The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024

The GSI Outdoors Glacier Stove ($30) has a lot going for it, not just the amazing price. The canister stove can support virtually any size pot or pan (great for those who frequently camp and cook in groups), and the wider burner spreads heat out evenly.

The burner also has an impressive output of 11,000 BTUs, putting the power of a traditional camp stove in canister stove form. Given the output, we were hoping this stove would have a slightly faster boil time, as it took an extra two minutes compared to stoves like the PocketRocket Deluxe. That said, it held up in windy conditions, and the boil time stayed roughly the same.

The stove also has clearly marked +/- simmer controls. We loved using this stove to pan-fry, sauté, and even rehydrate and cook some beans. Everything in the pan was nice and evenly cooked.

Our only con? The wide and sturdy pot support design doesn’t fold, so — with a 5-inch diameter — it’s not the most compact. However, it can still be packed/stashed into a larger pot. If you’re headed out on an extended journey where packed space is a greater concern (but you’ve got to stretch your dollars still), the BRS-3000T will only run you around $17 and will even boil water a bit quicker.

Our biggest issue with that stove, however, is the compact burner head, which can lead to scorching if you like to do more than rehydrate meals. If you’re more of a camp gourmet, snag the Glacier.

With the option to burn nearly any fuel — including white gas and isobutane-propane — the MSR WhisperLite Universal ($200) has quickly become a four-season favorite. This is especially true if you find yourself traveling to countries outside North America where fuel options may be limited. It’s not the lightest stove on the market at 13.7 ounces, but its versatility makes up for that.

We’ve used this stove for really tough winter camping, and it has outperformed everything other folks have brought to elk camp. While canister stoves die in cold weather, the WhisperLite cranks out water-boiling BTUs, even above 10,000 feet.

We had no problem balancing a pot on it. With remote simmer control, we were able to make everything from fluffy pancakes to delicately scrambled eggs. Plus, it got the water boiling for coffee in no time. We’ve heard reports of problems with the fuel connector threads stripping, but we haven’t experienced a problem in more than three years of testing.

Because it uses liquid fuel, the WhisperLite does require some TLC and stove knowledge, including priming the stove before use and stove maintenance in the field on longer excursions. As long as you familiarize yourself with the stove, you should be set.

For truly far-flung expeditions, we look at the WhisperLite’s overbuilt cousin, the XGK EX, but for everything else remote, this is the stove to do it with.

The MSR XGK EX Stove ($210) is the stove we’ve equipped Denali expeditions with, and they’ve proven themselves in the harshest conditions on the planet. This multi-fuel stove takes everything about the WhisperLite and juices it up, creating a rugged option to toss your stock pot on and melt snow for the entire team.

Like the Universal, this stove can also burn a variety of fuels, but with a more international bent. With a few different jets, you can burn aviation gas, diesel, and even jet fuel in the XGK. It won’t be able to run off isobutane canisters, however, but we see limited use in these on expeditions due to their bulk and poor performance in cold temperatures.

Otherwise, an overbuilt stand makes up the bulk of the XGK, which is broad enough to support a five-gallon stock pot for melting snow. Lighting the stove will require priming like the WhisperLite, and it’s noticeably louder (some in our ranks call this the ‘jet engine’) when running. But despite that, the heat output is tremendous, and it’s nigh impossible to blow out.

We most often utilize a stove board to mount the XGK to, which insulates the system from cold snow beneath it. If your expedition is more in the vertical realm, we reach for the MSR Reactor more often than this stove, as the hanging capabilities of integrated stove systems reign when used in tight bivy tents or portaledges. But for long walks on the ice? We’re grabbing this stove every time.

There are a number of integrated stove systems on the market, but the one we keep coming back to is the Jetboil Flash ($130). The biggest perk of this stove is its super-fast boil time — about 3 minutes per liter. Like the previous model, the Flash has an all-in-one design with a push-button igniter, improved stove-vessel integration (locking the pot to the stove), and updated pot and lid designs.

Unlike most other systems on the market, like the MSR Windburner and Reactor, this stove has a few additional user-friendly features, such as a heat-indicating sleeve that changes color to let you know when water is boiling so you don’t waste time or fuel. In practice, this was great when we were running around completing camp chores.

The burner head on the Flash is more traditional than the radiant heating element styles of the MSR stoves, and while we think they are more efficient, they can be a bit tricky to get started at times. This Jetboil is simple-as to get rolling, and whether just boiling water or eating straight from the pot, we found this system just plain easy to use.

Overall, the Flash is a great and durable stove system. However, it does have its limitations, as you can only cook what can fit in the pot, and you can certainly create your own more compact stove systems. If you’re looking for a stove that emphasizes ease over all else, however, this is the one.

Read Review: Boil Water in 100 Seconds: Jetboil Flash Review

Anyone keen on ditching fuel and using what nature provides will appreciate the Solo Stove Lite ($70). Using small sticks, you can bring a quart of water to a boil in about 10 minutes. Be sure to collect a substantial pile of small sticks before getting started so you can continuously feed the flame.

