Originally published in 2020, updated in November 2025

Editor’s Note: While updating the camp stove Gear Index for 2025, we were heartened to see most stoves still available, along with some new options that look suitable for bikepacking. Something that stood out while updating some existing listings was the drastic price increase, with 20 to 30 percent increases on more than half of the stoves in the index. It’s no surprise that things cost more, considering it’s been five years since we first published this resource, but we weren’t expecting such a significant jump.

When selecting (or making) a stove for bike touring or bikepacking, there are several factors to consider. We’ve tried dozens of stoves and cooking methods over the years and often bring specific stoves for different trips. For longer outings, the chief deciding factor is what type of fuel will be available to restock along the way. But there are also a few other details to take into account, including temperatures and environmental conditions, carrying space (for fuel and the stove), how many people you plan on cooking for, and what types of meals you intend to prepare.

The three most important logistical variables to consider are:

Another often-overlooked factor is the environmental impact of certain camp stoves. Pre-pressurized canisters are inherently wasteful, and the larger propane canisters usually end up in landfills. Liquid-fuel stoves might be the most environmentally conscious choice, since the bottles can be reused and virtually every drop of fuel can be used.

Types of Stoves for Bikepacking

There are five main types of stoves for bikepacking. Here are the basics about each one, along with their strengths and weaknesses, and where and when they’re best used.

Complete List of Stoves for Bikepacking

There are many stoves available for purchase (usually $20 to $200) as well as several designs that are fairly easy to make yourself. In this Gear Index, we list the stoves we’ve tested (marked with a hexagonal “T” icon, as usual) and many that are on our radar. We’ve included key specs for each stove, including packed size, weight, and BTU output, which should assist in making an informed decision.

• $40

  Alpkit Kraku

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane
  • Output: 8871 BTU
  • Pack Size: 1.3 × 2" (3 × 5cm)

  Weighing just 45g, the Alpkit Kraku is described as a “ultra-compact titanium micro camping stove,” designed for solo pursuits when pack size is important. The Kraku is made from titanium, aluminum, and brass to keep the overall weight down, uses a spring control valve, and has three foldable pot supports that work well with pots at least 6.5cm in diameter. Despite its size, the Kraku pumps out around 8,900 BTU and performs similarly to stoves twice its size.

  From Cass’ Review: Alpkit has earned itself a solid reputation in the UK for getting people out into the outdoors affordably: it makes no-nonsense products that generally do a very good job, without incurring the premium price we often associate with specialist camping gear. In this regard, the Kraku certainly fits neatly into Alpkit’s product line. If a gas canister stove works best for you, I have no hesitation in recommending it for general bikepacking use, outside of extreme conditions. I’ve used it throughout the summer on short overnighters or just carried it to places where I wasn’t completely sure I’d end up needing to cook. And I’ve chatted to others who report no issues after more than a year of regular use on the shoulder seasons too.

  Highlights

  • Minuscule size
  • Excellent power output
  • Solid build quality
  • Affordable

  Drawbacks

  • Not as stable as larger stoves; small pots best
  • Benefits from a wind shield or being tucked behind rocks if windy
  • Waste produced from gas canister stoves; be sure to recycle properly

  • Weight: 45 grams (1.6 oz)
  • Price: $40
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $17

  BRS 3000T

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Type: Butane / Propane
  • Output: 9,200 BTU
  • Pack Size: 2 x 1.5" (5 x 4cm)

  The BRS 3000T camp stove is a tiny little thing. It’s made from titanium but has aluminum and brass components. It packs a punch for such a tiny stove, pushing out up to 9,200 BTU, which falls somewhere between the 4,000 to 11,000 BTU range of stoves I regularly use. It weighs next to nothing at 26 grams (28 grams claimed), and the only comparable stoves I could find appear to be rebranded (or potentially the original) versions of the exact same stove, mostly available on Amazon.

  The BRS 3000T stove shares a similar design to other tiny folding canister stoves, including the Primus Micron Trail and Snow Peak LiteMax. It has a replaceable O-ring inside the canister end of the stove, the wire flame adjuster has three full rotations to dial in the output, and the three pot supports fold up and then down along the sides of the stove for transport. When folded away, it’s about the same length and width as a box of matches (2″ x 1.5″) and lives inside an included stuff sack.

  Highlights

  • Impressively lightweight
  • Packable
  • High output boils water quick
  • Affordable

  Drawbacks

  • Reliability is questionable according to some reports
  • Not great with wind
  • Great for boiling but not for simmering or complex meals

  • Weight: 26 grams (0.9 oz)
  • Price: $17
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Garage Grown Gear
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• 

  DIY Can Stove

  • Type: Spirit burner
  • Fuel Types: Alcohol (Methyl spirits)
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Pack Size: 2.5 × 2.5” (6.5 × 6.5cm)

  It’s hard to argue with the practicality, cost, and minimal weight of a DIY can stove. They’re relatively easy to make (with nothing more than a pocket knife) and some designs can even act as their own pot stand. Several years ago, we made five different options from our favorite beer cans and tested them out. Find the complete tutorial here.

