Camp stoves have come quite a way from the earliest renditions, which were often bulky and cumbersome, and not at all conducive to the backpacking adventures of today. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a camp stove, as they can vary according to what type of usage you require and the general conditions in which you will be using the stove. Let us help you warm your belly in the outdoors with our camp stove buying guide!
Alcohol Burner
Alcohol burner stoves are lightweight and extremely efficient. In fact, they are so simple in concept and design that you can even make your own using everyday materials. But not everyone is interested in handcrafting their own stove, which is why it’s great that you can find a commercial model very easily.
It is important to note that alcohol burner stoves utilize denatured alcohol, which has additives that make it poisonous for consumption. However, it’s very easy to find at any camping goods, hardware, or army surplus store. A typical alcohol burner stove will cost you less than $20, and requires no maintenance whatsoever.
Canister
A canister stove is another popular choice for backpackers and minimalists for being lightweight and easy to operate. It runs on a blend of butane and propane in a pressurized canister, connected to the burner via a fuel line, or the burner sits right on top of the fuel canister.
Canister stoves are sensitive to wind and colder temperatures, so it is vital to use this type of stove with a windscreen or in an area that is shielded from these elements.
Multi-Fuel or White Gas
Multi-fuel and white gas stoves are great choices for people who do not have weight restrictions for their camping gear, as they tend to run a little on the heavier side. Multi-fuel stoves can use kerosene, unleaded gasoline, jet fuel, and even butane canisters.
These types of stoves are excellent for inclement conditions, and are hardly affected by the rain and cold that can fizzle out canister stoves. They do require some maintenance, and are typically the most expensive type of camp stove, but will last a very long time with the proper care.
Solid Fuel
Like the alcohol-burning stove, solid fuel camp stoves are the ultimate in lightweight and compact. The design is very minimalistic, usually comprised of a pot stand with a little tray in the middle that holds the solid fuel cubes.
Most are so small they can literally fit in a pocket, making it a great item to have in a survival kit. The stoves and solid fuel are very inexpensive and widely available, or there are plentiful tutorials on the internet for making your own stove if you’re feeling crafty.
