The Best Backpacking Stoves

A backpacking stove is one of the most essential pieces of equipment for any backpacking trip. Everyone enjoys a hearty meal at the end of a long day of hiking and a hot cup of coffee with breakfast. Backpacking stoves are small, lightweight, and easy to use. Backpacking stoves are also convenient to have around the house in the event of an emergency.

Backpacking stoves are usually categorized by the kind of fuel they burn and the type of fuel canister they can use. There are many options on the market to meet the needs of every outdoor enthusiast, from ultralight backpackers to recreational campers. Some stoves specialize in boiling water very quickly. Other stoves work at high altitudes.

We reviewed dozens of backpacking stoves to identify the best of the best. In our search for the best all-around stove, we considered a variety of features, including size and weight, the types of fuel that stoves can burn, and versatility.

Best Backpacking Stove Overall

Odoland Camping Cookware Stove

Meet the best all-around backpacking stove that is lightweight, folds small, and includes several backpacking cook pots. The set includes a convenient carry bag This is the one backpacking stove and cook kit that meets all your needs.

The Odoland Backpacking Stove and Cook Set stood out as our best overall choice because it is versatile, lightweight, sturdy, and easy to carry. It is an all-in-one cook set that includes a great stove, pot, and cooking accessories that you need to make a great backcountry meal.

The 5 Top-Rated Backpacking Stoves

Editor’s PicksBrandRating
Best OverallOdoland Camping Cookware Stove4.5
Best Backpacking Wood StoveLixada Camping Woodburning Stove4.3
Best Budget Backpacking StoveREDCAMP Windproof Portable Backpacking Stove4.4
Best Alcohol Burning StoveREDCAMP Mini Alcohol Backpacking Stove4.6
Best Ultralight Backpacking StoveMSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Backpacking Stove4.8

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change.

Best Backpacking Stove Overall: Odoland Backpacking Stove and Camping Cookware Set

The Odoland Backpacking Stove and Cook Set meets all your backcountry cooking needs. It includes a pot, 12-ounce cup, utensils, cleaning cloth, and a carrying bag along with the stove. Anti-slip pot handles and silicone cup protectors add an extra layer of comfort and protect your hands from burns.

The stove burns standard butane gas and folds down small to save extra space. The pot handles also fold down to save space. If you’re trying to go ultra-light, leave the cup and carry bag behind. The stove fits neatly into the pot for packing convenience.

The cup is made with stainless steel and the pot is made with durable, lightweight aluminum alloy. The silverware folds down to fit inside the pot for easy storage. This stove is not designed for cooking large quantities of food but it’s ideal for cooking for a few people. Customers love that it boils water very quickly and is very lightweight and easy to store in small backpacks. Other reviewers rave that this little stove is handy to keep around in the event of an emergency.

Odoland Camping Stove and Cookware Set Key Features

  • Stove folds to save space and stores inside the cook pot for added convenience
  • Burns standard backpacking stove fuel (butane gas)
  • Includes 2 aluminum alloy non-stick pans with folding handles for easy storage
  • Includes 1 spoon, 1 fork, and 1 knife
  • 16-oz stainless steel cup with silicone insulated cup protector
  • Set includes carrying bag and cleaning rag for convenience
  • Tank bracket adds stability to the stove when the fuel canister is attached

Best Backpacking Wood Stove: Lixada Camping Woodburning Stove

Best Backpacking Wood Stove

Lixada Camping Woodburning Stove

Ditch the fuel canisters with this handy, lightweight woodburning stove. Made with lightweight titanium, this nifty little stove weighs only 1.6 ounces and lets you burn the wood you gather in the woods.

The Lixada Backpacking Stove is the perfect balance of lightweight and functionality. Ditch the fuel canisters and use this stove to burn wood you gather around your campsite. This stove is lightweight and sturdy, designed to handle cooking for up to two people. The Lixada stove folds flat so you can easily stow it in your backpack.

Air intake holes at the bottom of the stove are designed to draw air in for maximum heating efficiency and it acts as a windshield without disrupting oxygen flow that fuels the fire. Lixada uses a double-walled construction for more efficient cooking. The entire stove packs down small for compact storage

One unique benefit to a woodburning stove is that you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel or traveling internationally and having difficulty finding the right kind of fuel. However, it’s a double-edged sword; backpackers should only choose this type of stove if they plan to use it where dry wood and tinder will be easy to gather.

