MSR Camp Kitchen

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). 

Do you want a cookset or individual pieces? 

You can buy a collection of pots and pans designed to nest together or build a set piece by piece.

Pick the cookware material to suit your activity.

• Aluminum is lightweight and affordable. Good for simmering foods without scorching. A drawback is that it dents easily.
• Hard-anodized aluminum resists scratches and abrasion and last a long time.
• Stainless steel: More durable and scratch resistant than aluminum but heavier so is better suited for car camping.
• Titanium cookware is the lightest option, heats up quickly and highly corrosion resistant. But titanium costs more than other options.

Other considerations and items

• Pot size: The largest pot in a cook set should hold about 1 pint per backpacker or camper in your party.
• Number of pots: If you plan to cook dehydrated foods for two backpackers, then one pot is sufficient. More elaborate meals mean more pots.
• Lids reduce cooking time and save fuel. Some double as plates.