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Staying nourished in the backcountry has evolved far beyond throwing a can of beans on the fire. Modern backpacking stoves are incredibly lightweight, fuel-efficient, and pack down to an impressively small size. If you're ready to ditch the granola and fruit leather for some backcountry gourmet, we highly recommend getting yourself a backpacking stove.
Over the last 15 years, we've tested dozens of unique backpacking stoves in our quest to find the best, with the top models in this review. To get a clear picture of their abilities, we tested them side-by-side while out backpacking and adventuring in the mountains.
The Soto Windmaster is our favorite option in the lineup. It performed well across all metrics and is stable, boils water quickly, and has impressive wind resistance.
If you're shopping ultralight but your budget is ultratight, check out the BRS-3000T. This tiny stove weighs 1.4 ounces and sets you back less than $20.
We've also tested a selection of liquid fuel stoves and integrated canister stoves. Read on for all our favorites.
Editor's Note: This backpacking stove review was updated on October 29, 2025, to do a full retesting of every stove and to include some new options.
If you're needing a backpacking stove that's lightweight and can simmer, the Soto Windmaster should be at the top of your list. Throughout months of testing, the Windmaster surprised us time and time again as a genre-bending stove, happily sauteeing veggies for a gourmet dinner or quickly boiling water for a freeze-dried meal. Many packable stoves get wobbly when using a skillet, but this model's 4-flex cookware legs were confidence-inspiring, even handling larger pots with relative ease. When things got windy, the aptly named Windmaster kept firing, even when using it on an exposed ridgeline. You will need to buy a pot/lid combo separately, but check out a model like the JetBoil MiniMo if wanting an all-in-one option that's versatile.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
3.8 oz
Type
Small canister
Fuel Type
Isobutane
Additional Included Items
Stuff sack, pot support
Piezo Igniter
Yes
At 3.8 ounces, the Windmaster still offers great performance relative to its score on the scale. However, our testing team leader ultimately agreed the removable legs weren't the best idea from Soto, “After long days on the trail, I didn't want to deal with reattaching the Windmaster's finicky stove legs, which often detached completely during transit. While they're quick to put back on, it seems like an unnecessary feature.” But overall, this is a stove you're likely to love for a variety of outdoor camps, whether cooking out the back of your truck or miles into the backcountry in the alpine. While this model is fairly packable, stoves like the Soto Amicus are lighter and smaller for the more weight-conscious backpacker, though its integrated legs aren't quite as stable.
The Soto Amicus is the smaller, lighter, and more affordable cousin to the Soto Windburner. We loved this no-frills option in the Soto lineup, especially for trips where every ounce was scrutinized, but we still appreciated how capable it was outside of ultra-light backpacking as well. “While some lightweight models are only good for boiling water, the Amicus surprised me with its simmering capabilities for cooking real food,” our head tester Zach Lovell shared. “I was able to make more complex meals quite easily.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
3.6 oz
Type
Small canister
Fuel Type
Isobutane
Additional Included Items
Stuff sack
Piezo Igniter
Yes
While the Soto Amicus is a low-priced option, it doesn't include a pot/lid, so make sure to budget for some cookware to accompany this stove. If you want something that includes a pot and don't care as much about simmering, check out the Jetboil Stash, which is incredibly fuel-efficient and packable. The built-in pot stand of the Amicus has much smaller legs than some of the competition, making it less ideal for larger pots or pans. If you need a stove with wider pot supports, check out the Jetboil MiniMo or the MSR Whisperlite Universal. Outside of a couple of considerations, the Amicus is a great all-arounder stove if you're shopping on a skinnier wallet.
The Jetboil MiniMo redefines what it means to be an integrated canister stove. While this stove class typically is best for boiling water, Jetboil created a unique pot suspension system that easily clicks into the burner unit so cookware can rest further from the flames. When pairing this with fairly decent simmering capabilities, the MiniMo can actually cook something more than a freeze-dried dinner. “While this stove isn't the lightest of the bunch, it's durable, intuitive to use, and makes some delicious backcountry gourmet,” one of our stove experts summarized.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
12.7 oz
Type
Integrated canister
Fuel Type
Isobutane
Additional Included Items
1L pot, canister stand, plastic cup, stuff sack for burner
Piezo Igniter
Yes
At 12.7 ounces for the whole system (not including fuel), the MiniMo isn't the lightest of its class, though features like the neoprene pot wrap and the aforementioned cookware suspension give you a lot more value per ounce than some of its competition. The MiniMo has a nice robust construction, and is a truly incredible option for both boil-only trips and gourmet campouts. If you're seeking an integrated canister option for serious cold and blustery alpine trips into the mountains, see the MSR Reactor. If you need a lighter option that can still simmer, consider the Soto Amicus, though you'll need to buy a pot separately.
