Buying Guide for Camping Backpack Stoves
A portable stove is a cooking stove specially designed to be portable and lightweight, used in camping, picnicking, backpacking, or other use in remote locations where an easily transportable means of cooking or heating is needed.
Backpacking stoves work using convection, like your stove at home, and require a source of fuel, a burner, and a container for water or food. As backpacking stoves are pretty much essential for longer trips, learning how to use one is key for all backpackers.
Benefits of Camping Backpacking Stoves
Consistent Heat
Liquid fuel offers consistent heat in both cold and hot temperatures, whereas canister fuel's performance is directly affected by ambient temperatures. Fuels in canisters tend to sputter in cooler weather, but liquid fuels continue to function, eliminating one of the variables that can complicate backcountry cooking.
Easy to Ignite
Simple to ignite with a match or lighter, even in wet or windy conditions. Some camp stoves are self-igniting. This makes them convenient and easier to use.
Variable Heat
The amount of gas you burn can change the heat easily. No matter what setting you choose, you can cook various dishes.
Lightweight
The majority of backpacking stoves are lightweight and easy to carry. Since they are light and portable, they are perfect for backpackers.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Camping Backpacking Stoves
Weight
Consider the weight of your stove when purchasing it. When you're trekking or hiking, the heavier your pack, the less fun you'll have. It is easy to pack too much - but not so easy to carry it all. You should not only consider the weight of the stove but also the weight of the pans you'll use with it and the fuel you'll need to carry.
Efficiency
The stove is designed to be efficient in what way? Heat is directed more efficiently to the pan, so the faster it boils, the less fuel you'll need, the less weight you'll carry. What is the purpose of the stove focusing the heat source exclusively onto the pan? Can the stove be equipped with a pan that is insulated with a neoprene case? Does it have a wind guard? These features make it a more efficient stove.
Fuel
Gas or liquid fuel is used to fuel stoves. Buying gas in a camping or outdoor shop in the UK or western world is easy and straightforward. If you are going to an altitude or to a cold environment, you need to invest in good fuel. Gas canisters are also difficult to dispose of responsibly and can be expensive to dispose of. The use of liquid fuel, for example, white gas, petrol, or Coleman fuel is more difficult, so it takes longer to boil a liter of water, but it is reliable in all environments and can be used virtually anywhere.
Cooking Control
Cooking control is important before buying camping backpacks. Cooking control helps you to keep control over the various cooking recipes without burning them. It also prevents overheating and burning.
Conclusion
If you want to make sure you have the best camping stove for your trip, you need to know how to choose one. An evening spent hiking with a heavy pack is not complete without a hot drink and a satisfying meal. The great outdoors also makes food taste better, a fact we all know. If you're heading out for a weekend of wild camping or packing up the car for a family outing in the woods, knowing how to choose a camping stove is a critical information.
The best camping stove depends on where you'll be using it and the conditions you'll encounter, just like the best tent or sleeping bag. Check out our featured section to learn more about your options. Reviews and recommendations are based on style, performance, and ease of use.
