Choosing a stove for camping

At any outdoor supply store, you might be surprised by the selection of camp stoves available. The number of options can be overwhelming, especially for someone who hasn’t camped much before. Stoves are generally divided into two main groups. A group is destined to camp in the field where everything you need is carried on your back. The stoves stand out for being as small and light as possible. Unfortunately, this means that they can be very expensive and difficult to use. They almost universally have only one burner.

The other type of stove is designed for car camping. Although still portable, these stoves weigh much more and typically have two different burners. They are designed for situations where you are cooking within 5-10 feet of your car. They prioritize the convenience of cooking over being as light as possible.

Another difference between stoves is the type of fuel they use. Most compact stoves typically use white gas, which is a type of liquid fuel. A small amount of fuel lasts a long time, making it ideal for backpackers. RV stoves are more likely to use a small propane tank. These are not light enough to carry in your backpack, but they are very comfortable to use. If your needs are for car camping, feel free to purchase a less expensive and heavier stove. Trying to use a small stove designed for backpacking on your picnic table will be frustrating as they are often not very user friendly.