If you want to cut weight without giving up performance, the Jetboil Stash is tough to beat. At just 7.3 ounces, you'll barely notice it in your bag, but you will notice how little fuel it uses on the trail. Head gear tester Zach Lovell shared, “I could not believe how long I was able to make a can of fuel last with the Stash. It lasted twice as long as some of the competition”. This model is best for those only needing to boil water due to poor simmering, though you can use rocks or simply hold the pot above the flame if you must cook something beyond a freeze-dried meal. Check out the simmer-capable Soto WindMaster if you like to get more adventurous with your backcountry cooking.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
7.3 oz
Type
Integrated canister
Fuel Type
Isobutane
Additional Included Items
Stove bag, pot, fuel canister stand
Piezo Igniter
No
The Stash boasts impressive reliability, which our team really appreciated in remote settings where the stove has to work. As one reviewer put it, “The simple three‑prong design feels tougher than the feather‑weight stoves with skinny arms, but I had to place the pot just right so it wouldn't tip.” If you're looking for a stable four‑leg alternative, the Soto Amicus delivers great value and low weight, but you'll need to buy an additional pot/lid combo. At the end of the day, the Stash is an unbeatable option for outdoors enthusiasts who demand fuel efficiency and packability from their water-boiling stove.
When you're going far from the trailhead and only need to boil water, consider the Jetboil Stash for its incredible fuel efficiency and lightweight build.
The MSR Windburner really shines when your overnight trip gets windy, cold, or snowy. While much of the competition is bound to get finicky and require reignition in such environments, the Windburner keeps purring along, as one of our stove experts shared, “This is what I'd count on for year-round backcountry water boiling across all types of weather and climates, from cold winter nights in the desert to summer camping in the high alpine.” This model features a radiant burner and a hard-anodized aluminum pot, which locks to the stove, so you can melt snow and/or boil water more easily without trying to stabilize the pot on shaky platform legs. If you're needing the absolute best canister stove in cold weather, we'd recommend the aptly named MSR Reactor, but it's not as user-friendly nor as versatile for more casual settings.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
14.7 oz
Type
Integrated canister
Fuel Type
Isobutane, white gas, kerosene, gasoline
Additional Included Items
1L pot, canister stand, plastic cup
Piezo Igniter
No
While a robust stove like the MSR Windburner might sound nice for all sorts of camping trips, it unfortunately weighs a hefty 15.1 ounces, so if you're trying to stay on top of every ounce on your back, this might not be the best option if you're camping in relatively pleasant weather. Check out the lightweight Jetboil Stash for an integrated canister option that's adequate for calmer environments and is half the weight. While the Windburner is on the heavy side, it offers some of the best durability any of our review team has yet seen, handling several years of consistent use, from car camping to expeditions. As one of our stove experts summarized best, “This might not be the lightest or smallest model in the review, but if it's in the budget, I'd go for the Windburner if you need the do-anything stove for all seasons.”
The BRS-3000T is a budget model that greatly outperforms its price point, which is several times lower than much of the competition. Additionally, this is the lightest stove in our entire lineup, making it a great option for the gram-conscious backpacker, whether shopping on a skinny wallet or not. “This little stove is quite the rocket,” one of our testers shared. “But unfortunately, the flames aren't as well-directed, so it's a bit less efficient.” If you want to stretch your fuel can as far as possible, consider an integrated canister option like the Jetboil Stash.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
1.4 oz
Type
Small canister
Fuel Type
Isobutane
Additional Included Items
Stuff sack
Piezo Igniter
No
While we appreciated the BRS-3000T's heat output, at its highest settings, the flames shot out in many directions, making for a more hazardous stove than some of the competition. We also had a tougher time putting larger cookware on the tiny pot supports, though this was an anticipated setback given its low weight. If needing a more generous support system for a pot or skillet, consider the Soto Windmaster, which is still lightweight but offers high scores across every metric. “While the BRS-3000T isn't great in the wind, it's a first-class stove choice if you need a wallet-friendly model or are hunting for the lightest stove you can find,” our head reviewer concluded.