This stove is ideal for lightweight backpacking, camping, international travels, and even basic survival in the event of an emergency. Weighing just 13.6 ounces, you’ll be able to stash this stove just about anywhere. The handy storage pouch helps protect the rest of your belongings from soot and dirt. Customers rave that this little stove can boil water quickly and give it two thumbs up for sturdiness.

Lixada Backpacking Wood Stove Key Features

  • Weighs just 13.6 ounces
  • Made with corrosion-resistant stainless steel for durability
  • Includes convenient storage pouch
  • Foldable with double-wall construction
  • Sets up in just seconds
  • Burns wood, dry leaves, twigs, pinecones, and other natural fuel you can find in the woods
  • Uses natural convection for more efficient burning

Best Budget Backpacking Stove: REDCAMP Windproof Portable Backpacking Stove

Best Budget Backpacking Stove

REDCAMP Windproof Portable Backpacking Stove

Built to boil water in just 5 minutes, this little backpacking stove folds down small so you can stash it anywhere. It has a clever little design that is meant to deflect the wind and improve heat efficiency to save fuel. The added carrying case means you can take this stove just about anywhere.

The REDCAMP Windproof Portable Backpacking Stove is the perfect mix of performance and budget-friendly! One of the best features of this little stove is that it is compatible with any 7/16 thread single butane or butane-propane mixed fuel canisters. This makes it much easier to find fuel in a variety of places.

Weighing in at just 8.5 ounces, this backpacking stove is compact and designed for people who want to travel light. The built-in wind deflector enhances the heat efficiency as you cook and to help you save up to 1/3 of your fuel! REDCAMP incorporated thicker, anti-slip supports so you can use larger pans up to 8 inches in diameter without compromising stability. This little stove also has a convenient ignition switch to help make lighting the stove easy, even with gloves on. (If you plan to use this stove at high altitudes or in cold temperatures, REDCAMP recommends using a lighter or matches to light the stove instead of the ignition button.)

Customers appreciate that it only takes about five minutes to boil one liter of water (if the air temperature is not too cold). The carrying container makes it easy to stash in your backpack. REDCAMP also backs their products with a 100% replacement guarantee!

REDCAMP Windproof Portable Backpacking Stove Key Features

  • Weight: 8.5 ounces
  • Built-in Piezo ignition
  • Fuel system is compatible with any 7/16 thread single butane /butane-propane mix fuel canister
  • Built-in wind deflector improves performance and fuel efficiency
  • Foldable supports for added stability and balance
  • Anti-slip stainless steel supports hold pans up to 8 inches in diameter
  • Included storage case makes packing easy
  • 100% replacement guarantee

Best Alcohol Burning Backpacking Stove: REDCAMP Mini Alcohol Stove for Backpacking

Best Alcohol Burning Stove

REDCAMP Mini Alcohol Stove for Backpacking

Weighing in at just 5 ounces, this mighty little stove burns alcohol instead of butane or propane mixtures. It’s designed for ultralight backpacking in warmer climates.

The REDCAMP Mini Alcohol Stove for Backpacking is made from lightweight aluminum alloy and brass. It has a built-in windscreen that also adds stability and supports larger cooking pots. Combustion holes around the base increase the airflow, which improves efficiency.

Alcohol stoves are compact and very lightweight, making them a popular choice for backpackers who want to eliminate as much weight as possible. Alcohol stoves are also budget-friendly! Not only is the stove cost-effective, denatured alcohol and methanol generally sell between $4 and $10 per pint. 100 ml of the alcohol burns for about 50 minutes, so you won’t have to carry much fuel.

REDCAMP added a foldable handle to the flame regulator to control the flame and temperature. This little stove also has a rubber seal to prevent alcohol leaks and evaporation. It comes with a handy little velvet bag to protect the stove.

REDCAMP Mini Alcohol Stove for Backpacking Key Features

  • Weight: 5 ounces
  • Made from aluminum alloy
  • Built-in base with a windscreen to improve fuel efficiency
  • Combustion holes around the base to improve air ventilation
  • Folding handle on the flame regulator lets you adjust the flame and heat easily
  • Rubber seal prevents fuel from spilling or evaporating
  • Includes velvet storage bag for convenience and easy packing
  • 100% money-back guarantee

Best Ultralight Backpacking Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Backpacking Stove

Best Ultralight Backpacking Stove

MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Backpacking Stove

Weighing just 2.6 ounces, even the most minimalist ultralight traveler will love this stove. It’s sturdy, easy to use, can boil a liter of water in under 5 minutes. Overall, this stove is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to cut as much weight as possible without sacrificing function.

