Are you an avid hiker or backpacker looking for the best ultralight stove to take on your next adventure? Look no further than our comprehensive review of the top ultralight stoves on the market in 2023. We tested seven different models in a variety of settings to determine which ones perform the best in terms of weight, efficiency, and ease of use. Read on for our detailed reviews of each product, including their technical specifications, pros and cons, and our overall impressions.
Jetboil Stash Ultralight Cooking System
MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Stove
Jetboil MicroMo Lightweight Cooking System
Primus Classic Trail Backpacking Stove
Jetboil MightyMo Ultralight Backpacking Stove
Firemaple Hornet II Camping Stove
Optimus Crux Lite Solo Cooking System
Jetboil Stash Ultralight Cooking System
The Jetboil Stash Ultralight Cooking System is a compact and lightweight stove that's perfect for backpackers and hikers who want to travel light. With a weight of just 7.1 ounces, it's one of the lightest stoves on the market, making it a great choice for long-distance hikers who need to keep their pack weight down. The Stash features a 0.8-liter cooking cup, a stove burner, a fuel canister stabilizer, and a lid with a pour spout and strainer. Its FluxRing technology helps to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce boil times.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 7.1 oz
Boil Time: 2 minutes 30 seconds per 16 oz
Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister
Dimensions: 4.1 x 6.5 inches
Output: 6,000 BTUs
Pros:
Lightweight and compact
Efficient fuel usage
Fast boil times
Convenient lid with pour spout and strainer
Cons:
Small cooking cup may not be suitable for larger meals
Can be unstable on uneven surfaces
In our testing, the Jetboil Stash was one of our top picks for the best ultralight stove. Its compact size and low weight make it an excellent choice for long-distance hikers, and its FluxRing technology helps to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce boil times. However, its small cooking cup may not be suitable for larger meals, and it can be unstable on uneven surfaces.
Weight: 7.1 ounces
Price: $ 144
Final Score: 10/10MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Stove
The MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Stove is another top contender for the best ultralight stove. Weighing in at just 2.6 ounces, it's one of the lightest and most compact stoves on the market. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with its powerful flame and fast boil times. The PocketRocket 2 features a simple and durable design, with three folding pot supports and a flame adjuster for precise temperature control.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 2.6 oz
Boil Time: 3 minutes 30 seconds per 16 oz
Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister
Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 2 inches
Output: 8,200 BTUs
Pros:
Extremely lightweight and compact
Powerful flame and fast boil times
Simple and durable design
Cons:
No built-in ignition, requires a separate lighter or match
Pot supports may not be stable enough for larger pots
In our testing, the MSR PocketRocket 2 impressed us with its ultra-lightweight and compact design, powerful flame, and fast boil times. Its simple and durable construction make it a reliable choice for any hiking or backpacking trip. However, the lack of a built-in ignition and potentially unstable pot supports may be drawbacks for some users.
Weight: 2.6 ounces
Price: $ 59
Final Score: 8.5/10Jetboil MicroMo Lightweight Cooking System
The Jetboil MicroMo Lightweight Cooking System is another excellent option for ultralight stoves. With a weight of just 12 ounces, it's still relatively lightweight and compact, but offers a larger cooking cup than some of the other options on this list. The MicroMo features a 0.8-liter cooking cup, a stove burner, a fuel canister stabilizer, and a lid with a pour spout and strainer. Its FluxRing technology helps to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce boil times, and its adjustable regulator allows for precise temperature control.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 12 oz
Boil Time: 2 minutes 15 seconds per 16 oz
Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister
Dimensions: 4.1 x 6 inches
Output: 6,000 BTUs
Pros:
Lightweight and compact
Larger cooking cup than some other ultralight stoves
Efficient fuel usage
Fast boil times
Convenient lid with pour spout and strainer
Adjustable regulator for precise temperature control
Cons:
Relatively expensive compared to some other options
Can be unstable on uneven surfaces
In our testing, the Jetboil MicroMo was a top contender for the best ultralight stove due to its combination of lightweight and compact design, efficient fuel usage, and fast boil times. Its larger cooking cup and adjustable regulator are also major advantages. However, its relatively high price point and potential instability on uneven surfaces may be drawbacks for some users.