Because you don’t need to pack fuel, the 9-ounce stove weight is reasonable. And the integrated design allows it to pack down easily. In our testing, we loved the design which encourages the “gasification” of the solid fuel. This means it pretty much burns all the smoke, resulting in very few fumes and a nice, hot fire.

Obviously you’ll need to be cognizant of fire restrictions when using this stove. For example, while twig stoves like this used to be feasible for year-round use in the West, drier seasonal conditions now relegate them to shoulder seasons and wetter environments. Also, consider the terrain you’ll be using this stove on — the burner can easily scorch dry ground or even melt into plastic picnic tables.

But if you’re fire-wise, the trade-offs can be big. We found great enjoyment in tending a little fire to cook our meals on, and without going full-on bushcraft about it, it’s a great way to spend an evening outdoors. For a fully integrated system, consider adding on the Solo Stove Pot for an additional $50.

Read Review: Solo Stove Lite Review: The Smokeless Fire Pit Goes Lightweight for the Backcountry

The Solo Stove Alcohol Burner ($20) is an awesome low-tech or backup stove option for fast and light travel in the backcountry. The stove is fueled by denatured alcohol — simply add in a few ounces of alcohol and light. Solo’s Alcohol Burner has a flame regulator (similar to the simmer controls on canister stoves) and a steady-to-burn design.

Alcohol stoves win the prize for simple, light, and cheap. Composed of one small fuel unit, alcohol stoves are primitive and far less efficient than other options. A previous favorite among thru-hikers, these are quickly declining as fuel for canister stoves becomes easier to find in small trail towns.

Solo’s Alcohol Burner also features a screwtop cap and rubber gasket, so you can store liquid fuel directly inside. It’s a truly compact system. This stove takes about 5 minutes to bring a liter of water to boil (although wind and weather can add a few minutes to boil time). It weighs just 3.5 ounces and is super compact.

Really our only con is that this alcohol burner doesn’t come with a pot support (it’s meant to be used in conjunction with a Solo Stove Lit), but there also many aftermarket supports, like the Trangia Triangle. If you are looking for a solid-performing alcohol burner, still consider this one.

For the budget- and weight-conscious hiker, the MSR PocketRocket 2 ($50) is a proven stove at a good price. Weighing in at a scant 2.6 ounces (excluding the fuel canister), this is a supremely packable stove. The serrated supports can hold a variety of pots, and lighting is a simple matter of turning the knob and using a match to ignite.

We’ve had a few close calls when stirring aggressively or bumping the pot, so set it up in a level spot and take care to keep the pot upright. Nobody wants to pick their dinner out of the dirt. The PocketRocket 2 is also one of the best-performing stoves out there in terms of price.

This is an extremely reliable stove, and a top pick for long-distance backpackers and weekend warriors alike for its dependable durability and light design. One of the authors of this guide used the first iteration of the PocketRocket on his thru-hike of the PCT in 2018, and then carried the same PocketRocket 2 on consecutive thru-hikes of the CDT and AT. It never let him down, whipping up hundreds of meals in the backcountry with zero issues.

Why was this stove not our top choice? Trust us, it was close. But between the PocketRocket 2 and MSR’s Deluxe model (which offers an integrated pressure regulator and igniter, and performs better in wind), the Deluxe won us over.

Ultralight and by far the lightest canister stove on this list at just 26 g, the BRS-3000T ($17) is a titanium alloy stove manufactured by BRS in China. What we liked about the BRS — it’s ultralight and performs great. In testing, we really liked its packability, easy setup, and fairly good performance in windier weather.

This is our top recommendation if you are looking for a truly ultralight stove (less than a third the weight of an MSR PocketRocket Deluxe). Senior Editor Nick Belcaster used the BRS for his thru hike of the PCT, where it did everything he needed it to. Treat this little stove well, and it’ll go the distance.

This stove wasn’t our top pick for a couple of reasons. The quality control can be all over the board, with some stoves sporting stiff pot support hinges, while others are loosey goosey straight out of the box. We’ve also heard tales of poorly sealing canister interfaces. For the price we’re willing to exchange the stove if need be, but we’ve also had good luck with our inital purchase.

The pot supports are also a bit more delicate and narrower than on other canister stoves, meaning it’s better for smaller pots (1-1.5 L) and ultralight cookware, rather than large pots and pans.

If you’re concerned about the camping pot you own being compatible with this stove, we recommend double-checking the dimensions. If pure ultralight minimalism is what you’re after, though, don’t pass the BRS-3000T by.

For cranking out hot meals on alpine expeditions, boiling water in unrelenting wind, or firing up some emergency heat during an unexpected freeze — the MSR Reactor Stove ($290) is the tool for the job.

Sure, it costs a pretty penny and is one of the more clunky stoves we’ve tested, but it’s an absolute powerhouse and game changer when maximum heat output and energy efficiency are required. At over a pound, the Reactor is probably overkill for many backpackers. But, if you’re staring down the barrel of some gnarly weather, this stove offers some of the best confidence for backcountry chefs.

