BEST FOR: PORTABILITY

Combining a water filter with a collapsible bottle, the Katadyn BeFree is an extremely portable system that you can carry with you on the trail or squish down to fit in your pack. Filling the BeFree is as simple as dunking it in a water source, and then sipping fresh clean water through the filter. You can also use it to fill other water bottles if you need more volume.

Although the Katadyn BeFree is easy to stow and throw in a pack, the collapsible bottle is not the most durable, so you should be a bit careful when using it and putting it away with a bunch of other gear.

BEST FOR: VARIETY OF ADVENTURES

The MSR Trail Base combines a gravity filter with the MSR TrailShot pump filter, so you can use it for large groups at base camp or take the TrailShot with you on solo or smaller adventures. The gravity system is set up using the TrailShot as the filter and provides up to 4L of water quickly.

As might be expected, the MSR Trail Base is quite heavy, so it isn’t ideal to take the whole system if you’re out on your own. However, because you can use the TrailShot on its own, having the Trail Base in your gear closet gives you a great option for any kind of adventure.

BEST FOR: ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKERS

While chemical water treatment tablets may be lighter in weight, this squeeze-style filter weighs in at just three ounces and unlike chemical alternatives, won’t leave your water tasting funny. Sawyer designed the Squeeze with efficiency in mind. It treats one liter of water in 40 seconds via a hollow fiber filter that’s effective against particulates, bacteria, and protozoa. It’s a versatile product that can function as either a squeeze filter or in-line filter for a water bottle or hydration reservoir.”

What we like most about the Sawyer Squeeze — other than its light weight — is that it’s one of the most time-tested designs on the market.

BEST FOR BUDGET BACKPACKING

When price is your biggest consideration, water treatment drops are hands down the most affordable way to filter your water.

Aquamira’s water treatment system includes two different components and bottles — part A and part B. The liquid chlorine dioxide solution is effective against protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. The purifying process involves mixing 7 drops of solution from each bottle, letting it sit for five minutes, then adding it to 1L of water at a time. After 15 minutes you have clean water to drink.

What we like most about the Aquamira Water Treatment Drops — other than its affordable cost — is how reliable it is compared to water filters with moving components that are prone to breaking or malfunctioning over time.

BEST IN-LINE OPTION FOR PAIRING WITH A HYDRATION RESERVOIR

If you consistently hike with a water reservoir, an in-line filtration option is by far the most convenient way to go. The MSR Thru-Link In-Line style water filter attaches directly to the hose of your water bladder, filtering as you go. It boasts an impressive flow rate of 1.5 liters per minute and a filter life of about 1000 liters.

What we like most about the MSR In-Line Water Filter is that it doubles as a gravity-style system for pump-free filtration when you’re settled at camp.

BEST FOR: HYDRATING ON THE MOVE

If you’re out on a solo backpacking trip and want your water on the go, the Sawyer Micro Squeeze is the perfect backpacking water filter to keep in your pack. The Micro Squeeze filters water quickly, although its ideal use is for one person. You can use the included straw to drink directly from a water source if you need immediate hydration, or you can fill the included 32oz drinking pouch and drink from that. The filter can also attach to standard size water bottle threads as well as to your hydration pouch, so it is quite adaptable.

The Sawyer Micro Squeeze can be prone to clogging, especially if you’re filtering water with a lot of sediment. A syringe is included to wash out the filter after each use, and it is a good idea to bring it with you on a multiple day trip.

BEST FOR: COMPATIBILITY WITH WATER BOTTLES

The Lifestraw Universal water filter turns your own water bottles into a source of fresh and clean water. The Lifestraw kit comes with two sizes of caps and two different mouthpieces, so it works with just about any water bottle that is tall enough to fit the Lifestraw. Once you attach the cap, mouthpiece, and LifeStraw itself, you simply drink out of the bottle, so you’re good to go as you hike.

One concern with the LifeStraw is that the straw filter can be prone to getting disconnected from the cap, so you’ll want to check and make sure it is securely in place before drinking from it (especially if your water bottle is not translucent so you can’t keep an eye on it).

