The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024

Our squad of honorary backcountry chefs has collectively tested hundreds of the best backpacking stoves, whipping up meals in the most remote locations imaginable and in all sorts of conditions.

The testers for this guide have thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails, and we’ve been putting new models to the test for years when dialing in the selection for this guide. The primary factors we looked at were weight, packed size, boil time, and simmer abilities. Secondarily, we considered fuel efficiency, performance in wind and cold, and additional stove features.

While there isn’t a single backpacking stove that’s best for everyone out there, we’ve organized this guide into categories to help you find the best stove for you. Our top pick, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, is an all-around winner for most backpackers out there, while the spend-wise GSI Outdoors Glacier does just as well on a picnic bench as it does on quick overnights.

Be sure to check out our handy Comparison Chart, Buyer’s Guide, and Price & Value sections for more help in narrowing in on the best stove for you. Below, you’ll find our best picks for budget, wind performance, and more, as well as the best options in the following categories.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Backpacking Stove guide on November 8, 2024, to add the MSR XGK EX as our new Best Expedition Stove pick and a new Price & Value section.

The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024

• Best Overall Backpacking Stove: MSR PocketRocket Deluxe
• Best Budget Backpacking Stove: GSI Outdoors Glacier
• Best Liquid Fuel Backpacking Stove: MSR WhisperLite Universal
• Best Expedition Stove: MSR XGK EX
• Best Integrated Backpacking Stove System: Jetboil Flash
• Best Wood Backpacking Stove: Solo Stove Lite
• Best Alcohol Backpacking Stove: Solo Stove Alcohol Burner

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Backpacking Stoves Comparison Chart

Backpacking Stove	Price	Weight	Fuel Type	Burn Time	Boil Time (1L)
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe	$85	2.9 oz.	Isobutane	60 min. per 8 oz. of IsoPro fuel	3 min., 23 sec.
GSI Outdoors Glacier	$30	5.8 oz.	Isobutane	N/A	5 min. 30 sec.
MSR WhisperLite Universal	$200	13.7 oz.	Liquid or Isobutane	1 hr. 50 min. (20 oz. white gas)/ 1 hr. 15 min. (8 oz. isobutane)	3.5 min. per ½ L
MSR XGK EX	$210	13.2 oz.	Liquid	1 hr. 49 min. per 20 oz. of white gas	3 minutes, 30 sec.
Jetboil Flash	$130	13.1 oz.	Isobutane	N/A	2 min., 58 sec.
Solo Stove Lite	$70	9 oz.	Wood	Endless depending on wood supply	8-10 min.
Solo Stove Alcohol Burner	$20	3.5 oz.	Isobutane/Alcohol	N/A	5-7 min.
MSR PocketRocket 2	$50	2.6 oz.	Isobutane	Roughly 60 min. per 8 oz. of IsoPro fuel	3.5-4.5 min.
BRS-3000T	$17	26 g. (0.92 oz.)	Isobutane	N/A	4 min.
MSR Reactor	$290	1 lb., 3 oz.	Isobutane	1 hr. 20 min. per 8 oz. of IsoPro fuel	3 min.
Jetboil MiniMo	$170	14 oz.	Isobutane	60 minutes per 100 g canister	3 min., 25 sec.
SOTO Amicus	$50	2.9 oz.	Isobutane	1.5 hours per 8 oz. of IsoPro fuel	N/A
Vargo Titanium Hexagon	$60	4.1 oz.	Wood	Endless depending on wood supply	8-10 min.
MSR WindBurner	$190	15.3 oz.	Isobutane	95 min. per 227 g canister	4.5 min.

How We Tested the Best Backpacking Stoves

Our Expert Testers

Our entire staff contributed to testing and using a variety of backpacking stoves over the years. But every year, we test new and updated models. In addition to testing in group settings, we dedicate a lot of time to personal trips packing in and using these stoves.

We pay extra-close attention to each stove’s burner performance in wind and colder conditions, as well as its general usability. Guide author Mary Murphy has spent over 250 days in the backcountry on solo backpacking, camping, and pack-paddleboarding trips, and has also section-hiked the Appalachian Trail and Colorado Trail. She carefully curated our initial selection of 15 diverse stoves beginning in 2020.

Senior Editor Chris Carter began assisting in testing in 2022. He has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in the United States: the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail, and knows the importance of a reliable stove for nutrition and sustenance on trail. Nobody likes cold-soaking — no matter what the ultralight cult says.

