Camping Stoves – What Are The Best Backpacking Stoves?

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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

propane gas stove

(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 stoveAlcohol 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?

MSR Dragonfly Compact Liquid Fuel Camping and Backpacking 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 stoveHobo 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?

best camp stove, dutch oven

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?
SaleBestseller No. 1
Odoland Camping Cookware Stove Carabiner Canister Stand Tripod and Stainless Steel Cup, Tank Bracket, Fork Spoon Kit for Backpacking, Outdoor Camping Hiking and Picnic,Green
  • 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!
Bestseller No. 2
Bisgear 16pcs Camping Cookware Backpacking Stove Mess Kit – Camping Cooking Set - Camping Pots and Pans Set - Camping Accessories Equipment - Backpacking Supplies Survival Gear
  • HIGHEST QUALITY/EASY CLEAN-anodized aluminum pot and frying pan make it non-stick ,easy to clean.
  • BEST PRICE/SAVE MONEY-Bisgear 16pcs camping cookware set includes FOLDING STAINLESS STEEL SPORK/SPOON + SPOON + SPORK + KNIFE (expand is 6" x 1.5" x 0.04" , folding is 3.46" x1.5" x0.04"(approx.))+ MINI STOVE WITH PIEZO IGNITION + Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Pot(5.70"x 3.14"(approx.))+ Nonstick Frying Pan(6.10"x1.37"(approx.) ) + Pan Cover(5.43"(approx.)) + 2 BPA Free Bowls(4.33"x1.57"(approx.)) + BPA Free Soup Spoon((approx.) )+ Rice Ladle+ Loofah Sponge+ Carabiner+Nylon Bag
  • SPACE SAVING/EASY TO CARRY- All the objects in this cooking set can be stored together in a mesh bag for space saving and convenient carry.
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  • WORRY FREE WILDERNESS: Finally enjoy the great outdoors without second guessing if you packed everything to cook and serve your next meal with the lightweight, compact, and mobile design of the Bisgear Camp Kitchen Set
Bestseller No. 3
Amouttel 13pcs Outdoor Camping Cookware Stove Mess Kit,Camping Pot and Pan Set with Mini Backpacking Stove,Stainless Steel Cup, Knife Fork and Spoon Set for Backpacking, Camping Hiking and Picnic
  • 💫【GOOD MATERIAL】This camping cookware mess kit is made of metal aluminum after oxidation, which is resistant to high temperature and wear. Knives, forks and spoons are made of food-grade stainless steel, which has a long service life and is not easy to rust.
  • 💫【COMPLETE SET】This camping gear includes non-stick camping pan x1,pot x1,camping cooking stove x1,stainless steel foldable knife x2/fork x2/spoon x2/cups x 2,loofah sponge x1,portable nylon set bag x2
  • 💫【EASY TO CARRY】Camping pots, stoves and cutlery can be folded at the handles, saving space. After being folded, they can all be stored together in a mesh bag for easy portability. The mesh straps come with ropes and can optionally be hung on the backpack.
  • 💫【MULTI-APPLICATION】This camping pots and pans set fit for 1-2person,is perfect for camping, backpacking, hiking, fishing, picnic, trekking.
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Bestseller No. 4
ZACMIA 13pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit with Backpacking Stove, Camping Pot and Pan Set,Fork Knive Spoon, Fuel stabilizer, for Outdoor Camping Hiking and Picnic (1-2 Person)
  • ✅ EASY TO STORE & LIGHTWEIGHT: Our kit is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to pack and carry on your outdoor adventures.
  • ✅ ALL-IN-ONE KIT: Get everything you need for your next camping trip with our 13-piece mess kit, including a soup pot, pan, stove, utensils, and more.
  • ✅ COOKING SAFETY: Keep your cooking safe with our stove stabilizing bracket and non-slip, heat-resistant handles.
  • ✅ STRONG & ADJUSTABLE: Our stove boasts a powerful 3000w rating and adjustable flame size, so you can cook your meals quickly and easily.
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SaleBestseller No. 5
Odoland 6pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit with Lightweight Pot, Stove, Spork and Carry Mesh Bag, Great for Backpacking Outdoor Camping Hiking and Picnic
  • 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!

Last update on 2023-03-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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