Backpacking and Camp Stoves

Recent Backpacking/Camp Stove Reviews

Campingaz Turbo 270

You can "hack" (actually very clean replacement of part) the Turbo 270 with a Coleman Peak 1 valve, in order to accept screw-on canisters in North America. Have owned the Turbo 270 for a long time (20 years?), only used once or twice way back then. Am about to try it again, so I'm posting here to inform everybody on here of this very useful hack for North American fuel canisters!  You can use the valve out of a Coleman Peak 1 stove, which is an old Camping Gaz valve but with threaded connection,… Full review

MSR WindBurner Personal Stove System

Interesting product, but is it too complicated!! Just take a bit of time to read my detailed review before splashing out around £100. OK, so I've had mine for about a year now and have loved it. It takes a bit to get it lit in blowy conditions as you've got to get the pot back on before it blows out, but once done it's like a jet aeroplane taking off. It's been fantastic up windy exposed mountain tops, until now!! Just when I really needed a hot quick drink it decided to go on strike. Just wouldn't… Full review

Optimus Svea 123

Have two of the original Sveas (1970 and 76) with the complimentary Sigg Tourister, which is a great pots/pan/dish and holding base for the stove. All still work fine in 2020 and are a wonderful piece of backpacking history. Never had a problem with mine but did retire them and don't use them as much since purchasing a Jetboil this summer. See above comments. It is 2020 and there are many other choices, but can't go wrong with old school Svea if using white gas. A nice oldie but goodie, even with… Full review

Zelph's Stoveworks Modified Starlyte

Most fuel efficient alcohol stove I have found so far and absolutely safe in use. I've had this stove for about two years and use it in summer when the country is dry and the fire risk high also on long trips as it is by far the most fuel efficient and that saves weight. Use is simple—pour fuel over the fill and ignite, no waiting time just put your pot on. The burn time is about 25 minutes with a full fuel load and a boil time varies from 4 minutes for 350 ml water to 6/7 for 700 ml. The screw… Full review

Jetboil Sumo Cooking System

The Jetboil SUMO is a user-friendly, canister-style stove that easily supports 2 to 3 people on most backpacking, camping, and paddling trips (1.8L or 61oz cup). With an improved simmer regulator and sure-fire ignition, the SUMO makes cooking a pretty simple task. Couple it with a Jetboil silicone coffee press (grande size) and you’ll have yourself a big pot of coffee each and every morning on the trail. Its biggest drawback is a finicky lid. Conditions:  I’ve used the Jetboil SUMO for three… Full review

BioLite FirePit

Great portable campfire/hibachi-style grill that you can use at home (in the backyard, of course) or camping. The lithium Ion fan/blower system helps moderate the heat content. Can handle both regular wood (split logs), wood chucks (for smoke and flavoring), charcoal, and even wood pellets (though in a very limited fashion). Relatively portable. Solar-charging cover along with a fire poker are must-have accessories. Bluetooth controls. This firepit/hibachi is great for car camping and backyard fun. Full review

Patagonia Wood Burning Stove

The Patagonia Wood Burning Stove is a foray into the lightweight wood stove arena from one of the larger retailers in the outdoor industry. It's a good first attempt resulting in a sturdy, fast boiling, simple stove that suits long distance, high mileage hikes with ample fuel where you want to extend or replace heavy fuel and boil water for simple meals. However it comes up short on stability, ease of adding fuel, and simmer/cook performance compared to other wood burning options. Patagonia Wood… Full review

MSR XGK-EX

I've had mine for many, many years. Used it for trips all over the world. I can make it simmer (it's an acquired skill). I've burned almost every flammable liquid in it. Easy to use, maintain, and rebuild in the field. I bought it at REI many, many years ago and It's been with me on bicycle trips all over the world for durations of a few days to 11 months. I've rebuilt it multiple times and it keeps on working.   It has burned almost every flammable liquid that I found along the way (white gas,… Full review

Fire Maple Blade 2

The lightest remote canister stove I have found at under 5 oz. Good build quality with titanium and aluminum construction. Suitable for inverted canister use for cold weather. I needed a good remote canister stove for my two grandsons and the Fire Maple Blade 2, with its vaporizing tube for inverted canister use, was a good choice for two teenage boys. As most adults know, teenagers are the most careless people on the planet. A stable stove is what these boys need. Additionally I got them an MSR… Full review