BEST FOR: GROUP CAMPING

When you’re backpacking and camping with a group, the Platypus GravityWorks system is a great choice to filter a lot of water quickly. You can easily fill the designated dirty water reservoir with untreated water, then simply hang it above the clean water reservoir, and gravity does the work of passing the water through the filter between them, giving you 4 liters of filtered water in just a few minutes. You then can fill water bottles, pots, and other containers from the clean water reservoir without spilling thanks to a shutoff control valve.

The Platypus GravityWorks does best with deeper water sources, such as lakes or rivers, since you need to be able to scoop up the water with the dirty reservoir.

BEST FOR: COMPACTNESS

Though you’ll probably stow it in your pack most of the time, the MSR Trailshot is small enough to fit in your pocket and is very lightweight. It also is extremely simple to use – with the included tube, you can drink straight from a water source or pump from the source into a water bottle or hydration pack to take with you as you head down the trail. The Trailshot doesn’t require any setup or have any extra parts that you might lose or forget.

While the MSR Trailshot offers simplicity, the pump can tire your hand out over time, so if you need lots of water or are on a long trip, it might not be your best choice.

BEST FOR: SHALLOW WATER

The Katadyn Hiker Pro is a standard pump filter that requires some manual labor to get your water but works well, especially in areas without high flowing water. Thanks to its long intake tube, you can access shallow pools and small crevasses of water very easily. A clear container lets you see when the filter needs cleaning or replacement. The Katadyn Hiker Pro comes with a field maintenance kit for when it does need cleaning, and you’ll probably have to use that a lot when filtering silty water.

The Hiker Pro comes with a carry bag to stow all the elements of the kit, including a bottle adapter. Though it is a reliable and simple filter, it does run on the heavy side, so a solo backpacker should look for a lighter option.

BEST FOR: HIKING AND BACKPACKING

PROS: Tastes good, noodles have nice texture and consistency, packaging is easy to pack out

CONS: High in sodium, beef takes a while to rehydrate, single serving size is too small

BEST FOR: HIKING AND BACKPACKING

PROS: Tastes good, well-seasoned, packaging is easy to pack out

CONS: High in sodium, watery, noodles take a while to cook, single serving size is too small

BEST FOR: HIKING AND BACKPACKING

PROS: Tastes good, rice has a nice texture, well-seasoned, lower in sodium, lots of vegetables, gluten-free

CONS: Expensive, single serving size is too small, takes a long time to cook

BEST FOR: HIKING AND BACKPACKING

PROS: Inexpensive, high in protein, gluten-free, vegan

CONS: Single serving size is too small, a little bland, watery, noodles don’t always cook through

BEST FOR: HIKING AND BACKPACKING

PROS: Tastes good, noodles have nice texture and consistency, lower in sodium, vegan, gluten-free

CONS: Expensive, single serving size is too small, takes a long time to cook, noodles do not always rehydrate properly

BEST FOR: HIKING AND BACKPACKING

PROS: Tastes good, inexpensive, gluten-free, vegan

CONS: Very high in sodium, single serving size is too small, a little bland, takes a long time to cook, texture is slightly off, beans don’t always cook through, watery

BEST FOR: HIKING AND BACKPACKING

PROS: Tastes good, has nice texture and consistency, separate salt packet for control over the level of sodium in the meal, high in protein, paleo, gluten-free, very filling

CONS: Expensive, not flavorful enough, short shelf life

BEST COOKSET OVERALL

Looking for a fully loaded cookset that has pots, pans, plates, and cups galore? Then the GSI Pinnacle Camper Cookset is your perfect match for a truly cushy camping experience. 

This cookset features 2 pots (3 Liters & 2 Liters) each with their own lid that has a built-in strainer for pasta, a frying pan, 4 plates, 4 bowls, 4 insulated mugs with sippable lids, and an external pot gripper that won’t scratch the interior of your pots. The dinnerware is color coded so that no one mixes up whose is whose.  The set also features a welded sink basin that doubles as a carry bag.

BEST FOR: BACKPACKERS ON A BUDGET

MSR designed this 2-pot system from environmentally AND health-friendly ceramic materials. The system includes two pots and a pair of plier-like potholders designed to nest together and take up the least amount of space possible. The non-stick ceramic coating is also scratch resistant, which is a nice feature if you enjoy using metal utensils.

