Camping Stoves

Camping Stoves

          I personally have little experience with camping stoves, and though I own one, I have never actually used it. This is due to a small mistake that was made when purchasing fuel for it. I bought the stove for a camping trip through the Southwestern United States, and I had never attempted to use it until the group I was traveling with and I arrived at our first campsite. This was my first mistake. Before using any new equipment, learn how it works. Test it. Play with it. Research it. Before heading to our first campsite, we stopped at a Walmart to purchase our food, fuel, and other last minute supplies. Some of us decided to save money and purchase two canisters of propane that were sold together for the two stoves that were brought on the trip. The canister and my stove were not compatible, so only one was used for the trip’s duration. Every product available caters to a different consumer. Some camping stoves are large and cater to large groups or families, others are single burners that appeal to an individual or to small groups. Whether a person wants to buy a $15 stove or a $150 stove, the item’s primary function seems to be the same, boil water. Many may be enticed by the features of products designed for extreme conditions. While it is important to be prepared, it is also important to remember that not every camping trip will be an expedition up Mount Everest. Below, I have created a comparison of two types of stoves I have had some experience with and their uses.

Backpacking Stoves

There are many different types of backpacking stoves, most of them characteristically being smaller and much lighter than other stoves. These stoves are categorized by the fuel they use: canister, liquid fuel, solid fuel, etc. Some of the more common backpacking stoves are canister stoves, which are usually cheaper than other stoves, work well, take up little space, and are extremely lightweight. Upon researching this type, the most consistent con is that they do not function well in windy environments. One of the solutions to this problem is an integrated canister stove. These are heavier and more expense than their more open flamed counterparts. Reviews of solid and liquid fuel stoves seem to say that they are difficult to control, but that is not much different from the canister stoves, whose temperatures are not the easiest to manage.

GSI Outdoors Glacier Camp Stove

Jetboil Zip Cooking System

TOAKS Titanium Backpacking Wood Burning Stove

For more information about buying a backpacking stoves read Outdoor Gear Lab’s Backpacking Stove Buying Guide or REI’s How to Choose a Backpacking Stove.

Car Camping Stoves

          These stoves tend to be larger and heavier than backpacking stoves, and they are more likely to have cooking features than backpacking stoves. This type of stove has more variables affecting it. These stoves can have a single burner or multiple burners. Like with the backpacking stoves, the fuel choice can vary. These fuel types can range from propane and butane to wood. A car camping stove is a good option for those who plan on preparing many meals while camping and is good for family camping trips. 

Coleman Triton Series 2-Burner Stove

For more information about car camping stoves check out Fresh off the Grid’s Car Camping Stove Guide.