Choose an Awesome Backpacking Stove

CascadeGear May 12, 2008

In some parts of the US, it’s possible to go backpacking without ever using a backpacking stove. As long as you have a steel pot that you don’t mind getting blackened on the bottom, it’s easy to cook over coals or an open fire. However, sitting in the glow of a campfire at the end of the day during a backpacking trip is becoming an increasingly uncommon experience. Due to the danger of forest fires, many national parks and wilderness areas prohibit fires altogether. Without a campfire, a stove becomes a necessity. Fortunately, there are many different types of backpacking stoves available today. Unfortunately, the sheer variety of stoves available can be confusing and make it difficult to select the appropriate model for your needs. This article will help cut through the confusion by describing the different models available and the pros and cons of each.

When choosing a backpacking stove, it’s important to consider how you will you use it. For example, will you be cooking elaborate meals, or cooking for large groups? Or, does your cooking technique consist of nothing more than boiling water? How cold does it get during the winter where you will be using the stove? How much money are you willing to spend? Each type of stove is better suited to some purposes than to others.

There are several different kinds of stoves available: Canister stoves, liquid fuel stoves, alcohol stoves, and wood stoves. Canister stoves use butane, isobutene or propane as fuel. They are basically fuel canisters with a burner on top. Canister stoves are good because they are easy to use, easy to light, and boil water quickly. Also, they don’t produce harmful fumes when they burn, and they are almost leak-proof. The downside of canister stoves is that the canister is not refillable. You have to buy a new fuel canister, and on a long distance hike it may be difficult to find a store that has a refill when you need one. Canisters are also slightly bulky, so carrying extras is an unappealing option on a long trip. Also, canister stoves experience poor performance in below-freezing weather-which is exactly when you need a reliable stove the most! These are best for people that like to cook elaborate meals, want a stove that’s extremely easy to use, and don’t plan to hike in extremely cold weather or to attempt any long distance thru-hikes.

Liquid fuel stoves are another alternative. They usually have refillable canisters, and can burn white gas, kerosene, even gasoline. Many liquid fuel stoves can burn more than one kind of fuel. With a liquid fuel stove, the fuel canister is attached to the burner by a hose. They are more complex to operate than a canister stove-instead of simply flicking a switch, you must use a pump to create enough pressure for the fuel to start moving through the hose. Also, although these stoves do function well in cold weather, they must be primed first to heat the burner and the gas line. Multi-fuel stoves are better than canister stoves for people that intend to do a long-distance hike, and for people who plan to backpack internationally. The cons of a liquid fuel stove include more time spent operating and maintaining the stove and the possibility of fuel leaking or spilling in your pack.

Alcohol stoves are stoves that use some type of alcohol for fuel. They are often used by thru-hikers because they are extremely light-weight and can burn almost any type of alcohol. Anything from rubbing alcohol to methyl alcohol to moonshine can be used to run an alcohol stove. Potential fuels can be found at truck stops, gas stations, grocery stores, hardware stores and liquor stores. Alcohol is great for the eco-conscious because it burns clean and doesn’t use up fossil fuel resources. The downside of using alcohol as fuel is that it does not create as much heat as petroleum-based fuels do. It takes longer to boil water, and on many alcohol stoves there is no way to control the heat or turn the stove down to a simmer. Also, alcohol is heavier than petroleum-based fuels are, although the stoves themselves are much lighter. If like to make your own gear, it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to make your own alcohol stove. Many different designs are available on line. Alcohol stoves work in cold weather, but not nearly as well as other types of stoves, and they must be primed first. These stoves are best for ultra light hikers, people who like building things and don’t have a lot of money to spend on a stove, thru-hikers concerned about being able to resupply in a small town, and people who are concerned with using only renewable resources when they hike.

Wood stoves are basically small firepans. Some of them come equipped with a fan to feed the fire, others use holes for ventilation. They are usually heavier than other types of stoves, but you don’t have to carry any fuel in your pack. Woodstoves are great for hikers who want to follow Leave No Trace principles yet miss the smoky smell and crackling flames of a real campfire. Wood stoves can be shipped or carried on a plane in checked baggage-an important advantage over stoves that use petroleum-based fuels, which are not allowed. Also, this is the only type of stove that you can use to make S’mores! A final advantage is that this stove works great even in freezing weather. Drawbacks include not being able to use the stove in places where wood is scarce, less control of heat than with a canister stove or a liquid fuel stove, and they may not be acceptable in places where fires are banned. Wood stoves can be purchased online, or you can make one yourself. To reduce bulk, look for a design that is either collapsible or fits in with your cooking pot.

As you can see, the type of backpacking stove that you will choose depends on several factors: the type of fuel you want to use, the types of trips you intend to take, and the type of food that you want to cook. Once you know what type of stove you want, make sure to do some research on the different brands and designs available. All backpacking stoves should have the following characteristics: lightweight, easy to pack, and as fuel-efficient as possible. When you have a model in mind, try to read some reviews and consumer reports before you actually make a purchase. This will ensure that you get the best value for your money and the best stove for your needs.

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