What we like most about this cookware system is that it can be used for simply boiling water and also serves to cook meals more evenly than most other options on the market. You’d be hard pressed to burn even the stickiest of foods.

BEST FOR: ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING

From solo overnight missions to extended multi-day adventures, this pot does it all. At 750mL, there’s plenty of space for boiling water — no matter what you plan on rehydrating. This extremely durable pot is a great choice for an ultralight pot that still gets the job done. It features folding handles and a lid with a wire tab that makes it easy to check on your food or water. The seal formed by the tight-fitting lid also creates for unmatched heat retention.

What we love most about this pot — besides its feather light weight — is that it’s compact enough for stashing into your backpack’s side pocket AND big enough that you can stash a 4oz fuel canister inside.

BEST FOR: BACKCOUNTRY CHEFS

If you’re looking for something simple, hearty, and built to last, this 2.3L Pot System is sure to fit the bill. This all in one system not only allows you to whip a delicious meal, but also save loads of fuel thanks to its highly efficient design. The set includes two pots, a lid, a handle, non-stick coating, and heat exchanger rings. The accessory pot nestles perfectly inside the main pot — and everything fits nicely in the included insulated carry bag.

What I covet most about this cookware set is just how efficient it really is — in part due to the inclusion of heat exchanger rings. The main pot’s thick aluminum bottom and Teflon coating makes cooking scrambled eggs — which notoriously tend to overcook on most cookware sets I’ve tested — a delicious-tasting backcountry possibility.

BEST FOR: BASECAMP COOKING

If you’re looking for a full-kitchen experience in a camp-friendly package, look no further. The Stanley Adventure Base Camp cookware set includes a stainless steel pot and frying pan, four 6-inch plates, four bowls, four sporks, a cutting board, spatula, serving spoon, and drying rack. It’s essentially designed to match the performance and design of your kitchen at home.

What we like most about this cookware set is the intuitive vented lid design and how affordable it is for such a comprehensive kit.

BEST FOR: COMPACT COOKING FOR 2

Perfect for any backpacking duo, the MSR Quick 2 System is a light and versatile cookset that covers all your bases and can be stripped down to the essentials for an even lighter load. 

Boasting two of (almost) everything for a complete meal set for each backpacker, this cookset features 2 insulated mugs with lids, 2 “DeepDish” plates (for either soup or solid food – it’s essentially a bowl-plate), and 2 pots (1.5 Liter & 2.5 Liter). It also sports a lid with a built-in strainer and a detachable pot lifter that won’t scratch the interior. 

This set can also be stripped down for a single backpacker or if both you and your partner already have water bottles, you can remove the cups to create room inside the pot to store your stove!

BEST FOR: HIGH-QUALITY, MINIMAL DESIGN FOR SMALL GROUPS

Small backpacking groups of 2-3 people looking to invest in the most durable and longest lasting cookware set ought to consider the Snow Peak Titanium Multi Compact cookset. Sporting the lightest, most durable, and longest lasting material (Titanium), you’ll get the absolute best bang for your buck. 

The set features 2 pots (34 oz. & 26 oz.), a 17 oz. frying pan, and a 12 oz. saucepan, the latter two which can double as lids for the pots. The handles on each pot and pan fold down for easy storage and all four pieces nest within each other for the most efficient use of space and can also store a 100/110g fuel canister inside (sold seperately).

BEST FOR: ULTRALIGHT SOLO BACKPACKERS

The lightest of the lightest available cooksets, the Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo cookset is streamlined and efficient for your most rugged outdoor adventures. 

Made from Titanium, the lightest and most durable material for a cookset, the Mini Solo resists corrosion and heats food evenly. It’s also extremely efficient meaning you’ll use less fuel for each cook. The taller 30 oz pot fits snugly inside the shorter 18.3 oz. cup thanks to a slight difference in circumference size, allowing you to nest the two pieces for the ultimate packdown. 

The lid for the pot also has a silicone tab for burn-free removal! No need to cover your hand first.

