Backpacking Stoves

The stove, heart of the camp

A stove lets you boil water and cook far from anywhere: a hot meal and a warming drink change everything after a long day on the trail. Compact and lightweight, it packs away alongside your cook set. It's a key part of self-sufficiency on trek, to be chosen according to the type of trip, its length and the number of people you're cooking for.

Stoves: gas, petrol or multi-fuel?

Gas stoves (cartridge-fed) are the simplest, lightest and cleanest option: instant lighting, ideal for most walks. Petrol or multi-fuel stoves perform better in extreme cold and at altitude, where gas loses power, and are better suited to longer expeditions. Some ultralight models build the burner straight into the pot for maximum efficiency and a real weight saving.

Weight, efficiency and wind

A good stove strikes a balance between low weight and strong performance: it heats up quickly while using as little fuel as possible. Wind resistance matters a great deal outdoors: a windshield or built-in system helps protect the flame. Certain systems (such as MSR or equivalents) optimize heat transfer to boil water in record time - invaluable at altitude.

Gearing up properly

Pair your stove with a cook set, some cutlery and a way to carry water. To complete your camping kit, from stove to water bottle, head over to the walker's extra gear. Designed with walkers in mind, a small ultralight stove makes cooking and fuel use more efficient: in summer or up in the mountains, it also lets you heat water in next to no time.