  • Weight: 10 grams (0.4 oz)
  • Place of Manufacture: Anywhere
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• $40

  Evernew Titanium Alcohol Stove

  • Type: Spirit Burner Stove
  • Fuel Types: Denatured Alcohol
  • Material: Titanium
  • Pack Size: 2.8 × 1.65” (7 × 4cm)

  The Evernew Titanium Alcohol Stove is an incredibly lightweight spirit-burning stove with a unique bi-level jet system that is designed to provide a more even flame. It provides 70ml of fuel capacity, and Evernew claims 30ml of alcohol will boil 400ml of water in approximately five minutes. Although the stove functions as is, there are optional pot stands and windscreens available that will boost the performance of the stove without adding much more weight or bulk.

  From Christophe’s review: Like all uber-light things, it’s not enough to just present a low gram count. Any stove, regardless of weight, still has to perform. The Appalachian Set is, without a doubt, a star performer. Boil times, although variable due to ambient temperature, humidity, and altitude, are impressively quick. Alcohol stoves are easily thwarted by mild breezes, and the Appalachian does better than expected in those conditions thanks to the smart design of the two-piece wind shroud. Naturally, it does best with as much wind protection as possible, but on its own, it does admirably as long as it’s just mildly breezy.

  Highlights

  • Impressively lightweight, even with wind shroud and pot
  • Interior fill lines
  • Built to last

  Drawbacks

  • Slower than other stove options, but good for an alcohol stove
  • Easily effected by wind

  • Weight: 34 grams (1.2 oz)
  • Price: $40
  • Place of Manufacture: Japan
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Amazon
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $80

  GSI Pinnacle Canister Stove

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane
  • Output: 9,629 BTU
  • Pack Size: 3 × 2.1" (8 × 5cm)

  The GSI Pinnacle Canister Stove is an ultralight, high-efficiency stove for when space is at a premium. It features three folding pot supports that pack away during storage, has a high 9,629 BTU output, and is designed to pair with GSI’s nForm Ultralight cookware with integrated windscreens for maximum efficiency.

  Miles’ Thoughts: Although I haven’t been using the GSI Pinnacle Canister Stove for that long, I can tell you that I appreciate how small it packs and just how solid it feels—this little stove appears to be manufactured to last. However, the loosely pivoting legs are awkward to use and result in a slightly less stable setup than other folding canister stoves I’ve used in the past. The legs tend to rattle around, which when packed in a frame bag, can get pretty annoying. It’s also a fairly tall stove, sitting high above the fuel canister, which makes it more susceptible to wind and not as stable with larger pots.

  Highlights

  • Tiny pack size
  • Serrated legs grip pot well
  • High output

  Drawbacks

  • Legs feel loose, when pivoting
  • Less output control over other stoves

  • Weight: 68 grams (2.4 oz)
  • Price: $80
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Amazon  REI
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $159

  Jetboil Flash (Java)

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane Mix
  • Output: 9,000 BTU
  • Pack Size: 4.1 × 7.1" (10 × 18cm)

  The Jetboil Flash Cooking System is their fastest boiling all-on-one stove they offer, making it a great option for fast, simple meals and morning coffee. The kit comes with a 1L pot / cup with their FluxRing heat reflector, an insulated cover, a small bowl / measuring cup, and a fuel canister stabilizer. The Flash can boil 500ml of water in just 100 seconds, which is the fastest boiling time Jetboil offers. They also offer a line of accessories that work with the Flash, including a coffee press, larger pots and a hanging kit.

  Logan’s Thoughts: I’ve always been skeptical of the Jetboil products; they look kind of overbuilt and a little gimmicky. However, I was talked into testing the Jetboil Flash Java kit and can honestly say that I’m impressed. On many of our local overnighter rides, I tend to go a little toward the “bike glamping” side of the spectrum, which for me means bringing an ultralight camp chair, some beer, real coffee, and good food. On our last trip, I brought the Flash Java and will report that it’s fast, pretty easy to use, and makes a good cup of coffee—well, two cups of coffee, which is even better. The two-piece plunger stick, filter, burner, canister stand, and a small butane canister all fit inside the 1-liter cooking cup.

  Highlights

  • Available with or without Java Kit
  • Boils water fast
  • French press coffee maker works well
  • All-in-one system

  Drawbacks

  • 411 grams is a little on the heavy side
  • Remove cup from burner is a little awkward

  • Weight: 411 grams (14.5 oz)
  • Price: $159 (Java Kit)
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Amazon  REI
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• $169

  Jetboil MicroMo

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane Mix
  • Output: 6,000 BTU
  • Pack Size: 4.1 × 6.25” (10 × 16cm)

  Part of Jetboil’s Mo series of stoves, the MicroMo is their lightest all-in-one cooking system. Just like all of their stoves, it’s designed around a proprietary regulator/windscreen, 0.8L pot, an insulating cozy with a handle, and fuel canister supports for extra stability. The best part is that all of these components, including a small fuel canister, nest inside the pot for easy transport and packing. It also includes a small plastic bowl that doubles as a measuring cup, which nests around the regulator when packed away. The entire system weighs just 340g, plus the weight of a fuel canister, which is pretty impressive for a complete lightweight system.

  Highlights

  • 340 grams for the complete system isn’t bad for an all-in-one system
  • Relatively small pack size compared to similar stoves
  • 0.8L pot is great for one person or simple two-person meals
  • Small bowl/mug included

  Drawbacks

  • Lid doesn’t stay put during transport
  • Neoprene sleeve can get hot
  • Pricey

  • Weight: 340 grams (12 oz)
  • Price: $169
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Amazon  REI
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• $165

  Jetboil Stash

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel types: Butane / Propane
  • Output: 4,500 BTU
  • Pack Size: 4.4 × 5.1" (11 × 13CM)

  The Jetboil Stash is a complete cooking system (stove, pot, lid) designed to be lightweight and compact for when space and weight matters. The Stash is one of Jetboil’s lightest cooking systems, weighing just over 200g (fuel stabilizer not included), while still offering a generously sized 0.8L pot. The Stash stove burner head is made of titanium, the hard anodized aluminum pot has an integrated head exchanger or Flux Ring for better efficiency, and the entire kit can pack inside the pot alongside a 100g fuel canister.