BEST FOR: TWO-PERSON OUTINGS

Having a complete cookset for two doesn’t have to be bulky, heavy and expensive. The GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist II shatters all of those conventions in favor of a streamlined, lightweight, affordable cookset that sports all the features of a fully-loaded set. 

Nesting all of its pieces within a 1.4L pot, this cookset features two 14 oz. bowls, two 14 oz. mugs with sippable lids, two folding foons (fork-spoons), and a lid for your pot with a built-in strainer. 

The folding foons collapse to just 3.7” inches from it’s fully extended 6.1” inch length, making it small enough to fit inside the nesting system.

BEST FOR: EXPANDING YOUR EXISTING MINIMAL SET

If you have a minimalist solo set or an ultralight cookware set for two, then the TOAKS Titanium 1600ml Pot with Pan is a perfect addition to expand your set. Able to hold 1.6 Liters (1600ml), this sizeable pot is still super lightweight and has a lid that doubles as a fry pan (or vise versa). 

The entire set weighs just 8.2 oz., making this expansion set the best ultralight add-on. It’s also large enough to store a 220g fuel canister and small stove inside itself. The handles even feature a nifty fold-down mechanism for compact storage.

BEST BACKPACKING STOVE OVERALL

The Soto Windmaster is one of the highest rated and most awarded canister stoves in its class. Some key features that are desirable are it’s concave burner head that acts as a built in windshield and the micro regulator that keeps a consistent flame even in cold temperatures. 

What we like most about this stove is its consistency and usability in windy conditions. We also really like the integrated Piezo Igniter that runs through the center post of the unit creating consistent and reliable ignition. The 4Flex pot stand is a nice addition to a stove that is inherently somewhat unstable. We also like the amount of control you can gain from the fuel adjustment nob. It makes simmering surprisingly easy.

What we don’t care for about the Soto WindMaster is it’s lack of stability. We also had a hard time getting the stove to ignite in windy conditions. Although, once ignited the stove did preform well in the wind. Soto claims that the 4Flex pot stand is suitable for “whatever size pot your adventure requires” Although the instructions say to use a max size pot/pan of 7 inches / 18cm. This limits the stove to single person use or possibly two people. 

BEST ULTRALIGHT STOVE

The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe boasts a streamlined screw-on design with a powerful burner for its size. While not the smallest stove in the canister stove category the powerful burner is appreciated, especially in windy conditions and in colder weather. 

What we like most about this stove is its compact nature and simmer control. All too often canister stoves are only good for boiling water but fall short for actual cooking. The Pocket Rocket Deluxe made simmering very easy. The integrated pressure regulator is nice for maintaining a good boil time in colder weather. 

What we don’t care for about the Pocket Rocket is its lack of stability when compared to integrated stove systems and its poor performance in windy conditions. We also had some trouble getting the Piezo igniter to fire with a slight breeze. 

BEST STOVE FOR WINDY CONDITIONS

The MSR Windburner is MRS’s answer to the Jetboil Flash. It’s a self contained canister stove system that is exceptionally well made and best for solo adventurers who are looking to boil water quickly and efficiently and who also want the ability to cook a meal outside of just boiling water. 

What we like most about this stove is that it functions well even in high winds because of the protected burner. It has a built-in fuel regulator that helps with simmer control and makes it a viable option for 4 season adventures. We also like that there is an option to purchase a larger pot making this stove an option for groups of 2 or 3. 

What we don’t care about this stove is that you have to carry a lighter with it. It’s not totally contained because the lighter won’t fit in the container, and it’s just one more thing to remember.

BEST STOVE FOR LARGE GROUPS

The MSR Dragonfly is a reliable liquid fuel stove that is stable and great for those who are cooking for larger groups or just looking to cook more elaborate meals. The DragonFly was the most versatile stove that we tested based on the flame control alone. 

What we like most about the MSR DragonFly is how it utilizes two separate fuel controls. This feature made it the best in the category for simmering. We think this is an excellent stove for cooking more elaborate meals due to the flame control. It’s also excellent for use with larger cookware and cooking for larger groups. The flexible fuel line and collapsible legs/pot stand make it easy to pack away. It also burns a large variety of liquid fuel making it ideal for world travel. This is also a stable stove to cook on. The Shaker Jet is nice for cleaning and maintaining the stove in the field. 

