Best Backpacking Stoves of 2026

"After four years of use on various backpacking and hiking trips, I've found this stove to be highly reliable, lightweight, and easy to pack—it even fits inside my titanium cup with the fuel canister. It lights up easily, holds a flame in high winds, and boils water quickly. The flexibility to choose fuel canister sizes is a huge plus, and overall, this stove has proven to be durable and efficient for all my outdoor needs."

"I was hesitant to switch from campfires to a canister stove, but after using this, I’m completely on board. The setup is quick, it’s super light, and boiling water only took me 5 minutes on my first try—even in windy conditions. I love that I can adjust the flame easily, and the stove feels sturdy despite its size. For quick, safe meals or water, this is my new go-to."

"After trying some cheaper, unstable alternatives, I invested in this stove and I'm glad I did. It's stable, boils water rapidly, and is easy to light. It’s also well-built and compact, making it perfect for both backpacking and car camping. So far, it’s been a solid purchase with no issues at all."

"I've owned several stoves over the years, but this compact wood-burning stove stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. It boils water quickly using just twigs and small branches, and packs down small into its own mesh bag. The construction feels sturdy and the design is clever. For the price, it's a fantastic value—I use it for camping, emergencies, or just enjoying the flames."

"This stove is so lightweight and compact that I can toss it in my bag and forget about it until I need it. It's easy to put together, works well in all weather, and feels very durable. I mostly use it in winter for a quick, warm fire, and it never disappoints. Highly recommended for anyone needing a reliable, portable stove."

"While it's not quite as efficient as my homemade wood gasifier stoves, this one packs much better and is well-made. Great as a backup for car camping or emergencies—it burns cleanly once hot and works with alcohol burners too. Just be aware it can leave a little soot on your pots, but that's a minor issue for such a solid, affordable product."

"I've used this stove on several backpacking trips and it never lets me down. The lightweight build and efficient burn make it easy to carry and use anywhere. Assembly is quick, and it packs flat without taking up much space in my bag. I love not having to carry fuel canisters—just some twigs and I'm good to go. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a dependable, eco-friendly stove!"

"For a compact stove, this one truly delivers. The quality of the titanium is impressive, and it's sturdy despite the small size. I always find it pretty simple to put together, and once set up, it stays solid. It’s great for heating up meals, and I appreciate how quickly it cools off after use."

"I’ve put this little stove through a lot, and it’s still going strong. It’s become my go-to for hiking trips because it’s so easy to use and store. The only thing to keep in mind is that it uses up wood pretty fast if you’re boiling a lot of water, but that’s a minor issue compared to all the benefits."

"I've used a lot of backpacking stoves, and this one stands out for its super compact size and solid build quality. The flame control is precise, and it boils water incredibly fast. I carry it daily in my Stanley pot, and the 4-leg pot support keeps everything stable. Honestly, it's as good as much pricier stoves like the Windmaster, but way more affordable."

"This stove has quickly become my go-to choice for hiking. At just 3.5 ounces, I love how wind resistant and reliable it is, lighting up right away even in tough conditions. The igniter works flawlessly, and although the carrying case is a bit heavy for my taste, I just leave it at home when I want to save weight. Highly recommend to anyone who wants quality on a budget."

"I'm really impressed by how compact, lightweight, and stable this stove is. The built-in igniter never fails, and the micro regulator means the flame stays steady even in cold or low fuel. I especially appreciate the fast boil time and how the foldable design makes packing a breeze. For the price, it's a fantastic value for backpackers and campers alike."

"I was truly impressed with the build quality and performance of this portable stove. Its lightweight design made it a breeze to bring along, and the integrated igniter and fuel regulator simplified outdoor cooking for me. Honestly, I was hesitant because of the lower price, but it turned out to be just as effective as pricier brands. The ability to detach the base and use it with a small pan was a bonus. Overall, I’d say this stove is reliable, budget-friendly, and a solid choice for anyone needing a portable cooking solution."

"After comparing with other brands, I picked this stove and I’m glad I did. It’s compact, fits my fuel canister inside, and is super easy to pack. During my travels, it boiled water in about two minutes and there were no leaks, even after a bumpy trip. The solid construction and reliability have made it a staple for my camping trips. If you’re hesitant about the brand, don’t be—this stove delivers excellent value and performance."

"I took this stove on a two-week camping trip and it boiled water quickly and efficiently, plus it was so easy to set up and clean. It handled everything from ramen to reheating coffee without a hitch. My only minor gripe is with the lid’s single pouring hole, which made pouring boiled water a bit tricky. Still, I’d recommend it, as it made camp cooking something I didn’t have to worry about!"