If you're wanting the lightest stove possible, the BRS-3000T is worth a look. We could even sauté veggies, as long as we kept the pan above the flames.
The MSR Whisperlite Universal takes the classic Whisperlite of liquid fuel fame and updates it for the modern wilderness traveler. Liquid fuel stoves are known for field repairability, durability, and the ability to cook bigger meals. The Universal ticks each of these boxes with the benefit of being equipped to work with isobutane canisters, kerosene, and auto fuel. We tested its fuel efficiency and boil time with a fuel canister and found it to have respectable fuel efficiency, even if it had slightly slower boil times. Most American backpackers are shifting to canister stoves because of their lighter weight and ease of use. However, if you seek a nimble stove ideal for traveling outside the US, this stove's multi-fuel versatility and bombproof design could be an ideal match. The Whisperlite is a tried and true option for expeditions as a well-established white gas stove that can be repaired in the field.
Preparing anything more than simple meals still requires practice and savvy when running the Whisperlite Universal on liquid fuels. One tester said, “The Whisperlite has a much more substantial learning curve than canister stoves, so make sure to practice working the stove before your first trip.” This stove ranked in the middle of the pack in our boiling tests, both with and without wind. Still, for serious snow melting, backcountry trips involving groups, or crossing multiple international borders, the Whisperlite Universal is our first choice for a liquid fuel stove and has been for years.
For winter camping, alpine climbing, and arctic adventures, the MSR Reactor is the stove we recommend for melting snow and boiling water. Think of this as the bigger, badder sibling to the well-loved MSR Windburner, when you need the heaviest duty stove in particularly inhospitable places, where a functional stove is necessary for safety. We've been able to use the Reactor in sub-zero temperatures at 20,000 feet without any trouble, where many other stoves wouldn't even light, let alone melt snow. In such hostile environments, we loved the integrated lid, which greatly reduced the risk of losing it and helped keep it securely on the pot. As one tester put it, “This is the highest powered canister stove I've ever carried in a backpack, and I feel like I'm igniting a plane engine every time I boil water.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
15.1 oz
Type
Integrated canister
Fuel Type
Isobutane
Additional Included Items
1L pot, canister stand, plastic cup
Piezo Igniter
No
While the efficient heat transfer of the MSR Reactor greatly aids it in snow melting and boil times, there are very few places you can touch the pot without getting burned, making it essential you have a glove or oven mitt nearby. If you don't need as much power in a stove and want something that doesn't run as hot, consider the neoprene-wrapped Jetboil Flash, which is much friendlier to use. If you're hunting for a more basecamp-friendly model that can be used with skillets and large pots, consider a white gas option like the MSR XGK EX or the MSR Whisperlite Universal, with liquid fuel being a more efficient option for all-around use. There's no doubt the Reactor is a stove for a relatively narrow band of uses, but as our head gear tester shared, “I wouldn't want any other stove in frigid temperatures if I needed to melt snow for drinking water or to boil water for a meal.”
The MSR XGK EX is among the most burly liquid gas stoves on the market today, making for a great expedition companion. From lengthy missions in the Alaska Range to months-long trips in the Himalayas, we appreciated the consistent and powerful performance of the XGK, with a design that heavily utilizes stainless steel and a self-cleaning shaker jet for steady burns. This is a model that's best for boiling water and melting snow, but if you keep the cookware off the stove legs, it's possible to still craft some delicious meals. The MSR Whisperlite Universal is a great alternative that can use white gas or isobutane if you need more versatility, but as head tester Zach Lovell shared, “The XGK is the most durable liquid fuel stove I've seen for extended high-altitude backcountry trips, though it is less versatile than the Whisperlite.”