Over the years, we have tested countless models to bring you the exhaustive list of 14 stoves you see today. We consistently have our noses to the ground, sniffing out new products the moment they hit the market to ensure this guide represents the most up-to-date, deserving selection possible. Rest assured, every stove on this list has been vetted by our seasoned staff of backpacking enthusiasts, and has proven to be worthy.

Our Testing Process and Testing Grounds

Our backpacking stove testing breaks down into two broad categories: field and bench testing. Field testing puts these stoves smack dab in the middle of the action, and we lean on them to provide hot meals at the ends of our regular backpacking trips. Many of these stoves are tailored for different types of backpackers or trips, so we aim to use them as they were intended.

That means stoves like the MSR EGK get sent to Alaska, and ultralight units like the BRS-3000T head out on the PCT. When we’re out in the field, we’re looking at ease of use, how it sets up, how packable it is, how adaptable it is in unexpected scenarios, and ultimately, how it feels to use on a day to day basis. We use a stove for months if not years and are answering the questions: What is this stove best at? Where can it be improved? And who does it fit best?

All of these stoves also eventually hit the bench, where we’ve assembled a slate of tests to measure them as fairly as possible against one another and answer these questions: how quickly can a stove boil a liter of water both with and without wind? And how fuel efficient is it while doing so?

Here’s how it works: we set up a timer and thermometer, turn a stove to max output, bring a liter of cool tap water up to boiling temp in a lidless titanium pot, and measure the fuel container before and after. For simulating wind, we use a generic box fan set to medium and place the stove 8 feet away. During these tests, we’re focused on the small details so things stay consistent. Tests take place in a large draftless indoor room, each stove gets a fresh optimized fuel source, starting water temperatures are identical, and we’re using the same wide-base titanium pot. 

When all is said and done, we come away with both expert opinions and hard data — a combo that ensures you’re getting the best stove recommendation for your backcountry kitchen setup.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Backpacking Stove

The right stove depends on a variety of factors. What works for one person might not suit your particular adventures. Read on for tips on choosing the best backpacking stove.

It’s also worth noting that this article focuses solely on backpacking stoves. If you’re looking for a larger two-burner camp stove, check out the Best Camping Stoves of 2024. Also, take a peek at our guide to the Best Backpacking Meals for some backcountry culinary inspiration.

Types of Backpacking Stoves

There are a variety of different types of backpacking stoves, and which one you decide to go with boils down to personal preference and the type of adventure you plan to use it on.

Canister Stoves

These stoves typically screw directly onto a fuel canister filled with a blend of isobutane-propane. Benefits include ease of use and low maintenance.

On the flip side, canisters can’t be refilled, causing additional waste (they can be recycled, but you’ll need to take them to a recycling facility). And they’re prone to freezing up or providing a weak flame in cold winter conditions.

Top examples of canister stoves include the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe and SOTO Amicus.

Liquid Fuel Stoves

These stoves connect to refillable fuel bottles. They are generally filled with white gas, but you can also use other fuels, including kerosene and gasoline. This is ideal if traveling overseas. This stove type can be slightly more complicated to use (in other words, it requires maintenance), but it performs well in cold conditions.

Our top pick for liquid fuel stoves would be the MSR WhisperLite Universal, followed closely by its expedition-ready cousin, the XGK EX.

Woodburning Stoves

The traditionalists out there will appreciate a wood stove. You get the pleasure of cooking over a fire packed into a smaller space. The upside is you don’t need to carry fuel. The downsides include susceptibility to wind, unpredictable cook times, and fire restrictions.

These are fantastic options for those looking to harken back to the roots of the backcountry culinary art. But, these aren’t the most reliable stoves for long journeys. Trudge through the rain all day and there may not be any dry tinder to warm up that freeze-dried spaghetti you so meticulously prepared beforehand. If you do decide to go this route, either bring a backup fuel source or embrace occasional cold-soaking.

The Solo Stove Lite and Vargo Titanium Hexagon are some of the better wood-burning backpacking stoves on the market.

Stove Use: Cooking vs. Boiling

If you plan to eat mainly dehydrated backpacking meals (just add water), you’ll want a simple stove with a fast boiling time. If, on the other hand, you’d like to cook more elaborate meals, it will be more important to find a stove with better simmer control, and maybe a wider burner.

Think about how often and for what type of cooking you’ll be using your backpacking stove before buying.

Stove Packed Size and Weight

The stoves on this list weigh anywhere from an ounce to 2 pounds (but most are within the 3- to 9-ounce range). Some can fit in the palm of your hand, and some take up a bit more room.