Weighing just 2.6 ounces and folding down to a mere 2x2x3 inches, this little stove is very appropriately named! The MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight stove is perfect for any minimalist traveler. Even better, you won’t have to sacrifice performance in the pursuit of compact design. The PocketRocket 2 can boil a liter of water in under 5 minutes!

MSR added their precision flame control to turn the stove from boiling to simmer with ease. The WindClip windshield improves efficiency so you can cook your food faster and save fuel, even in windy conditions. MSR updated their folding serrated pot supporters to be sturdier when supporting larger pots.

The stove comes with a lightweight hard-shell carrying case that makes it portable and convenient. Another convenient feature is that the PocketRocket 2 burns high-performance isobutane-propane canister fuel, which is relatively easy to find around the world and the self-sealing fuel canisters are easy to toss in your backpack without worrying about fuel leaks.

Customers love that this stove doesn’t require priming, preheating, pumping or pressurizing the fuel canister. It’s a popular choice among global travelers, alpinists, and ultralight backpackers who count every ounce they carry. When you put the stove inside its travel case, it will fit inside most backpacking mugs or cook pots to maximize space.

MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Backpacking Stove Key Features

  • Weight: 2.6 ounces (4.2 ounces with the storage case)
  • Folds down to 2x2x3 inches
  • Boils a liter of water in under 5 minutes
  • Precision flame control makes it easy to adjust the heat and flame size
  • Burns high-performance, isobutane-propane that is generally available in most countries
  • Collapsible serrated pot supporters provide grip and stability to support larger pots
  • No need to prime or pressurize the fuel canister before using
  • Comes with protective plastic carrying case

Who Should Buy A Backpacking Stove

Backpacking stoves are designed to be small, lightweight, and easy to carry in your backpack as you trek long distances. Most people look forward to a hearty, hot meal at the end of a long day of backpacking, or a hot cup of coffee the next morning. A backpacking stove allows you to cook safely in the woods without starting a campfire.

There are many types of backpacking stoves on the market with a variety of features and advantages. Some stoves are designed to boil water as quickly as possible. Other stoves are meant to work at high altitudes and in extremely cold temperatures. Ultralight stoves are built to be as lightweight and compact as possible.

Backpacking stoves are ideal for anyone backpacking in the woods, canoe or kayak camping, or going on any other adventure where you need a small, lightweight stove. Some people also keep a backpacking stove in their car, camper, or house in case of an emergency.

Best Backpacking Stove Overall

Odoland Camping Cookware Stove

Meet the best all-around backpacking stove that is lightweight, folds small, and includes several backpacking cook pots. The set includes a convenient carry bag This is the one backpacking stove and cook kit that meets all your needs.

Important Features To Consider

A backpacking stove should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a backpacking stove for your next adventure.

  • Type of fuel. There are three main types of backpacking stoves based on the type of fuel they burn and the kind of fuel canister it takes. Canister stoves use pre-pressurized fuel canisters that self-seal and they usually burn a mixture of isobutane and propane. Liquid fuel stoves connect to refillable fuel canisters. They usually burn white gas, but they are versatile (which can be very beneficial if you plan to travel internationally). Alternative-fuel stoves (as the name implies) use other fuel sources, like wood, fuel pellets, or alcohol.
  • Stove weight. Many people are very particular about how much weight they want to put in their backpacks. Lightweight stoves usually save space and help you save energy (because you won’t have to carry unnecessary weight). This is especially important if you plan to hike on very difficult trails or traveling for more than a few days.
  • Fuel efficiency. It is important to have an efficient stove, so you don’t have to carry a lot of heavy fuel. Fuel efficiency is about more than just the amount of fuel a stove burns to cook your food or heat water. You must also factor in things like wind resistance and how much heat escapes. There are small things that can improve your stove’s fuel efficiency, like adding a windscreen and investing in high-quality cook pots.
  • Average boil time. If fuel efficiency is a priority for you, then you should factor in how long it takes to boil water. Most manufacturers publish how long it takes for each stove to boil one liter of water in average conditions. Liquid-fuel stoves usually boil water very quickly, even in the cold. Alternate-fuel stoves are usually the slowest at boiling water.
  • Piezo-igniter. This type of igniter is a button that produces a spark to ignite the fuel. It is a very convenient feature, especially as a back-up in case your matches get wet.
  • Stability. Upright model stoves tend to be very top-heavy and unstable, especially when you have a heavy pot on top. Stabilizers attach to the bottom of a fuel canister to add stability and prevent the stove from tipping over and spilling your dinner. Some stoves come with stabilizers, but they are also sold separately.
  • Conditions. Consider where you plan to go camping. Some stoves do not perform well in very cold conditions or at high altitudes. If you plan to take your stove on international adventures, consider what kind of fuel your stove burns and what will be available in the countries you plan to visit. If you are considering a wood-burning stove, will there be enough tinder and wood to burn where you plan to camp?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a backpacking stove and how does it work?

