Using an open fire for cooking in the backcountry is not recommended. While this used to be common practice, it is less practical for backpacking due to the convenience of modern stoves. With the risk of forest fires and the ecological benefits of not gathering ground wood, many wilderness areas do not allow fires.
A modern backpacking stove is an important part of most overnight expedition gear lists. For winter camping and alpine climbing, stoves are crucial for melting snow to make water. On multi-day backpacking trips, bringing dry food that needs water to cook means carrying less water weight, and stoves are necessary for heating that water.
With many types of stoves on the market, choosing the right one can be challenging. This guide aims to shed some light on the different types of stoves, their pros and cons, and the ideal use cases for each. Hopefully this will give you a better understanding so you don’t feel like you’re in hot water navigating all the choices.
Canister: Fuel canisters filled with a mix of isobutane and propane serve as the base for the stove burner, which screws into the top of the canister and interfaces with the cookware. Some brands offer integrated systems with a pot that fits securely onto the burner. The single-use fuel canisters can be recycled once emptied.
Liquid fuel: These stoves use flammable liquid that either burns in a reservoir or is pressurized in a tank. Pressurized liquid fuel is aerosolized through a jet in the burner, while alcohol fuel doesn’t need to be pressurized and burns in a reservoir below the cooking surface.
Solid fuel: A solid chemical fuel, like a flammable briquet or Sterno canister, offers quick, consistent heat to cook over.
Wood: Firewood or special pellets are burned in a self-contained chamber with a cooking platform above the flames. Some models, such as those from BioLite, produce electricity from the heat, which can be used to charge devices and power an included light.
Canister stoves are very popular because they are lightweight, simple, convenient, and boil water very quickly. They can be expensive—especially the models with integrated cooking pots. Also, the canisters are not reusable, but they are recyclable. For long multi-day trips, carrying several canisters can be bulky. Finally, fuel canisters are not allowed on planes, so having a source for canisters at your destination is required when traveling.
Liquid fuel stoves are versatile and reliable. The stoves that use a pressurized tank are compatible with white gas, kerosene, and even unleaded gasoline—so no problem finding fuel even in remote international locations. Often the choice for alpine and expedition climbers, these stoves are fully serviceable and easy to clean, which makes them a dependable option. Though less bulky than fuel canisters, liquid fuel is heavier. Some models also have an adapter to use isobutane canisters.
Non-pressurized liquid stoves use denatured alcohol, which is inexpensive and readily available at most hardware stores. These stoves are simple and reliable, but boiling times are longer than canister or pressurized liquid stoves.
Solid fuel burning stoves are reliable. This is an inexpensive option to heat something, but boiling time is slower than canister or pressurized liquid fuel stoves. Though not the most ideal for backpacking, these are good to have in an emergency kit. Finally, these incendiary products are not allowed on planes.
Wood stoves can charge your cell phone while cooking dinner. These are heavy, and if you’re camping in the desert or above tree line, then you need to bring wood pellets with you. Wood stoves are also dirty and produce ash as the byproduct. Finally, the flame is not adjustable—so no simmer.
For one- or two-night trips where you only need a stove to heat water, the convenience and fast boiling times of a canister stove are hard to beat.
Liquid fuel stoves really shine on longer trips where you need to pack fuel for several days. Also, they are the most versatile in terms of fuel compatibility, so these are great for international expeditions.
Solid fuel burning stoves are easy for when you need a quick flame. These are good to keep in an emergency kit or if you’re camping on a budget.
Wood burning stoves are good for areas with abundant wood on the ground. Having a battery charger and LED lamp is a handy bonus. If you don’t already know how to build a fire, then this may not be the best option. These should not be used in wilderness areas with fire restrictions or during periods of high fire danger.
So which is the best stove? Well, there isn’t a simple answer. Depending on intended use and budget, there is a best option for everyone. Hopefully this helps explain the different stove types plus their advantages and disadvantages.