Sure, you could just eat a handful of trail mix or a can of tuna, but it’s hard to beat a hot meal after a long day on the trail. On the other hand, you want to keep your pack weight low. Luckily, there are plenty of backpacking stoves on the market today that make quick work of heating up dinner without weighing you down.
Our squad of honorary backcountry chefs has collectively tested hundreds of these little stoves, whipping up meals in the most remote locations imaginable, in all sorts of conditions. The testers for this guide have thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails, and arguably cook more meals over a backpacking stove than in the comfort of their own homes. We’ve been putting new models to the test for years, and leave no stone left unturned 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. The majority of stoves we tested were canister stoves. While these stoves aren’t the only option on the market, they do have lots of perks, which we’ll explain in detail below.
Be sure to check out our handy comparison chart, buyer’s guide, and FAQ 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 March 25, 2024, to ensure that our product selection is still available, accurate, and the best choice on the market today.
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 Backpacking Stove for Cold/Wind: MSR WindPro II
- Most Compact Backpacking Stove System: Jetboil Flash
- Best Wood Backpacking Stove: Solo Stove Lite
- Best Alcohol Backpacking Stove: Solo Stove Alcohol Burner
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe
Specs
- Weight 2.9 oz.
- Fuel type Canister
- Burn time 60 min. per 8 oz. of IsoPro fuel
- Time to reach boil 3 min., 23 sec. (all boil times listed in this article are for 1 L of water)
![Product Badge](https://gearjunkie.com/wp-content/themes/ldm-theme/assets/img/badges/gearjunkie/BestOf_2024.png)
![The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/MSR-PocketRocket-Deluxe.jpg)
Pros
- Very fast boil time
- Effective simmer capabilities
Cons
- Reports of Piezo igniter failure
GSI Outdoors Glacier Stove
Pros
- Affordable
- Large, powerful burner
- Good simmer abilities
Cons
- Not the fastest boil time
- On the heavier side
MSR WhisperLite Universal
Specs
- Weight 13.7 oz.
- Fuel type Liquid or Canister
- Burn time 1 hr. 50 min. (20 oz. white gas)/ 1 hr. 15 min. (8 oz. isobutane)
- Time to reach boil 3.5 minutes per half-liter (white gas)
![The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2018/04/78a65d3a-dbe0-41a5-bad4-69803de4e29a.jpeg)
Pros
- Can use a variety of fuel types
- Great for cold weather
- Performs well at high altitudes
Cons
- Not the most packable
- Pretty heavy
- Need to prime the stove and do maintenance in the field
MSR WindPro II
Specs
- Weight 6.6 oz.
- Fuel type Canister
- Burn time 1 hr. 10 sec. per 8 oz. of IsoPro fuel
- Time to reach boil 3 minutes, 45 seconds
![The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/MSR-WindPro-II.jpg)
Pros
- Great for cooking in cold temps
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Not the most fuel-efficient stove
Jetboil Flash
Pros
- Quick boil time
- Heat-indicating sleeve shows when boiling
Cons
- On the heavy side
- Limited to what can fit in the included pot
Solo Stove Lite
Specs
- Weight 9 oz.
- Fuel type Wood
- Burn time Endless depending on wood supply
- Time to reach boil 8-10 minutes
![The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/Solo-Stove-Lite.jpg)
Pros
- Uses naturally available fuel
- Saves weight by not having to carry fuel
- Thoughtful, effective design
Cons
- Pot gets quite hot
- Requires more upfront work to start up
Solo Stove Alcohol Burner
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Uses denatured alcohol which is easy to find, use, and transport
Cons
- No pot support
MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove
Specs
- Weight 2.6 oz.
- Fuel type Canister
- Burn time Roughly 60 min. per 8 oz. of IsoPro fuel
- Time to reach boil 3.5-4.5 minutes, depending on wind
![The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2019/03/MSR_PocketRocket2_PRPS.jpg)
Pros
- Lightweight but durable
- Affordable
- Solid simmer control
Cons
- No piezo lighter
- Somewhat unstable
BRS-3000T Ultralight Stove
Pros
- Affordable
- Super compact
- Ultralight
Cons
- Small burner head
- Not the most fuel-efficient stove
BioLite CampStove 2+
Specs
- Weight 2 lbs. 1 oz.
