Best Wood Burning Backpacking Stove

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Backpacking is an exciting outdoor adventure that allows you to explore nature and disconnect from the hustle of daily life. When you’re out in the wild, one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll need is a reliable stove for cooking meals and boiling water. While there are many types of stoves available, wood burning backpacking stoves have gained popularity because they don’t require fuel canisters or batteries. They rely on natural resources like twigs and leaves, making them a great choice for long trips into the wilderness.

In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the best wood burning backpacking stoves on the market, offering a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect stove for your outdoor adventures.

What is a Wood Burning Backpacking Stove?

A wood burning backpacking stove is a portable stove designed to burn small pieces of wood, twigs, or other organic material as fuel. These stoves are typically compact, lightweight, and easy to pack, making them ideal for hiking and backpacking trips. Unlike traditional stoves that rely on propane or butane fuel canisters, wood stoves make use of readily available natural resources, which is why they are particularly favored by backcountry adventurers.

Benefits of Wood Burning Stoves

There are several advantages to using a wood burning backpacking stove:

No Fuel Canisters Needed: One of the biggest benefits is that you don’t need to carry fuel canisters. Instead, you can collect twigs, leaves, and small branches along the way, which means you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel.

Eco-Friendly: Wood burning stoves are environmentally friendly because they burn renewable resources. Unlike gas stoves, there is no need to dispose of empty fuel canisters.

Lightweight and Compact: Most wood burning stoves are designed to be lightweight and easy to pack, making them a perfect choice for minimalists who want to reduce their load.

Cost-Effective: Wood is often free and abundant in the wilderness, making this type of stove a cost-effective option for long-term backpacking and camping trips.

Durable: These stoves are typically made from durable, heat-resistant materials, making them built to last through many outdoor adventures.

What to Look for When Choosing a Wood Burning Stove

Before buying a wood burning backpacking stove, there are a few important factors to consider:

1. Size and Weight

When you’re backpacking, space and weight matter. You’ll want a stove that is compact and lightweight, so it doesn’t take up too much room in your pack. Look for stoves that weigh less than a pound and fold down into a small size.

2. Efficiency

Not all wood burning stoves burn efficiently. An efficient stove will help you cook faster, use less fuel, and create less smoke. Look for stoves with a design that promotes good airflow and efficient combustion.

3. Ease of Use

You don’t want a stove that’s complicated to assemble or difficult to use, especially when you’re out in the wild. Choose a stove that is easy to set up, ignite, and manage while cooking.

4. Stability

Make sure the stove has a stable base for your pots and pans. Cooking on an unstable stove can lead to spills or accidents, so always look for a model with a solid, secure cooking surface.

5. Material

Wood burning stoves are usually made of stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum. Stainless steel is durable and resistant to heat, while titanium is lightweight and extremely strong. Aluminum is lighter but less durable over time.

6. Wind Resistance

Wind can affect how well your stove burns. A stove with a good wind shield or design will ensure that your fire stays lit and that your food cooks evenly.

Top Wood Burning Backpacking Stoves

Now that we know what to look for, here’s a breakdown of some of the best wood burning backpacking stoves available.

1. Solo Stove Lite

The Solo Stove Lite is one of the most popular wood burning stoves on the market. It’s compact, efficient, and easy to use, making it perfect for solo adventurers.

• Size and Weight: The stove weighs just 9 ounces and has a diameter of 4.25 inches, making it compact enough for any backpack.

• Efficiency: It uses a unique design that allows for efficient combustion, which reduces the amount of smoke produced and maximizes fuel usage.

• Material: Made from high-quality stainless steel, it’s built to last and handle the heat of an open fire.

• Wind Resistance: The stove is designed with a double-wall structure that helps create a secondary burn, which reduces smoke and ensures a hotter, more efficient fire.

• Ease of Use: The Solo Stove Lite is simple to use. Just gather small sticks, twigs, or pine cones, and you’re ready to cook.

