggs so that I'm replenished enough and able to take on however many grueling miles lay ahead.
Refueling at night is just as important, too. A satisfying evening meal goes a long way to making my legs feel less tired and my body less sore, despite having hauled a 30-pound pack for several hours prior. Satisfying those meal needs always comes down to the type of backpacking stove I bring along. Even on shorter trips, it always finds its way into my pack - it's that important.
Over the years, I've tested an array of camp stoves, both good and bad. What I've found is that I keep coming back to the same two brands: MSR and JetBoil. As you'll notice by which stoves ultimately made the following guide, those two brands have the backpacking camp stove market almost entirely covered - and recommending another model just for the sake of doing so isn't worth it. These are the best for a reason.
At the bottom of this guide, you'll find some tips on how to shop for a backpacking stove and what else to consider, as well as the testing methodology I used.
Here are the best backpacking stoves:
- Best overall: MSR PocketRocket Deluxe
- Best on a budget: BRS 3000-T Ultralight
- Best fuel-efficient: MSR WindBurner
- Best for beginners: JetBoil Flash
- Best for travel: MSR WhisperLite Universal
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Ounce counters will love the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, which delivers outstanding performance in a tiny package. If you want to travel fast and light, this is the stove you need.
MSR's original PocketRocket is an iconic piece of gear in the outdoor industry, setting new standards for lightweight performance from a backpacking stove. But the new Deluxe model takes things to a new level by adding a push-button starter and a regulator for improved control in cold environments.
The PocketRocket Deluxe tips the scales at a mere 2.9 ounces, making it one of the more svelte stoves on the market. It also measures just 3.3 inches in length, which is considerably smaller than almost any other model. Despite the small size, it still manages to perform well, boiling water at a rapid clip and offering solid fuel efficiency, too. It even has an integrated simmer control and a solid level of wind resistance, which aren't common in similar stoves.
With this new generation of PocketRocket, MSR included an onboard igniter, eliminating the need to carry matches or a lighter. The igniter can be a source of frustration at times, though, as it's not always 100 percent reliable.
It's worth pointing out that this stove isn't a full cooking system, meaning you'll need to bring a pot to prepare your meal (and possibly to eat from). Those additional items take up space and add weight to your pack, potentially negating any shaved ounces from using the PocketRocket in the first place. Additionally, the stove's pot supports aren't very large and can create some instability when used on uneven ground.
Still, this little stove punches well above its weight class, delivering outstanding all-around performance in a tiny form factor. That alone makes it easy to recommend as the best ultralight backpacking stove available today.
The best budget backpacking stoveAmazon
The BRS 3000-T Ultralight stove is a budget-conscious backpacker's dream. Not only does it weigh next to nothing but it offers solid performance at a rock-bottom price, making it a great choice for those who'd rather spend their hard-earned money on other gear instead.
Pros: Very inexpensive and lightweight compared to other models
Cons: Not very durable and average performance in all but the best of outdoor conditions
Budget-friendly backpacking stoves aren't particularly common in the outdoor industry but occasionally a model comes along that manages to offer solid performance at a great price. Such is the case with the BRS 3000-T Ultralight, a stove that's compact, lightweight, and easy on the wallet.
You won't find a lot in the way of frills on this stove, though. It doesn't have a built-in starter, nor does it include simmer control or a regulator to help maintain performance in cold or windy conditions. The BRS 3000-T is the very definition of a basic backpacking stove, with just the bare minimum of features.
With that said, it does weigh less than an ounce and boils a liter of water in roughly three minutes. It also comes with a set of built-in pot holders that do a reasonably good job of maintaining balance even on rough terrain. Best of all, the BRS 3000-T costs just $17, making it an absolute bargain.
Of course, at that price, this stove does come with a few caveats. It's recommended that backpackers handle it with care as it isn't the most durable. The stove can also perform poorly in windy conditions and its small burner head delivers only average performance.
The best fuel-efficient backpacking stoveAmazon
You'll always want to consider weight, size, efficiency, and ease of use when shopping for a backpacking stove and none deliver on those as well as the MSR WindBurner, the best stove currently available.
Pros: Compact, fast, and efficient, the MSR WindBurner is an all-in-one system that backpackers will love
Cons: No built-in igniter and not as lightweight as some other models
MSR's made excellent backpacking stoves for decades and one of the mainstays in its line-up is the WindBurner Personal Stove System. What makes this particular stove stand out is that it's an all-in-one option that gives users everything they need in one package. That includes the stove itself, a 1-liter insulated cook pot, a stabilizer, straining lid, and a plastic bowl. The only added extra you'd need is a canister of fuel and you're set.
Unlike other all-in-one systems, the WindBurner offers a few extras that make it easier to use. For instance, its simmer-control system allows users to dial in exactly how much heat they want to apply to the pot. This also provides a measure of control over fuel consumption.
The WindBurner truly shines with its versatility and efficiency. Very few backpacking stoves are as good in cold and windy conditions, and most use more fuel when preparing a meal. In fact, the WindBurner often gets twice as many uses out of a single fuel canister as its competition. That performance remains surprisingly consistent, too, even when used in a variety of environments or altitudes.
Weighing in at 15.2 ounces, the WindBurner isn't the lightest stove on this list but it is compact enough to comfortably carry inside a backpack, along with each of the add-ons which store inside one another. The entire package is easy to clean and can be set up or taken apart quickly. It also has the ability to boil a liter of water in just four and a half minutes, which is quite fast for a model of this size.
The best backpacking stove for beginnersAmazon
The JetBoil Flash offers excellent all-around performance and great features that make it especially beginner-friendly. Compact and convenient, this is a stove first-time backpackers can quickly learn to operate and continue to use for many years.