- Fuel type Wood
- Burn time Endless depending on wood supply
- Time to reach boil 4 minutes, 40 seconds
![The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/BioLite-CampStove-2.jpg)
Pros
- Easy to control flame size
- Produces electricity while burning wood
- Compact, packable design
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
MSR Reactor
Specs
- Weight 1 lb. 3 oz.
- Fuel type Canister
- Burn time 1 hr. 20 min. per 8 oz. of IsoPro fuel
- Time to reach boil 3 minutes
![The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/MSR-Reactor-1.7L-e1708723285376.jpg)
Pros
- Incredible wind-resistance
- Super fast boil time
- Minimal operation noise
- Radiant and convective heat transfer
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Difficult to simmer
- Expensive
Jetboil MiniMo
Specs
- Weight 14 oz.
- Fuel type Canister
- Burn time 60 minutes per 100g canister
- Time to reach boil 3 minutes 25 seconds
![The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/Jetboil-MiniMo.jpg)
Pros
- Easy to cook and eat from
- Solid heat distribution
- Packable
Cons
- Not as windproof as similar designs
- Handle rivets inside the pot complicate cleaning a bit
SOTO Amicus
Specs
- Weight 2.9 oz.
- Fuel type Canister
- Burn time 1.5 hours per 8 oz. of IsoPro fuel
- Time to reach boil N/A
![The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/SOTO-Amicus.jpg)
Pros
- Great burn time and capability in cold and wind
- Deeper lip around crown of burner
- Better pot support (4 legs instead of 3)
- Great packed size
Cons
- On the loud side
Vargo Titanium Hexagon
Specs
- Weight 4.1 oz.
- Fuel type Wood
- Burn time Endless depending on wood supply
- Time to reach boil 8-10 minutes
![The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2018/04/Vargohexagon_wood_stove_-_open-e1523598429646.jpg)
Pros
- Light and packable
- Titanium cools quickly after use
- Simple to set up
Cons
- Soot buildup on pots
- Takes work to get going and keep lit
MSR WindBurner Stove
Specs
- Weight 15.3 oz.
- Fuel type Canister
- Burn time 95 minutes per 227g canister
- Time to reach boil 4.5 minutes
![The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2019/10/MSR-WindBurner-Stove-System.jpg)
Pros
- Solid wind-resistance
- Great fuel efficiency
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Heavy
Backpacking Stoves Comparison Chart
Backpacking Stove | Price | Weight | Fuel Type | Burn Time | Boil Time (1L) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe | $85 | 2.9 oz. | Canister | 60 min. per 8 oz. of IsoPro fuel | 3 min., 23 sec. |
GSI Outdoors Glacier | $30 | 5.8 oz. | Canister | N/A | 5 min. 30 sec. |
MSR WhisperLite Universal | $200 | 13.7 oz. | Liquid or Canister | 1 hr. 50 min. (20 oz. white gas)/ 1 hr. 15 min. (8 oz. isobutane) | 3.5 min. per ½ L |
MSR WindPro II | $135 | 6.6 oz. | Canister | 1 hr. 10 sec. per 8 oz. of IsoPro fuel | 3 min., 45 sec. |
Jetboil Flash | $130 | 13.1 oz. | Canister | 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. | Liquid/Alcohol | N/A | 5-7 min. |
MSR PocketRocket 2 | $50 | 2.6 oz. | Canister | Roughly 60 min. per 8 oz. of IsoPro fuel | 3.5-4.5 min. |
BRS-3000T | $17 | 26 g. (0.92 oz.) | Canister | N/A | 4 min. |
BioLite CampStove 2+ | $150 | 2 lbs., 1 oz. | Wood | Endless depending on wood supply | 4 min., 40 sec. |
MSR Reactor | $290 | 1 lb., 3 oz. | Canister | 1 hr. 20 min. per 8 oz. of IsoPro fuel | 3 min. |
Jetboil MiniMo | $170 | 14 oz. | Canister | 60 minutes per 100 g canister | 3 min., 25 sec. |
SOTO Amicus | $50 | 2.9 oz. | Canister | 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. | Canister | 95 min. per 227 g canister | 4.5 min. |
![five different lightweight backpacking stoves with fuel canisters and a tent in the background](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2021/04/best-backpacking-stoves.jpeg)
How We Tested Backpacking Stoves
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. Managing Editor 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 took over testing for this guide in August of 2022. He has way too much experience burning dehydrated meals over all sorts of backpacking stoves, having thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in the United States: the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. He knows the importance of a reliable stove for nutrition and sustenance on trail, and is all too familiar with the sinking feeling of a mid-trip stove failure. Nobody likes cold-soaking — no matter what the ultralight cult says.
