3 Basic Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Backpacking Stove

In choosing which backpacking stove to bring, consider the size, portability, fuel to be use, and the design.

Camping is not complete without the food. To make hot and fresh meals possible, you need the perfect stove to bring during your backpacking experience. Here are some guidelines to consider when choosing the right backpacking stove to bring.

Size and portability

Before choosing the desired backpacking stove, think on which kind of trip you are planning to go to. Try to estimate where would you most likely be cooking your meals and for how many people you will be cooking for. Also take note on the level of difficulty of the dishes to be prepared. Backpacking stove are available in different sizes fit for various occasions from lightweight stoves to multi-burner platforms. If you are going on a rugged hiking trip, better bring a compact and easy to carry stoves. For a short backpacking trip, you can consider bringing the larger stoves. For convenience during the whole trip choose a stove that is easy to store and can be disconnected from the fuel supply. Also consider the ones that needs assembling or collapsible for easily storage in the vehicle and while hiking.

Fuel to be used

Focus also on the different fuels used for backpacking stoves. Propane and Butane gases are clean-burning and easily ignited. Flames produced can be adjusted easily but are more expensive than other fuel types. Kerosene are cheaper and easier to find than Propane gases. It yields a higher temperature output however it emits gaseous odor that might affect the taste and smell of you dish. White gas is another fuel that burns easily, it's clean and the spilled fuel evaporates quickly. It's effect for any weather conditions, but it not always easily available in contrast to Kerosene and Propane. Denatured alcohol is a renewable fuel source which has low volatility. It burns silently and steadily but has minimal heat production and cooking time make longer requiring more fuel. It's environment-friendly but it's not recommended when cooking for many.

Design

For convenience, also select which design is the most comfortable for you. Once you've decided on the size and fuel type to be used consider the features of the stove. Take into consideration the difficulty of it's set-up. Check for the durability of the design whether it can endure any type of location. Pay attention on the knobs and switch whether they are easy to use or cannot be easily broken. Choose also the ones that are easily to clean and has basic maintenance procedures that you can do by yourself.

On a camping trip, always go for efficiency and practicality in choosing what to bring. With that, you can avoid minor problems while enjoying your camping experience.

Backpacking - Top Tips on What to Look For in a Backpacking Stove

As there can be many options when it comes to buying a backpacking stove so many backpackers get confused in choosing the best stove. It is an extremely useful item so making the correct choice is key so follow these great tips to realize the options that are available.


When it comes to choosing a backpacking stove the first thing you should consider is choosing a stove that actually satisfies your backpacking needs. A huge bulky stove is no good for backpacking but in contrast, a stove that is too small isn't much use either as it will be too small to prepare your food. Although you should consider your own requirements when you are choosing one, there are a few basic points to bear in mind that every backpacking stove should have.


A backpacking stove needs to be durable and sturdy. It is much safer to have a sturdy stove. Look for features like strong legs as you may not always have smooth ground to set up your stove. You should be able to stir a pot without it tipping over.


Choose a stove that is easy and simple to use. Look how easy it is to set up and fold up once you have finished using it. It should fold up to be very compact so it can fit in your backpack without taking up too much room. Observe how easy it is to connect up to your fuel and disconnect afterwards. Fully read the instructions and understand how to vary the heat. There are stoves available with built in wind screens - this is something you may want to consider as it is a brilliant help in windy weather so that your stove stays lit throughout your cooking.