The Only 3 Backpacking Stoves You'll Ever Need

Today we're talking stove systems! Specifically, the three that I keep in my gear closet to cover my bases through all four seasons. These range from ultralight to, uh, not so much.
As noted in the video, the upright canister stove needs a good cleaning to start function normally again. It's not super difficult to do, and maybe I'll make a video on it when I get around to it (feel free to drop me a comment if that's something that you'd like to see.) The good news is, you get to see me nearly light myself on fire.
Enjoy!
STOVE SYSTEMS
My favorite alcohol stove: bit.ly/3RRUKy9
The upright canister stove I've used for years: geni.us/Jxnti (Amazon)
An upright canister budget option I'm testing: geni.us/ANBa (Amazon)
The BEST remote canister stove (if you maintain it): geni.us/y1ZYSiK (Amazon)
GEAR USED TO SHOOT THIS VIDEO
Waterproof camera backpack: geni.us/PAftnR (Amazon)
Lightweight, full-frame camera: geni.us/HyNJK (Amazon)
Wide zoom for vlogging:geni.us/jBbeUq1 (Amazon)
Mid zoom for b-roll: geni.us/PeuC (Amazon)
My mic: geni.us/fvbT0E (Amazon)
Lightweight tripod: geni.us/fFSFX (Amazon)
DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Doing so helps me make more videos like this. I appreciate you!
Contact Information:
Instagram: @timbschwartz

[@randywarnock2937]

I started backpacking when man first walked on the moon (July 1969) when I was 16. That’s well over 50 years. I have one of the very first MSR stoves from the 1970s. It was just a blowtorch to melt snow for hydration.

[@PRCOutdoor]

He is totally correct about 3, like I have 3 of literally everything as it related to gear, you can scale up and down and remain really versatile without cluttering up your life

[@CBne1997]

There are devices like the FlipFuel that allows you to transfer fuel from one canister to another. It works very well, and I now never worry about the amount of fuel for a trip. I always take a small 110g canister (keep total weight to less than 200g to prevent over-filling).

[@timbschwartz]

Hey Micah! Thanks for the comment, and for the tip! I've seen one but haven't tried them yet. I'll have to pick one up for the summer months!

[@jcavenagh]

I have 2 stoves...Trangia and a Svea 123R. I have had the Svea since 1978 and it has traveled the world with me and some other to whom I lent it. I got the Trangia just a few years ago and love its light weight and simplicity.

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks for the comment! I love my Trangia - it was my first alcohol stove so it has a special place in my heart. It's more or less been replaced by a Trail Designs Sidewinder Ti-Tri at this point, but it still comes out from time to time. I'd love to get my hands on a Svea 123R! It's got character.

[@clawrence034]

My dad's had two Sveas. The first one ruptured, causing a feedback loop as the flame jetting out the side further pressurized the tank. It got to be about 10 feet long before it burnt out. MEC took it back and gave us a new one even though it was about 20 years old at the time and we weren't completely sure it was bought at MEC.

[@ashab1]

@@clawrence034Good reason not to use a stove in a tent.

[@tomsitzman3952]

I'n not sure about fire codes concerning stove types. I'm still using my tried-and-true Seva 123 brass stove with roar burner for one or two person trips. It is still in production after 80 years , A little shorter than a beer can It runs on white gas. I carry it in a one or two or three quart pot, pull it out prime and go to work, melting snow and cooking a pot of grub. My Second choice for a powerhouse is the Optimus 00 kerosene stove. It is a little larger than the Seva 123 but is more stable with a larger pot. It breaks down to the brass tank housing the pressure pump and the screw on roar burner tower. Nice powerhouse for a group of two to four. I'm taking it out in a week or two for a weeklong bike trip. Very adjustable burner, but in the field, I want a meal packed with calories takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. I have been using them both since the early 70's in summer as well as -30 F on back country ski trips. White gas burns hotter than alcohol and kerosene burns almost twice as hot as white gas or any fuel in a pressurized can. The only time alcohol is nice for cooking is when you have a pan of fish to fry. I can carry as many fuel bottles as I need for the length of the trip, I top off the stove after cooking, so I always start the next meal knowing I have a full tank. Both stoves are low to nearly no Maintenace. I use Sigg nesting pots 1,2, 3, 4 quart and take the sizes need for the specific trip. I believe in using the most appropriate technology not the latest new great idea. Today I see too much needless emphasis on weight.

