backpack stoves?

m48goat · Jul 1, 2014

Im looking at getting a backpacking stove for this season. Wondering for those of you who have them, what do you prefer? which work in the high country? I saw the jetboil and liked how it was one whole package.

Goat

Founder · Jul 1, 2014

I've been using the cheap one from Walmart for years. Still works great, I have used it a LOT. I have never used the expensive units though. Maybe I'm missing out, but I just can't bring myself to spend so much money when what I have works fine. I'm that way with much of my gear though.

Brian Latturner
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m48goat · Jul 1, 2014

ill look into that stove. what about for a small pot to boil water , etc. any you recommend?

Goat

trophyhunter · Jul 2, 2014

Take a hard look at the Jet Boil, very good quality,nice and light and puts out monster heat and that's what you need on late season hunts. Pick up a titanium pot and insulated coffee cups with measurements so can measure your water for freeze dried foods. If your going to hunt cold weather conditions also pick up some insulated bags designed to keep your meal warm until it is ready to eat. You can check these items out on REI.com

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m48goat · Jul 2, 2014

trophyhunter, can you cook with that jet boil cup or is it mainly for boiling water

Goat

Founder · Jul 3, 2014

My cooking/eating/drinking setup. Ugly, I know. Cheap stove, old pan, and VERY old green cup. The black cup was just extra for the boy to have hot cocoa. It's usually not along for the ride.

Brian Latturner
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jims · Jul 4, 2014

My preference is NOT to bring a stove, fuel, and pots/pans. You aren't going to die nor lack energy without cooked meals! It saves weight and bulk on short term 2 to 4 day trips. You can use your imagination to figure out a few cold meals that work. Some may not taste as good as warm meals but I've always liked carrying a lighter-less bulky pack. Not to pick on Founder but if you take a look at the photo above you can actually "survive" without all that stuff and it would take bulk/weight out of your pack. All of those items probably don't total much weight so maybe it's worth it to you? This may be more important if you are a die-hard bivy hunter and your camp is on your back. If you pack in a camp that you hunt from each day the added bulk/wt may not matter as much. For extended trips it's nice to have warm meals...especially if you are backing in with horses or hunting from a stationary camp. Some guys may have a fit without their morning coffee!

Founder · Jul 4, 2014

That's me! I like my coffee. I'd ditch the tent and sleep under a piece of plastic before leaving my coffee. Sad huh?? Seriously, I do like the coffee and hot meals. I like my backcountry comfort. I even packed a hammock on the last trip!!!

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
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m48goat · Jul 4, 2014

jims, I'm going in for 5-7 days. I've done 2-3 days fine without one
founder, i like that hammock, might have to do that

Goat

EVILNR · Jul 11, 2014

Coleman Apex still boiling water. I'll get a new one when it quits.
I did spring for titanium cookware though. Plastic spoon/fork.

EVILNR · Jul 13, 2014

I've also used Pepsi can stoves inside a wind break made out of a coffee can.
Drilled holes in the coffee can for air and Bent a welding rod to stick through holes to hold the pot.
Works great, very light.
Use it here at the house to boil water, make coffee when the power is out.

cabinfever · Aug 12, 2014

In the ultra light, ultra tough category, the snowpeak gigapower is hard to beat with a titanium cup and spork. The whole kit weights almost nothing. Down side is, it's not ideal for long trips.

Jet boils are great, but are terrible in cold weather

If you hunt with 2-3 guys the MSR Reactor is a sweet set up and will boil water quicker than any stove and is good for extended backcountry excursions.

diablo · Aug 13, 2014

I'm with Founder on this one - I like hot dinners and coffee. I use an MSR Whisperlite International stove for longer solo pack-in trips and have used an alcohol stove (pepsi or beer can type)for solo bivy hunting.

I am currently shopping for another ultralight option and I think I've settled on the Snow Peak Lite Max (which only weighs 1.9 oz without the fuel canister (3.5 oz)). With a Snow Peak titanium cup (2.8 oz) you're looking at a total of just over 8 oz.

__________________________________
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beards - boys and women. I am neither.

ridenmuley · Sep 7, 2014

I have a soto micro regulator. It is great

thagoat · Sep 23, 2014

I've had my Jetboil for a few years now and love it. The one with the coffee press... Only downside is the fuel, but if you're not going to some 3rd world country it doesn't matter. Honestly, even when I bring my full kitchen camping, I bring the jetboil to make coffee.

If you go through ActiveJunky.com, you can get an additional 11% back from Backcountry.com or 10% from Cabelas

Happy cooking!

earlyriser · Sep 23, 2014

I have the giga and soto. They both work great for me at all elevations and temps.

kol1293 · Oct 16, 2014

Small coleman

hntnnut · Feb 20, 2015

I have 2 stoves currently my 24 year old MSR wisperlite that still is going strong and Olicamp Kinetic Ultra Titanium. My total kit weighs in at 12 ounces