Backpacking stoves are small, lightweight cooking stoves designed to fit into a pack so people can cook food and heat water while backpacking or camping.

Gas stoves are like tiny gas grills. The little stove attaches to a small fuel canister. When you open the valve and light the gas, you have a hot flame to warm your water and food. Most stoves let you control the size of the flame by adjusting the amount of fuel that comes out of the canister.

Liquid fuel stoves work more like small engines. The stove draws liquid fuel out of the canister. The fuel gets pushed through the stove that turns the liquid into a combustible gas. This type of stove requires the user to pressurize the fuel canister before you use the stove.

Alternative-fuel stoves burn either wood or fuel pellets, just like you would burn wood in a fire pit.

How long does a backpacking stove fuel last?

Every backpacking stove is a little different. The “Burn time” is the amount of time a stove can run on a certain amount of fuel. Generally, an 8 ounce can of fuel can burn on high for about 3 hours. Many factors affect fuel efficiency, including wind, air temperatures, and elevation.

How much gas do I need for a backpacking stove?

Manufacturers usually publish the “boil time,” or the average amount of time it takes to boil 1 liter of water on their stove.

When you are backpacking, it’s important to bring enough fuel to cook every meal. Some people prefer to fill their fuel canister to the brim. Other people prefer to bring only the amount of fuel they need. One easy way to estimate how much fuel to bring on your next trip is to plan to boil one liter of water per person per meal. You should plan to bring a little more fuel if you need to cook food instead of just boiling water.

How do you light a backpacking stove?

Canister stoves are usually the easiest type of backpacking stove to light. Simply turn on the gas and light the fuel with a lighter or match.

Liquid fuel stoves are usually a little more difficult to light because they often burn white gas. Most liquid fuel stoves require priming. You must pressurize the fuel canister, then light a few drips of fuel in a small cup below the burner. The small flame preheats the fuel line so the stove can convert the liquid fuel to vapor.

Some backpacking stoves include a piezo-igniter, a small button that creates a spark to ignite the fuel easily.

No matter what kind of backpacking stove you own, it’s always a good idea to bring a backup way to light it. Be sure to pack extra matches or a lighter.

Other Backpacking Stoves We Reviewed

Best Backpacking Stove Overall

Odoland Camping Cookware Stove

Meet the best all-around backpacking stove that is lightweight, folds small, and includes several backpacking cook pots. The set includes a convenient carry bag This is the one backpacking stove and cook kit that meets all your needs.

We looked at 20 other backpacking stoves. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best backpacking stoves list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your next backpacking trip. The information you’ll need to compare each on is included with the listing.

Woodburning Backpacking Stoves

BioLite CampStove 2 Wood Burning Stove

BioLite Wood-Burning Campstove

This isn’t just a wood-burning camp stove, this nifty stove generates watts of usable electricity! It stores the power in its battery so you can recharge things with the USB charging cable. Recharge anything from LED lights to cell phones. The built-in battery gives you live data on power output and other information. The stove has internal jets with 4 fan speeds to circulate air and create a hot cooking fire. The aluminum legs fold up to take up less space

Key Features:

  • Fits pans up to 10” in diameter
  • Integrated 2600 mAh battery charges batteries
  • USB charging cord
  • Burns wood, pinecones, leaves, and other fuel you find around your campsite

Cost: $149.95

Lixada Wood Burning Backpacking Stove

Lixada Wood-Burning Campstove

Ditch the standard fuel-burning backpacking stove and go with a simple wood-burning backpacking stove. The Lixada mini foldable stove is small and lightweight. No need to carry fuel canisters on your next adventure, the Lixada backpacking stove burns leaves, wood, sticks, fuel pellets, and any other solid fuel source. The double-wall and natural convection design improves wood-burning efficiency.