While models like the MSR Reactor are excellent canister stoves for extreme conditions, they're best for on-route camping or as a secondary system for water boiling for coffee or tea, since there aren't stove legs and they can't be used with liquid fuel. The XGK EX, on the other hand, works well with a variety of cookware and can be used with liquid fuel like white gas, kerosene, or even automotive gas. As is the case with most liquid fuel stoves, the XGK is field-repairable in most scenarios, and even includes some essential repair items, though we strongly suggest that you familiarize yourself with the how-to manual before your next trip. While we loved this stove during expeditions, one of our gear experts complained about the noise, “I've never heard such a loud backcountry stove; it literally sounds like a jet engine.” But if you need a great expedition basecamp stove, where your kitchen equipment must work in order for the trip to continue, check out the XGK EX.
While its scores might not turn heads, the Fire Maple Fixed Star 1 is half the price of other integrated canister models, making for a great budget option in this stove class. More expensive models like the Jetboil Flash or the Stash offer better fuel efficiency, but the Fire Maple has a larger pot, making it handier for larger groups. “I loved the user-friendly design of this stove, with a larger pot handle than most of the competition,” one of our main stove testers shared. We also loved the neoprene wrapping around the outside of the pot, making it much easier to use when things got hot.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
15.7 oz
Type
Integrated canister
Fuel Type
Isobutane
Additional Included Items
1L pot, bowl, lid
Piezo Igniter
Yes
If you're hunting for a backpacking stove that will slow cook veggies, the Fire Maple isn't your best bet, as its heat exchange is too efficient, which was a common theme across most of our integrated canister models besides the Jetboil MiniMo. It also weighs a hefty 15.7 ounces, so we recommend this to backpackers not going too far to their next campsite. “This was a hefty stove to fit in the overnight bag,” one of our testers commented, “but it fortunately had a large enough pot to be used for more people.” Besides some so-so performance in a few metrics, the Fire Maple is a great integrated canister model for the budget shopper.
Integrated canister stoves can be downright expensive, but the Fire Maple offers a budget-friendly price for this style of stove.
Windscreen, heat reflector, small-parts kit, and stuff sack
1L pot, canister stand, plastic cup
1L pot, bowl, lid
Stuff sack
None
Stuff sack
Piezo Igniter
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Measured Essential Weight
6.8 oz
12.7 oz
6.6 oz
7.3 oz
12.2 oz
7.1 oz
18.2 oz
13.9 oz
14.7 oz
13.4 oz
15.1 oz
15.7 oz
4.4 oz
10.1 oz
37 oz
Dimensions
4.7" x 3.9" x 3.6"
5" x 6"
3.9" × 0.7" × 6.5"
4.25" x 4.25" x 5"
4.1" x 7.1 "
1.3" x 1.6" x 3.1"
6" x 4" x 4"
2" x 1.2" x 1.3"
6" x 6" x 4.7"
4" x 4" x 4"
4.2" x 7"
5" x 6.8"
2" x 1.8" x 3.2"
5.1" x 5.5" x 4.3"
3" x 2.7" x 1.3"
Boil Time .5 liters
2 min 27 sec
2 min 43 sec
3 min 41 sec
2 min 42 sec
2 min 18 sec
2 min 22 sec
3 min 10 sec
3 min 23 sec
2 min 34 sec
3 min 29 sec
1 min 59 sec
2 min 41 sec
3 min 8 sec
3 min 41 sec
38 min 28 sec
We've spent over 10 years testing backpacking stoves and continually improve our testing process to ensure our findings are as helpful as possible.
Credit: Zach Lovell
How We Tested
After researching the top stoves on the market, we selected and purchased the 20 shown here for side-by-side testing and analysis. We tested these stoves in the “lab” and in the field. For months in the mountains, the woods, and the desert, we used them daily for all our cooking needs to evaluate for ease of use and simmering ability. We also conducted tests in a controlled environment to score the stoves for fuel efficiency, boil time, and weight. See our How We Test article for more info on our test process.
We tested backpacking stoves using the following five rating metrics:
Fuel Efficiency (25% of total score weighting)
Weight (25% weighting)
Simmering Ability (20% weighting)
Ease of Use (15% weighting)
Wind Resistance (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our testing team includes gear experts Zach Lovell, Mary Witlacil, and Ian McEleney. Zach is an IFMGA-licensed and AMGA-certified Mountain Guide who has spent a staggering percentage of his adult life in a tent. From multi-week trips in the North Cascades to months-long expeditions in the Himalayas, backpacking stoves have been as essential to Zach as a cell phone. Mary, based in Fort Collins, CO, is an avid backpacker and climber with an impressive outdoors resume that spans several regions across North America. She's got a great eye for detail and has become a key contributor at GearLab. Ian is an AMGA-certified Alpine Guide with decades of mountain experience, guiding extensively across Alaska, Washington, and California. Some years, he uses a backpacking stove more in a single season than some people do in an entire lifetime.