Boil time is where the Reactor truly shines. After lighting the metal grill burner, it quickly simmers down to a hot blue flame, and employs both radiant and convective heat transfer to rapidly boil water. A built-in heat exchanger fused to the bottom of the pot disperses the heat, and does a fantastic job of blocking out extreme wind.

We did find it difficult to bring water to a simmer with this stove, and we found ourselves extinguishing the burner repeatedly in our attempts to reduce the heat output. Additionally, since the burner is so quiet (a plus while trying to be discrete around camp), it is often hard to know when it is still lit, or if you are just wasting fuel. With so much heat output, the pot also tends to get quite hot, so be careful when handling it.

These gripes aside, we feel that the Reactor still deserves a spot as one of the top weather-proof models on the market. If we’re headed to truly cold temperatures for an extended trip, we’re more likely to bring the liquid-fueled MSR XGK EX, but if space is tight and the trip more of a smash and grab, this is the system we tote along.

They say, “A watched pot never boils.” But that’s not been our experience with JetBoil’s MiniMo ($170). It boils water in just over three minutes. This offers enormous peace of mind on the trail — because when you need hot water, the last thing anyone wants to do is wait around for it to boil. Redesigned FluxRing technology distributes heat throughout the vessel like a jet engine, and uses half the fuel of traditional systems.

But all of JetBoil’s stoves will boil water in a flash. Where the MiniMo really stands out from the crowd is in its shape. JetBoil designed the MiniMo specifically for backpackers who will be eating directly from the pot. Metal handles, a wider mouth, and a shorter height make the MiniMo both easy to cook in, and easy to eat from. 

The MiniMo fits 1 liter of water, is recommended to cook for 1-2 people, and ignites at the push of a button. It packs easily into a backpack, and all of the pieces fit inside the vessel itself. And, at just 14 ounces, it won’t be adding significantly to your pack weight. 

Compared to the brand’s Flash system, we find the extra spend here to be a bit much, as it’s still easy to eat from those pots, and the boil time is better with the Flash. Still, if the broad pot appeals to you, the MiniMo can be a great option.

There are plenty of backpacking stoves on the market. But there are far fewer that have a built-in igniter feature (which some campers swear by), and even fewer that come in at a super-affordable price.

The SOTO Amicus ($50) does all three, and performs beautifully. While it’s been on the market for a while, SOTO has redesigned and upgraded the full cook kit (stove, pot, and lid all included) several times. The most recent iteration is one of our favorites. The pot is a great size, and everything is able to pack into the kit for storage.

Plus, the SOTO Amicus is actually smaller than the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, though still offers a great burner area, output, sturdy pot supports, and an included igniter in the design. The downside is that this stove lacks an internal regulator, meaning its efficiency will drop off in colder temperatures when the pressures inside the canister are lower.

The Amicus is definitely worth going on any backpacker’s shortlist who’s looking to upgrade their cook setup to something light, powerful, packable, and still fully featured. It won’t be the best possible option out there, but for folks looking for a one-and-done purchase, it’s ideal.

Constructed of titanium, the Vargo Titanium Hexagon ($60) packs down flat and weighs in at a scant 4.6 ounces. Like the Solo Stove Lite, you’ll need to collect a pile of sticks and expect to wait around 10 minutes for a boil.

Be sure to set this on a sturdy surface to maintain airflow. We had problems at one point in a soft, sandy spot due to sinking and lack of oxygen. But placed on a rock, it did great.

On several online platforms, fans of the product have recommended drilling extra holes in the sidewall to increase airflow. But we haven’t tried that.

As with all wood-burning stoves, the Titanium Hexagon will only work in areas with an abundance of sticks, and you’ll need to pay close attention to fire restrictions. Some state parks across the West don’t allow wood-burning stoves.

The integrated lock-on pot maximizes heat transfer, and the radiant burner means you don’t have to worry about a flame dying in the wind. There are lighter and cheaper options available, but what makes the MSR WindBurner ($190) great is its quick boiling time and ability to work in all manners of weather.

At the end of a long day on the trail, it’s nice to be able to easily fire it up and make your favorite dehydrated meal in a flash. And being more efficient means wasting less fuel.

One of our editors used the Windburner while motorcycle camping for more than a year and never once had a problem. It fired up without a hitch, boiled water quickly, and packed up small.

The canister packs into the pot, and the plastic cup slips on the bottom to create an integrated package. Just remember to remove the cup before cooking. Trust us — it will melt.

The WindBurner wasn’t able to quite knock off the Jetboil Flash for the title of best stove system, and it boils down to price and ease of use. The radiant burner on the MSR stove is undeniably more efficient and wind-proof, but we have had small issues with it failing to ‘bloom’ without a little breeze to prompt it. If max efficiency is your goal, however, it’s an easy thing to overlook.