Backpacking and Camp Stoves

Recent Backpacking/Camp Stove Reviews

MSR DragonFly

This is a stable and reliable stove for base camp cooking or backpacking. I have used a number of MSR stoves over the years (Whisperlite, XGK, XGK EX, and the Dragonfly); they have all been reliable performers. The O-ring at the fuel line interface with the pump has always been the failure point…I replace it annually with an inexpensive O-ring from the hardware store. After 10-15 years, the pip on the pump’s NRV (non-return valve) gets hard; I just buy a new pump. Operating this stove is straightforward…pump… Full review

Optimus Clip-On Windshield

Compact and quick to install. I use this with a 100-gm canister, a Soto Amicus stove and a GSI Minimalist pot. Canister, stove, and lighter fit inside the pot while this windshield wraps around the pot taking up next to zero room. Overall a very compact setup. Increases the efficiency of the stove.  Full review

Soto Amicus with Igniter

High-quality, compact canister stove for camping and backpacking from Japanese masters Soto. Very efficient and economical, built to last and can simmer, too. I chose the Amicus over the “king” Windmaster because it has a functional, 4-arm integrated foldable support that won’t get lost or forgotten—ever. It has the same assuring built, minus some features that impact very little real-world functionality. Just holding it in my hand I can feel this thing will perform every time and last for… Full review

Optimus Clip-On Windshield

A lightweight, versatile, and inexpensive windshield for canister stoves that also works with spirit stoves. It increases stove efficiency and reduces gas consumption. Won’t fit all models/types of canister stoves and cooking pot sizes, though. After many many years using my Lixada Titanium spirit stove (Trangia-style) for cooking meals and boiling water in the backcountry, I’m back to canister stoves. My older ”generic” stove stoped working, perhaps from staying stored without use for too… Full review

Emberlit FireAnt Titanium

The Emberlit Fireant TI is a flat packing wood burner that can also be used with a spirit burner, solid fuel like Esbit, or alcohol gels. It can take a bit to get the hang of putting it together, but makes a solid base for pots and kettles.   Nice package Depending on the trip, I have been carrying the Emberlit FireAnt TI as either part of my primary cooking system or as a backup for the last two years. It was a bit of an investment at the time, but has become a useful tool that has a lot of value… Full review

Optimus Svea 123

Best part of this stove is its simplicity, and it is just plain bombproof. Bought this stove after reading Colin Fletcher's book on hiking. Fletcher hiked all over the world and sang high praise on this stove. After that I researched it and was convinced this was the stove for hiking and for me. Full review

Optimus Svea 123

I'm 71 years old and planning on hiking a section of the AT next year. I was thinking about the gear I would need when I remembered a SVEA that my father had given me. I dug it out of a canoe box. The stove probably hasn't seen the light of day in over 40 years. I filled it with fuel, primed it, and it took right off. You've got to love a quality item that works exactly as it was designed to do. I hadn't seen this stove since I was a teenager. I took it apart and looked at the various pieces. It… Full review

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