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks for the comment, Tom! It's funny you bring this up because I was looking at Sveas the other day - I've always thought they had character. My affinity for alcohol stoves comes primarily from the lack of any moving parts, so there is literally nothing to break. I honestly just appreciate the simplicity of it. As far as weight is concerned, I think it depends on what your objectives are. I'd agree that there is no practical benefit so saving a gram by cutting the strings off of teabags, but this changes when one is pursuing ultralight backpacking as a hobby in itself. Sometimes if fun just to see how light you can go for no other reason than to be a little lighter than last time. Again no real practical benefit (once you reach a point), but the same could be said for collecting stamps or building ships in a bottle - it's just fun :) I'll need to check out the optimus 00 - my whisperlite will run on kerosene but I've never tried it. Thanks again for watching and have a great week!

[@AugustWest23]

I"ve carried a Whisperlite for yrs. I prime with denatured alcohol to prevent all the soot.

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks for the tip, Jon! Haven't tried that before. I have plenty of denatured alcohol lying around.

[@JohnJones-fk6ti]

Perfect choices, I'm a traveller I use choice 2, goes in my farpoint 40 and used all over the world. Great video.🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks for watching!

[@MillerSean]

👍👍 With so many cheap cannister stove options out there these days, it seems like the Whisperlite doesn't get as much love as it deserves.

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks, Sean! Yeah the Whisperlite is a TANK.

[@whicks3]

I was wishing I had mine on a 15 degree morning!

[@peterp5099]

@@MillerSean the use case for a gasoline cooker is motorbike travel. The cooker can use the same fuel as the vehicle, so You refill both at the same time at the gas station without additional effort, and if the fuel bottle is big enough, it can do double duty as spare fuel canister to get to the next gas station after running the tank dry. Or at least much closer to the nearest gas station.

[@danielteeter9282]

I'm going to add a second to the Svea 123. I have mine from when I biked cross-country in the late 70s and even though it looks like hell, it still runs like a champion.

[@timbschwartz]

You guys are making it very hard for me not to buy one!

[@techguy9023]

I have a MSR Whisperlight, a Trangia 27, a diy Caldera cone, and a Jetboil Mighty Mo burner like the Pocket Rocket. The Jetboil let me down on a cold Spring morning. The cone saved the day. I still like my old Coleman single burner dual fuel. It’s heavy but it’s a blowtorch. On short winter trips it’s easier than putting the pump in and out of the MSR fuel bottle.

[@jacquelinedominguez3204]

Great options to know. 👍🏼

[@memathews]

Flame on with the Whisperlight! Probably a little over-pressurized. But this is a nice stove survey. Matching the stove to the season and use is important for hiking outside of summer. Canister stoves are probably the best match for all-around use and for beginners, they are ready to use anytime and safe during burn bans. I love my Whisperlight for winter, especially on snow or with a group, but it's heavier and takes a bit more watching than a canister stove. My old Svea123 is a fun throwback on solo short trips. Outside of fire season a very small fire is my lightweight and easy go-to, even here in the PNW Cascades it's pretty quick to gather dry wood for something small.

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks for the comment! I think the burner on the Whisperlite has some buildup in it. I need to take it apart - good opportunity for another video though. I'm in the Cascades as well! Would love to give a small wood stove a shot at some point.

[@Messier.42]

I’ve got the trail designs sidewinder ti-Tri stove with inferno insert. Great for using wood fires to cook with

[@arcticradio]

Coleman F1 ultralite at 77g for gas Goshawk Era & windshield at 130g for alcohol Two of the best smallest stoves that really pack a punch in boil times too.

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks for the comment! The Goshawk Era was a new one to me - I checked it out a a bit. Looks pretty rad! May need to pick on up...

