MSR WhisperLite

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? Backpacking tent models usually hold 1 to 5 people.
• There’s no industry standard for what each size means, so check product specs.
• Assume a close fit for the number of people your tent is designed to accommodate, especially with ultralight models. If you need more elbow room, consider the next size up.

Decide whether you need all-year protection

• Many backpackers, especially beginners, choose a 3-season tent for great all-around protection.
• 3+- season tents are a little sturdier and warmer than their 3-season cousin, and with less mesh.
• 4-season tents are engineered to handle high winds and other severe weather. This can make them stuffy in warm weather.
• Consider alternative shelters like hammock tents, bug shelters or bivy sacks depending on your preferences and the conditions you may typically encounter on backpacking trips.

Tent weight

Backpacking tents are a tradeoff between weight and comfort. Pay attention to the difference between packaged weight (every part included) and minimum trail weight (the weight of just the tent, rain fly and poles).

Think about livability

• Peak area: How tall is the tent?
• Floor area: How much square footage is inside?

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.