When it comes to ultralight backpacking, having a lightweight and efficient cooking system is essential. In this article, we will be reviewing six of the best ultralight backpacking stoves on the market:
Jetboil MicroMo Lightweight Cooking System
MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Stove
Jetboil MightyMo Ultralight Backpacking Stove
Firemaple Hornet Il Camping Stove
Primus Classic Trail Backpacking Stove
Jetboil Stash Ultralight Cooking System
We'll be discussing the technical details, pros and cons, and our testing experiences with each product.
Jetboil MicroMo Lightweight Cooking System:
The Jetboil MicroMo is a lightweight and compact cooking system designed for backpackers who want a reliable and efficient stove. With a 0.8-liter cooking cup and an adjustable burner, the MicroMo can boil water in just over two minutes. It also features a push-button igniter and a fuel canister stabilizer for added convenience.
Technical Details:
Weight: 12 ounces (without fuel canister)
Boil Time: 2 minutes 15 seconds for 0.5L of water
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane
Dimensions: 4.1 x 6.5 inches
Ignition: Push-button
Pros:
Lightweight and compact design
Fast boil time
Push-button igniter
Fuel canister stabilizer for added stability
Cons:
Small cooking cup size may not be suitable for larger meals
Testing Experience:
We tested the Jetboil MicroMo on a multi-day backpacking trip in the Rocky Mountains. The stove performed well, boiling water quickly and efficiently. The fuel canister stabilizer provided added stability on uneven surfaces. However, we did find the small cooking cup size limiting for larger meals and had to boil multiple batches of water to cook our meals.
Weight: 12 ounces
Price: $ 154
Final Score: 10/10MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Stove:
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a popular choice for ultralight backpackers who want a reliable and affordable stove. Weighing in at just 2.6 ounces, the PocketRocket 2 can boil a liter of water in just over three minutes. It also features a robust pot support and a flame adjuster for added control.
Technical Details:
Weight: 2.6 ounces
Boil Time: 3 minutes 30 seconds for 1L of water
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane
Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 2 inches
Ignition: Match or lighter
Pros:
Very lightweight and compact
Affordable price point
Robust pot support
Flame adjuster for added control
Cons:
No built-in igniter
Can be unstable on uneven surfaces
Testing Experience:
We tested the MSR PocketRocket 2 on a backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The stove performed well, boiling water quickly and efficiently. We did find the lack of a built-in igniter to be a slight inconvenience, but it was easily remedied with a lighter. The pot support provided excellent stability, but we did find the stove to be a bit wobbly on uneven surfaces.
Weight: 2.6 ounces
Price: $ 59
Final Score: 8.5/10Jetboil MightyMo Ultralight Backpacking Stove:
The Jetboil MightyMo is a powerful and versatile ultralight backpacking stove. It features a large burner and a robust pot support for added stability. With the ability to simmer and boil water quickly, the MightyMo is a great option for those who want a stove that can handle a variety of cooking needs.
Technical Details:
Weight: 3.3 ounces
Boil Time: 3 minutes for 1L of water
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.9 inches
Ignition: Piezo-electric
Pros:
Large burner for added versatility
Robust pot support for added stability
Can simmer as well as boil water
Lightweight and compact design
Cons:
Manual ignition can be inconvenient
No built-in windscreen
Testing Experience:
We tested the Jetboil MightyMo on a backpacking trip in the Cascade Mountains. The stove performed well, boiling water quickly and providing added versatility with its ability to simmer. The large burner and robust pot support provided excellent stability, but we did find that the lack of a built-in windscreen made it more difficult to use in windy conditions.
Weight: 3.3 ounces
Price: $ 59
Final Score: 9/10Firemaple Hornet II Camping Stove:
The Firemaple Hornet II is a compact and efficient camping stove that is perfect for ultralight backpackers. With a built-in igniter and a sturdy pot support, the Hornet Il can boil water quickly and efficiently. It also features a unique design that allows it to fold up into a compact size for easy transport.
Technical Details:
Weight: 2.7 ounces
Boil Time: 2 minutes 25 seconds for 1L of water
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane
Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.8 x 3.2 inches
Ignition: Match or lighter
Pros:
Compact and lightweight design
Built-in igniter for added convenience
Sturdy pot support
Fast boil time
Cons:
Can be unstable on uneven surfaces
No simmer control
Testing Experience:
We tested the Firemaple Hornet II on a backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The stove performed well, boiling water quickly and efficiently. The built-in igniter was a convenient feature, and the compact size made it easy to transport. However, we did find the stove to be a bit wobbly on uneven surfaces, and the lack of simmer control made it difficult to cook more complex meals.
Weight: 1.7 ounces
Price: $ 39
Final Score: 7.5/10Primus Classic Trail Backpacking Stove:
The Primus Classic Trail is a durable and reliable backpacking stove that is great for those who want a no-frills option. With a robust pot support and a large burner, the Classic Trail can boil water quickly and efficiently. It also features a windscreen and a compact design for added convenience.
Technical Details:
Weight: 6.9 ounces
Boil Time: 3 minutes 35 seconds for 1L of water
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.9 inches
Ignition: Match or lighter
Pros:
Durable and reliable design
Windscreen for added convenience
Robust pot support
Large burner for added versatility
Cons:
Heavier than some other options
Manual ignition can be inconvenient
Testing Experience:
We tested the Primus Classic Trail on a backpacking trip in the Adirondack Mountains. The stove performed well, boiling water quickly and providing added stability with its robust pot support. The windscreen was a convenient feature, and the stove's durable design inspired confidence. However the heavier weight of the stove compared to other ultralight backpacking stove options was noticeable during the hike.
Weight: 6.9 ounces
Price: $ 31
Final Score: 8/10Jetboil Stash Ultralight Cooking System:
The Jetboil Stash is a highly packable ultralight backpacking stove that features a unique design. The stove can be easily stored in its own pot, making it a great option for those who want to save space in their pack. With a quick boil time and a powerful burner, the Stash is a great option for those who want a high-performing stove without sacrificing packability.
Technical Details:
Weight: 7.1 ounces
Boil Time: 2 minutes 30 seconds for 1L of water
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane
Dimensions: 4.1 x 4.5 inches
Ignition: Piezo-electric
Pros:
Highly packable design
Quick boil time
Powerful burner
Built-in windscreen
Cons:
Can be unstable on uneven surfaces
Limited simmer control
Testing Experience:
We tested the Jetboil Stash on a backpacking trip in the Rocky Mountains. The stove performed well, boiling water quickly and efficiently. The highly packable design was a great feature, and the built-in windscreen provided added convenience. However, we did find the stove to be a bit wobbly on uneven surfaces, and the limited simmer control made it difficult to cook more complex meals.
Weight: 7.1 ounces
Price: $ 144
Final Score: 10/10Conclusion:
Overall, there are many great ultralight backpacking stoves on the market. Each stove we tested had its own unique features and benefits. The Jetboil MicroMo is a great option for those who want a highly versatile stove, while the MSR PocketRocket 2 is perfect for those who prioritize weight and packability. The Jetboil MightyMo is a powerful stove that can handle a variety of cooking needs, while the Firemaple Hornet II is a great option for those who want a compact and efficient stove. The Primus Classic Trail is a durable and reliable stove that is great for no-frills backpackers, while the Jetboil Stash is a highly packable option that doesn't sacrifice performance. Ultimately, the best ultralight backpacking stove for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.