  Highlights

  • Unique packable design is nearly rattle-free
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy when cooking

  Drawbacks

  • Expensive for a barebones stove system
  • Wide pot could be tricky to pack for some

  • Weight: 210 grams (7.4 oz)
  • Price: $165
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  REI
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• $49

  MSR PocketRocket 2

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane
  • Output: 8,200 BTU
  • Pack Size: 1.7 × 1.5 × 3” (4 × 4 × 8cm)

  A favourite among bikepackers, the MSR PocketRocket 2 is an ultra compact canister stove with dual-hinged folding arms that allow it to pack down impressively small. Even with the extra hinges, Logan has found the PocketRocket 2 to be quite sturdy and still able to boil water fast. It includes a small plastic carrying case and weighs just 83g.

  From Logan’s review: The new MSR PocketRocket 2 is hands down the best compact canister stove I’ve tried to date, hence the fact that it was awarded a spot in our Gear of The Year post. The pot supports are sturdy and well designed. It boils water fast and seems fairly stable given its diminutive size and weight. If I had to come up with a complaint it would be that it’s quite loud for a little stove. But considering how fast it boils water, that’s a fair tradeoff.

  Highlights

  • Sturdy and reliable build
  • High output boils water fast
  • Small pack size and plastic case is a nice touch

  Drawbacks

  • Loud for such a small stove
  • More susceptible to wind when compared against other, more complex, stoves

  • Weight: 83 grams (2.9 oz)
  • Price: $49
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Amazon  REI
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• $160

  MSR Whisperlite International

  • Type: Multi-Fuel Stove
  • Fuel Types: White gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline
  • Output: 9,500 BTU (white gas)
  • Pack Size: 7 × 6 × 3.5″ (18 × 15 × 9cm)

  The Whisperlite is probably the most popular multi-fuel stove on the market, and the simplest. Like other multi-fuel options, it requires a few parts and pieces to operate and maintain: a windscreen, spare parts kit, pump, and a specific type of fuel bottle. The Whisperlite can be fully serviced on the trail and has exceptional cold-weather performance, making it one of the most reliable stoves in this index.

  Highlights

  • Fuel options make it a go-anywhere stove
  • Boils water fast
  • Easy to maintain
  • White gas (if you can get it) has light-weight properties: 1 oz (by volume) weighs approx. .8 oz

  Drawbacks

  • It takes some practice to get a good simmer with this stove
  • White gas is hard to come by and like other multi-fuel stoves, it can be dirty and smelly when using gasoline
  • Sometimes it doesn’t burn quite right when using poor quality unleaded fuel

  • Weight: 417 grams (14.7 oz)
  • Price: $160
  • Place of Manufacture: Seattle, USA
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Amazon  REI
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $199

  MSR Windburner Stove

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane Mix
  • Output: 7,000 BTU
  • Pack Size: 8.3 × 4.5" (21 × 11cm)

  The MSR Windburner is an all-in-one canister stove that relies on a radiant burner head in an enclosed, windproof design for better efficiency in undesirable weather. Like the Primus ETA Lite+ and Jetboil series, the entire system nests inside the pot for easy packing, and includes a small bowl, support legs, and a BPA-free strainer / drinking lid. The Windburner system comes in two sizes; a personal version with a 1L pot and a duo version with a 1.8L pot. The Windburner Stove system also happens to made in the USA!

  Highlights

  • Radiant burner design excels in windy conditions and is easy on fuel
  • All-in-one design with small bowl, straining lid, and handle keeps things simple
  • Sturdy and durable feeling
  • Lid stays in place
  • Compatible with other WindBurner pots and accessories

  Drawbacks

  • Heavier and larger than most canister stove systems
  • Not great for simmering or complicated meals
  • Very tall when set up
  • Pricey compared to other stoves we’ve tested

  • Weight: 454 grams (16 oz)
  • Price: $199 (Windburner Personal Stove)
  • Place of Manufacture: USA
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  REI  Jenson USA
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $62

  Optimus Crux

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane Mix
  • Output: 10,200 BTU
  • Pack Size: 3.3 × 2.2 × 1.3” (8 × 6 × 3cm)

  The Optimus Crux is an ultralight canister stove with a unique folding design that allows it to fit in the small cavity found in the bottom of a fuel canister. Although the stove itself is impressively small, the burner head is fairly wide, which helps distribute heat more evenly—which is quite important when cooking with lightweight titanium pots or mugs. Optimus also offers a non-folding Crux Lite that saves an additional 11g by eliminating the folding mechanism.

