If you love to go backpacking, then you need to buy a great propane stove for your backpacking adventure. With so many kinds of stove, there are a wide variety of options for cooking and heating on the go. Whether it be a propane or white gas stove, jerry cans or two-burner systems, we’ve done our research on the best and most popular models of backpacking stoves and put together this ultimate guide on the 5 light weight backpacking stoves to help you choose the best one to take on your next adventure!
First, we will go through a comprehensive buying guide for selecting the best stove. Then, we will review 5 light weight backpacking stoves, their features, pros and cons and some FAQs related to them. This will help you to narrow down your search of the best stove.
So, let’s get started! For you folks that would like to jump directly to the 5 suggested stoves, you can do so by clicking HERE!
Buying Guide to the Best Propane Stove for Backpacking
A good choice of propane stove goes first through an analysis of your needs, but also the consideration of certain parameters which we will discuss next. So, let’s look at some crucial points which you should consider before buying your next backpacking propane stove.
1. The size and weight
These criteria determine the portability of the stove. If you must go hiking or camping, you want to start as light as possible. The stove must therefore have a minimal bulk and be as light as possible. Obviously, single-burner models naturally fit in a more compact format and are more easily transportable than stoves with two or more burners.
Anyway, consider the space you have, and do not lose sight of the space that must also occupy the cylinders or gas cartridges essential to operate the stove. It would also be interesting if the latter came with a bag or a carrying case.
2. The power
Depending on whether you want to make a cup of coffee, heat up food or prepare it, the power required is not the same. If you want to do extensive cooking on your camping trips and hikes, the power of the stove should at-least be 1500W. However, if you want to use the stove for simple re-heating, even a 1000W one would easily do the job!
Anyway, always prefer a propane stove whose power can be adjusted. If you need to vary the applications like heating, cooking, toasting, etc, it is indeed essential that the intensity of the flame can be adjusted.
3. Wind sensitivity
It’s a fact: a stove that does not resist the wind is of no use! It is therefore essential that you pay attention to the wind sensitivity of the device on which you have set your sights, all the more so when you venture to a destination where the conditions are not very favourable.
It will be a matter of ensuring the presence of an effective wind barrier to prevent the flame from going out under the threat of strong winds or simply from moving too much. Note that some gas stoves have a lid that can act as a windbreak.
4. Stability
For practical and safe use, your propane stove must be perfectly stable. It must therefore not only be sturdy, but also have three or four well-sized feet that will allow it to stay in place. Better, the integration of stabilizers is strongly recommended, if you intend to use it on uneven surfaces.
In addition, stove-type stoves, although bulky, appear to be the most stable. Those with offset cartridge and/or inverted cartridge are also strongly recommended, because even if you lose place, you gain stability and safety. With this type of stoves, the burner is connected to the cartridge by a supply pipe, which not only reduces the risk of accidents and burns, but also allows the device to support large capacity containers.
5. Durability
If you regularly go camping or hiking, and for long periods (1 or 2 weeks or even months), it is preferable that you opt for sturdy equipment that will withstand the test of time.
6. Security
Even if the manufacturers multiply the security measures, the use of gas involves a risk of explosion which must be considered when buying your stove. In concrete terms, you will be particularly interested in the reliability of the device.
Among the measures generally taken to ensure the safety of use of the stove, we can note the integration of a locking system at the level of the compartment intended to receive the gas cartridge, and the installation of a system of automatic shutdown in the event of a problem (gas leaks for example).
It is also recommended to opt for a stove that allows easy connection and removal of the gas cartridge. This allows you to store it in a safe place when you are not using your propane stove.
7. The number of burners
When deciding on the number of burners for your stove, you must consider your needs, especially in terms of the number of people to feed and the time saved. If you have to prepare for a whole family, beyond the fact that the stove must be efficient and support larger containers, it should preferably have as many burners as possible in order to allow you to prepare several meals at the same time.
8. Boiling time
In direct connection with the power, as well as the adaptation to the climatic conditions, it makes it possible to appreciate the performances of the propane stove. If the latter has the ability to quickly bring water to boil, it means that it allows you to cook quickly.
Opt for a model offering the shortest possible boiling time (no more than 5 minutes). This not only reduces the time it takes to prepare your meals, but also the gas consumption.
9. Burner consumption
It is preferable when buying your propane stove to favour low-consumption models. These are equipped with burners designed to optimize gas consumption, and also have efficient wind-break systems.
