As any seasoned hiker knows, the key to a successful outdoor adventure is being prepared. And one of the most important items to pack is a reliable and lightweight stove. A good stove can make all the difference when it comes to preparing hot meals and drinks on the trail, giving you the fuel and energy you need to power through long days of hiking.
With so many lightweight stove options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That's why we've compiled a list of the best lightweight stoves to take on your next hike. Whether you're a solo hiker or part of a group, these stoves offer the perfect combination of portability, efficiency, and affordability. So, whether you're boiling water for a morning coffee or cooking up a hearty meal at the end of a long day, these stoves have got you covered.
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is one well-liked choice. This stove can fit in the palm of your hand and only weighs 73 grams. It includes a reliable, high-performance burner that can boil a litre of water in just over three minutes and is compatible with isobutane-propane fuel canisters. The precision flame control lets you go from full blast to simmer, and the WindClip windshield can help with efficiency in breezy conditions. It also features redesigned folding pot supports that create an exceptionally tiny packed size. With a stainless steel structure that can tolerate abuse, the PocketRocket 2 is dependable and robust as well.
Weight: 73 grams
Dimensions: 104 mm x 57 mm x 57 mm
Boil time: 3.5 minutes for 1 liter of water
Burn time: Up to 60 minutes on a 227g canister
Output: 8,200 BTUs
The Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System is an additional fantastic option. This burner is 415 grams in weight and comes with a 1-liter cooking pot that serves as both a mug and a bowl. A litre of water can be boiled on the MiniMo's radiant burner in around 3.5 minutes. You can also tell when the water is hot enough to drink thanks to a heat indicator that changes colour. The MiniMo's main drawback in that it is not as portable as some other stoves, making it a less desirable option for ultralight backpackers, but the burner has a lot of control that enables you to cook a lot of different meals aside from boiling water for dehydrated dinners.
Weight: 415 grams (including fuel canister stabilizer)
Dimensions: 127 mm x 152 mm
Boil time: 2 minutes and 15 seconds for 0.5 liters of water
Burn time: Up to 60 minutes on an 100g canister (depending on conditions)
Output: 6,000 BTUs
For hikers and backpackers, the Soto Windmaster is another excellent option. This stove is made to be incredibly small and light, weighing only 67 grams. It boasts a powerful, reliable burner that can boil a litre of water in around 4 minutes and is compatible with isobutane-propane fuel canisters. The stainless steel and aluminium architecture of the stove makes it resistant to damage.
Weight: 87 grams (excluding fuel canister)
Dimensions: 75 mm x 57 mm x 50 mm
Boil time: 3 minutes and 10 seconds for 0.8 liters of water
Burn time: Up to 1 hour on a 250g canister (depending on conditions)
Output: 11,000 BTUs
For something a little different, The Biolite CampStove Electricity Generating Stove is a fantastic choice for individuals who like a wood-burning stove. While its anything but lightweight at over 900 grams, it can burn twigs, leaves, and other small pieces of biomass. The highlight though? You can use it to charge your phone or other electronic gadgets while you're on the go because it has a built-in battery that charges while the stove burns. Additionally, the CampStove incorporates a USB port for charging and a fan to improve the efficiency of the fire. In damp or humid regions, it could be more difficult to find dry wood to burn, which is a possible drawback.
Weight: 935 grams (including the internal fan and battery)
Dimensions: 127 mm x 203 mm
Boil time: 4.5 minutes for 1 liter of water
Burn time: Up to 20 hours on a full charge of the internal battery
Output: 2W (5V, 2A) USB output
The best portable stove for trekking will ultimately depend on your own requirements and tastes. Any of the stoves listed above would make a terrific addition to your hiking equipment and are all great options. When selecting the best stove for your purposes, it's crucial to carefully take into account elements like weight, fuel efficiency, dependability, and cost.
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