  Highlights

  • Unique folding design makes great use of unused space
  • Large burner head and wide flame
  • High output

  Drawbacks

  • Simmering is finicky at best
  • Wide flame works best on larger pots/mugs
  • Like most canister stoves, the Crux doesn’t perform well in windy conditions

  • Weight: 83 grams (2.9 oz)
  • Price: $62
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Amazon  Backcountry
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• $69

  Primus Micron

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane Mix
  • Output: 8,900 BTU
  • Pack Size: 2.4 × 2.2 × 2.7" (6 × 6 × 7cm)

  The Micron stove is what Primus describes as one of their “most advanced stoves with a low weight and compact format.” It features a larger-than-average burner head, wide pot supports, and is available with or without a Piezo lighter ignition. Both Logan and Miles have used the Micron Trail stove without issue, but noticed the pack size isn’t as small as some of the others in this list.

  Highlights

  • Sturdy construction
  • Wide pot supports
  • Large burner head
  • Available with or without Piezo ignitor

  Drawbacks

  • Bulkier than some canister stoves
  • Large legs poke out when packed down
  • Piezo ignitors eventually die

  • Weight: 58 grams (2 oz)
  • Price: $69 (Primus Micron III)
  • Place of Manufacture: Estonia
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $250

  Primus OmniLite TI

  • Type: Multi-Fuel Stove
  • Fuel Types: white gas, gasoline/petrol, diesel, kerosene/paraffin, LPG, aviation fuel
  • Output: 8,900 BTU
  • Pack Size: 4.5 × 3.5 × 2.2" (11 × 9 × 6cm)

  The Primus OmniLite Ti represents a new era of liquid fuel camp stoves, offering features that are appealing to month-long expeditions and overnighters alike. It packs up much smaller than the competition, and its unique titanium construction keeps the weight down to a minimum. Right out of the box it can burn white gas, gasoline/petrol, diesel, kerosene/paraffin, and even aviation fuel. Paired with the included 0.35L fuel bottle and the Primus ErgoPump, the OmniLite Ti is certainly one of the nicer liquid fuel camp stoves available.

  Highlights

  • Large/wide pot supports
  • It can burn gas, gasoline/petrol, diesel, kerosene/paraffin, aviation fuel, and compressed fuel canisters
  • Easily field-serviceable
  • Minimal pump system that’s smaller than others we’ve used

  • Weight: 341 grams (12 oz)
  • Price: $250
  • Place of Manufacture: Europe
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Backcountry  Amazon
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $39

  Snow Peak GigaPower Stove

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane Mix
  • Output: 10,000 BTU
  • Pack Size: 1.5 × 3" (4 × 8cm)

  The Snow Peak GigaPower Stove is designed to be equally durable as it is packable. Constructed from aluminum and stainless steel, it features four foldable arms, a solid 10,000 BTU output, and weighs just 90g. The GigaPower stove offers reasonable simmering ability, comes complete with a small plastic carrying case, and is available in an auto version with Piezo ignition or manual version that weighs 25g less.

  Highlights

  • Simple, yet bombproof
  • Metal tubes for pot legs, not thin sheet metal
  • Built-in igniter works flawlessly

  Drawbacks

  • Slightly heavier than other canister stoves

  • Weight: 86 grams (3 oz)
  • Price: $39 (GigaPower Stove 2.0 - Auto)
  • Place of Manufacture: Korea
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Jenson USA
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $45

  Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Stove

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane Mix
  • Output: 11,200 BTU
  • Pack Size: 2.6 × 3.14" (7 × 8cm)

  The Snow Peak LiteMax is a lightweight canister stove manufactured from Japanese titanium and anodized aluminum, with a total weight of just 56g. The LiteMax uses foldable arms and an integrated windscreen, and is Snow Peak’s lightest stove.

  From Logan’s review: The stove is made of titanium and aluminum and runs on isobutane/propane canisters, such as the GigaPower 110, also from Snow Peak. The LiteMax easily screws into the GigaPower canister and lights with the turn of the 1.5-inch-long wire flame adjuster, which is easy to reach even under a large pot. Mounted to the canister, the stove is fairly stable with three folding titanium braces. The best thing about a canister stove is the speed. It takes all of a few seconds to set up, and at lower altitudes will boil 16 ounces (500ml) of water in less than 2 minutes (in zero wind). If you are in it for quickness and just need to boil for a dehydrated meal or a cup of morning coffee, the LiteMax is perfect.

  Highlights

  • Crazy lightweight
  • Easily accessible, oversized, flame adjuster
  • Fast setup and fast boil time

  Drawbacks

  • Won’t simmer like more complicated stoves

  • Weight: 56 grams (2 oz)
  • Price: $45
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  REI
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $69

  Solo Stove Lite

  • Type: Wood-Burning Stove
  • Fuel Types: Wood
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Pack Size: 4.25 × 5.7” (11 × 14cm)

  The Solo Stove Lite is a minimalist wood burning stove that is designed specifically for small twigs and sticks, while still burning hot enough to cook. Air intake holes at the base of the stove pull fresh air in, while the double-walled construction feeds hot air up along the sides for even more combustion. It’s made from stainless steel, weighs 255g, and can work alongside an alcohol stove as well.

  Highlights

  • No need to carry fuel
  • More eco-friendly than a gas canister or gasoline
  • Very solidly made
  • Relatively speedy with some practice and good conditions
  • Soul satisfying in preparation and execution; by way of contrast, a Multi Fuel System kills any tranquil atmosphere!