10. Autonomy
This parameter provides information on the average duration of total gas consumption. Expressed in minutes in relation to the volume or weight of the latter, the autonomy naturally depends on the cartridge you have chosen. Before going camping or hiking, it is essential that you make sure that the fuel will not run out.
11. Build Quality
This largely determines the longevity of your propane stove. In the absence of a more robust but expensive cast iron or copper appliance, a good quality steel stove will be preferred. In addition to being durable, this material also has the advantage of ensuring easy maintenance.
Our Top 5 Picks of the Best Light Weight Backpacking Stoves
1. BLUU GEMINI 2-in-1 Backpacking Camping Propane
The BLUU GEMINI Backpacking Propane Stove is a top-of-the-line, portable stove that will help make your next camping trip a breeze. It comes with heat exchange and maximum windproof technology, so you can rest assured it will work no matter the conditions. It boils half a litre of water in just 2 mins, meaning you won’t have to wait long for your hot coffee to be ready in the morning.
This stove is extremely versatile and comes with a 0.75-liter pot and 0.45-Liter pan, so you can cook up anything from pancakes to pasta on your next trip! On top of its versatility, this stove is also highly compact and lightweight (19oz), making it perfect for any camping trip. And with its durable aluminium pot body and thermal insulation neoprene outer cover, you can be sure that this stove will hold up for years to come.
And if that wasn’t enough, it’s easy to use, just push the ignition button and start cooking! And best of all? It comes with a 1-year warranty service, so you can be sure your purchase is well worth every penny!
Pros:
- Comes with heat exchange and maximum windproof technology
- Boils half a litre of water in just 2 mins
- Consistent performance even in extreme conditions
- Extremely versatile and comes with a 0.75-liter pot and 0.45-Liter pan
- Highly compact and lightweight (19oz)
- Has a durable aluminium pot body and a thermal insulation neoprene outer cover.
- Burner is equipped with push button ignition
- 1-year warranty service also included
Cons:
- The lid can be a bit finicky at times!
FAQ:
1. How much Fuel do you need for a 3-day trip?
Well, if you are travelling solo, a single canister is more than enough. However, if you are travelling with friends or family, consider taking 2 or even 3 canisters.
2. Does it work on Propane or Isobutane?
Both! It can actually work on both fuel canisters!
3. Can you cook in this with the plastic cover on?
Yes! The plastic cover will help cooking or boiling faster. So, you should use it to speed up the process.
4. Do you get a Warranty with this product?
Yes! You will get a 1 year service warranty with the product.
5. Is the Burner Replaceable?
Unfortunately, No! You can’t replace the burner separately because the exchanger is fitted right into the body. So, you have to purchase the entire unit.
Conclusion
BLUU GEMINI Backpacking Propane Stove is something you will never regret purchasing. This is a true workhorse, partly because it’s actually two pots that nest together. The outer cover protects the contents of the stove, while a lid on the inner pot keeps anything in your food hot until you’re ready to eat it.
One notable thing about this propane stove is that you can actually mix and cook food at the same time. It’s perfect for cooking dehydrated meals and boiling water to prepare whatever frozen or fresh ingredients you have on hand.
If cooking two things at once isn’t important to you, but you want a stove that can boil water quickly, the BLUU GEMINI Backpacking Propane Stove may be right up your alley.
2. Bulin Camping Portable Propane Stove
Whether you’re backpacking or just enjoying the great outdoors, Bulin Backpacking Portable Propane Stove is a great choice for cooking. Why? Because it has a high heat output of 6800W, which means it can boil 1L of water in just 2 minutes! It also comes with a piezo ignition switch and a knob that lets you adjust the flame to suit your needs.
Made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, it’s durable enough to withstand even harsh weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rains making it perfect for camping trips with friends or family members who don’t know how to cook on an open fire yet (and maybe never will).
And if you’re worried about its stability, don’t be: Bulin has been designed with an extra-wide base so there’s no chance of tipping over while cooking up delicious meals outdoors! Best part? It only weighs 2lbs! That’s not all though- this product has many other features such as being extremely light weight and portable.
Pros:
- Has a very high heat output of 6800W
- Can boil 1L of water in just 2 minutes
- Very convenient to use as it comes with a piezo ignition switch and adjustable knob
- Made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel
- Extremely stable due to wide base
- Has a massive load capacity of 75kg
- Extremely lightweight and portable with a weight of 2lb
Cons:
- It has overheating issues if used a bit too long!
FAQ:
1. Does this Stove work with Coleman Propane Tanks?
Yes! This stove is compatible with 1lb Coleman propane tanks. However, you would need to purchase a separate adapter hose for this.