Analysis and Test Results
We tested all manner of backpacking stoves, from integrated canister models to liquid fuel designs. The type of stove that's best for you will depend on your specific needs. There's a stove for every backpacker, but first, think about what's important for the backpacking you do: weight and bulk, fuel efficiency, cooking ability, and simple operation. Read on to learn which stoves excelled in each of these areas.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
We're happy to report that most of the stoves in our review offer great value; it just depends on what you're looking for. If you're needing a do-anything stove for boiling water and cooking gourmet meals, the Soto Windmaster or its less expensive sibling, the Soto Amicus, will carry your dollar far. These are also both fairly lightweight models that are unlikely to weigh you down.
Don't be fooled, the budget-priced Amicus kept up with stoves much pricier.
Credit: Zach Lovell
If you're needing the absolute least expensive option out there, you'll be hard-pressed to find something cheaper than the BRS-3000T, which is also among the lightest models in the entire review. This lightweight and minuscule stove will do the trick for most casual backpackers who need to keep costs down. While it wasn't the highest scoring, Coleman fans will love the price point and the simplicity of the Coleman Single Burner.
The BRS-3000T is as small as its price point, making for both a portable and affordable stove.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Integrated canisters have become leaders in certain areas of the backcountry stove world, and options such as the Jetboil Flash offer decent performance without draining the bank account. The Fire Maple Fixed Star 1 is half the price of other integrated stove models and still boasts a user-friendly experience.
The well-loved Jetboil Flash is an absolute classic that offers some great value to shoppers wanting an easy-to-use stove.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Fuel Efficiency
The best stoves for fuel efficiency include the Jetboil Stash, its cousin, the Jetboil Flash, and the MSR Windburner. While all three of these are integrated canister stoves, liquid fuel options like the MSR Whisperlite held their own as top-notch models for stretching a can of white gas very far. In a lab setting, we found averages in the range of .10 to .15 ounces of fuel per .5 liter boil.
Recycling Fuel Canisters
Did you know you can recycle empty fuel canisters? Burn off any remaining fuel by opening the valve and running your stove on high until the flame goes out. Once empty, puncture the canister with a rock, screwdriver, or similar tool. Many national parks provide canister recycling bins, or you can take them to a mixed metal recycling center. In some areas, punctured canisters can even go in regular recycling, but check with your local provider first.
Fuel efficiency plays a vital role in reducing the weight carried in your pack. If you're an ounce-counter—as any careful backcountry traveler should be—choosing an efficient stove can significantly cut down the amount of fuel you need to bring. By estimating your stove's fuel consumption based on your cooking habits, you might be able to leave an extra canister behind or opt for a smaller one, saving both weight and valuable pack space.
A fuel-efficient stove means less time worrying and more time having fun with friends.
Credit: Jessica Haist
Canister Fuel Efficiency Improvement Tips
Improving fuel efficiency while using your stove can help you get the most from each canister and reduce waste. In cold environments, store your canister in your sleeping bag or jacket to keep it warm, as a cold canister reduces performance. Additionally, after bringing food to a boil, turn off the stove and let the food soak to finish cooking. Also, only light the stove once there is something in the pot and you're ready to make a meal. For additional ways to extend your fuel, check out this resource on fuel saving tips.
Some of the stoves in the lineup saw a substantial decrease in efficiency during real-world testing, with higher altitudes and colder temperatures greatly impacting performance. Fortunately, we found the Soto Windmaster and the Soto Amicus to hold up well to the harsher environments of a backpacking trip in the mountains, though their fuel efficiency, even in a lab setting, wasn't the best due to reduced heat transfer.
While the Soto Windmaster was a formidable foe against the elements, its exposed burner head made it less fuel efficient than integrated canister models.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Manufacturers advise against a windscreen that encloses the burner and fuel canister, as this could potentially heat the canister to a dangerous level and cause an explosion. The MSR Whisperlite Universal, MSR Whisperlite, and MSR XGK EX are exceptions to this rule. Their remote canister design separates the burner from the fuel, so pairing them with a windscreen is much safer than with an integrated canister. When using a windscreen, we saw much more efficient heat transfer, and using foil underneath the stove also helped.