Over the years, he has tested countless models to bring you the exhaustive list of 19 stoves you see today. He consistently has his nose 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.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Backpacking Stove
![Backpacking Stoves](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/ATP00373-scaled-e1681925669926.jpg)
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.
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/11/ATP05278-e1698931942390.jpeg)
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.
![MSR Pocket Deluxe camp stove](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2019/12/MSR-Pocket-Rocket-Deluxe.jpg)
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.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/08/lighting-up-the-the-solo-stove-lite.jpg)
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.
![MSR Pocket Deluxe camp stove](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2019/12/MSR-Pocket-Rocket-Deluxe-by-tent.jpg)
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).
![BRS3000T backpacking stove close up](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2021/05/best-backpacking-stove-BRS3000.jpeg)
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.
Price
Will you be using this stove every weekend? Twice a month? Twice a year on big trips?
It makes sense to invest more if you’ll be relying on it to feed yourself regularly. If you’ll use it only fairly often or if it’s for emergencies, consider purchasing a less expensive model.
That being said, if you need a backpacking stove, there are stoves in every price range: $10-40, $40-70, and over $100.
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.
![a jetboil stove system on a table at a campsite](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2021/04/jetboil-testing.jpeg)
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.
![Solo stove lite](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/08/Solo-stove-lite.jpg)
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.
![Backpacking Stoves](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/DSC07565-scaled-e1681925607241.jpeg)
FAQ
Camp stoves and backpacking stoves are both built for use in the outdoors, but they vary wildly in features. Camping stoves weigh anywhere from 6 to 15 pounds, and they’re designed for use on a camp table or picnic table in more front-country settings (you won’t want to carry one far).
On the other hand, backpacking stoves are designed to hike with. They weigh 1-12 ounces, and they’re designed to pack small to fit in a pocket or pack.
Backpacking stoves tend to have a single burner, with some sort of fuel connector, regulator/simmer dial, and pot support platform. That’s it!
The best backpacking stove that won us over in testing was the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe (the PocketRocket 2, the previous model, is also a solid stove).
However, we recognize that this isobutane canister stove might not fit everyone’s needs, or maybe budget. Which is why we’ve compiled our list of best backpacking stoves by fuel type, and also differentiated by price and size.
The smallest canister stove we tested was the BRS-3000T at 0.9 ounces, with the MSR PocketRocket 2 coming in second at 2.6 ounces.
For just a fraction more ounces, and with a few more features (piezo igniter), you can consider our top choice, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, which rings in at 2.9 ounces.
![Backpacking Stoves](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/DSC07586-2-scaled-e1681925511538.jpg)
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit — essentially, it’s a measurement unit of heat. In stove speak, BTUs refer to the energy required to raise the temperature of boiling water. Higher BTUs mean a stove will have a more powerful output of energy and/or heat (not necessarily hotter).
Lower BTUs have a weaker output, but are often better for simmering and providing a more controlled regulation of your stove’s flame.
As you can see, stoves range widely in price! But expect to pay at least $25-50 for a durable backpacking stove.
If you are on a tight budget, consider waiting until your favorite stove is on sale. (Pro tip: Bookmark this article and check back on prices throughout the season.)
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2024/08/DSC08551.jpg)
The Best Camping Stoves of 2024
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![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/05/DSC1896-1.jpg)
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