  Drawbacks

  • Heavier than other ultralight cooking systems (though there are savings on fuel)
  • Requires a fire starter for damp campouts
  • Takes practice to get the best from it
  • Slower than a gas canister stove
  • Can only be used in areas without fire restrictions

  • Weight: 255 grams (9 oz)
  • Price: $69
  • Place of Manufacture: China
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  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $69

  Soto WindMaster

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane Mix
  • Output: 11,000 BTU
  • Pack Size: 3.7 × 0.4 × 1.0" (9 × 1 × 3cm)

  The Soto WindMaster is an extremely popular option for ultralight backpackers and bikepackers looking for a blend of efficiency, compactness, and ease of use. It also made the top of The Pacific Crest Trail’s 2019 Gear Guide survey results, as one of the most popular stoves. The stove’s efficiency can be thanked to the proximity of the burner head to the pot, allowing 2 cups of water to boil in under 2.5 minutes in strong winds and gusty weather.

  Highlights

  • Relatively quiet even at full flow, especially considering its incredible firepower.
  • High heat output boils water for up to 3-4 people in a flash, no matter the conditions.
  • Excellent wind performance means great real-world efficiency and predictable gas consumption.
  • Solid 4Flex pot support and stable simmer lend themselves to cooking fancy meals for 2-3 people.
  • Integrated piezo igniter is surprisingly useful.
  • Fantastic fit and finish make the stove a joy to use.

  Drawbacks

  • Large-ish size and bulky pot support mean it doesn’t nest as well in slender one-person pots.
  • High-flow burner is more sensitive to gas pressure drops in cold conditions. Make sure to use isobutane canisters with this stove.
  • Theoretically speaking, the micro-regulator adds complexity and can’t be serviced as easily as a standard needle valve, though I haven’t had any issues so far.
  • Flimsy nylon bag is disappointing at this price point.

  • Weight: 87 grams (3.1 oz)
  • Price: $69 (WindMaster Stove with 4Flex)
  • Place of Manufacture: China
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• $18

  Trangia Spirit Burner Stove

  • Type: Spirit Burner Stove
  • Fuel Types: Denatured Alcohol
  • Material: Brass
  • Pack Size: 3 × 1.7" (8 × 4cm)

  The made-in-Sweden Trangia Stove is a classic among ultralight spirit-burning stoves. Its brass construction and unique two-part wind shield design makes the Trangia stormproof and stable. Although the stove itself is quite small, best results require one of Trangia’s windscreen kits, and a pot or frying pan. The Trangia comes in two sizes: 25 (large) or 27 (small) and a number of different complete kits depending on your needs and preferences. The Trangia Burner will boil 1L of water in approximately 10 minutes and has a built-in simmer ring to reduce fuel consumption. The Trangia spirit burners can’t be used by themselves, so you’ll need a lightweight support like Trangia’s own stand, or the Clikstand.

  Highlights

  • Minimal waste compared to a canister system
  • Quiet and relaxing to use
  • Maintenance free – no fuel lines to clog or parts to break
  • Relatively clean fuel can be stored in a plastic bottle. More can be carried as and when it’s needed
  • Fuel is cheap and found in many pharmacies, paint shops, and hardware stores the world over

  Drawbacks

  • Slower than a pressurised system. A little patience required!
  • Less dense fuel – so more denatured alcohol needs to be carried
  • Can be stubborn to light in extreme cold
  • Overseas, suitable denatured alcohol/methylated spirits can take time tracking down until you know its local name
  • Not suitable for melting large amounts of snow

  • Weight: 130 grams (4.6 oz)
  • Price: $18
  • Place of Manufacture: Sweden
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Amazon
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $59

  Vargo Hexagon Wood Stove

  • Type: Wood-Burning Stove
  • Fuel Types: Wood
  • Material: Stainless Steel / Titanium
  • Pack Size: 5 × 5" (13 × 13cm)

  The Vargo Hexagon Wood Stove is an ultralight, collapsible wood burning stove that folds completely flat when disassembled. The hinged panels simply wrap around the base, and the door is still easily accessed to stoke the fire with a pot in place. Logan has often used the wood stove as a simple windscreen for his Trangia alcohol stove on multiple occasions, and has found it is built to last. The Hexagon Wood Stove is available in stainless steel or titanium, and weighs 210g or 116g, respectively. The titanium version is $59.95, and the stainless steel is $39.95 USD.

  Highlights

  • No need to carry fuel
  • More eco-friendly than a gas canister or gasoline
  • Surprisingly packable due to fold-up design

  Drawbacks

  • Requires a fire starter for damp campouts
  • Takes practice to get the best from it
  • Slower than a gas canister stove
  • Can only be used in areas without fire restrictions

  • Weight: 210 grams (7.4 oz)
  • Price: $59 (Titanium)
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Amazon  Garage Grown Gear
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $49

  Vargo Jet-Ti 2

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Type: Butane / Propane
  • Output: 9,000 BTU
  • Pack Size: 2.7 x 3.1" (7 x 8cm)

  To mark the brand’s 20th anniversary, Vargo reimagined this fan favorite, featuring better performance, improved titanium construction, and a lighter weight overall. Weighing just 56 grams (1.9 ounces), the Jet-Ti 2 sports three dual-point pot supports that fold and rotate in one direction for compact storage, a flame adjustment lever, and jet ports that deliver 9,000 BTUs. It comes with a nylon carrying case.

  Similar to the LiteMax, the Jet-Ti 2 performs above average when it comes to simmering, thanks to its decent valve control that allows for fine adjustments at the low end. It can maintain a low, steady flame, making it capable of simmering when needed. However, like any stove in this ultralight category, it doesn’t have a wide burner head—a non-issue with smaller cookware—which would make it less effective when using with pots over 1 liter or anything larger than a one-egg-sized frying pan.