Simply adding foil to one of these remote canister systems will greatly help fuel efficiency.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
Weight
It's inevitable that you'll end up carrying your backpacking stove on your back, so it's crucial to pay attention to how much a prospective option weighs. To create a more standardized assessment, models that don't include a pot/lid combo were weighed with the Toaks 750 ml Pot, which weighs 3 ounces (it's 3.6 ounces with its included bag, which we chose to leave behind).
We used this Toaks titanium pot when measuring the weight of stoves that didn't include a pot.
Credit: Zach Lovell
To determine a more comparative score, we focused on each model's "essential weight": the stove, the pot/lid, and the stove bag (we didn't include fuel, so you'll need to budget separately for that). The BRS 3000T took home the blue ribbon in this metric, weighing a ridiculously light 4.4 ounces (keep in mind 3 of these ounces are the aftermarket pot/lid, so this stove only weighs 1.4 ounces!) If you're only going camping for a couple of nights, its reduced fuel efficiency likely won't impact the amount of fuel you'll need to bring, ensuring your stove system is as light as possible. The Soto Amicus was a distant second in this race, coming in at 6.6 ounces, but had a higher overall score, thanks to its decent simmering capabilities and more user-friendly construction.
This includes the stove, stove bag, pot, and lid. For models that don't include a pot or lid, we included a standardized pot/lid set that weighs 3 ounces.
When looking at the weight metric, it's also important to keep in mind the fuel efficiency of a stove, since that indicates how much fuel weight you'll need to budget for a camping trip. The Jetboil Stash weighs a modest 7.3 ounces and boasts great fuel efficiency, allowing our team to bring less isobutane than other options. Stoves like the Soto Windmaster come in at only 6.8 ounces and offer much better simmering capabilities if wanting to make more involved meals.
The Jetboil Stash is a fairly lightweight all-in-one system that will accommodate a small fuel canister inside its pot.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Canister Weight
The nominal description of fuel canister size (4, 8, or 16 ounces) describes the amount of fuel in the can, not the weight of the fuel and the can together. That number is always more. A four-ounce fuel canister weighs approximately 7.35 ounces when full, and an 8-ounce can weighs about 13.1 ounces.
Stove systems such as the Stash are a fraction of the weight of more hefty models.
Credit: Zach Lovell
For more adept backcountry travelers looking for a liquid gas stove, the lightest model in our lineup was the MSR Whisperlite, at 13.4 ounces. Its bigger brother, the MSR Whisperlite Universal, weighs only half an ounce more, offers larger stove legs, and can be used with white gas, kerosene, or isobutane canisters.
The Whisperlite Universal is just a touch heavier than the classic Whisperlite, and we found it to be a much more capable design since it can be used with isobutane canisters.
Credit: Syd Knadler
Other options that didn't do as well in this metric include the Biolite CampStove 2+ with a hefty weight of 34 ounces. This stove offers a unique feature of being a miniature fire ring for wood or pellet-burning fires and isn't meant to travel too far from the car.
The Biolite is incredibly heavy, but it does serve as a portable fire ring for car camping.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Simmering Ability
While many backpackers are just looking to boil water for freeze-dried meals and hot drinks, some might be hunting for an option that can toast bread, saute vegetables, or cook noodles. As you're shopping for a backpacking stove, we highly encourage you to consider your intended use. If trying to use a skillet with a “boil-only” model, you're likely to go from uncooked to Cajun very quickly.
The Biolite CampStove 2+ is a very unique option that's essentially a portable fire ring and was great for slow-cooking meals, as long as you're adept at building wood fires. The Soto WindMaster did well boiling water and cooking more gourmet dishes, stunning our entire testing team with its performance while using a skillet. The lower-priced Soto Amicus also did well in this metric, with decent performance despite its low weight. Both of these also had improved fuel efficiency when using a skillet, with heat transfer being less crucial.
We were simply wowed by the Windmaster's ability to simmer, allowing us to make some ridiculously tasty food in the wilderness.
While most integrated canister models are only good for boiling water, the Jetboil MiniMo offers a removable suspension system that keeps the pan higher off the flame and offers a lower output level than other Jetboil models. The MiniMo is truly a one-stop shop of a backpacking stove for this reason, as it offers the water-boiling convenience of an integrated canister stove and rivals a car-camping model in flame-feathering.