What we don’t care for is that, like all liquid fuel stoves, the MSR DragonFly does require some maintenance over time. There is also a small learning curve for those coming from traditional canister stoves. 

BEST STOVE FOR HIGH ALTITUDE AND EXTREME CONDITIONS

The MSR XKG EX has been in service for over 35 years with an update in 2005. Its name is synonyms with reliability and it’s known to be THE go-to stove for mountaineers, explorers, and cooking in extreme conditions. For some, it’s considered the best backcountry stove ever made. 

What we like most about this stove is that it’s built like a tank. It also can run on a wide variety of liquid fuels making it ideal for world travel (White gas, gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, aviation fuel, kerosene, naphtha). The flexible fuel line and collapsible legs/pot stand make packing it into its stuff sack (included) or a pot nice and easy. The built-in shaker needle that clears carbon buildup from the burner unit is a really helpful and unique feature. The stove burns HOT making it ideal for melting snow. The liquid fuel makes it a much better solution for high-altitude cooking. It is also very fuel-efficient. 

What we don’t care for about the MSR XKG EX is that we had some trouble dialing in the simmer. As with all liquid fuel stoves, this will eventually require some maintenance such as replacing o-rings and cleaning the fuel line. This stove is more than likely overkill for the average camper and backpacker.

BEST STOVE FOR BOILING WATER FAST

The Jetboil Zip is synonyms with quick boil times. It’s on the larger size when compared to the likes of the Pocket Rocket Deluxe but its performance in windy conditions, versatility, and included accessories makes it a worthy adversary to other stoves in this category. 

What we like most about this stove is its quick boil time, performance in windy conditions, and it’s stability (only when using the included stabilizer). We also think that the included accessories are a nice touch and make it a great stove for beginners. It’s also easy to handle when hot. 

What we don’t care for about the Jetboil Zip is its limited versatility without purchasing extra accessories. It would be nice if there was an included pot stand and the Jetboil Zip is really only good for boiling water. We also had a hard time getting this stove to a proper simmer. The burner runs hot, which is nice, but it comes at the cost of the simmerability. At the price point, we’d also like to see the piezo igniter found in other models. 

BEST BUDGET STOVE

The BRS 300T comes without any bells and whistles of the other stoves in the category but definitely holds a place in the ultra-light stove market. It is also the least expensive stove in the category by far. 

What we like most about this stove is how impossibly tiny it is. The price point ($16.95) is also a huge selling point. Its all-in-one design is appreciated and it feels like a well-made stove for the price. The fuel control did take a little finesse but you can manage a simmer with a little patience and practice. 

What we don’t care for about the BRS 3000-T is its long boil time. We clocked a boil in roughly 9 minutes at 8000ft above sea level. The fuel consumption with that long of a boil time concerns us.  It doesn’t really perform well in wind and it’s quite unstable. There is not a built-in fuel regulator so its applications will be limited. We wouldn’t count on it at high altitudes or in the wintertime.

BEST WOOD BURNING STOVE 

The Biolite Campstove 2 is the most unique stove that we tested and possibly the most innovative stove on the market. It’s packed full of features and can even charge its own battery pack from heat generated by the woodburning fire. The removable battery pack can be used to charge electronics while at camp. It also includes a USB-powered camp light that can be really helpful for cooking around camp.  

What we like most about this stove is all of its unique features. The helpful LED lights on the front of the battery pack give helpful information such as available battery power, fan speed, and fire strength. At first, we were skeptical about using a woodburning stove but it’s surprisingly fuel-efficient. The whole unit is heavy but packs down surprisingly small for having a large battery pack. The fire is generally smoke free except when first lighting it due to the built in fan. We also like that the fan will turn its self on and off depending on fire strength. 

The weight (2LBS)  will rule it out for many applications and its woodburning nature presents some concerns as well. In the west, during wildfire season the user will need to be extremely careful and the stove cannot be left unattended until the fire has burned completely out. The fan can be a little noisy and introduce some unnatural noise to your camping experience. This stove may not be an option during fire bans in certain areas. The wood fire also can tarnish certain cookware. The cool down time is also longer than most other stoves due to having to wait for the fire to burn itself out.