"I’m new to using the PocketRocket stove, and I found this igniter to be super convenient, compact, and easy to pack with my gear. It creates a spark every time I press the button—no flame or fuel needed. Perfect for lighting my stove quickly. The only thing to keep in mind is it won’t replace a regular lighter if you need an actual flame, but for stove lighting, it’s hard to beat."

"I bought this after downsizing my Jetboil and relied on MSR’s reputation for reliability. The first two days on my Zion trip, it worked flawlessly—one or two clicks and my stove was lit without putting my hand near the flame. I loved not needing fuel or batteries. Unfortunately, by the third day it took multiple clicks and then stopped working, so I had to switch to matches. Great when it works, but bring a backup."

"I paired this igniter with my MSR Windburner and was initially disappointed when it worked only occasionally. After some trial and error, I discovered it lights every time if I spark it directly at the burner’s bright spots. So, if you’re having trouble, try this trick before giving up—it made a big difference for me."

"I was drawn to the Soto Windmaster because of its outstanding reputation and strong reviews, and it has genuinely gone above and beyond my expectations. Cooking in windy conditions is a breeze—true to its name, the stove has never failed me, even in gusty weather. I’m impressed by how fuel efficient it is compared to my older models. The piezo ignition is a game-changer—no more fumbling with matches. While it feels a bit delicate, I treat my gear with care and have had no issues. The fuel dial’s sensitivity provides excellent simmer control, and I appreciate the added safety of its design. Superb stove—compact, lightweight, and highly recommended."

"This is hands down the most efficient open-style stove I've ever owned. It’s incredibly fast at boiling water and doesn’t burn through fuel quickly. I love how the foldable pot stands make packing easy, and the stove can handle everything from small mugs to larger pans. The piezo igniter is fantastic—it’s so reliable, I didn’t realize what I was missing before. The controls work perfectly, giving me peace of mind in the backcountry. This is a piece of kit that simply works—reliable, worry-free, and durable."

"I use my Windmaster at high altitudes and am amazed by its light weight and packability—it slips right into my 700ml pot. The igniter button fires up every time, and with just one fuel canister, I’ve managed to boil water for numerous meals and coffee breaks. I appreciate that it works with any size pot and has a wide range of flame control, from simmering to a rapid boil. Even at almost 10,000 feet, it performs flawlessly. Definitely a repeat buy for me!"

"I use this when I’m working on a drilling rig for long stretches. Having hot food and coffee whenever I want is a game changer. It’s super convenient and efficient—honestly the best investment I’ve made for field work."

"This stove is my go-to in the outdoors, whether I’m fighting forest fires or heading out on a camping trip. It’s portable, heats quickly, and always gets the job done."

"We bought this for an Alaska trip to have hot coffee, but now it’s become our solution for warming our baby’s milk on the go. It fits perfectly in a diaper bag or under a car seat—so compact and versatile."

"I was honestly surprised by how well this stove performed during a week at scout camp. Setup is a breeze, ignites instantly, and it's very lightweight yet feels sturdy. I paired it with standard MSR canisters and had zero issues. It's not quite as fast as a Jetboil, but for the price and versatility, it's a fantastic value—great for backpacking or emergencies."

"I've used this stove all summer and it’s been incredibly dependable compared to my friends’ models, both pricier and cheaper. It boils water quickly and has proven to be very sturdy and efficient. I did have a minor issue with the plastic igniter, but a quick fix with tape kept it going strong. The build quality makes the slightly heavier weight totally worth it."

"The Fire Maple Greenpeak is the stove I recommend after comparing it to several others. It’s more wind-resistant than the BRS, lighter than Jetboil-style stoves, and the locking arms add stability. The built-in igniter is a big plus, too. While it's a bit wide for some pots, it offers incredible value and versatility for the price—definitely checks all the boxes for me."

"I absolutely love how compact and portable this grill is. Setting it up is a breeze, and it's so simple to clean. We've already used it several times, and the burning rate is excellent. For the price, this is the best foldable grill/stove I've found. The overall quality is just perfect."

"I took this little stove to the beach with strong winds, and it still worked amazingly well. Starting a fire was easy even in wind, and it's simple to keep the fire going. As a grill, it was a no-fuss way to cook. I also used it as a fire pit, and it cools down very quickly. I own several fire pits, but this is my favorite because of its portability and usefulness. Highly recommended."

"This stove is a bit heavier than I expected, but the build quality and design are fantastic. It burns hot, so you don't need much fuel, and it's collapsible for easy transport. The pot holder is a great touch for different pan sizes. The only downside is the ring for the door hinge is a bit small, but that's minor compared to how much I enjoy using this stove."