Not everyone needs the tiniest stove on the market. Especially if you camp year-round, you’ll want to choose a four-season stove, or one better rated for cold performance.

There are also a few differences to consider between size and packed size. For example, the Jetboil stove itself is larger and slightly heavier than other canister stoves on our list. However, it integrates with all the other components and packs down super small (including the pot, lid, stove, and fuel).

Weight is another consideration. If you are going on a 2-day overnight, weight won’t matter as much as, say, a 30-day wilderness trek.

Also, think about what other gear you’ll be carrying. Do you have a lightweight backpacking tent that doesn’t take up much space? Or will you be carrying lots of equipment, like a camera or climbing gear?

If you frequent forests or parks that allow folks to collect firewood, or if you are going to an area where fuel is harder to come by, maybe a wood stove would be the best option. If you’re an ounce counter, an ultralight canister stove may be what you’re after.

Winter and Cold Performance

Not all stoves are created equal, and nowhere is this more evident than in the frigid temps of winter camping conditions. If you camp in the warmer months only, this isn’t a concern.

But if you head out in the winter, you’ll probably use your stove to melt snow and boil a lot of water. You need to be able to rely on it when the mercury drops. The MSR Reactor is a great stove for this purpose.

For this, you’ll want a liquid fuel or four-season stove. We’ve found liquid fuel stoves to be the most reliable choice in winter.

Other Considerations

Group size: If you regularly backpack and plan meals with a group (families, college students), consider dispersing the weight and investing in a larger group cookset and stove. Or, a wider burner that can accommodate a variety of pots and pans. The MSR WhisperLite Universal is a great choice for group camping.

If you’re a solo adventurer, a smaller canister stove like the popular MSR PocketRocket 2, is a fine choice.

Tips for Using a Backpacking Stove

• When you buy your first backpacking stove, invest in a few extra fuel canisters too. This lets you have a stockpile for spur-of-the-moment trips and early-morning endeavors — you won’t have to run to a store to track down fuel.
• Always read the instructions. (Yes, even if you are familiar with camp stoves.) The instructions will tell you how to prime your stove, and might even have tips on cleaning and repair.
• Avoid spills by setting up on the flattest spot possible. Flat rocks make great cooking surfaces.
• Always bring matches to light your stove in case of emergency. Yes, even if your stove has a piezo igniter. Igniters can fail, lighters can break, and there’s nothing sadder than a cold meal because you can’t get a flame.
• Never cook inside your tent or vehicle. On top of being a fire hazard, this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and death. If you camp frequently in rainy climates, invest in a tarp and some guy line for a safe overhead kitchen shelter.

Price & Value

A good stove rounds out your backpacking equipment list, and while there’s a range available, it generally won’t be too spendy to get something that should work for most of your adventures outdoors. That said, there are a handful of specialized stove systems that can ask a pretty penny, so consider where you’ll be using your stove, as well as how often, and even what you’ll be cooking most.

Budget

Spend-wise backpacking stoves like the GSI Outdoors Glacier ($30) are simple in design, easy to use, and get the job done — just don’t expect them to be rich with features. You likely won’t see integrated ignition systems in the budget price range, or pressure regulators, but we’ve whipped up many meals on stoves like these, and they perform great.

The Glacier is a bit tougher to pack away as it doesn’t fold down. The BRS-3000T Ultralight Stove ($17) on the other hand is very small, almost to the point of being too small and having too tight of a flame pattern. There’s tradeoffs for everything, but you’ll notice them a bit more the less you pay.

Mid-Tier

Spending a bit more will get you a stove that’ll work for a wider variety of trips. Between $50 and $100 are many great canister stoves like the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe ($85), as well as alternative fuel stoves like the woodburning Solo Stove Lite ($70). For the money, you’ll see some options sport piezo ignitors, have better wind resistance, pack down more compactly.

In another tier are stove systems, which you should expect to pay between $130 to $200. Options like the Jetboil Flash ($130) or MSR WindBurner ($190) put the whole package together and offer a stove that works in tandem with its cook pot, offering better efficiency and wind resistance.

Premium

Anything north of $200 is undoubtetly specialized for rough terrain or weather, and both the MSR XGK EX ($210) and MSR Reactor ($290) are primed for expeditions into cold climates. A liquid fueled option like the XGK will be overbuilt and field-repairable (and will run on nearly any liquid fuel, to boot), while the Reactor uses a pressure regulator and radiant burner head to keep going when things get chilly.

Frequently Asked Questions