The Jetboil Flash stove is what most people think of when they think of a Jetboil.  It is a basic single-person stove that is best for boiling water quickly and efficiently. Thanks to Jetboil’s flux ring technology, the Jetboil Flash performs well even in windy conditions. 

What we like most about this stove is that it is a time-tested design that boils water fast even in windy conditions. We like that it is a self-contained stove kit that is easy to use for beginners and experts alike. The Jetboil Flash works best for solo adventurers who are looking to boil water quickly for dehydrated meals or hot drinks. We also appreciate the built-in igniter although many report that they tend to fail over time. 

What we don’t care for about the Jetboil Flash is that it is fairly large for a stove with such limited functionality. The Flash does not come with a fuel regulator which limits it to 3 season use. You can purchase a potholder and use other pots and pans with the Flash burner however this stove does not simmer well and we don’t recommend it for cooking beyond boiling water. 

A Backpacker Magazine 2019 Editor’s Choice Gold Award, the MSR Reactor Stove boils water quickly, is lightweight, reliable, and can withstand the harshest weather conditions. 

This all-in-one stove has a sleek design and is guaranteed to boil water in just three minutes while weighing just over a pound. This stove comes with a built in windscreen which will block out the wind and rain when the weather takes a turn for the worst. 

The speedy boil time also serves as a fuel efficient option. One fuel canister will produce 22 liters of boiled water, so you don’t have to buy as much fuel as you normally would for any other stove.

The MSR Whisperlite Universal is one of the most, well, “universal” stoves on the market, and it is aptly named. What makes it stand out from MSR’s other stoves is the fact that it can transition from a liquid fuel stove to a canister stove that can operate on Isobutane.

What we like most about this stove is the fact that you can use the Isobutane canister in the inverted position which really helps when burning isobutane in lower temperatures. We also appreciate that it includes all of the fuel jets and fuel adapters needed to swap between fuels (isobutane, white gas, kerosene, and unleaded gasoline) easily without purchasing extra parts. Finally, we like that the stove has MSR’s built-in shaker needle to help rid the stove of carbon buildup and cut down on maintenance. 

What we don’t care for about this stove is that it seems just a little unstable right out of the box.  The stove itself is very stable but you need a lot of space or the fuel line will try to twist the stove out of place. The metal windscreen is a little stiff and needs to be broken in before it will stay in place while in use. 

The Jetboil Stash is the lightest and most packable stove in Jetboil’s line of products. It is a basic single-person stove. Its main function is to boil water for making coffee, tea, or dehydrated meals. It’s 40 percent lighter than the next lightest Jetboil Stove.

What we like most about this stove is that it’s very packable and seems well made. We like that you can clip a 100g isobutane canister into the lid and stash a small lighter underneath the canister. 

What we don’t care for about the Jetboil stash is that it takes a long time to boil water with temperatures in the 30’s and a moderate breeze. We think it lacks functionality for those looking to do any cooking besides boiling water. We were also not able to get a proper simmer on this stove.

The Snow Peak LiteMax Stove is a compact pocket rocket that boils water in under four and a half minutes. It’s also the lightest stove option this list – perfect for the ultralight backpacker.

This stove weighs less than two ounces, fuel canister not included. If you’re an ultralight backpacker who wants to enjoy hot meals in the backcountry, this is the stove for you. The wings of this stove fold down, making it extremely compact and lightweight.

This stove will also perform at high altitudes and can melt ice when you are hiking at over 10,000 ft, no problem. It is advised if you are hiking at this altitude to keep the fuel canister in your sleeping bag at night, to ensure the fuel canister stays warm.

You’ll be hard pressed to run out of fuel while you’re using the Solo Stove Lite on the trail, as it burns wood for cooking. To get this fire going, simply collect twigs and branches from around your campsite and ignite them with a lighter or a match in the lower portion of this innovative stove.