2. Do you get a storage bag for this Stove?
Yes! You get a storage bag with this stove which helps to carry it conveniently without any hassle on camping and outdoor adventure trips.
3. Does it work on only Propane Gas?
No! This stove is capable of working on both propane as well as iso-butane gas, and even their mixture.
4. Do you get a Warranty with this product?
No! This stove does not come with a warranty. However, you get a 30 day money back guarantee is anything goes wrong with your stove in the first month!
5. What is the BTU Rating of this Stove?
This propane stove is rated at 23,000 BTU approximately!
Conclusion
The Bulin Backpacking Stove is an ideal portable stove, not just for the campground but also for other outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. The Bulin Backpacking Stove is made of high-quality stainless steel which will be sure to last for a long time. What is more, it is extremely easy to use. Its ignition system is also top-notch.
You can cook a variety of dishes with this accessory. It is highly recommended that you get your hands on one right now!
3. BLUU MOUNT Backpacking Camping Propane Stove
Going backpacking, camping, or hiking? Then you need a stove that’s compact, lightweight, and can deliver high performance, even in the windiest of conditions. The BLUU MOUNT Backpacking Propane Stove is perfect for all your outdoor cooking needs.
Just how efficient is the BLUU MOUNT Backpacking Propane Stove? Extremely! The heat exchange technology allows it to boil 0.5L of water in under two minutes and that’s even in windy conditions. Plus, it comes with a 1.4L pot and a pan support for versatile cooking.
The BLUU MOUNT Backpacking Propane Stove is also extremely lightweight (15.5oz) and compact, so you don’t have to worry about lugging around a heavy burner or packing an unwieldy bundle of pots and pans on your next adventure. And when you’re not using it, it easily fits into its own carrying pouch, which makes it easy to store and transport.
It has a durable aluminium pot body and an outer thermal insulation neoprene cover so you can avoid burning your hands as you cook. Plus, the burner is equipped with push button ignition and simmer control so your food will be cooked exactly how you want it to be!
Pros:
- Has high efficiency due to heat exchange and maximum windproof technology
- Can boil 0.5 litres of water in under 2 mins
- Comes with a 1.4 litre pot and a pan for versatile cooking
- Extremely lightweight (15.5oz) and compact
- Has a durable aluminium pot body and a thermal insulation neoprene outer cover.
- Burner is equipped with push button ignition and simmer control
- 1-year warranty service also included
Cons:
- The lid can be a bit finicky at times!
FAQ
1. Can you use this Stove as a Heater?
No! You must never use a stove as a heater as its very dangerous. Moreover, the manufacturer has strictly put a disclaimer about this on their website.
2. What is the capacity of the Propane Tank?
Well, it comes with a propane tank of 230g capacity. This is the ideal capacity as it does not make the stove bulky or inconvenient to carry along.
3. Can you light it with matchsticks?
Yes! In case the ignition system doesn’t work, you can use other lighting systems such as matchsticks or even a gas lighter.
4. Do you get a Warranty with this product?
Yes! You will get a 1 year service warranty with the product.
5. Can you use a regular frying pan with this stove?
Yes! The stove comes with in-built pan supports, so you can easily toss your pan right up that stove!
Conclusion
The BLUU MOUNT is a one-of-a-kind, ultralight, and portable outdoor stove. With its simple design, this product allows you to easily cook on it without worrying about any sudden failure.
It takes very short time to boil water and helps you prepare quick and healthy meals anywhere. The pot and the pan are durable, lightweight, and windproof making it one of the best backpacking propane stoves for a variety of outdoor activities.
4. MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Camping and Backpacking Stove
Weighing in at just 2.6 ounces and taking up about as much space as a deck of cards, the MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Backpacking Stove is perfect for every kind of cook and camper. Whether you’re hiking, backpacking, trekking, camping, or traveling the world, this stove is perfect for your adventures.
The PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Backpacking Stove can boil one litre of water in just 3.5 minutes, making it the perfect choice for both small groups and those looking to keep their pack light on long excursions. It has adjustable knobs so you can customize your heat levels and even comes with pot and pan supports so you can do more than just boil water!
Setup is simple: no priming, preheating, or pressurizing required! Just set it up wherever you are, screw in an MSR IsoPro fuel canister (sold separately), then turn on the flame control lever to get cooking!
This stove includes a lightweight protective case and field maintainable shaker jet needle to help you keep your stove clean and functioning perfectly for years to come.