[@hoser7706]

Solid fuel stoves are compact snd easy too. But you nailed it. I’d maybe add a contained stove like a Jetboil or MSR Windburner for high winds or exposure like kayaking. Far from essential because we canshelter stoves but mondo convenient.

[@timbschwartz]

Yeah I think that's a very solid point! I've been considering adding an MSR reactor to the mix. I haven't used solid fuel really, but I have some floating around somewhere along with a small burner. Maybe I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the comment!

[@markheming3507]

here on the East Coast, I typically use a alcohol stove or a solid fuel stove ezbit. I do use the canister stove and colder weather but honestly, my go to is the solid fuel stove most of the year.

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks for the comment! I don't use solid fuel terribly often, but I imagine you like it for the same reasons I enjoy alcohol stoves - quite, light, easy to know how much fuel you have, etc.

[@davidschneider6666]

Sweet!

[@sutty1963]

new subscriber here only because you like the three cookers i have ,, i use the first msr rocket though ,,to tight to buy the rocket two when the first still works great ,, only trouble with the rocket it will wake the hole campsite up ,,gets me coffee quick though lol

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks for subscribing! I love the Pocket Rocket, and yes it's incredibly loud but I think that's part of it's charm haha.

[@markcummings6856]

Great video.

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks for the kind words, Mark! I appreciate ya.

[@joshuaparker3792]

Greetings from Kazakhstan. Subscribed!

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks so much for watching, Joshua! I appreciate the sub!

[@simplesolutions2865]

Note that the msr whisperlite international can also burn alcohol if you drill out the kerosine jet. I haven't tried this in really cold situations, but it burns quite well.

[@timbschwartz]

That's a really good tip! I haven't tried that... thanks for up!

[@billybert3506]

love the siren, audio overlay 😂

[@timbschwartz]

Haha glad you enjoyed it!

[@peterp5099]

For me, the 3 choices would be: 1. a screw-on gas burner for backpacking or backup / second burner. Usually with 2 big canisters, one new and one already started, to use up the one already started during the trip, start the other one, and get a new full one at the next opportunity (usually at home after the trip). 2. a biolite cooker for bicycle or boat tours when the charging source availability outweighs the additional weight and volume compared to the screw-on burner. Without the grill though, that additional volume is not justified in a bicycle bag. 3. a cooker capable of burning gasoline for motorcycle tours, with a big fuel bottle doing double-duty as spare canister and being refilled together with the motorbike’s tank And for car camping, the biolite with the grill as primary cooker, with the screw-on gas burner as second flame for more elaborate meals or when precision in flame size is required like for simmering. I think I can recommend the trangia for starters due to its versatility, it’s good enough for any type of outdoor trip, and it would be my choice if I could have just one cooker. But as the other cookers arrived over the years, they were better for their use cases, and I have used the spiritus cooker less and less, meantime it’s just gathering dust in the basement.

[@timbschwartz]

Great list!

[@austinhowden1619]

Giving a like simply because of the first line😂

[@15halerobert]

I've used an msr XKG? burn anything that's a bit scary to light. but it's been loyal, and I've had it for years. But once it gets going its Katie bar the door. It needs to retire, and I've been eyeing a windster but I'm having trouble turning to canister. I've resisted so long I don't know if I can do it.

[@timbschwartz]

Hey! Can't say I have, although it looks pretty bombproof from what I'm seeing online. I agree with you on canister stoves - not my favorite, but I still find myself using them during burn bans when I can't justify the weight of the Whisperlite. Thanks for the comment!

[@angel8fingers]

I like Kelly Kettle instead of a third chemical fuel option. A non chemical fuel burning stove may be a good idea to consider.

[@timbschwartz]

Hey there! Thanks for the comment and the sub. Definitely something to think about. I typically don't make fires when I'm out, mostly just because everything is soaking wet around here so its a real production, but I have no issue with them when done responsibly. You can actually burn wood in the alcohol stove stand that I show here, so a wood burning option is sort of included here even though I don't mention it. They sell a base and an inside bit to promote better airflow, but I don't imagine its 100% necessary as long as you're using it on a durable surface. Checking out the Kelly Kettle now - it looks pretty cool! I've also heard good things about the wood stove from Suluk 46.

