Camping stove options

[tenishasc]

I am looking for recommendations on a dependable lightweight, camping pellet stove that will only be used to boil water for Dehydrated/Ramen meals on backcountry trips. In the past few years I've purchased some cheapies off Amazon that work for about a season and a half but go out for various reasons.
Not concerned about how fast it'll boil, I'd just like something that can boil up to a liter (or slightly more) at a time and also have an ignitor attached. I've been bouncing back and forth between the various options Jetboil and MSR each offer. Cant decide on the whole stove system Jetboil is best known for vs the MSR pocket rocket-type I've been accustomed to.

Thanks!

 

[Trbo6gn]

I went with the pocket rocket due to size and weight. The jet boil was just too bulky for me when going on long back country trips.

 

[ground chuck]

I went with the pocket rocket due to size and weight. The jet boil was just too bulky for me when going on long back country trips.

This

 

[Dave MP]

Cheap option:

Coleman Peak 1 Single Burner Butane/Propane Backpacking Stove - Walmart.com

Today Buy Coleman Peak 1 Single Burner Butane/Propane Backpacking Stove at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

 

[chale127]

Switchback Travel | Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024

From all-in-one models for boiling water to ultralight and alternative-fuel options, we break down the top stoves for backpacking

www.switchbacktravel.com

I've used the pocket rocket and the Soto, I prefer the soto as it includes the pot and nests together

 

[Derwood]

I've been using a MSR pocket rocket for 10+ years. Small, light, works, starts up easy, with canisters of various sizes readily available just about everywhere.

 

[MaxVO2]

****I'm actually testing some of my camping stuff out right now. Mostly making sure my tent is still functional and that I can quickly put it up and take it down, pack it, etc.. I use the mini Pocket-Rocket stove style myself and they work really well for me.

I'm going camping this Spring with some of my range friends somewhere in Virginia and these little Pocket-Rockets are good while we are out hiking to make some tea/coffee, or boil some Ramen, heat up a bit of already cooked oatmeal in a small container, etc.. Very very handy and practical device. They have a built in igniter and super easy to adjust flame. The little fuel container lasts a remarkably long time.

 

[Growler215]

Something Different:

Sierra Zip Ztove Reviews - Trailspace

It's a good choice if you don't want to fool with making sure you have enough fuel. I carry mine around for quick meals on the trail, even though I usually cook right over the fire.

www.trailspace.com

 

[crolfe1984]

I have 1000+ miles of back country hiking logged within our National Park system. For most of them I carried, and still use to this day, this exact setup.

Stove: https://www.snowpeak.com/collections/stoves-grills/products/giga-power-stove-manual-renewed2
Windscreen: https://www.snowpeak.com/collections/stoves-grills/products/gp-stove-windscreen-gp-008
4-Season IsoButane: https://www.rei.com/product/668925/snow-peak-gigapower-250-gold-fuel-canister-220g
Fuel Tripod: https://www.rei.com/product/884004/jetboil-fuel-can-stabilizer
Pots: https://www.snowpeak.com/collections/cooksets/products/ti-mini-solo-combo-scs-004t
Spork: https://www.rei.com/product/660002/snow-peak-titanium-spork
FireSteel: https://lightmyfire.com/us/swedish-firesteel-bio-army-2in1
Clean-up Tool: https://www.rei.com/product/750412/gsi-outdoors-compact-scraper

I carry the firesteel as I've found piezo auto-igniters aren't 100% reliable above 5k-6k feet in elevation. This setup is very lightweight and offers a good bit of versatility on trail and in-town at well-stocked campgrounds.

Light weight, durability, and reliability were the primary factors in my setup of choice.

 

[gamer_jim]

I am looking for recommendations on a dependable lightweight, camping stove that will only be used to boil water for Dehydrated/Ramen meals on backcountry trips. In the past few years I've purchased some cheapies off Amazon that work for about a season and a half but go out for various reasons.
Not concerned about how fast it'll boil, I'd just like something that can boil up to a liter (or slightly more) at a time and also have an ignitor attached. I've been bouncing back and forth between the various options Jetboil and MSR each offer. Cant decide on the whole stove system Jetboil is best known for vs the MSR pocket rocket-type I've been accustomed to.

Thanks!

If your planning on cooking above the tree line then you'll need alcohol based stove.

If your going some place wooded and think you can find a nice supply of dry-ish wood then consider one of these wood-gas stoves from TOAKS. I have this one and have been able to boil water in a few minutes from wood I find laying around. My fire starter is a cotton ball unraveled and coated with petroleum jelly. I then stuff that into a wide diameter plastic straw. I then seal both ends by crimping with needle nose plyers and applying a flame. This keeps it water proof. I then bring a can of waterproof matches to start it with. As long as you think you can find dry enough wood scraps this is a good choice for hiking.