  Highlights

  • Rotating, non-folding arms provide a solid pot support
  • Very lightweight
  • Boils water quickly
  • Quieter than many other options

  Drawbacks

  • Not as small-packing as some others
  • Supports aren’t as wide as folding models
  • Wire control lever doesn’t fold over base

  • Weight: 55 grams (1.9 oz)
  • Price: $49
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $39

  Alpkit Bruler

  • Type: Spirit Burner Stove
  • Fuel Types: Denatured alcohol, methyl alcohol, gel fuel tabs
  • Material: Copper, Aluminum
  • Pack Size: 3.5 × 3.1" (9 × 8cm)

  The Alpkit Bruler takes the simple design of an alcohol stove, but adds in the benefits of an integrated pot stand, retractable legs, and windscreen. When not in use, the entire system packs into the stand and easily stows away in a pack or frame bag. The Bruler weighs just 150g (5.3oz), works with methyl alcohol and gel fuels, and costs just $39 USD.

  • Weight: 150 grams (5.3 oz)
  • Price: $39
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $58

  Alpkit Koro

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane
  • Output: 9,553 BTU
  • Pack Size: 3 × 2.7" (8 × 7cm)

  The Alpkit Koro is a canister fuel stove designed to excel in sub zero temperatures and high elevation situations. The Koro is made from titanium to save weight, and uses a remote canister hose to allow better wind shielding as well as the brass preheat tube to keep the stove operating efficiently in challenging conditions.

  • Weight: 124 grams (4.4 oz)
  • Price: $58
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $199

  Biolite Camp Stove 2

  • Type: Wood-Burning Stove
  • Fuel Types: Wood
  • Material: stainless steel, aluminum and plastic
  • Pack Size: 5 × 7.9" (13 × 20cm)

  The Biolite Camp Stove 2 is an electricity generating wood burning stove designed to simultaneously cook your meals and charge your gadgets at camp. Using small twins and organic material found on the ground the Camp Stove 2 uses the heat generated from fire to produce 3 watts of electricity that be used to charge devices in real time or stored for later in the on-board 2,600mAh battery. The size of the flame is controlled using four different fan speeds, and an LED display shows key information like heat generated, fan speed, and battery charge. Biolite claims the Camp Stove 2 can boil 1L of water in 4.5 minutes and packs down to the size of a 32oz widemouth Nalgene water bottle. Biolite offers a full range of cooking and lighting accessories that make the most out of the wood burning system, and although we don’t have any personal experience using it, it’s an interesting and popular option for both bikepackers and backpackers.

  • Weight: 938 grams (33.1 oz)
  • Price: $199
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $68

  Bushbox Titanium Pocket Stove

  • Type: Wood-Burning Stove
  • Fuel Types: Wood / Alcohol
  • Material: Titanium
  • Pack Size: 4.5 × 3.5" (11 × 9cm)

  The BushBox Titanium Pocket Stove is a multi-fuel, ultralight option that acts as a windscreen and pot support for those using a Trangia or Esbit alcohol-style stove or as a standalone wood burning stove. Its slotted design disassembles completely flat, and it includes an ash pan to protect the ground when burning organic matter. The Bushbox is made in Germany and weighs 160g.

  • Weight: 160 grams (5.6 oz)
  • Price: $68
  • Place of Manufacture: Germany
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $100

  Bushbuddy

  • Type: Wood-Burning Stove
  • Fuel Types: Wood
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dimensions: 4.25 × 3.75” (11 × 9.5cm) Nested

  The Bushbuddy is a double-walled, wood-burning stove that has second wall that surrounds the main burning chamber. This allows for secondary combustion air to provide radiant heat and burn hotter and cleaner. The double-wall design also works as a “damper” to limit the amount of oxygen fed to the fire for a more efficient burn. Bushbuddy claims it has a boil time of 8–10 minutes for one quart of water.

  The Bushbuddy Stove is made in Alaska from stainless steel and will fit inside the TOAKS 115mm pots, Snow Peak 900, Evernew ECA522 Pasta Pot M, Evernew ECA267, Evernew ECA402, Evernew ECA265, MSR Titan Kettle (lid will not close), and other similar sized pots.

  • Weight: 181 grams (6.4 oz)
  • Price: $100
  • Place of Manufacture: Alaska, USA
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $59.95

  Caldera Keg Stove System

  • Type: Spirit Burner Stove
  • Fuel Types: Denatured Alcohol
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Pack Size: TBD

  The Caldera Keg Stove System claims to be “the lightest, most stable, wind resistant, and efficient cooking system you can buy.” It’s an alcohol stove that uses a reinforced beer can pot, a 16g stove, and a unique cone system to capture and direct heat where it’s needed. The entire system is made in the USA, and includes a fuel bottle with measuring cup, insulating cozy, a protective case, and the Caldera Cone windscreen / pot support—all for just $59.95 USD.

