BioLite Headlamp

How to Choose a Backpacking Stove 

Decide on the stove type you want 

Backpacking stoves are categorized by the type of fuel they use and how the fuel is stored. 

• Canister stoves use canisters of isobutane or propane. They’re easy to use and low maintenance. 

• Integrated canister systems pair a canister with a burner and a built-in pot. 

• Liquid fuel stoves connect to refillable fuel bottles. They’re versatile because they burn many types of fuels like white gas, kerosene and unleaded auto fuel.  

• Alternative-fuel stoves run on fuel pellets, wood or other fuel. 

The pros and cons of each type

• Canister stoves. Pros: easy to use. Low maintenance. Boils quickly. Cons: flame can weaken in the cold. 

• Integrated canister systems. Pros: boil water extremely quickly. Cons: prone to tipping. 

• Liquid fuel stoves. Pros: work well in cold weather. Boil water quickly, even in cold weather. Cons: require priming and occasional maintenance. 

• Wood-Burning Stoves. Pros: often simple, lightweight. Cons: require finding dry wood. Fire bans may limit use. 

• Denatured Alcohol Stoves. Pros: simple, quiet, use cheap alcohol. Cons: slow to boil. 

Select the right specs and features  

Consider a stove’s weight, average time to boil one liter of water and whether it features a push-button spark igniter (found on some canister-fuel stoves). 

Brightness  

Typically, the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light.   

• A headlamp with a high lumens count will consume energy at a higher rate than one with a lower lumens number. 
• Most headlamps offer several brightness levels like low, mid and high (max). Others may offer an emergency strobe or red-light mode for nighttime vision. 

Consider the power source 

• Lithium battery–powered headlamps are a good choice for cold-weather use, since lithium batteries outperform alkaline batteries in cold conditions.
• Rechargeable batteries can be used repeatedly but tend to lose power when sitting idle.  

Understand headlamp beam type and distance 

• Flood (or wide): This spreads the beam wider and is for general, close tasks like cooking dinner or reading. 
• Spot (or focused or narrow). A tight beam for longer-distance viewing, such as navigating a trail at night. 
• Flood and spot: Adjustable headlamps are the most versatile.