Types of Windproof Multifuel Fast-Cooking Backpacking Stoves

Stoves for backpackers come in many iterations, from ultra-lightweight stoves for ultra-light hikers to larger canister-type stoves that may provide easy operation and fast cook times. Multifuel backpacking stoves can burn different types of liquid fuels, from kerosene to diesel fuel and unleaded gasoline which, according to REI, makes them an a versatile choice-- particularly for international travel.

  1. Pump Pressurizing Stoves

    • According to Zen Stoves, pump pressurizing stoves have been around since the 1800s and are the most popular type of multifuel stove. Pressure is built up using a hand pump to vaporize the fuel so that it will ignite in the burner. According to Zen Stoves, the MSR WhisperLite Internationale is a popular choice that attaches to an external fuel source and has the capability to burn a wide variety of fuels. The Coleman Exponent Multi-Fuel Stove has a burner built over a fuel canister that can burn different types of fuels, but it is heavier than other models and may overheat or leak fuel, according to Zen Stoves. Camp Stove Wizard also recommends the Denali Stove, which is lightweight and burns multiple fuels, but as of 2010 costs around $200.

    Self-Pressurizing and Gravity Fed Stoves

    • According to Zen Stoves, a variety of self-pressurizing and gravity-fed stoves exist. Zen Stoves recommends the self-pressurizing Optimus Svea for its reliability, but notes that it does not produce as much pressure as pump-pressurizing models and may be too heavy and bulky for weight-conscious backpackers. According to Zen Stoves, because gravity-fed stoves require fuel to pool at a low point, they consistently have problems with debris blocking the stove.

    Capillary Stoves

    • According to Zen Stoves, specially designed ceramics channel streams of atomized fuel to the flame in this type of stove. According to Outside Magazine, the MSR Capillary Technology Stove System is simple to use, lightweight and "as easy as starting a cartridge-fuel stove, except with all the benefits conferred by a liquid-gas setup."