How to Buy a Backpacking Stove

The camp stove is your best friend in the wilderness, a provider of sustenance and even possibly of lifesaving warmth. Get a good one.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camp-stove fuels
• Fuel bottles
• Waterproof matches
• Backpacking cookware
• Backpacking stoves

1. Decide how much money you're willing to spend.

2. Look for ease of setup, lighting and cleaning.

3. Consider what form of fuel you'd like: liquid or compressed gas? Liquid fuels are generally easier to find and cheaper; compressed-gas (or "canister") stoves are easier to set up and use.

4. For liquid-fuel stoves, see what kind of fuel the stove uses. "White gas" is the most widely available and is quite cheap. It also burns relatively cleanly.

5. Consider stoves that can also use other forms of liquid fuel, such as kerosene and unleaded gasoline. These stoves are particularly handy for trips abroad, where white gas may not be available.

6. Make sure the stove is specified to work at high altitude--to be safe, at least 2,000 feet higher than you'll ever go.

7. Consider weight and compactness. As always, try to save crucial pounds and cubic inches.

Tips & Warnings

• Find room in your budget for a quality stove. Remember that your life may depend on it.
• If you're staying in the United States, stick to a white gas stove. White gas is available everywhere and burns relatively cleanly.
• Use liquid fuel if you can. Compressed-gas canisters create added waste, since the canisters are discarded after use.
• Don't consistently use unleaded gasoline as your fuel. It's a "dirty" fuel, and it will require you to clean your stove frequently.

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