How To: Use a Backpacking Stove

Abs: Mountain Man guest posting here on various types of backpacking stoves and how to use them.

In planning for an emergency situation, it is a good idea to be prepared for the very worst. In the case of cooking, we need to be prepared to go without the microwave and gas/electric ranges.

One of the best ways to be prepared in this area is to purchase a small backpacking type stove. They are light, and thus very portable. They are small and easily stored. They boil and heat very efficiently, cutting down on the amount of fuel that you must purchase.

There are many types and varieties of stoves. Most stoves use either a liquid white gas, or a butane/propane mixture that comes in a canister (I think these are the best, for what its worth...). Any of these can be found at REI, Sierra Trading Post or Campmor. I have also found many good deals on eBay. Keep in mind that the price is for the stove only--fuel is sold separately (usually $3-5/canister--1 canister usually lasts 60 minutes of cooking time).

I have two different stoves that I use, and my backpacking friend has let me borrow his to example another.




Example 1: Jetboil

The head screws into the gas canister,



And then the mug screws into the head.



Push-button ignition. Pretty simple. Boils water really quickly. Not great for cooking in, but you can also buy a bigger pot that is better for cooking. This unit is best for just boiling water really fast. Pricey.


Example 2: Camping Gaz Bluet Micro Stove

The head screws into the gas canister,



Turn on the gas,



This stove does not have an automatic ignition, and needs to be lit with a lighter or matches. I have cooked everything on this little stove, from pork-chops to risotto. The scouts invented the delicacy known as "candied spam" on this stove.


Example 3: Brunton Raptor

The head screws into the gas canister,



turn on the gas,



Push-button ignition. Really simple. Really effective. Boy scouts cook with this one once a month. If a twelve year old can cook on it, so can you.


The Brunton Raptor is similar to the giveaway stove, the MSR Pocket Rocket: