Backpacking and Camp Stoves

Recent Backpacking/Camp Stove Reviews

MSR Universal Canister Stand

Inexpensive and lightweight GICD prevention for canister top stove users. “If you push something hard enough, it will fall over” — Fudd's First Law of Opposition (from the Firesign Theater comedy album “I Think We’re All Bozos on This Bus”) Mathematics tells us that when you put a heavy object on top of a tall support with a relatively narrow base, well, it will fall over. For example, let’s say you’re boiling up some pasta on your fancy canister top stove system (i.e. MSR Windburner… Full review

Soto Amicus with Igniter

A little smaller than the Soto Windmaster, which I would call reference stove in wind. I have used the Soto Windmaster lately on my PCT and was really exited about the flame in the wind (nearly every day you have wind). I aslo loved the igniter which was robust enough in sandstorms etc. I used the Windmaster with the Triflex, which was light (68g), but you had to put together and store two pieces of gear. I also could transport the Windmaster vertically in the Snow Peak 900 and Snow Peak 700. But… Full review

Soto Amicus with Igniter

A good balance of performance and light weight in a wind-resistant, pocket-size canister stove, with a reliable piezo igniter for one-clicks starts. Jake W has ably reviewed the Soto Amicus / New River pot combo that all the top TS reviewers of 2019, including myself, received in recognition of our efforts. Anyone interested in the Amicus should also take a look at Jake’s review, which includes photos of most of the details. With this review I just thought I’d add a few observations of my own. Full review

Solo Stove Lite

An efficient gasifier stove that allows one to use found wood for fuel rather than carrying fuel. While it can be used with any pot or pan that can handle open fire, the Lite nestles within the Solo Stove Pot 900. Best used for boiling water or heating foods for 1-2 people. Recommended for those who don't mind the brief ritual of collecting and preparing natural fuel whenever they wish to use the stove. The two-piece Solo Stove Lite with drawstring pouch The Solo Stove Lite is a gasifier stove. Full review

Soto Micro Regulator Stove

Japanese manufacturing excellence at an affordable price. The Soto regulator stove is marvel of engineering made to precise Japanese standards. Piezo works every time, light, compact, and can be used in moderate wind (works better when protecting the stove from the wind). I have used this stove in moderate rain without an issue. The gas regulator works perfectly and it is straightforward to simmer food rather than burn it... On a side note, most things made in Japan greatly exceed the manufacturing… Full review

Soto Micro Regulator Stove

Piezo hasn't failed in 8+ years, stove weighs less than comparable products, and the overall durability is record-setting. The MicroRegulator was a well-reviewed product when it was released. I am still amazed that more backpackers and outdoors folks haven't heard of it or seen it. It has worked well in the mid-teens (North Rim of the Grand Canyon, 8000ft+) and under every other condition I've hiked and camped in for the past 8 years. I purchased it as a returned product at an REI garage sale over… Full review

Primus Classic Trail

Solid little stove. Not as light as some micro stoves but has four pot holders with a 4.5-inch radius. And it is inexpensive, but not cheap Primus Classic Trail Camping Stove   Countin' ounces... Looked at several dinky alternatives at 4-6 ounces, but Primus Classic Trail Stove (great Primus lineage) has larger burner, four pot supports, packs compactly (fits in my pot including small gaz cannister)   and is only 9oz. Used on multiday backpack in Uintas in bad weather and worked just fine. Check… Full review

Optimus Svea 123

I've had my SVEA 123 (not R) stove since the early seventies. It's never failed me on a camping trip. Apart from the priming, super easy to use, and it even simmers. My SVEA was one of the highlights of any of my modest backpacking trips. Hearing that jet burst of flame meant a hot, well earned meal was close at hand and marked a welcomed inflection point to the end of a sweaty day on the trail. I have an MSR Dragonfly, and it's a great stove, but requires some setting up of course. The SVEA, just… Full review

Coleman Dual Fuel 2-Burner Stove

Great family camping stove. Reliable in all weather conditions. What's not to love about these great American-made stoves? My family used this stove for about 8 years in all kinds of weather and as a backup for power outages. It's shown no signs of failing despite our somewhat rough handling. It's a great theory to think you're going to cook on an open fire until you're hit with the inevitable snow or rain. Although stubborn at times, it always fires up regardless of the weather and cooks great… Full review