When it comes to backpacking, weight and space are key considerations. Having an ultralight backpacking stove that doesn't take up too much space in your pack can make a big difference. In this review article, we'll take a look at some of the best ultralight backpacking stoves on the market:
We'll discuss each product in detail, including its technical details, pros and cons, and our testing experiences.
Jetboil MicroMo Lightweight Cooking System Review
Jetboil is a well-known brand in the backpacking world, and the MicroMo is one of their best-selling products. This cooking system features a lightweight and compact design, making it perfect for backpackers who are looking to save space and weight. The MicroMo comes with a burner, a fuel canister stabilizer, and a 0.8-liter FluxRing cooking cup. The cooking cup has a neoprene cozy with a handle, which makes it easy to handle and drink from. The MicroMo also has a push-button igniter, which makes it easy to start the stove even in windy conditions.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 12 oz (excluding fuel canister)
Boil Time: 2 minutes 15 seconds per 16 oz of water
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane
Fuel Canister Compatibility: 100g, 230g, 450g
Pros:
Lightweight and compact design
Quick boil time
Easy to start even in windy conditions
Comes with a cooking cup and neoprene cozy
Cons:
Not as fuel-efficient as some other models
Can be unstable on uneven surfaces
We tested the Jetboil MicroMo on several backpacking trips in the Pacific Northwest. We found that the MicroMo was easy to set up and start, and boiled water quickly. The neoprene cozy made it easy to handle the hot cooking cup, and the push-button igniter worked well even in windy conditions. The only downside we experienced was that the stove was a bit unstable on uneven surfaces. Overall, we were impressed with the MicroMo's performance and would recommend it to other backpackers.
Weight: 12 ounces
Price: $ 154
Final Score: 10/10MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Stove Review
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is another popular ultralight backpacking stove. This stove is known for its durability and simplicity. It has a minimalist design, with no frills or extra features. The PocketRocket 2 comes with a hard plastic case for storage and transport.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 2.6 oz (excluding fuel canister)
Boil Time: 3 minutes 30 seconds per 16 oz of water
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane
Fuel Canister Compatibility: 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz canisters
Pros:
Lightweight and compact design
Durable and simple
Comes with a hard plastic case for storage
Cons:
No windscreen, which can affect performance in windy conditions
No adjustable flame, which can make it difficult to simmer food
We tested the MSR PocketRocket 2 on a backpacking trip in the Rocky Mountains. We found that the stove was easy to set up and start, and boiled water quickly. The hard plastic case made it easy to transport and protected the stove from damage. However, we did notice that the lack of a windscreen made it difficult to use in windy conditions, and the lack of an adjustable flame made it difficult to simmer food. Overall, we think the MSR PocketRocket 2 is a solid option for backpackers who value durability and simplicity.
Weight: 2.6 ounces
Price: $ 59
Final Score: 8.5/10Jetboil MightyMo Ultralight Backpacking Stove Review
The Jetboil MightyMo is another ultralight backpacking stove from Jetboil. This stove is known for its reliability and performance in cold weather. The MightyMo has a powerful burner that can boil water quickly, and a simmer control for cooking more delicate meals.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 3.3 oz (excluding fuel canister)
Boil Time: 3 minutes per 16 oz of water
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane
Fuel Canister Compatibility: 100g, 230g, 450g
Pros:
Reliable performance in cold weather
Quick boil time
Simmer control for cooking more delicate meals
Lightweight and compact design
Cons:
Can be unstable on uneven surfaces
The simmer control can be difficult to adjust precisely
We tested the Jetboil MightyMo on a winter backpacking trip in the Cascade Mountains. We found that the MightyMo lived up to its reputation for reliable performance in cold weather, and boiled water quickly. The simmer control was a nice feature that allowed us to cook more delicate meals without burning them. However, we did notice that the stove was a bit unstable on uneven surfaces, and the simmer control could be difficult to adjust precisely. Overall, we would recommend the Jetboil MightyMo for backpackers who plan on camping in cold weather.
Weight: 3.3 ounces
Price: $ 59
Final Score: 9/10Firemaple Hornet II Camping Stove Review
The Firemaple Hornet II is a lightweight and compact backpacking stove that's popular among ultralight backpackers. This stove features a piezoelectric igniter, a foldable pot support, and a heat exchanger that improves fuel efficiency.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 2.6 oz (excluding fuel canister)
Boil Time: 3 minutes 20 seconds per 16 oz of water
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane
Fuel Canister Compatibility: 100g, 230g, 450g
Pros:
Lightweight and compact design
Piezoelectric igniter for easy starting
Foldable pot support for easy packing
Heat exchanger improves fuel efficiency
Cons:
Can be difficult to stabilize on uneven surfaces
No adjustable flame control
We tested the Firemaple Hornet II on a backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada. We found that the stove was easy to set up and start, and boiled water quickly. The piezoelectric igniter worked well, and the foldable pot support made it easy to pack. We also noticed that the heat exchanger improved fuel efficiency, which is a nice feature for backpackers who are concerned about running out of fuel. However, we did have some trouble stabilizing the stove on uneven surfaces, and the lack of adjustable flame control made it difficult to simmer food. Overall, we think the Firemaple Hornet II is a great option for ultralight backpackers who prioritize weight and compactness.