  • Weight: 181 grams (6.4 oz)
  • Price: $59.95 (Caldera Keg-F Stove System)
  • Place of Manufacture: USA
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $12.95

  Esbit Pocket Stove

  • Type: Solid Fuel Stove
  • Fuel Types: Solid Fuel
  • Material: Galvanized, Hardened Steel
  • Pack Size: 3.9 × 3 × 0.9” (10 × 8 × 2cm)

  The Esbit Foldable Pocket Stove is a minimalist solid fuel stove, designed specifically for Esbit’s Solid Fuel Tablets. The tablets are highly combustible fire starter cubes commonly used with twigs or kindling to start a larger campfire, but can also be used as a standalone fuel in conjunction with the pocket stove. They are nearly smokeless and residue-free, and work well at high altitude and sub-zero temperatures. Each tablet burns for about 12 minutes each, and will boil 500ml of water in about 8 minutes—the Esbit Foldable Pocket Stove is definitely more suited for making coffee, tea, and small dehydrated meals. Esbit also makes several other different models, including a larger pocket stove, an ultralight titanium stove, and an aluminum cookset—all based around the same solid fuel tablets.

  • Weight: 92 grams (3.2 oz)
  • Price: $12.95
  • Place of Manufacture: Germany
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $65

  Jetboil MightyMo

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane Mix
  • Output: 10,000 BTU
  • Pack Size: 2 × 3" (5 × 8cm)

  The Jetboil MightyMo is a packable, foldable canister stove, weighing in at less than a deck of cards. It features a boil time of roughly three minutes due to its high 10,000 BTU output, while its four-turn regulator offers incremental heat adjustments from light simmer to full boil. The MightyMo is also compatible with Jetboil’s line of Flux Ring pots and skillets, for preparing larger dishes, and has a push-button igniter for lighting the stove.

  • Weight: 95 grams (3.4 oz)
  • Price: $65
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  REI
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $4

  Lixada Mini Alcohol Stove

  • Type: Spirit Burner Stove
  • Fuel Types: Denatured Alcohol
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Pack Size: 2.8 × 1.7" (7 × 4CM)

  There’s not a lot of information on the Lixada Mini Alcohol Stove, but it’s a Chinese-made alcohol stove with an aluminum construction and delightfully affordable price tag. It uses a similar design to the Trangia Spirit Burner, and Lixada appears to offer additional accessories including a pot stand and windscreen to create a complete system—all of which can be found on Amazon and Aliexpress.

  • Weight: 26 grams (0.9 oz)
  • Price: $4
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  AliExpress
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $199

  MSR Dragonfly

  • Type: Multi-Fuel Stove
  • Fuel Types: White Gas, kerosene, unleaded auto fuel, diesel, and jet fuel
  • Output: 8,700 BTU
  • Pack Size: 6.3 × 5 × 3.5” (16 × 12.7 × 9cm)

  The MSR Dragonfly uses a similar design to their other multi-fuel stoves, but offers better flame control and a larger, more stable pot support. For those looking to prepare complicated meals for large groups, the Dragonfly should be at the top of your list. As a bonus, it is still compatible with several different liquid fuels, including white gas, kerosene, unleaded auto fuel, diesel, and jet fuel.

  • Weight: 396 grams (14 oz)
  • Price: $199
  • Place of Manufacture: Seattle, USA
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Amazon  REI
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $139

  MSR Switch Stove System

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane
  • Material: Aluminum / Cork
  • Pack Size: 4.2 x 7.1" (11 x 18cm)

  The MSR Switch Stove System may look like a standard all-in-one canister stove system, but it offers improved versatility thanks to nifty flip-out pot supports that allow the stove to work with standard cookware or the included Switch pot. It features a better pressure regulator than most stoves in its class, allowing for improved simmer control and fuel efficiency. The patent-pending, rounded Switch pot bottom heats faster and more evenly than a traditional flat-bottom pot, boiling 0.5L of water in 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

  • Weight: 392 grams (13.8 oz)
  • Price: $139
  • Place of Manufacture: Korea/China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  REI
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $200

  Optimus Polaris Optifuel

  • Type: Multi-Fuel Stove
  • Fuel Types: white gas, gasoline/petrol, diesel, kerosene/paraffin, LPG, aviation fuel
  • Output: 14,340 BTU
  • Pack Size: 3.1 x 2.5" (8 x 6.5cm)

  The Optimus Polaris Optifuel sets a new standard for liquid multi-fuel stoves, making it a perfect option for those travelling abroad or when access to specific fuel isn’t guaranteed. It’s a one-jet stove that doesn’t require any fiddling to switch between different fuels, allowing you to use white gas, LP gas, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and even jet fuel. Plus, it packs down smaller than other liquid fuel stoves thanks to its unique pot support shape that wraps around the body of the stove.

  • Weight: 475 grams (16.8 oz)
  • Price: $200
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $129

  Primus Lite+ Stove System

  • Type: Canister Stove
  • Fuel Types: Butane / Propane Mix
  • Output: 4,500 BTU
  • Pack Size: 3.9 × 5.1” (10 × 13cm)

  The Primus Lite+ Stove System is a compact, complete all-in-one stove that includes a burner and 0.5L pot that lock securely together while in use. The kit includes small metal pegs that allow the burner to be used with non-Primus pot or pan, an insulated pot sleeve, and a small pot lid that doubles as a cup. The system comes with a canister support for more stability as well as a hanging kit for when you can’t find a place on the ground to cook. When paired with a 100g fuel canister, the burner (and canister) can pack inside the pot for travel.

