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Never mind where you hike, a camp stove is a must-have. Not in every environment is wood or other natural fuel ready at hand. A good lightweight backpacking stove allows you to cook a good meal anywhere and quickly. Especially if you had a long day hiking and it’s getting late to set up your tent. But what’s the best camp stove? Whether you use a hobo stove or a white gas stove the buying choice is overwhelming. Consider the environment, the time of the year, locally available fuel. Inform yourself about regulations such as a prohibition of open fires or the availability of campsites with prepared fireplaces.
Camping stoves are divided into different categories depending on what fuel is burned
Choosing the right one amongst the best backpacking stoves is not easy and should be carefully considered. A camping cooking system consists of a cooking hob for the cookware and the fuel supply. The larger the stove the more stable it becomes for carrying larger pots and pans. Those who want to travel light should look at a lightweight backpacking stove such as the Trangia Stove Kit or similar. They weigh often only a few hundred grams and take up very little space in your pack.
Gas – propane stoves for camping
(c) Can Stock Photo / LianeM
Gas cookers are the most popular used camping stoves. They are easy to use with simple and quickly adjustable flames and have a high heat output. The cookers are robust and need low maintenance. Gas cookers are sold in all sizes from small 1-burner storm stoves to large multi-flame cookers.
Advantages of a camping gas stove:
Cooking with gas is odorless and clean, the gas cannot be easily spilled. The cooking appliance is easy to clean as there are no carbon deposits.
Disadvantages:
They are not the best camp stove to be used in winter or at very low temperatures as the use of butane and other liquid-gas mixtures may become difficult. The remedy here is the use of special gas mixtures of butane, isobutane, and propane. However, these gas mixtures can become expensive. They are only used at special expeditions to extreme environments.
Spirit or Alcohol Camp Stove
Alcohol cookers are popular among outdoor enthusiasts due to their reliability and low maintenance. Compared to other camping stoves they are very cheap to buy and operate. Alcohol stoves can be used at temperatures below freezing. However, the heat output of Alcohol fuel is only half that of gas cookers, the cooking time is longer.
Advantages of an alcohol camp stove:
Low weight and packing size and ease of use make alcohol stove very popular. They are robust, require low maintenance, are safe to use and work well at low temperatures. Fuel is widely available fuel widely available.
Disadvantages:
Alcohol has to be preheated at very low temperatures to ignite and burn properly. Burning alcohol can produce soot causing more cleaning time for cookware.
White Gas camp stove, the best camp stove?
A White gas camp stove is a great all-around option. The fuel is worldwide available and White Gas also known as Naphta has a high heat output. White gas stoves can be used at high altitudes and at very low temperatures. The fuel stove combines the advantages of the gas and alcohol stove. However gasoline produces soot during combustion, a white gas camp stove requires proper maintenance and it needs time to clean cooking appliances.
Advantages of a white gas camp stove:
White gas fuel is worldwide best available and also burns at very cold temperatures at high heating power. For camping trips at high altitudes, they are just as well suited as in deep winter and low temperatures.
Disadvantages:
Gasoline stoves are slightly heavier compared to the same expensive gas cookers. The smell, handling and maintenance are complex, after using gasoline stove must be cleaned. It cannot be transported in an aircraft.
What is a Hobo Stove?
Hobo cookers are operated with solid fuel debris such as wood. They are robust and of low maintenance. Wood and debris are in nature readily available which helps you to save on weight in fuel transport. The cylindrical structure of the Hobo stove exploits the chimney effect and uses wood fuels at a much higher efficiency than a regular campfire. But as it is basically cooking on an open fire, the device may violate some fire safety regulations in forests or national parks.
Advantages of a Hobo Stove:
The availability of fuel sources in most terrains may make the Hobo stove the best camp stove to bring along a hiking trip. The simple design is also of great advantage as there is not really much that can break or malfunction.
Disadvantages:
Burning wood produces soot and smoke which leads to great wear of cooking gear and is time-consuming cleaning. In many forests and national parks, fire safety regulations may apply and the use of hobo stoves could be prohibited.
So what’s the best camp stove?
There is actually no such thing as the best camping stove, it depends very much on where you go hiking and what time of year it is. I like to use my Trangia Stove Kit, there is everything you need, a few pots and the small practical burner and a bottle of methylated spirit last a couple of days. However, in very cold weather the Trangia has the disadvantage that it is not so easy to light, and the fuel consumption is really high. What I also like to use is my Naphta stove, which has a lot of power and heats stuff fast. But it is important to keep it clean to not have problems with soot and the nozzles can get clocked. Propane gas is very clean, but the gas cartridges that you have to carry always bother me. The most practical thing is and remains a fireplace or hobo oven. Using wood is the most environmentally friendly fuel and you can find enough of it in most areas.
- Where will the stove be used, climatic conditions, altitude, low temperature?
- How often do you use the camping stove? Once in the morning or for three meals a day?
- Burning strong and reliable, problems with odor or soot?
- The weight of stove and fuel, availability of fuel?
- Low operating costs, no empty cartridges as waste?
- Ease of operation, maintenance-friendly?
- Operating in a closed tent?
- Suitable for air travel?
- HIGHLY EFFICIENT - Our industry leading heat exchange technology minimizes wind impact and reduces boiling times by up to 30% compared to traditional backpacking stoves.
- COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT - All accessories including stove, bowl and fuel canister fit into the 1 liter cook pot. THIS SET DOES NOT INCLUDE A FUEL CANISTER, but is compatible with most canisters EXCEPT the COLEMAN fuel canisters. This item weighs only 18 oz!
