Basic Considerations: Before
purchasing any stove, first decide how it will be used. If you are a
backpacker, you should be very concerned with weight. Every pound you put in
your pack will feel like ten pounds on the trail. If you are inclined to go
to high altitudes (over 10,000 feet) or low temperatures you will want a
stove that works well under those conditions. As we become more
environmentally conscious, we should consider the effects of non-refillable
fuel containers.
Fuel: Before deciding on the stove that's right for you, you should look at
the types of fuel that are available in your area. There are three types of
fuel available: White Gas; Pressurized Gas (Propane or Butane); and
Kerosene.
White Gas is by far the hottest burning fuel and is available at most
outdoor equipment stores. It burns hot and efficiently in cold weather and
at high altitudes. Additionally it is environmentally more sound than
pressurized fuel in canisters that cannot be refilled.
Propane/Butane is easier to use since you don't have to pump (pressurize)
the stove to get it started. It's lightweight and there is no fuel to
handle.
Kerosene is the cheapest, most common fuel around. It doesn't burn as hot as
white gas or propane/butane, so cooking time is increased. Kerosene has a
very disagreeable odor when it burns. It also burns dirtier, so you will be
cleaning the stove more frequently
Stoves: Generally stoves fall into one of two categories. The pressurized
gas cans are usually twist and light, where you twist the canister onto the
stove, turn on the gas and light the burner in accordance with the
manufacturer' instructions. White gas and Kerosene stoves usually require a
bit of pumping to build up pressure in the fuel tank. These stoves seem to
be more reliable in cold temperatures as well as being a better choice
environmentally (no empty canister to discard).
Pump Stoves: MSR WhisperLite: White Gas - This is one of the best stoves
around and is my personal favorite. It features a separate fuel tank that
allows you to isolate the burner with a windscreen for greater fuel
efficiency and a hotter-burning stove. Its low center of gravity provides a
stable base for your cooking pot. Easy to prime, light and quiet, the
WhisperLite has a reputation for being one of the easiest stoves to repair
in the field. (12 oz. without fuel) Cost: $49.
MSR WhisperLite Internationale: Same as above but this stove will also burn
White Gas, commercial grade jet fuel or kerosene. (12 oz without fuel) Cost
$57.
MSR XGKII: Same features as above but will burn White Gas, kerosene, diesel
or gasoline. It was designed for high altitudes and sub-zero conditions. (14
oz without fuel) Cost $80.
Optimus Climber 123: White Gas - This stove is also very reliable. The fuel
tank is very small and it is prudent to carry additional fuel. Use an
eyedropper for priming or purchase the optional pump. (19.5 oz without fuel)
Cost $75. Pressurized Canister Stoves: EPIgas: Propane/Butane Mix - This
mixed gas stove ensures high performance at altitude and low temperatures.
The canisters come in different sizes and are interchangeable between stove
models. The Micro stove is very light (11 oz with canister) Cost $37 and the
backpacking stove with windscreen weights only 20 oz with canister. Cost
$34.
Gaz Bluet: Propane or Butane - The multi-use model 206 stove weighs 16.7 oz
with canister. Cost $32. The high performance 470 weighs 30 oz with
canister. Cost $34. The Ultra S470 features Piezo automatic ignition for
fast starts. It weighs 31 oz with canister. Cost $43.
Coleman Peak 1 Multi-Fuel: White Gas, Coleman fuel or kerosene. This stove
pressurizes well, using the Coleman classic pump system and has one of the
shortest pre-heating times of any white gas stove. It requires no priming
and is self-cleaning. 27.5 oz with fuel. Cost $79
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