There is a variety of backpacking stoves on the market. Finding the one that is best for you begins with knowing your specific needs. There are stoves designed for different fuel types, to be lightweight, reliable in variable weather conditions, and easy to use. And a lengthy expedition would warrant a different backpacking stove than a weekend family trip.
Best Ultra-Lightweight Stove
The National Geographic Adventure 2009 Award Winning stove, the Snow Peak LiteMax, weighs in at a mere 1.9 ounces. This lightweight stove burns hot at 11,000 BTUs and fits in the palm of your hand. It sports a large support arm providing a stable cooking surface and has a flame-control adjustment valve, allowing you to simmer or boil your food. Boil time is 5.5 minutes.
Best Lightweight Stove
The MSR WhisperLite wins out in the lightweight category. This stove has been a favorite among backpackers for years. It weighs 13 ounces and can boil water in less than 4 minutes. It's reliable, and easy to carry and use. The WhisperLite has a multifuel-burning capacity and is field maintainable, meaning that it is designed to allow you, with an MSR maintenance kit, to fix most problems you might encounter on your trip.
Best Multifuel Stove
The MSR XGK EX Stove weighs 13.2 ounces. It burns white gas, kerosene, aviation gas, auto fuel, diesel, naphtha, and Stoddard solvent. Backpacker magazine picked this stove for when you're headed overseas, where fuel is limited or when the temperature dips below freezing. The MSR XGK EX has a self-cleaning shaker jet. The wind screen and heat reflector reportedly outperform the competition. It is noisy and has no simmer options, but can't be beat on fuel options.
Best Expedition Stove
The Optimus Nova Multi-Fuel stove is the choice for high-altitude and winter backpacking. It can use a number of different fuels. It weighs 15.3 ounces and boils water in a little more than 4 minutes. It has excellent flame control, good stability and power, and is durable and stable.
Best Overall Stove
The MSR Dragonfly backpacking stove is a great overall stove because it combines the best features: lightweight, multifuel options, a 4-minute boiling time, stability, durability, and fuel-valve-control adjustments. This stove is field maintainable and accommodates small to large pots. All of these characteristics work together to offer a great all-in-one stove that can perform in extreme conditions.
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