Key Features:

  • Weight: o.45 lbs.
  • Made from stainless steel
  • Double-wall construction for more efficient cooking
  • Uses natural convection to create a hot cooking fire

Cost: $15.99

Ohuhu Wood Burning Backpacking Stove

Ohuhu Wood-Burning Backpacking Stove

Made with high-quality stainless steel, this little wood-burning stove collapses down to fit in your backpack. The three arms create a stable cooking surface and helps distribute the heat more evenly, even in windy conditions. Or you can use the cooking grate to grill hot dogs or other food. You’ll be able to burn twigs, sticks, pinecones, leaves, and other natural fuel. You can also use solidified alcohol tablets as fuel.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 14.2 ounces
  • Collapsible design folds down easily
  • Folded size: 5.3” x 5.3” x 3”
  • Includes convenient mesh carrying bag

Cost: $17.99

REDCAMP Wood Burning Backpacking Stove

REDCAMP Wood-Burning Stove

Made with high-quality stainless steel, this wood-burning backpacking stove is lightweight and durable. No need to pack fuel, this stove burns any kind of dry fuel you collect around your campsite, or you can burn fuel pellets. The cube design folds down small, but also provides a sturdy cooking platform. An ash pan at the bottom collects the debris from the fire and helps keep everything clean. The stove comes with a handy carrying case to help keep the rest of your belongings clean.

Key Features:

  • Made with high-quality stainless steel
  • Weight: 1.9 lbs.
  • Folds down to 8.3” x 4.9” x 1”
  • 100% money-back guarantee

Cost: $22.95

Quick-boil Backpacking Stoves

Camp Chef Mountain Series Stryker 150 Backpacking Stove

Camp Chef-Mountain Series Stryker 150

This powerful boils ½ liter of water in just 2 minutes! It burns propane and boasts a matchless ignition system, so you can light the stove even with gloves on. The heat ring technology improves fuel efficiency by as much as 30% and the tripod style legs are stable on almost every surface. Everything packs neatly into the cooking pot and fits in the handy mesh carry bag.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 21.4 ounces
  • Boils ½ liter of water in about 2 minutes
  • The cooking pot holds up to 1.3 liters
  • Mesh carrying bag included

Cost: $49.99

Fire-Maple Fixed-Star 2 Cooking System

Fire-Maple Fixed-Star 2 Personal cooking System

Fire-Maple focused on portability and efficiency in their new “Fixed-Star 2” cooking system. The cooking pot and stove system are an integrated unit to improve efficiency. You’ll be able to boil a liter of water 30% faster than with traditional backpacking stoves. The nesting design makes the stove pack down small and the locking handle folds over the lid to keep everything in place in your backpack. Fire-Maple thought of everything! They even put water measurement lines inside the pot for convenient cooking.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 21.2 ounces
  • Made with anodized aluminum, stainless steel, silicone, and copper
  • 1-liter cooking pot with locking handle
  • Folding canister stand ensures your stove is stable on most surfaces

Cost: $59.95

Primal Ridge Portable Gas Jet Burner Backpacking Stove

Portable Gas-Jet-Burner Backpacking Stove

Perfect for backpacking, boating, hunting, or even emergency situations, this light, and portable cooking stove has all the features you will ever need. The piezo ignition makes it easy to light in any weather and the canister screws into the valve burner for excellent heat retention. The weather-resistant travel bag makes it convenient to toss into your backpack.