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact

• Easy to assemble and use

• Very efficient burn with minimal smoke

• Highly durable stainless steel construction

Cons:

• Not the best for cooking for more than one or two people

2. BioLite CampStove 2

The BioLite CampStove 2 takes wood burning stoves to the next level by incorporating a thermoelectric generator that allows you to charge your electronics while you cook.

• Size and Weight: This stove is a little larger and heavier than some other models, weighing 2 pounds. However, it’s still portable enough for most backpacking trips.

• Efficiency: The CampStove 2 uses a fan to circulate air and create a more efficient burn. This reduces smoke and allows for faster cooking.

• Material: Made with durable stainless steel and an aluminum casing, it’s built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors.

• Wind Resistance: It includes a built-in fan that provides better airflow, which enhances its wind resistance and cooking efficiency.

• Ease of Use: The stove is easy to set up and operate. You simply add wood, turn on the fan, and start cooking.

Pros:

• Charges electronic devices via USB

• Highly efficient with minimal smoke

• Built-in fan for better combustion and wind resistance

• Durable construction

Cons:

• Heavier than other options, making it less ideal for ultralight backpacking

• Requires a power source for the fan

3. Titanium Wood Burning Backpacking Stove by Vargo

For those looking for the lightest option, the Vargo Titanium Wood Burning Stove is an excellent choice.

• Size and Weight: Weighing only 3.4 ounces, it is extremely light and easy to pack.

• Efficiency: While it’s small, the titanium construction allows for a high-efficiency burn with minimal smoke.

• Material: Made from durable titanium, it is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it perfect for wet conditions.

• Wind Resistance: The Vargo stove performs well in windy conditions, thanks to its high-efficiency design.

• Ease of Use: This stove is simple to use and folds down flat, making it easy to store.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and portable

• High-quality titanium material

• Simple setup and use

Cons:

• Small cooking surface, ideal for solo use

4. TMS Portable Wood Burning Stove

The TMS Portable Wood Burning Stove is another excellent choice, especially for those looking for a stove with a larger cooking area.

• Size and Weight: Weighing 3 pounds, it’s not as light as some other options, but it offers more cooking space.

• Efficiency: This stove is highly efficient and burns wood quickly and cleanly.

• Material: Made from stainless steel, it is durable and resistant to rust.

• Wind Resistance: The design includes wind shields to help protect the flame from gusty conditions.

• Ease of Use: The TMS stove is easy to assemble and use. It provides a sturdy cooking surface for larger pots and pans.

Pros:

• Larger cooking surface, ideal for multiple people

• Durable stainless steel construction

• Efficient and fast-burning design

Cons:

• Heavier than other models, making it less ideal for ultralight backpacking

5. Campfire in a Can

The Campfire in a Can is a portable wood burning stove that offers a unique design.

• Size and Weight: Weighing just under 2 pounds, it is compact and easy to carry.

• Efficiency: This stove burns wood efficiently, with a clean burn and minimal smoke.

• Material: Made from stainless steel, it is resistant to rust and high temperatures.

• Wind Resistance: The stove is designed to work well in windy conditions, making it reliable in various environments.

• Ease of Use: It’s easy to set up and operate, making it a good choice for beginners.

Pros:

• Compact and portable

• Works well in windy conditions

• Easy to use and set up

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than some smaller models

Conclusion

A wood burning backpacking stove can be an excellent investment for any outdoor enthusiast. It offers a convenient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective way to cook meals and boil water during long trips into the wilderness. From compact, lightweight models like the Solo Stove Lite to larger, more powerful stoves like the BioLite CampStove 2, there’s a wood burning stove that will suit your specific needs.

When choosing a stove, consider the size, weight, efficiency, material, and ease of use. Each of the stoves listed above has unique features, so selecting the best one depends on your specific preferences and the type of backpacking trips you plan to take.

Regardless of which stove you choose, a wood burning stove will enhance your outdoor experience and help you enjoy hot meals and a warm fire wherever your adventures take you.

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