They also sell a 750ml cup that the whole thing goes into. Very lightweight and easy to set up.

TOAKS Titanium Backpacking Wood Burning Stove

Lightweight, compact and efficient titanium wood stove.

www.toaksoutdoor.com

 

[madmantrapper]

what's wrong with a wood fire, don't have to carry anything extra? Been doing it for years.

 

[Bullfrog]

what's wrong with a wood fire, don't have to carry anything extra? Been doing it for years.

Sometimes the area is wet, and so is the wood.

Sometimes the area is dry, and a no campfire rule might be in effect.

Options are good. Sometimes you might go with only one, and wish you had another.

 

[BFMIN]

I've been using one or another of the Trangia alcohol stoves since I was a teen. I've wandered in to multi-fuel & high tech & always end up coming back to the basic one with a simmer ring.

Trangia Stove-arkiv - Page 3 of 4 - Trangia

TRANGIA STOVE 25 LARGE is our larger stove, perfect for 3-4 people. TRANGIA STOVE 27 SMALL is the slightly smaller stove and is suitable for 1-2 people. There are several complete variants to choose from with different materials in windshields, pots and frying pans. Do you want with or without a...

trangia.se

If you can find a complete one at a non farcical price get the Swede Messkit. It includes one & can also be used as a Hobo stove,or a charcoal burner.
That & a Blast Match & a bottle of more alcohol & you're golden. You can stash a surprising amount inside it packed for transport.

 

[Growler215]

what's wrong with a wood fire, don't have to carry anything extra? Been doing it for years.

The Sierra Zip Stove is more like a supercharged rocket stove, with a small fan significantly increasing the heat output in a small area. Ideal for quickly boiling a pot of water using a couple of pine cones or a few sticks. So it's faster and more fuel efficient than a standard wood fire.

Not as good for comaraderie, area heating or warming your hands and backside as a wood fire, but sometime you just want a quick meal before hitting the sack.

 

[crolfe1984]

what's wrong with a wood fire, don't have to carry anything extra? Been doing it for years.

Love a wood fire when I can get one going! However, so many of the NPS areas ban wood fires during the summer months. The dry conditions and fire danger can be way to high. For as long as I've been hiking, NPS has banned wood fires over 10k feet out in the Sierra Nevadas.

 

[mocoloco]

Bingo. Cheap and reliable.

Edit: This was in response to the poster advocating for the pocket rocket as lightweight, etc.

 

[Boats]

I have used Optimus multi-fuel (burns anything except propane or butane) and a Snowpeak butane recently. (Dunno the model, but it was an REI cheapo with integrated piezo-electric ignitor.

I like the Optimus because as a package for BTUs to weight, it is the lightest. That said, it is a liquid fuel stove which can be finicky to light and regulate heat on.

The Snowpeak is way more user friendly but there is a weight penalty there. For deep back country work, I'd choose the liquid fuel. One fuel medium bottle lasts me 4 days. For 3 day outings or less I'd choose the butane/propane.

 

[Ponder_MD]

My friend has this: http://tinyurl.com/ybrxsat8

It has a lithium battery attached to it. The battery runs a small fan that creates a draft. Once the stove is up to temperature, not only can you cook on it but it recharges the battery and you can charge a cell phone or GPS. It'll burn pellets or ordinary wood.

 

[King Chicken]

I swear by the Jetboil. Using it for 20 years or so. You'll be glad you got it.
The built in wind guard and heatsink saves you bunches of fuel. Can cook in it...igniter excellent, quick, lightweight, insulation sleeve, small footprint if you stuff it, durable, and on and on.

 

[King Chicken]

I have used Optimus multi-fuel (burns anything except propane or butane) and a Snowpeak butane recently. (Dunno the model, but it was an REI cheapo with integrated piezo-electric ignitor.

I like the Optimus because as a package for BTUs to weight, it is the lightest. That said, it is a liquid fuel stove which can be finicky to light and regulate heat on.

The Snowpeak is way more user friendly but there is a weight penalty there. For deep back country work, I'd choose the liquid fuel. One fuel medium bottle lasts me 4 days. For 3 day outings or less I'd choose the butane/propane.

Regular size cheap iso butane last me like 2 weeks. Are you cranking the fuel on high? I always cook at the lowest setting possible unless I'm trying to get rid of a can. Windy environment?
I use a Jetboil and a snow peak lite max.