Comparison of Backpacking Stoves
- Multi-day back-country hikes require a lot of gear that will be strapped to your back like tent, food, clothing and stove. Keeping this weight to a minimum allows hikers to cover more ground faster and alleviate the physical stress of carrying a heavy load. Backpacking stoves have come a long way in reducing weight with functional design and stronger, lighter alloys. Almost all of today's stoves are under a pound, many weighing in at only a few ounces. When comparing stoves, taking into account fuel weight is important to calculate the total load you will be carrying. As a rule, alcohol is a lighter fuel than liquid and petrol. Below are some of the lightest stoves:
MSR DragonFly - 14 oz.
MSR Whisperlite - 11.5 oz.
Soto OD-1R - 2.6 oz.
MSR Pocket Rocket - 3 oz.
Snow Peak LiteMax - 1.9 oz.
Snow Peak Giga Power - 3.75 oz. - For virtually all backpacking stoves there are three fuel systems--canister, liquid and alcohol--all with their own pros and cons. Canister fuels, usually propane or isobutane, are mechanically simple, as the stove threads directly to the canister. Propane and isobutane are clean-burning, high-heat fuels. The ease of use, including flame and heat control, light weight and availability make canister fuels a good option. The drawback is that they loose pressure in cold, high-altitude conditions and are difficult to use in windy situations. Liquid fuels, almost always white gas, come in refillable bottles that are pressurized manually. This fuel works well in cold weather and is economical over the long term as there is less waste and the fuel is inexpensive. Liquid fuels have the tendency to spill and add more weight to your pack than canister or alcohol types. Alcohol is a clean-burning fuel and has minimal environmental impact. It is lightweight and readily available; the stoves are simple--even homemade ones are easy to make. The one problem is that it does not burn as hot as canister or liquid fuels, adding to your overall cook time.
- As with your clothing, backpacking stoves are built for certain conditions, depending on the season and geographical location. Canister stoves are best suited for summer and long backpacking trips. Liquid stoves work well in the cold and at higher elevations. Alcohol stoves are great for lightweight backpacking, the rugged individual who likes to make his own gear and the environment.
- Most sporting stores carrying a vast selection of backpacking stoves and fuel. The problem of availability is for those on long treks where they are resupplying in small towns and international travelers. Canister and liquid fuels are readily available in large cities, but small towns will often have a limited selection or none at all. International travelers may have to buy multiple adapters for their stoves as designs vary from country to country. Alcohol is widely available, from sports stores to rural gas stations, making it the most accessible stove fuel.
- Outside the mainstream, there are options for those looking for a unique cooking experience. Wood fires, the torchbearer since the beginning of civilization, has fallen out of favor for the outdoor enthusiast. The environmental impact, preparation time, possibility of wildfire and emergence of lightweight stoves have nearly extinguished the need for wood. But they are handy in an emergency or in a regulated area like a campground. Solar stoves have recently hit the market, and while they do work, their slow cook time, necessity for sun and limited practicality makes them more of a novelty than useful back-country gear. Candle stoves, usually created from an aluminum can, can be useful--mostly as light. They will not boil water and you'll have a hard time heating through any food.