Weight: 12 ounces
Price: $ 154
Final Score: 10/10Primus Classic Trail Backpacking Stove
The Primus Classic Trail Backpacking Stove is a more traditional option for ultralight stoves. It features a durable and reliable design with a stable three-legged pot support and a powerful flame. The Classic Trail is slightly heavier and bulkier than some of the other stoves on this list, but still relatively lightweight and compact compared to traditional camping stoves. It also comes with a convenient nylon carrying case.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 6.9 oz
Boil Time: 3 minutes 15 seconds per 16 oz
Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister
Dimensions: 4.9 x 4.9 x 2.2 inches
Output: 10,000 BTUs
Pros:
Durable and reliable design
Stable pot support
Powerful flame
Comes with a nylon carrying case
Cons:
Heavier and bulkier than some other ultralight stoves
Slower boil times than some other options
In our testing, the Primus Classic Trail Backpacking Stove was a solid choice for those who prefer a more traditional camping stove design. Its stable pot support and powerful flame make it a reliable choice for cooking meals on the trail, but its slightly heavier weight and slower boil times may be drawbacks for ultralight backpackers.
Weight: 6.9 ounces
Price: $ 31
Final Score: 8/10Jetboil MightyMo Ultralight Backpacking Stove
The Jetboil MightyMo Ultralight Backpacking Stove is another great option for those seeking an ultralight and compact stove. Weighing in at just 3.3 ounces, it's one of the lightest stoves on this list. The MightyMo features a sturdy pot support and a powerful burner that can bring a liter of water to a boil in just 3 minutes. It also has an adjustable flame control for precise temperature regulation.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 3.3 oz
Boil Time: 3 minutes per liter
Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.9 inches
Output: 10,000 BTUs
Pros:
Extremely lightweight and compact
Powerful burner with fast boil times
Adjustable flame control for precise temperature regulation
Cons:
Pot support may not be stable enough for larger pots
No built-in ignition, requires a separate lighter or match
In our testing, the Jetboil MightyMo impressed us with its ultra-lightweight and compact design, powerful burner, and fast boil times. It's an excellent option for those seeking the lightest and most portable stove possible. However, its potentially unstable pot support and lack of a built-in ignition may be drawbacks for some users.
Weight: 3.3 ounces
Price: $ 59
Final Score: 9/10Firemaple Hornet II Camping Stove
The Firemaple Hornet II Camping Stove is a unique and versatile option for ultralight stoves. Its modular design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, and it can be used with a variety of pot sizes and shapes. It also features a built-in piezo ignition for easy lighting, and its efficient flame design allows for fast boil times and precise temperature control.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 1.7 oz
Boil Time: 3 minutes 30 seconds per liter
Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister
Dimensions: 3.3 x 1.9 inches
Output: 9,200 BTUs
Pros:
Versatile and modular design
Built-in piezo ignition for easy lighting
Efficient flame design for fast boil times and precise temperature control
Cons:
Pot support may not be stable enough for larger pots
Not as widely known as some other brands
In our testing, the Firemaple Hornet II Camping Stove proved to be a unique and versatile option for ultralight stoves. Its modular design and built-in piezo ignition are major advantages, and its efficient flame design offers fast boil times and precise temperature control. However, its potentially unstable pot support and lesser-known brand may be drawbacks for some users.
Weight: 1.7 ounces
Price: $ 39
Final Score: 7.5/10Optimus Crux Lite Solo Cooking System
The Optimus Crux Lite Solo Cooking System is a lightweight and compact option for those seeking an all-in-one cooking system. It features a folding stove burner, a 0.6-liter cooking cup with a pour spout and measuring marks, a mesh storage bag, and a handheld piezo ignition. The Crux Lite is also compatible with a variety of pot sizes and shapes.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 7.1 oz
Boil Time: 3 minutes per liter
Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister
Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.8 inches
Output: 10,200 BTUs
Pros:
Lightweight and compact all-in-one cooking system
Folding stove burner for easy storage
Handheld piezo ignition for easy lighting
Cons:
Smaller cooking cup may not be sufficient for some users
Pot support may not be stable enough for larger pots
In our testing, the Optimus Crux Lite Solo Cooking System proved to be an excellent all-in-one option for ultralight backpacking. Its lightweight and compact design, folding stove burner, and handheld piezo ignition make it easy to pack and use on the trail. However, its smaller cooking cup and potentially unstable pot support may not be ideal for all users.
Weight: 7.1 ounces
Price: $ 64
Final Score: 7/10Conclusion
After testing and reviewing several ultralight stoves, we've found that the best ultralight stove for backpacking depends on individual needs and preferences. For those seeking the lightest and most compact option possible, the Jetboil Stash Ultralight Cooking System and the Jetboil MicroMo Lightweight Cooking System are excellent choices. The MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Stove is also a great option for those seeking a well-known and reliable brand.
If versatility and modularity are priorities, the Firemaple Hornet II Camping Stove is a unique and adaptable option. The Jetboil MightyMo Ultralight Backpacking Stove is also a lightweight and powerful choice for those seeking fast boil times and precise temperature control.
Finally, the Optimus Crux Lite Solo Cooking System is a great all-in-one option for those seeking convenience and ease of use. Ultimately, the best ultralight stove for backpacking will depend on individual needs, preferences, and priorities on the trail.