The MiniMo's suspension system allowed us to whip up some backcountry roti bread (in a separate skillet).
The MSR Whisperlite Universal allowed us to caramelize onions and cook noodles well, especially when using the iso-propane attachment, which is easier to burn on a low valve setting than when using white gas. The MSR XGK EX, on the other hand, really demanded a pot suspension system or stove wires to keep the cookware high above the flames, with less ideal simmering control.
From boiling noodles to cooking chickpeas, the Whisperlite Universal was very easy to simmer with the isopropane, though it was harder with white gas.
Integrated canister stoves run very hot and generally are good for one thing and one thing only: quickly raising water to a boil. If you're eyeing models like the Jetboil Flash, MSR Reactor, or the Jetboil Stash, just keep in mind you'll have a tough time making fancy meals in the outdoors. Budget models like the Coleman Single Burner did surprisingly well in this metric, with decent valve adjustment at lower output levels.
Despite a very low price, the Coleman Single Burner simmered very well.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Ease Of Use
From boil time to leg stability, there are several aspects of ease of use to keep in mind as you shop for a backpacking stove. Some stoves prioritize weight above all else, making for a less user-friendly experience, while other models offer all of the bells and whistles needed for turning the outdoors into your own kitchen.
There are a variety of valve designs found in a backpacking stove, which can either make it easier or harder to adjust the burner's output. Large wire knobs, found on models including the Soto Windmaster, Soto Amicus, MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, and Jetboil MiniMo, are becoming more standard and make output adjustment a breeze, even with gloves on. Even with white gas models, such as the MSR Whisperlite and the MSR XGK EX, it's easy to adjust the heat, though these stoves require priming first.
Even with a stove as packable as the MSR PocketRocket 2, the generously sized valve was easy to adjust.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The stability of a stove impacts both its convenience and its safety, as a tipped-over skillet or pot can cause severe burns. The Soto Windmaster utilizes a 4Flex pot support system with lengthy arms that was confidence-inspiring with larger cookware. While we didn't love that these supports were removable, our team learned how to quickly re-attach the 4Flex if it popped off the stove in transit.
The 4Flex pot supports on the Windmaster offer great support for cookware on the larger side.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The little sibling to the Windmaster, the Soto Amicus, isn't as supportive, but its four prongs are attached to the stove itself, and it's lighter. The MSR XGK EX and the MSR Whisperlite Universal both boast phenomenal leg supports that even handled full-sized pots of water during Denali expeditions.
The MSR XGK EX has some of the best cookware stability we've ever seen in a portable stove.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Inevitably, a stove will get hot while cooking a meal or boiling water, but some models are easier than others to keep your skin safe from burns. Integrated canister stoves like the Jetboil Flash and the MSR Windburner use a built-in pot wrap that makes it easy to grab after a boil and pour into a bowl. The Fire Maple Fixed Star 1 uses a neoprene pot wrap and has a more generously sized pot for multiple people. While the MSR Reactor is a phenomenal model for melting snow, we had to use a glove when adjusting the lid or stove position, with minimal “cool spots” anywhere on the unit. Regardless of the stove, we strongly urge caution if you're using the pour spout on a lid. In our experience, removing the lid completely for pouring is safer and prevents it from popping off mid-pour.
The latest version of the Jetboil Flash has an updated rubberized grip and an improved valve, making this a particularly standout model for ease of use.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Coleman fans might seek out the low-priced and functional Coleman Single Burner, but its flimsy legs make it less ideal for large and heavy cookware. Similarly, the BRS-3000T is best for small and light pots or pans, with tiny supports and a more modest construction.
Wind Resistance
Most backpackers are bound to experience wind during a camping trip, and our team here at GearLab has logged their fair share of windy days, battling the elements trying to keep a stove lit, or wrestling with a lighter trying to get the isobutane to ignite in the first place. If your outdoor aspirations take you to cold, high places, the MSR Reactor or Windburner should be at the top of your list, with great results throughout testing in particularly windy environments.