Key Features:

  • 900 mL cooking canister with folding, silicone handles
  • Lid with sipping holes
  • Includes weather-resistant carrying case
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cost: $84.95

Jetboil Joule Camping Stove Cooking System

Jetboil-Joule-Cooking System

The Jetboil cooking system is designed for any kind of adventures, from high altitudes to cold climates. Jetboil created an advanced regulator valve so you can enjoy consistent cooking heat in temperatures as low as 10 degrees F. It has a push-button igniter to ensure you can light the stove easily in any conditions. This little stove is designed to boil water fast, but it’s also great for sautéing and cooking your food. The 2.5-liter cooking cup lets you boil large quantities of water at once and the insulator keeps things hot much longer.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 28 ounces
  • Boils 1 liter of water in under 3 minutes
  • See-through lid with built-in strainer
  • Piezo igniter

Cost: $199.95

Jetboil Zip Camping Cooking System

Jetboil Zip Camping Stove

Powered by Jetboil’s “FluxRing” technology, the Zip camping cooking system can boil water in under 3 minutes! The 0.8-liter cooking cup is insulated so everything stays hot. The bottom cover doubles as a measuring cup and bowl. Jetboil sells accessories like a coffee press, skillet, and other great additions to this efficient cooking system. The fuel canister stabilizer ensures you can cook easily on just about any surface. Customers love that this stove only weighs about 12 ounces!

Key Features:

  • Weight: 12 ounces
  • 8-liter cooking pot
  • Boils 0.5 liters of water in 2 minutes and 30 seconds
  • Drink-through lid has a pour spout and strainer
  • One-year limited warranty

Cost: $84.95

Ultralight Backpacking Stoves

Bisgear 12-piece Backpacking Stove and Cookware Set

Bisgear-12-piece-Backpacking-cookware-Stove-Set

This backpacking stove set is perfect for anyone just getting into ultralight backpacking, camping, paddle camping, and other backcountry adventures. It includes an ultralight backpacking stove packs inside the cooking pot to save space. Canister stands add extra stability to the fuel canister on most surfaces. The set includes folding utensils, two aluminum cooking pots, a wine opener, a carabiner, and a mesh bag. Everything “nests” together in fits inside the mesh carrying bag to keep your gear clean and organized.

Key Features:

  • Mini stove folds down for easy storage
  • Boil a full pot of water in under 4 minutes
  • Piezo ignition for easy lighting
  • The set is ideal for 1 to 2 people
  • 100% money-back guarantee

Cost: $29.99

BRS Ultra-Light Titanium Alloy Camping Stove

BRS-Ultralight-Titanium-Alloy-Camping-Stove.

Made from lightweight titanium alloy, this powerful little stove boils a liter of water in under 3 minutes. It produces an even flame that is easy to cook over and the control valve lets you adjust the heat. The support legs fold for easy storage but still supports most cooking pots. The BRS stove screws securely on the fuel canister and it includes pot support legs for added stability.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 25 grams
  • Made from titanium alloy
  • Burns gas
  • Boils 1 liter of water in under 3 minutes

Cost: $16.95

Coleman Sportster II Dual Fuel Backpacking Stove

Coleman-Sportster-II-Dual-Fuel-Backpacking-Stove

This stove is designed to be light, versatile, and suitable for almost every situation. The cooking surface easily handles any pan up to 6 inches in diameter. The Coleman “dual-fuel technology” lets you choose between using Coleman Liquid Fuel or unleaded gasoline. “All-Season” technology means you can use this stove even in cold temperatures. Weighing in at 2 lbs., this stove isn’t the most lightweight stove, but it is very fuel-efficient, so you won’t need to carry as much fuel with you.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 2 lbs.
  • Large enough cooking surface to handle pots up to 6” in diameter
  • “All-Season Technology” means this stove works even in cold temperatures
  • Delivers 10,000 BTU

Cost: $64.99

Etekcity Ultralight Portable Outdoor Backpacking Stove

Etekcity-Ultralight-Portable-Backpacking-Stove

Made with aluminum alloy and stainless steel for extra durability without any extra weight. This little stove is compatible with any 7/16 thread single butane fuel canister. Use the control valve to adjust the heat so you can do everything from boiling water to warming your pre-made food. This phone also adheres to “leave no trace” principles!

Key Features:

  • Collapsible down to 1.81” x 2.36 x 3.15”, perfect for ultralight backpackers
  • Adheres to “leave no trace” principles
  • Piezo ignition system for easy lighting in any condition
  • Includes a carrying case for convenience

Cost: $22.99

MSR WhisperLite Stove

MSR-WhisperLite-Portable-Camping-Stove

This stove has been the top choice of backpackers and adventurers for over 25 years! It weighs just 15.2 ounces and has the lightest fuel pump on the market. MSR incorporated fiberglass-reinforced polymer to increase the pump strength and durability. One thing to note is that this stove is designed to be used with MSR refillable fuel canisters and it only burns white gas. But it is very fuel-efficient.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 15.2 ounces
  • The fuel pump requires priming
  • Excellent cold-weather performance
  • Great fuel economy