- INTEGRATED AND EASY TO USE SYSTEM - The 1 liter cooking pot and the stove are one integrated unit, the built in piezoelectric ignitor ignites the stove instantly.
- SAFE, STURDY AND DURABLE - The sturdy, hard anodized aluminum pot features a locking stainless steel handle for secure and safe handling, this combined with the insulating neoprene cover on the pot will ensure years of safe outdoor cooking pleasure.
- Please use a windscreen when using the stove for better performance in windy conditons.
- Best Money Ever Spent: The 9 pieces camping cookware kit includes 1 mini stove + 2 aluminum non-stick pots + 1 spoon + 1 fork + 1 knife + 1 stainless steel cup (16oz) + 1 sillicone insulated cup protector + 2 Carry bag.
- Anti-slip & anti-heat handles: The anti-slip pot handles and the silicone cup protector are all anti-heat and can effectively protect your hands from injury. One Kit meets all your needs! You will definitely be amazed by this professional outdoor backpacking cooking set!
- Convenient & Incredibly Durable: The mini stove can be folded to save space. So do the handles on the pots. Build with non-toxic anodized aluminum and strong structure, each pot is solid and lightweight. It conducts heat quickly and is a must-have survival gear that built to last for long time.
- Easy to Carry: Foldable handles on pot or stove can be folded to save space. Small size and portable, all the objects in this cookware set can be stored together in a mesh bag for convenient carry.
- Enjoy Cooking Anywhere You Go: This awesome camp cookware set is designed for anyone loves outdoor camping cooking with families and friends! It is super-portable, making it much more convenient for camping, hiking, backpacking, picnic and other outdoor activities!
- Best Money Ever Spent: The 6 pcs camping cookware kit includes 2 aluminum non-stick pots + 1 camping stove + 1 spork + 1 cleaning cloth+ 1 Carry bag.
- Convenient & Incredibly Durable: The camp stove can be folded to save space. So do the handles on the pots. Build with non-toxic anodized aluminum and strong structure, each pot is solid and lightweight. It conducts heat quickly and is a must-have survival gear that built to last for long time.
- All-In-One Package: All the stuffs can be packed together, so as your gas tank. This set is special designed for daily backing, small size and enough space for your gas tank.
- Easy to Carry: Foldable handles on pot or stove can be folded to save space. Small size and portable, all the objects in this cooking set can be stored together in a mesh bag for convenient carry.
- Enjoy Cooking Anywhere You Go: This awesome cookware kit is designed for anyone loves outdoor camping with families and friends! It is super-portable, making it much more convenient for camping, hiking, backpacking, picnic and other outdoor activities!
- Best Money Ever Spent: The 16 pieces camping cookware kit includes 2 non-stick pots(1.2L&1.3L) + 2 non-stick pans(0.6L&0.7L) +1 mini stove (with storage case) +2 mugs + 2 spoons + 2 forks + 2 knives + 2 cleaning clothes + 1 Carry bag.
- Anti-Slip & Anti-Heat Handles: The anti-slip camping pot handles and the silicone cup protector are all anti-heat and can effectively protect your hands from injury.
- Convenient & Incredibly Durable: The mini stove can be folded to save space. So do the handles on the pots. Build with non-toxic anodized aluminum and strong structure, each pot is solid and lightweight. It conducts heat quickly and is a must-have survival gear that built to last for long time.
- Easy to Carry: All of the camping supplies can be stored into the pot pan kit! Foldable handles on pot or stove can be folded to save space. Small size and portable, this camping cooking set can be stored together in a mesh bag for convenient carry.
- Enjoy Cooking Anywhere You Go: This awesome survival gear and equipment is designed for anyone loves outdoor camping with families and friends! It is super-portable, making it much more convenient for camping, hiking, backpacking, picnic and other outdoor activities!
- Least Money Ever Spent - The 9 pieces backpacking cooking set includes 1 3000w hiking stove + 1 0.6L camping pot + 1 0.8L camping pot + 1 canister stabilizer + 1 spoon + 1 fork + 1 knife + 1 backpacker mug(16oz) + 1 mesh bag.
- Maximum Efficiency - This camp stove backpacking design with heat exchange technology and maximum windproof technology, the cooking system of this camping gear highly increase efficiency by 30%. Boil 0.5-liter pot of water in about 2 minutes and enjoy consistent performance at extreme altitudes or cold areas. It’s fast acting and easy to use outdoors.
- Durable, Compact & Lightweight - The backpacking gear with camping pots is made of precision aluminum, with a sturdy structure and light weight, weight only 660g/1.5lbs. Everything you need for a simple and enjoyable backpacking setup nests together to take up minimal space. The packed size is 12.5cm/4.9"(D) x 16.8cm/6.6" (H), high-quality material and well designed, compact and easy to pack. Ideal for camping, travel, backpacking.
- High Quality - The anti-slip camping cooking pot handles and the backpacker mug protector of this camping set are all anti-heat and can effectively protect your hands from injury. Mug and utensil set are made of BPA-free and food-safe material, unbreakable, lightweight, and durable. One Kit meets all your needs! You will definitely be amazed by this professional outdoor camping cookware with backpacking pot!
- Enjoy Cooking Anywhere You Go - This backpacking stove kit is designed for anyone loves outdoor camping cooking with families and friends! It is super-portable, making it much more convenient for camping, hiking, backpacking, picnic and other outdoor activities!
Last update on 2025-03-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API