[@farmerjon72]

I like my Kelly kettle, but I find it to be pretty bulky but that's probably my fault. I got the biggest one they make. I usually end up using the butane stove unless there is a bigger group of us and we are all drinking coffee in the morning.

[@angel8fingers]

@@farmerjon72 I carry the smallest one as my one man option.

[@angel8fingers]

@@timbschwartz It is heavier than my Jetboil or MSRW, but I just really enjoy the nostalgic feels it gives me. I generally operate it like I would a fueled stove ie…..get my boil on quick as possible than snuff it out. I just enjoy the aesthetic, and where I hike dry fuel is in an overwhelming abundance. The ability to do twigs with the stove you mentioned I was unaware of, thanks for pointing that out. Also thank you for being able to rationally discuss an opinion that is different from yours. That can be difficult to find and I always appreciate it when I do. Great content, keep up the good work.

[@timbschwartz]

Just seeing this now! I totally get the nostagia thing - that's why I still have my Trangia. Agreed - really enjoying building up a community here of folks to talk to about this stuff!

[@keithmeyers1720]

Upright canister stoves are tippy. Sooner or later, it happens...... and they just don't produce below 32 F. It's cold up here. I love my alcohol stuff however. Keep up the good work.

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks Keith!

[@solitude-4u]

Hi. Do you Reccomend a three sided solid metal wind shield with the MSR or a light reflectix shield or is it stable enough by sitting with your back to the wind and holding a 750 ml toaks pot? Tips in strong wind . Dos and don'ts?i have more faith in the alcohol in wind even though slower seems more stable

[@timbschwartz]

Hey! I take it you mean the Pocket Rocket, not the Whisperlite? I haven't used a wind shield with it as I try to avoid reflecting heat back to the canister. Both the Pocket Rocket 2 and the Deluxe have pretty decent wind performance, depending on how strong we're talking about. Yes, my alcohol stove is still way more stable, but I haven't had any huge issues with the Pocket Rocket at this point. Thanks for the comment!

[@whicks3]

Whisper lite and Pocket Rocket Deluxe here! And a BRS backup

[@timbschwartz]

Nice! How are you liking the BRS? I have one as well but haven't used it enough yet to recommend it.

[@whicks3]

@@timbschwartz I tested the BRS before carrying it, and was happy with its performance. It’s so tiny that it will always have a problem stabilizing larger pots and pans on uneven surfaces, but that’s a small problem for someone looking for an ultralight canister stove for trail use, where larger cooking vessels don’t exist. As an added note, I’ve been using a generic mini stove for years with no issues, so having an actual BRS non clone gives me added confidence.

[@timbschwartz]

Nice! I'm looking forward to messing around with mine a bit more. I did have a bit of trouble with wind the couple of times I've used it, but that's pretty common with canister stoves and I should probably just take some aluminum foil for a windscreen.

[@SultanofSpey]

Oh well Andrew Skurka uses it so that’s that. I’m in.

[@goyourownway9149]

What's the zip DCF stuff sack you use for your oversew 600 set?

[@timbschwartz]

Hi! That one, along with all of my other pot stuff sacks are from Treadlite Gear. Check em out!

[@woodchip2782]

I use Trangia alcohol stove equipment. Silence is precious…🤫 You can find alcohol everywhere. Not canisters.

[@timbschwartz]

Love my Trangia!

[@smacrae7]

Looks like a nice burn on your alcohol stove. What type of fuel are you using? Heet?

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks for watching! Jasco denatured alcohol. Can't remember where I got it, but either a hardware store or Walmart.

[@ericdietz2605]

All temps are in Fahrenheit for this comment. Alcohol stoves work okay'ish at high altitudes... Provided the temps aren't too low. 14,000 feet and 30 or less they start to struggle. Under 10 they don't seem to work. To be fair they don't work good at sea level at low temps. If you are in -10 or less they may not heat properly. If you are at -30 they do not work at all

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks for the insight here, Eric!