The craftsmanship of the Solo is maximized to ensure the oxygen coming into the stove from the wood heats the stove effectively, giving you the quickest boiling time possible for a wood burning stove. The double wall design of this stove helps keep heat in, while the internal wire grate allows oxygen to be fed from the embers below.

An ashtray located at the bottom of the stove gathers ash and doesn’t clog the airflow, making cleanup easy when you are done cooking your meal. This wood burning stove is also a great option for the ultralight backpacker, weighing only nine ounces and requiring no fuel canister to add weight to your pack.

The Jetboil MiniMo takes many of the great parts of the traditional Jetboil and adds in a new form. It’s shorter and fatter than the other stoves which makes it easier to eat directly from the pot you cooked in. It also has great simmer control, handles to hold onto the hot pot, and includes a fuel stabilizer in the package.

What we like most about this stove is that allows you to bring less items into the backcountry. If you are making a meal for two, you can both eat directly out of the bowl. We also like the incremental heat adjustment so you can get a true simmer, this allows you to do more than just aggressively boil. We were also really impressed with the boil time!

What we don’t care for about the Jetboil MiniMo is that you can’t pack everything in there for a seamless system. The fuel ends up floating in your pack instead of tucked into the stove, just one extra thing to worry about while in the backcountry.

Fluctuating temperatures and changes in altitude can alter the performance of a backpacking stove. With the Primus OmniFuel, these two factors won’t inhibit stove performance. The Primus OmniFuel was designed to handle temperatures from low to high as well as altitude changes from the ascent and descent. 

As your scenery goes from desert to forest, this backpacking stove will deliver a powerful flame with reliable performance. The stove comes with a built-in windscreen to maintain a steady flame and heat reflector to boost cooking efficiency. From diesel to white gas, you can prime and light this stove with any type of fuel you can get your hands on. Speaking of hands, you’ll be happy to hear the flame control valve is easy to adjust whether your gloves are on or off.

If you like the Primus OmniFuel, but want a lighter and more fuel-efficient option, take a look at the Primus OmniLite Ti. The OmniLite Ti heats quickly and adjusts easily at the turn of a knob. Boil or simmer, this stove is capable of cooking your backcountry meal to your liking. 

When temperatures drop, you’ll find the Primus OmniLite to be a reliable cooking source even when you’re camping in winter. This stove burns multiple types of fuel so you’ll have an easier time refilling the fuel bottles. Light yet stable, this backpacking stove works best with smaller pots, making it a better choice for the solo backpacker.

A big stove made little, the Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0 works great in all conditions. With a built-in Piezo igniter, simply assemble the stove and push to start. The aluminum base is strong and durable, yet lightweight so you won’t feel its weight on your back while hiking. As a benefit, the fold-out pot supporters will hold up most any cooking pot you decide to bring.

This stove is extremely sturdy and reliable. It works in cold weather and can simmer for meals as well. The GigaPower is best for backpackers seeking a sturdier, more stable stove at the end of the day.

JetBoil’s take on a pocket rocket is functional and versatile. The Jetboil MightyMo will heat water in about three minutes, making it the fastest average boil time of any pocket rocket featured in this article.

The stove is compatible with any flat bottom cookware, so you can boil, pan fry, or saute a feast even when you’re in the mountains. Similar to other JetBoil stoves, this product has a push button igniter, making it easy peasy to start, and assures you won’t burn yourself. 

JetBoil’s MightyMo has a flame control valve on the side, so you can easily control the level of flame produced, making simmering a possibility as well as fast and efficient boiling. And do you wanna know the best part about this JetBoil pocket rocket stove? It weighs less than a deck of cards!

The Solo Stove Alcohol Burner Stove provides excellent performance and includes several handy features that make it extra useful and convenient for cooking. However, it’s important to note that the alcohol burner is designed to be used with a Solo Stove, which must be purchased separately.

One of the typical downsides of alcohol stoves is the inability to control the flame, but the Solo Stove Alcohol Burner includes a handle that folds out and gives you the ability to regulate the heat and turn off the flame when you’re done. The alcohol burner on the Solo Stove has a rubber gasket on the cap, which allows you to store leftover fuel in the stove for an extended period of time, and you can transport it without worrying about the alcohol leaking.