  • Weight: 348 grams (12.3 oz)
  • Price: $129
  • Place of Manufacture: Europe
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $220

  Primus Omnifuel

  • Type: Multi-Fuel Stove
  • Fuel Types: fuel canisters, white gas, kerosene, diesel, and aviation fuel
  • Output: 10,500 BTU
  • Pack Size: 5.6 × 3.5 × 2.6" (14 × 9 × 7cm)

  The Primus Omnifuel, as the name suggests, is a multi-fuel stove that can use fuel canisters, white gas, kerosene, diesel, and even aviation fuel to operate. It has a high 10,500 BTU output and a wide flame that is best suited for cooking on larger pots for groups of people. The Omnifuel also offers better flame control due to its fine control valve, and includes different jet nipples depending on what fuel you’re using. It weighs 450g (15.9oz) and ships with the same fuel bottle and ErgoPump as the OmniLite Ti.

  • Weight: 450 grams (15.9 oz)
  • Price: $220
  • Place of Manufacture: Europe
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $34.95

  Toaks Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove

  • Type: Spirit Burner Stove
  • Fuel Types: Denatured Alcohol
  • Material: Titanium
  • Pack Size: 2.13 × 1.5" (5 × 4cm)

  Popular amongst ultralight backpackers, the Toaks Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove uses a double-walled construction to create a siphoning effect the is claimed to be quite efficient. The stove is made of titanium, weighs just 19.8 grams (0.7oz), and can boil 2 cups water in 5 min. 30 sec.

  • Weight: 20 grams (0.7 oz)
  • Price: $34.95
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  REI  Amazon
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $64.95

  Toaks Titanium Wood Stove

  • Type: Wood-burning Stove
  • Fuel Types: Wood
  • Material: Titanium
  • Pack Size: 4.15 × 4.15" (11 × 11cm)

  The Toaks Titanium Wood Stove is a three part wood burning stove that relies on a similar design as the Solo Stove Lite to bring cool air in the bottom and move hot air up along the sides of the stove. The parts all nest within each other to make packing easier, and can fit within Toaks 1,100ml Titanium Pot as well. The stove weighs 225g and comes with a nylon stuff sack.

  • Weight: 225 grams (7.9 oz)
  • Price: $64.95
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Amazon  REI
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $34.95

  Vargo Triad

  • Type: Alcohol / Solid Fuel Stove
  • Fuel Types: Alcohol, Fuel Tabs, Gel Fuel
  • Made of: Titanium
  • Pack Size: 3.5 × 1” (9 × 3cm)

  The Vargo Triad is another popular alcohol stove, and due to its minimal titanium construction, it’s also one of the lightest stoves currently available. At 30g, the Triad goes nearly unnoticeable in any bag, and can function as a standard alcohol stove or when flipped over can burn solid fuel or gel fuel as well. Unlike other alcohol stoves and DIY options, it has built in foldable pot supports and legs, which helps with airflow and the overall performance of the stove.

  • Weight: 30 grams (1.1 oz)
  • Price: $34.95
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Amazon  Garage Grown Gear
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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Bikepacking Stove Kits

by Logan Watts

Once you’ve figured out what type of stove to use for a particular trip or preferred bikepacking locale, it’s time to start planning the cook kit. To illustrate, here are four favorites that I often bring on solo outings as well as longer trips abroad. Each is centered around a different stove type, and all nest inside the pot.

International 2p (Cold Weather)
Whisperlite International + 1L Pot

When traveling somewhere where cooking alcohol is unavailable—for example, Central Asia—the Whisperlite International has been our go-to stove. While we prefer cooking with spirits, we resorted to using unleaded gasoline in places like Kyrgyzstan, where there was no alcohol to be found. In addition, alcohol doesn’t burn well in colder temperatures. And, if you’re looking for a kit for melting snow for water in the winter, a gas cooker might be the best bet.

A Budget Ultralight Cook Kit
BRS-3000T + Lixada 650ml Pot

For solo travellers looking for an affordable yet functional cook kit, it’s worth checking out Neil’s video showcasing an ultralight $50 cook kit he put together. Watch the video and then head here to learn more about each part of the kit.

All about Cooking Alcohol

Spirit burners, such as the popular Trangia, or DIY can stoves, can only use alcohol-based fuels. This type of fuel is often composed of methanol or ethanol and contains at least 70% alcohol. Ethanol (aka denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol) provides the most energy, but it also puts off more soot than methanol. Conversely, methanol burns clean but puts off toxic fumes. The three most popular and readily available options in the US are:

– Crown Alcohol Stove Fuel (65-75% methanol/20-30% ethanol)
– Green Strip Denatured Alcohol (80-90% ethanol/5% methanol)
– HEET (yellow) (100% methanol)

You can see these pitted against one another here. Isopropyl alcohol is another option that burns well, but produces a lot of dirty soot and is far from ideal. There are also bio-ethanol fuels available, such as EkoFuel, although we don’t have any experience with these. If you’ve used this, or another bio-ethanol fuel, please let us know about your experiences in the comments section.

When traveling abroad, the most common challenge is figuring out the name of cooking alcohol in a particular country, and where it’s sold. The most common places to find it are hardware stores, supermarkets, paint shops, or pharmacies. Trangia has a few of the country-specific terms listed here, and we’ve also encountered others, like alcool à bruler in Morocco. In East Africa, it’s available in many stores, even in small villages, and usually comes in plastic bottles that resemble a small bottle of water, only it’s tinted purple.

We considered a lot of bikepacking-friendly stoves for this index, but we’re sure there are some good options that we missed. If you have one that you think is worthy of sharing, please leave it in the comments below. Note that we tried to avoid copies. Likewise, if you have any suggestions regarding fuel choices or information regarding cooking alcohol, please let us know below…