[@Pathan_aamir2212]

Hii bro

[@gcvrsa]

I did a bunch of studying of this topics some years ago, and the conclusion I very rapidly reached is that for most people in most situations, a gas canister stove is going to be by far and away the best choice, because of their heat output, ease of control, and convenience. For trips of any significant length, the weight of alcohol fuel rapidly overtakes the excess weight of an empty steel gas canister for an equivalent cooking capacity (measured in how many litres of water you can boil). When you combine this with the fact that gas stoves can be reduced to a simmer and extinguished on demand, the advantages of the canister stove are something with which alcohol stoves simply cannot compete. Now, for short trips in fair weather, where cooking control isn't a priority, an alcohol stove can be perfectly functional, but in a lot of places in the US, the availability of good alcohol fuel can be challenging. California, for instance, has idiotically banned the sale of denatured alcohol, and burning high proof grain alcohol on which you have paid the high liquor tax is a huge waste of money. I really don't think that in the 2020's, it's necessary for anyone who isn't attempting to summit high peaks to use a white gas or kero stove. I do own an MSR Rapidfire, which is the remote gas canister version of the old Whisperlite, and it's a great stove for larger pots, though long out of production. The current MSR Whisperlite Universal and WindPro II do the same job.

[@timbschwartz]

Hey Gemma! Based on the data I've seen, gas becomes the lighter option at around 20 burns or so without resupply (very roughly speaking because it depends on how much water you're boiling, the stove, etc.), which much longer than most people will go without needing to pick up more food and whatnot. I agree with all of the pros of canister stoves that you mentioned, and do use them often, but some additional points for alcohol stoves for me would be 1) they don't have any moving parts to break or clog and 2) I'm not adding dozens of aluminum canisters to a landfill every year - I do recycle them but who knows where that stuff actually ends up. I believe you can still get HEET in California, but there's typically burn bans in California during the warmer months, so it doesn't really help much for most folks during peak season - canisters it is in that case. I like to keep the Whisperlite around for melting snow, but it will probably be replaced by an MSR reactor at some point. Thanks for the comment!

[@simplesolutions2865]

It isn't true that you can't simmer with an alcohol stove. I have 3, and all three will simmer quite well with the addition of some sort of simmer ring - which also prolongs how long the stove will burn. My current alcohol stove will simmer for an hour on 20ml of alcohol.

[@charlesfulcrum3170]

Why do I need 3? The one I've got is fine

[@timbschwartz]

Thanks for the comment, Charles! I discuss this around 0:43 in. Have a great week!

[@slikerdet]

I can’t believe that some People fall and hit their head over and over again. The best stove is promised omniful. You don’t need to change that and that and this and this when using different filler types like this stove or from Other brand. Simple change the nozzle with a tool in 5 seconds and then u are ready with another fuel type. You don’t need to change other stuff on the fuel bottle for using other fuel types. This is smart and clever in the field and not take out this and that. No people want to use from America want to do it the hard way that is not the best way.

[@mezmerya5130]

last time i hiked with gasoline stove (optimus, idk model, it was guides'), it took like 30 min to boil 5l of water. kinda sad. and we didnt even have had to melt snow, i guess that way cooking meal would take hours.

[@timbschwartz]

Bummer! I'm thinking either bad fuel or a bad stove - the remote canister stoves are known for being beasts when it comes to heat output and boil time. Hope you still got fed!

[@tomsitzman3952]

@@timbschwartz Something does not sound right the timeline. Soun ds to me like the pot and stove were not sheltered from the wind. Boiling 5 liters is a tough job for any stove.

[@LeftOverMacNCheese]

White gas is gasoline...

[@darwinmejia3692]

He describes gasoline for Cars which can cause stove clogging, White Gas or Lighter Fluids is cleaner than Car Gasoline , it produces less residue

[@jeromebullard6123]

I’m gonna say it. Those BRS stoves are garbage. I’d rather carry fifty times the weight before I’d use that junk. I can’t believe people like that little gas user. It is horrifically inefficient and takes forever to boil water. Forget about cooking with it as it is such a tiny little concentrated blow torch.

[@watts391]

Stoves in the park. 🥬

[@AntwonDaBusiness]

3 stoves? You only need one haha