Backpacking Stoves I Wish I Tried Sooner!

MyLifeOutdoors・2 minutes read

Various camping stoves like canister, white gas, alcohol, wood burning, and solid fuel stoves were tested and rated based on ten key areas. The pill bottle alcohol stove performed the best in all categories, but canister stoves like the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 are fast and affordable, making them a popular choice despite limitations in cold weather.

Insights

  • The MSR Pocket Rocket 2, a canister stove, is a popular choice due to its speed, lightweight design, and affordability at $50, although it has limitations in cold weather and noise levels.
  • The pill bottle alcohol stove, despite potential stability and fuel discharge issues, emerged as a top performer in testing, excelling in all categories, showcasing the importance of thorough evaluation beyond initial impressions.

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Recent questions

  • What are the pros and cons of canister stoves?

    Canister stoves, like the popular MSR Pocket Rocket 2, are known for being fast, lightweight, compact, and affordable at $50. However, they are not ideal for cold weather conditions and can be noisy during operation. It's important to consider these factors when deciding if a canister stove is the right choice for your camping needs.

  • How do white gas stoves compare to other types?

    White gas stoves, such as the MSR Whisperlite, are versatile for different fuels and perform well in cold weather. However, they require more setup, are pricey at almost $200, and produce soot during use. While they have their advantages, it's crucial to weigh these factors against your camping requirements before selecting a white gas stove.

  • What are the key features of wood burning stoves?

    Wood burning stoves, like the Toaks model, are simple, lightweight, and inexpensive at $45. However, they are slow to boil water, can be messy, and require constant feeding of twigs for fuel. If you value simplicity and cost-effectiveness in a camping stove, a wood burning stove may be a suitable option for your outdoor adventures.

  • Are solid fuel stoves a good choice for lightweight camping?

    Solid fuel stoves, such as the Vargo titanium stove, are the lightest option at 2.2 ounces and cost-effective at $35. However, they have limited fuel availability and longer boiling times compared to other stove types. If you prioritize weight savings and affordability in your camping gear, a solid fuel stove could be a practical choice for your backpacking trips.

  • How do alcohol stoves perform in comparison to other stoves?

    Alcohol stoves, like the pill bottle stove, are fast, lightweight, and inexpensive at $39, with readily available fuel options. However, they have slower cook times and may present challenges with fuel recapture. Despite these drawbacks, the pill bottle alcohol stove surprisingly outperformed other stoves in testing, scoring the highest in all categories. Consider these factors when evaluating if an alcohol stove aligns with your camping preferences and needs.

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Summary

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Comparing Camping Stoves: A Comprehensive Review

  • The author compares various types of camping stoves, including canister, white gas, alcohol, wood burning, and solid fuel stoves.
  • They decided to test and rate each stove on a ten-point scale based on ten key areas like boiling speed, ease of use, price, weight, fuel availability, and cold weather performance.
  • The popular MSR Pocket Rocket 2, representing canister stoves, is fast, lightweight, compact, and affordable at $50, but not ideal for cold weather and can be noisy.
  • Jetboil stoves, similar to canister stoves, are faster but expensive at almost $200, heavy, and limited to specific pots.
  • White gas stoves like the MSR Whisperlite are versatile for different fuels, work well in cold weather, but require more setup, are pricey at almost $200, and produce soot.
  • Wood burning stoves, like the one from Toaks, are simple, lightweight, and inexpensive at $45, but slow to boil water, dirty, and require constant feeding of twigs.
  • Solid fuel stoves, like the Vargo titanium stove, are the lightest at 2.2 ounces, cost $35, but have limited fuel availability and longer boiling times.
  • Alcohol stoves, like the pill bottle stove, are fast, lightweight, inexpensive at $39, with readily available fuel, but have slow cook times and fuel recapture challenges.
  • The pill bottle alcohol stove surprisingly outperformed other stoves in testing, scoring the highest in all categories, but may have stability issues and fuel discharge concerns.
  • Canister stoves may be the only legal option in some areas due to fire risks, so it's essential to check local regulations before choosing a stove.
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