Cost: $84.95

OutSmart Ultralight Titanium Backpacking Stove

OutSmart-Ultralight-Titanium-Backpacking-Stove

This little stove wins the “most compact” award! Folding down to just 2” x 1.5” and weighing only 0.8 ounces, it barely takes up any space in your pack! It is compatible with most standard butane/propane/isobutane mix fuel canisters with a self-sealing valve. The spiral flame technology helps keep an even flame for a consistent cooking surface. This stove is also incredibly efficient, burning just 4.9 ounces of gas per hour in standard conditions.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Made with titanium alloy for durability
  • Folds down to 2” x 1.5”, making it one of the smallest ultralight backpacking stoves on the market
  • Includes convenient carrying bag

Cost: $24.00

Terra Hiker 3500 W Backpacking Stove

Terra-Hiker-3500-W-Backpacking-Stove

If you are trying to go as lightweight as possible, this stove is a great choice. It weighs just 8.5 ounces and handles most cookware. It’s a great choice for both individuals and groups. This stove is made from aluminum alloy for lightweight durability. It has an ignition switch, so you won’t have to mess with flints, matches, or lighters. Unlike many stoves, the Terra Hiker has a low center of gravity provides extra stability on most surfaces. It folds down for easy transportation and storage.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 8.5 ounces
  • Boils 400 mL of water in under 3 minutes
  • Flame adjustment nob and gas valve
  • High heat efficiency helps save fuel

Cost: $18.99

Alcohol Backpacking Stoves

Esbit Alcohol Burner and 5-Piece Cooking Set

Esbit-5-Piece-Lightweight-Trekking-Cook-Set

The Esbit stove burns alcohol and has a screw top that lets you store fuel inside the stove instead of having to carry an extra fuel canister. It also features a variable flame regulator with a folding handle so you can adjust the flame and heat levels while cooking. The cook set includes two lightweight pots that have folding handles and nest inside each other to save space in your backpack. The larger pot has measuring markers on the outside for easy backcountry cooking and the smaller pot also doubles as a lid.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 14.7 ounces
  • Size: 5” x 5.8”
  • Includes two pots made from anodized aluminum
  • Everything nestles inside the larger pot to save space in your pack
  • Includes carrying bag

Cost: $49.34

EVERNEW Titanium Alcohol Stove

EVERNEW Titanium Alcohol Stove

This stove weighs less than 6 ounces and has a fuel capacity of 70 mL. The “bi-level jet system” delivers a strong, reliable flame that is easy to cook over. If weight and space are very limited, this stove is an excellent choice for back country cooking. The optional DX stand gives you the ability to burn different types of fuel, including wood and solid fuel. The DX stand doubles as a pot stand and helps provide wind protection.

Key Features:

  • Stove weight: 0.5 ounces
  • DX stand weight: 1.83 ounces
  • Made with lightweight titanium
  • DK stand doubles as a windscreen and pot stand

Cost: $41.90

Lofekea Mini Alcohol Burner Backpacking Stove

Lofekea Minia Alcohol Burner Backpacking Stove

This mini stove fits in the palm of your hand and is made from high-quality stainless steel for lightweight durability. It comes with a stand to make sure you have a stable cooking surface. The cover allows you to put out the flame quickly without burning your fingers. This stove is simple but has all the basic features you need to boil water or cook while on an adventure.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 117 grams
  • Size 86mm x 40mm
  • Cross stand creates a stable surface for your cooking and improves efficiency
  • Includes carrying pouch to keep everything organized

Cost: $14.99

TOMSHOO Alcohol Burning Backpacking Stove

TOMSHOO Alcohol Burning Backpacking Stove

Alcohol stoves are ultra-lightweight and small. It folds down to 5.5” x 3.9” x 2.2”, making it easy to toss into your pack. This stove comes with a windscreen to improve efficiency. A large diameter vent hole lets more air circulate, increasing the efficiency and heat output. You’ll be able to boil 500 mL of water in about 12 minutes with this alcohol burning stove.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 239 grams
  • Made with stainless steel
  • Folds down to 5.5 x 3.9 x 2.2 inches
  • Boils 500 mL of water in about 12 minutes

Cost: $21.99