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Top 10 Camp Stoves & Cook Systems

From ultralight canister burners to bombproof liquid-fuel expedition stoves.

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Match the stove to the trip: canister burners for weekend hikes, integrated systems for melting snow and boiling fast, liquid-fuel for cold and international travel, and wood-burning options when regulations and country allow. Windshielding and pot choice usually matter more than which burner is 'best.'

  1. 1

    PocketRocket 2

    — MSR

    Cheap, tiny, reliable canister burner. The default 'first stove' for backpackers.

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  2. 2

    WhisperLite International

    — MSR

    Multi-fuel expedition standard. Field-repairable, runs on whatever you can find.

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  3. 3

    MiniMo

    — Jetboil

    Integrated system for boil-in-cup meals. Best fuel efficiency at speed.

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  4. 4

    WindBurner

    — MSR

    The right pick when weather actually matters — burns in wind that shuts down a Jetboil.

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  5. 5

    Trangia 27

    — Trangia

    Silent alcohol stove in an integrated windshield pot set. Nothing simpler, nothing more reliable.

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  6. 6

    XGK EX

    — MSR

    Extreme-cold expedition stove. Melts snow faster than anything else on the market.

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  7. 7

    Firebox Nano

    — Firebox Stove

    Wood-burning packable stove. No fuel to carry when country and rules allow open flame.

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  8. 8

    Nova+

    — Optimus

    Multi-fuel European classic. Excellent build quality; ideal cold-country liquid-fuel option.

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  9. 9

    Windmaster

    — Soto

    Micro-regulator canister burner that outperforms in cold and wind for its category.

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  10. 10

    Base Camp Kettle

    — Kelly Kettle

    Chimney-effect volcano kettle — boils water on twigs in minutes. Bulky, unmatched for group tea.

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Independent editorial picks. Buy links open the maker or a retailer search so you can price-check and pick your source.