MSR Lightning

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). 

What capacity tent do you need?  

• How many are in your group? Tents vary in size from 2- to 8-person. 
• Assume a close fit for the number of people your tent is designed to accommodate. If you need more space for dogs and gear, size up. 

Choose the seasonality 

• 3-season tents are great shelters for most of the year. They have ample mesh for good airflow and can withstand basic downpours. 
• 3+- season tents are a little sturdier, and with less mesh, and are warmer than their 3-season cousins. 
• 4-season tents are engineered to handle high winds and other severe weather. This can make them stuffy in warm weather. 

Decide on key features 

• Peak height: Look for a taller peak height if you want to stand up in the tent.  
• Floor length: Can you fully lie down if you’re tall? Will it fit your cot or air mattress? 
• Doors: If multiple people are sleeping in the tent, you might want more than one door for more convenient access. 

Do you need a water filter or water purifier? 

• Filters: Remove protozoa (Cryptosporidium, Giardia) and bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella)—main concerns in the U.S. and Canada. 

• Purifiers: Also combat viruses such as hepatitis A, rotavirus and norovirus.  

Types of water filters 

• Straw: Light and easy to use, but only works when you're at a water source. 

• Bottle: Lightweight, quick and affordable. Water volume is limited by bottle size. 

• Gravity: Easy to use, handles large quantities of water, and has a replaceable element.

• Pump: Precise, works in shallow water sources and has a replaceable filter but bulky and requires cleaning.

• Ultraviolet light: Fast, no filter to replace; requires batteries and prefiltering for cloudy water. 

• Squeeze: Compact and affordable; water quantity is limited by reservoir size. 

• Chemicals: Inexpensive, ultralight backup method; long wait time and don't taste great.