Pros:
- Ultralight (2.6 oz) and compact
- Highly suited for backpacking, hiking, trekking, camping, and global travel due to its foldable nature
- Boils one litre of water in just 3.5 minutes
- Comes with adjustable knobs
- Easy to setup and operate, no priming, preheating, or pressurizing required
- Has pot and pan supports for versatile cooking
- Comes with a lightweight protective case for easy storage and carry
Cons:
- The boil time is a little longer when compared to other stoves at this price range.
FAQ
1. Where is this product actually made?
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is actually manufactured and assembled in Korea. However, you can easily get replacement parts and canisters in US and other countries (Canada, UK…) too!
2. How long does a fuel canister last with this Stove?
With the 110g canister that comes with this stove, you can easily cook light to mid-heavy meals for at least 2 full days (for a single person).
3. Is the heat Adjustable?
Yes! You can easily adjust the heat of this stove. You can either turn it to super high for fast cooking or even simmer down for efficient cooking.
4. Do you get a Warranty with this product?
No! Unfortunately, you don’t get a warranty with this product (as far as buying from Amazon is concerned).
5. What is the minimum size of the pot that this stive can hold?
Well, it can hold anything above 4 inches of diameter. Personally, I wouldn’t try anything below 3.5 inches!
Conclusion
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is the most durable backpacking stove that I have had the pleasure of using. Since its inception, it has garnered respect in the outdoor community for its durability and versatility.
In addition, the PocketRocket 2 has acquired a reputation for being basecamp-friendly; it is recommended as an ideal kitchen companion by outdoor enthusiasts.
5. BRS 4200W Camping Propane Stove
The benefits of the BRS 4200W Backpacking Propane Stove are truly top-notch. This stove automatically adapts to the stand, and it is completely foldable for convenient storage and transport. It weighs merely 0.48 kilograms, which is less than a pound, so you can take it anywhere with you without worrying about adding too much weight to your bags.
This stove utilizes infrared radiation for cooking, so you get consistent heat while cooking. It comes with a storage bag, which is super convenient if you’re on the go a lot and need something that’s easy to pack up and move around.
The BRS 4200W Backpacking Propane Stove can also adapt to any and every gas tank capacity, so you can use whatever size fits your needs best. It has a firepower of up to 4200W, which means that it can get the job done fast whether you’re boiling water or frying up some eggs over an open flame.
The BRS 4200W also comes with a burner which can convert gas flame to infrared radiation for fast cooking! The infrared radiation is highly efficient and can save up to 70% of gas compared to other stoves of similar size and power.
Pros:
- Automatically adapts to the stand
- Is completely foldable for convenient storage and carry (weighs merely 0.48 Kg)
- Uses infrared radiation for cooking
- Comes with a storage bag
- Can adapt to any and every gas tank capacity
- Has a firepower of up to 4200W
- Comes with a burner which can convert gas flame to infrared radiation for fast cooking
Cons:
- Fuel consumption is slightly higher than some other models!
FAQ
1. What kind of Adapter do we require for this stove to connect on a propane tank?
You will need a EN417 Lindal valve output adapter to connect a propane gas tank to this stove.
2. Does this stove come with an electric lighter?
No! Unfortunately, it does not come with an electric lighter.
3. How long does a fuel canister last with this stove?
A 16oz propane fuel canister can easily last 2 days if you cook 2 meals a day for 2 people.
4. Do you get a Warranty with this product?
You don’t get a warranty service with this stove. However, there is a 90 day quality guarantee which can help you if your stove malfunctions within 90 days of use!
5. Is the Heat Easily Adjustable on this Stove?
Yes! You can easily adjust the heat from max to simmer!
Conclusion
The BRS 4200W is definitely a great buy! If you are an average camper but would like to take a step up, then this is the best stove for you. It is even more effective if you are looking to save money because it will cost you less than liquid fuel stoves.
The BRS 4200W’s price is really competitive and it also gives you immense value for money.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs and troubleshooting about camping and enjoying the outdoors, here are some additional posts to check out:
The Bottom Line
In the end, the best stove will depend largely on your personal preferences. The majority of the factors that we discussed apply to all stoves, but you will also have to take into consideration any other details that are specific to you. For example, if you plan to use this stove over extended periods of time, then weight and durability may be more important considerations than they would be for a short backpacking trip.
In short, each stove has its advantages (and drawbacks) and it’s important that you know what your needs are before deciding which one is right for you.
However, the backpacking propane stoves that we have chosen are some of the best and most popular ones for this purpose. So, don’t hesitate in buying any of these as all of them would prove to be a quality buy for the buck! Be Safe And Happy Adventure.!