Weight: 1.7 ounces
Price: $ 39
Final Score: 7.5/10Primus Classic Trail Backpacking Stove Review
The Primus Classic Trail is a reliable and durable backpacking stove that's been a favorite among backpackers for years. This stove features a wide base for stability, a durable stainless steel and aluminum construction, and a precise flame control for simmering.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 8.8 oz (excluding fuel canister)
Boil Time: 3 minutes per 16 oz of water
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane
Fuel Canister Compatibility: 100g, 230g, 450g
Pros:
Wide base for stability
Durable stainless steel and aluminum construction
Precise flame control for simmering
Cons:
Heavier than other ultralight backpacking stoves
Larger size may be difficult to pack for some backpackers
We tested the Primus Classic Trail on a backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon. We found that the stove was reliable and durable, and boiled water quickly. The wide base provided stability, even on uneven surfaces, and the precise flame control made it easy to simmer food. However, we did notice that the stove was heavier than other ultralight backpacking stoves, and the larger size may be difficult to pack for some backpackers. Overall, we think the Primus Classic Trail is a great option for backpackers who prioritize durability and stability over weight.
Weight: 6.9 ounces
Price: $ 31
Final Score: 8/10Jetboil Stash Ultralight Cooking System Review
The Jetboil Stash is an ultralight cooking system that's designed for backpackers who want a compact and lightweight stove. This stove features a 0.8 liter pot, a reliable push-button igniter, and a heat exchanger that improves fuel efficiency.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 7.1 oz (excluding fuel canister)
Boil Time: 2 minutes 30 seconds per 16 oz of water
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane
Fuel Canister Compatibility: 100g, 230g, 450g
Pros:
Lightweight and compact design
Reliable push-button igniter
Heat exchanger improves fuel efficiency
Cons:
Small pot size may not be suitable for all backpackers
No adjustable flame control
We tested the Jetboil Stash on a backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. We found that the stove was easy to set up and start, and boiled water quickly. The push-button igniter worked well, and the heat exchanger improved fuel efficiency. However, we did notice that the small pot size may not be suitable for all backpackers, and the lack of adjustable flame control made it difficult to simmer food. Overall, we would recommend the Jetboil Stash for backpackers who prioritize weight and compactness, and don't mind the small pot size.
Weight: 7.1 ounces
Price: $ 144
Final Score: 10/10Optimus Crux Lite Solo Cooking System Review
The Optimus Crux Lite Solo is a lightweight and compact backpacking stove that's designed for solo backpackers. This stove features a folding burner head and pot supports, a piezoelectric igniter, and a hard plastic carrying case.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Weight: 6.2 oz (excluding fuel canister)
Boil Time: 3 minutes per 16 oz of water
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane
Fuel Canister Compatibility: 100g, 230g
Pros:
Lightweight and compact design
Folding burner head and pot supports for easy storage
Piezoelectric igniter for easy starting
Cons:
May not be suitable for larger groups or cooking more complex meals
Small pot size may not be suitable for all backpackers
We tested the Optimus Crux Lite Solo on a solo backpacking trip in the Rocky Mountains. We found that the stove was incredibly lightweight and easy to pack, and boiled water quickly. The folding burner head and pot supports made it easy to store in our backpack, and the piezoelectric igniter worked well. However, we did notice that the small pot size may not be suitable for all backpackers, especially those who need to cook more complex meals or for larger groups. Overall, we think the Optimus Crux Lite Solo is a great option for solo backpackers who prioritize weight and compactness.
Weight: 7.1 ounces
Price: $ 64
Final Score: 7/10Conclusion:
After testing and reviewing these seven best ultralight backpacking stoves, we have determined that the Jetboil MicroMo Lightweight Cooking System is the best overall option for backpackers. It's incredibly lightweight and compact, yet still provides a high level of performance and versatility. The MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Stove is another great option for backpackers who want a simple and reliable stove, and the Jetboil MightyMo Ultralight Backpacking Stove is a good choice for those who prioritize fast boil times.
The Firemaple Hornet II Camping Stove is a solid choice for backpackers who prioritize weight and compactness, but it may not be as versatile as some of the other stoves on this list. The Primus Classic Trail Backpacking Stove is a durable and reliable option for backpackers who prioritize stability, but it's heavier and larger than some of the other stoves on this list.
The Jetboil Stash Ultralight Cooking System is a great option for backpackers who prioritize weight and compactness, but the small pot size may not be suitable for all backpackers. Finally, the Optimus Crux Lite Solo Cooking System is a great option for solo backpackers who prioritize weight and compactness, but may not be suitable for larger groups or more complex meals.
No matter which best ultralight backpacking stove you choose, make sure to consider your individual needs and priorities before making a purchase. With the right stove, you'll be able to enjoy hot meals and drinks on the trail, without weighing down your pack.