If you're headed on an expedition, you might choose a white gas option instead of isobutane, and in that case, we think you'll love the MSR XGK EX. It has a protective metal housing and a high-powered flame output that will require gale-force winds to extinguish. For something a bit more all-arounder-friendly, the aptly-named Soto WindMaster is excellent for a canister stove, even though it doesn't have any shelter for the burner.
If you're embarking on a multi-week adventure, consider the very wind-resistant XGK, which is what one of our testers is using here on Denali.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The lightest-weight models generally had a tougher time in this metric, with less powerful and exposed burners making them more susceptible to wind. The Jetboil Stash was among our favorites for its low weight and great fuel efficiency, but it was a group effort to shield the burner from wind during gusty days. Unlike models such as the Jetboil Flash, where the pot locks into the heating unit, the Stash's pot simply rests on top of the pot supports, making it more exposed. The MSR PocketRocket2 is another great minimalist option that unfortunately had a tough time on blustery trips. For any of these models that have less wind resistance, choosing a sheltered location near camp is paramount to keeping a stove lit if things get gusty.
In exposed camps, less wind-resistant stoves like the Jetboil Stash will require a bit more care when selecting your kitchen location.
Credit: Zach Lovell
How To Choose a Backpacking Stove
Backpacking stoves are a diverse equipment category, with several sub-niches that vary greatly in weight and intended uses. While all of these options offer the same basic function of giving off heat, it's important to hone in on the right stove for your next overnight adventure. Here are a couple of quick considerations to make to ease your decision-making.
Planning to camp far from your car? There's an ideal backpacking stove for you.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Types of Stove
There are a few different categories of backcountry stoves, which we break down below.
Canister Stove
This type is usually a small, foldable stove that attaches to an isobutane fuel canister. They're often very compact and lightweight and fit inside a cooking pot. We recommend this style for most people who are general backpacking users. You'll need to buy your cookware separately. Some of the stoves in this category are surprisingly great for simmering, though it's important to pay attention to the size of the burner's support arms, as some are quite small to be used with a skillet.
We've seen many of these bare burner models boast top-scores in simmering and weight, making for a great class of stove to consider for many shoppers.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Integrated Canister
This style offers an integrated pot that fits or locks into the burner. These are typically designed so that the stove fits inside the pot and a small can of isobutane. The heat transfer from the burner to the pot is generally top-notch, but it can make it hard to simmer if trying to cook a real meal, so we generally find these best for boiling water to heat dehydrated backpacking meals. We also typically find these stoves to offer decent wind resistance, as the pot cradles the flame better than other stove types.
Integrated canister stoves have an all-in-one construction with a burner unit that fits easily inside the stove. These typically boast excellent heat transfer.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Liquid Fuel
These are longtime classics for extended trips, as they're generally fuel-efficient and the fuel bottles are easy to refill. Most commonly, white gas is the fuel that's needed for this category and is readily available in most states and in many mountainous countries. These are infinitely easier to repair in the field compared to canister stoves, though they are generally heavier and relatively less user-friendly since they need to be primed before lighting.
Liquid fuel stoves require priming first before they can be used for cooking.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Alcohol Stoves
A favorite of thru-hikers, these are small, compact stoves that burn denatured alcohol, which is quite inexpensive and ubiquitous. However, they take skill to operate, especially in cold temps or wind. They're best for boiling water for cooking dehydrated meals, but they're not nearly as fast at boiling as other stoves.
Wood/Solid Fuel Stove
This stove can burn chemical fuel tablets or wood you find along the trail. They're lightweight and usually pack quite small, but we think their drawbacks outweigh the benefits.
Car Camping
While we don't include any car camping stoves in this review, it's important to understand what these are: a portable kitchen stove when size nor weight is a consideration. These typically include two burners and are housed in a metal, briefcase-style shell with a lid. They're best when you're not moving your camp very far from your vehicle.
We've logged months eating freeze-dried dinners, drinking instant coffee, and even enjoying gourmet backcountry meals to ensure this review is as helpful as possible.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the best backpacking stove really depends on your style of adventuring. If you like to keep things simple, integrated canister stoves are hard to beat for boiling water only, which is all many people do on short backpacking trips. If you're heading out on an expedition, a liquid fuel stove might be the best option with easier in-field repairs. Are you a big gram-counter? Perhaps an ultra-light stove paired with a titanium pot is the best choice. Regardless of the type of stove you want, we've tested the best options of every variety to ease your decision-making journey.
