Imagine this: You’ve conquered a grueling hike, reaching that breathtaking viewpoint you’ve been yearning for. Now, as you take in the view, your stomach starts to rumble. A hot meal sounds like pure bliss. But you reach into your pack and dread sets in – you forgot your stove.
For many outdoor enthusiasts, a hot meal or a steaming cup of coffee can be the difference between a miserable experience and a truly memorable adventure. That’s where a reliable, lightweight stove comes in. It fuels your body and keeps your spirits high, turning any hike into an enjoyable journey.
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
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Weighs 73g (2.6 oz.)
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Boils 1 litre of water in 3.5 minutes
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Ultralight, hard-shell carry case
The Jetboil MiniMo
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Weighs 415g
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Boil Time: 2m 15sec per .5 litre
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Convenient push-button ignition
Soto Windmaster
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Weighs 67g
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Boils 2 cups of water in 2.5 minutes
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Micro regulator for consistent output
Biolite CampStove
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Weighs 935g
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Boils 1 litre of water in 4.5 minutes
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Burn sticks, wood scraps, or pellets
MSR PocketRocket 2
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.
Jetboil MiniMo
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.
Soto Windmaster
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.
Biolite CampStove
SUMMARY
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.