Pros: Fast and relatively efficient, the JetBoil Flash is extremely easy to operate, making it a great choice for beginners
Cons: No simmer control means the stove lacks subtle options when cooking a meal and its loss of efficiency in windy conditions is noticeable
Inexperienced backpackers looking for a great first backpacking stove should look no further than the JetBoil Flash. Like the MSR WindBurner, this model is an all-in-one solution that not only provides a stove but also a cooking pot wrapped in a protective outer shell. That's essentially all you need to prepare the dehydrated backpacking meals that have become increasingly popular in recent years.
The Flash's ease of use is one of its biggest strengths. Simply fill up the pot with water and you're ready to go. The entire system connects seamlessly to a gas canister, allowing the Flash to bring liquids to a boil in about three and a half minutes. That means you won't have to wait long to get a warm meal or a hot beverage.
With its built-in heat exchanger, the Flash remains efficient, even in shifting weather conditions and colder temperatures. While not as fuel-efficient as the WindBurner, it still does a decent job of getting as much performance out of a single canister as possible.
At 13.1 ounces, the JetBoil Flash falls into the middle ground concerning size and weight. Smaller stoves, such as the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, are more compact and less bulky but don't include pots to prepare a meal, making the weight difference much closer than it seems. The Flash's modular design only enhances its reputation as an easy-to-use option, too.
The best travel backpacking stoveAmazon
The MSR WhisperLite Universal is easy to travel with and uses liquid fuel rather than traditional gas canisters, making it the best backpacking stove for those going abroad.
Pros: Fast and efficient, compatible with multiple types of fuel which adds versatility and makes it great for international travel
Cons: A bit on the heavy side and requires regular maintenance in order to achieve optimal performance
Another mainstay in the MSR line-up, the WhisperLite Universal is without a doubt the best option for backpackers traveling outside the U.S. This stove comes with its own canister which can be filled with a variety of fuels, including white gas, kerosene, or even unleaded gasoline. It even uses standard isobutane-propane canisters when available, allowing this stove to go anywhere you're able to find a viable fuel source.
Compact and easy to carry, the WhisperLite Universal heats up quickly and gets nearly two hours of burn time from a single canister of white gas. Its overall efficiency varies depending on the fuel but it typically boils a liter of water in under four minutes. The stove is also easy to use, supports large pots for feeding groups of campers, and is surprisingly quiet for a liquid gas model.
The downside of using this type of stove is that it requires routine maintenance to keep it performing optimally. This maintenance isn't particularly difficult but can be daunting and intimidating to newcomers. Additionally, at 14.9 ounces in weight, it's a little heavier compared to other options.
MSR ships the WhisperLite with a fuel pump, heat reflector, and a windscreen to help improve performance in windy conditions. It also comes with a few small parts to aid in the maintenance process. Unfortunately, a fuel bottle is not included, which adds an extra expense for international travelers, as well as a few additional ounces.
How to shop for a backpacking stoveShopping for a backpacking stove is different than what you'd look for while car camping, where size and weight don't matter as much. When you're carrying your entire allotment of gear inside a backpack, it's vital to go small and lightweight.
It's also important to find a stove that's highly fuel-efficient in order to reduce the number of gas canisters you'll need.
But those aren't the only features to consider. You'll also want to take into account the number of people the stove supports, the kind of fuel it uses, and how durable it is. As with all outdoor gear, your stove should be extremely reliable and easy to use — there's nothing like arriving at your campsite after sunset, exhausted and hungry, only to find your stove won't start.
What else to consider
It's also important to think about when and where you'll be using your camp stove. If you go backpacking in cold and windy conditions, you'll want a stove that quickly boils water without using excess fuel. The same holds true when hiking at higher altitudes, where thinner air has a dramatic impact on efficiency.
If this sounds too complex or overwhelming, fret not. There are plenty of reliable backpacking stoves to choose from, many of which are lightweight, compact, and fast. In fact, we've field-tested a crop of stoves currently available and came away impressed. There are now options available for just about every type of backpacker with any kind of budget.
How we test backpacking stovesEach stove featured in this guide went through a series of on-trail tests to see how well it held up across these four categories: Portability, weight, dependability, and value. Here's how each category specifically factored into which backpacking stoves ultimately made this guide:
Weight: For literally anything backpacking-related, weight is perhaps the most important consideration. Even if you're not an ultralight backpacker, counting down to the ounce is common practice, and your camp stove is no different. During each test, we loaded a backpack with roughly 20 pounds of gear (sleeping bag, clothing, food, headlamps, etc.) and would spend one to two days with the stove in our backpack, and at least one day with it in someone else's. This helped us judge just how much of a difference those ounces truly made.
Portability: Though weight may first come to mind when assessing how portable a camp stove is, we also judged how well the stove packed down, whether into itself or as pieces that were easily packable. A highly portable backpacking stove shouldn't take up much valuable room in your pack, and also shouldn't be so many separate pieces that you feel like you're assembling a jigsaw puzzle each day.
Dependability: Setting up camp after a grueling day on the trail can turn sour very quickly if the stove you're about to rely on for sustenance doesn't work (and this is doubly true when the weather starts to turn wet, cold, and windy). We've tested these stoves in hot weather often but also made sure to put them through their paces when the wind and rain picked up. For these, we had to resort to doing so in our backyard, though time spent on trail this winter will allow for further testing.
Value: The value of a backpacking camp stove isn't just how much it costs but more so a combination of the three categories before it, as well as its final sticker price. You want something that's dependable and often that means spending a little more for something you can rely on (as opposed to spending less, more often on an inferior stove).