When you’re camping or hiking, a stove is one of the essential items that you have to bring. You don’t want to be stuck eating granola bars throughout your trip. A fire source is an essential item. You can easily go off grid with the best wood-burning backpacking stoves.
When choosing the right backpacking stove, there are many factors to consider. One factor to consider is the fuel source. While some stoves require the use of propane gas for fire, sometimes it’s such a hassle to carry a tank. It may also leave a bad odour.
A wood-burning camp fire requires wood for fuel. The best news is that it’s free. This article will review 15 of today’s best camp stoves. What other way would you be able enjoy those roasted marshmallows?
Here’s the List of Best Wood Burning Backpacking Stoves:
The solo stove light is one of the most versatile backpacking stoves we’ve ever come across. You can grab a quick bite to eat at any time, including steamed vegetables, coffee, and burgers.
It can be difficult to light the fire. And when you’re camping and hiking, you always want to have coffee asap so you can catch that glorious sunshine. So it’s time wasted if your stove can’t keep up with your itinerary.
The best thing about this camp stove? It heats up quickly. Boiling water takes about 8-10 mins for a quick morning caffeine boost. The Solo Stove Light is unique because it features double-wall construction.
How does it work? The single stove light is made up of a chamber with many holes.
When the air is drawn into the chamber, the double wall construction heats it up. It then feeds the air to a top vent. This unique airflow motion signals secondary burning. This results in a highly efficient firing system. This results in a fire that is almost non-flammable.
The stovetop is also made from a durable material. It’s constructed with 304-grade stainless steel and has nichrome wire. It measures 3.8 inches x 38 inches x 4.2 inches and is 9 ounces in weight.
Though there’s some minor trade-off. Because the stovetop is not able to heat up as fast in damp environments, it must be fueled frequently. But there’s always a solution to that. Instead, you could bring a firestarter with you to make sure that your product is maximized even in wet environments.
Pros
Doesn’t produce too much smoke
Heats up quickly
Keeps a high flame output
Leaves a small amount ash
Comes with a Yukon stuffsack
Cons
Pots and pots can be made sooty
This backpacking stove is worth the investment
It’s quite easy to feed the fire. You can keep the flames going until you finish cooking your burger patties. You can be sure that your meat is cooked to perfection. You can use branches, twigs and pine cones.
The unique product’s construction creates a flameless flame. We love it for these reasons. It doesn’t contribute to air pollution. Two, it doesn’t damage the vegetation below it.
After all, you’re camping to enjoy the great outdoors, might as well do your part in preserving it. Three, there are fewer ashes because of the smokeless flames. It’s one of the best wood burning backpacking stoves that has a lesser environmental impact.
The Solo Stove Titan can cook for up to 2 people. It can produce more fuel to feed more people, thanks to its larger chamber.
Some of the most efficient wood burning backpacking stoves will only serve one person. Even though the stove is highly efficient in terms of thermal efficiency and build quality, it may be necessary to heat additional space for a company of four. That’s where the solo stove titan stands out. It can cook meals up to 4 people at once.
The main difference between the Solo Stove Light and the Titan is the fuel chamber size and weight. The Solo Stove Light is suitable for 1-2 people while the Titan can cook meals for up to 4.
It’s made with a smart patented design that results in smokeless cooking. Even if the Titan is heavier than the Solo Stove Light, it’s still lighter compared to other brands. It weighs in at 16.5 ounces. It measures 5.1 x 5.5.1 x 56 inches and can still be carried in your backpack.
It can boil water in 4-6 minutes, which is another advantage over the Solo Stove Light. It can boil 32 ounces for our coffee in just one heating.
Pros
High-quality stainless Steel Material
Ideal for group hiking
Lightweight
Can you boil water in 5 minutes or less
Smokeless fire
Cons
Pots can become sooty
Expensive
This backpacking stove is a great choice.
Group hiking is fun. The more people in a group, the better. Cooking is the real challenge. A majority of portable stoves are limited to cooking for 1-2 people at a time. So we’re very pleased with how we can all enjoy your cup of coffee at the same time.
It can hold more than one person and can even make coffee or meals for them. It boils water quickly. We can enjoy our favorite cup of coffee as soon as possible and we can all toast it together.
Compact, lightweight, and portable. This OHUHU camping stove can be easily carried with you on adventures in the wild.
One of the challenges of bringing a wood-burning backpacking stove is that you can’t quite fit into your backpack. Well, we’ve found a stove that’s easily collapsible and it’s easy to squeeze in your clothes and other belongings.
The wild can also present a challenge in the form of strong winds. This can be very dangerous for your baked beans. The wind can blow your dinner to the forest floor. With the OHUHU’s 3-arm support system, you can successfully cook dinner amidst the strong winds. It stabilizes the whole stove.
It ensures even heat distribution. You can be sure of perfectly cooked meals every time. It measures 5.3 x 3 x 5.3 inches and weighs 12.8 ounces
Solidified alcohol tablets can be used as a fuel source, in addition to branches or twigs. In case you’re going somewhere where there is no access to branches or twigs, you can still cook a yummy meal
Pros
Easy to assemble
Includes a storage net
Keeps you cool at the bottom
Supports 3 arms
Affordable
Easy to assemble
Compact and collapsible
Multi-fuel
Cons
To feed the fire, it is necessary to have a larger opening
This backpacking stove is worth the investment
It’s durable, stable, and compact too. The entire stove is quite durable and it’s made of stainless steel. This wood-burning backpacking stove is strong and durable. It can be folded down to 5.3 x 5.3 x 3 inches. So it’s easy to pack in your stash.
We also love the 3-arm support. It adds stability to the compact stove. So even if it’s windy your food stays on the pot. In addition, it won’t slip even if placed in a greasy area. And for its price, it’s quite a steal. It’s one of the best wood burning backpacking stoves that has an affordable price.
BioLite Camp Stove lets you charge your phone while you cook.
Now your smartphone can be charged while you cook. Going off the grid doesn’t mean you can’ post IG stories in real-time because your battery has died. The Biolite camp stove uses heat from the fire to generate energy. It also comes with a USB charger that can provide 3 watts of electricity. It also has a 2600 mAH integrated battery to charge your phones and power banks.
How does it work? The camp stove consists of two main components: the combustion chamber and the USB charge. It also has vents in the back that improve the efficiency of your burn. This in return powers up the USB charger that’s attached to the chamber. You can also adjust the fan speed to circulate hot air faster and make cooking easier.
The chamber is double-wall steel with a honeycomb house. The honeycomb housing makes it possible to pick up the stove even when it’s hot. You will also find the aluminum legs at the bottom. This adds stability to your stove.
Smart LED displays allow you to easily monitor the power output. This will let you know if you should add more twigs to the fire.
It measures 5 x 5 x 8.3 inches and weighs only 2.06 pounds.
Pros
It comes with a USB charger built in
The stove can be touched even when it’s hot. Thanks to the honeycomb housing
Stability: Aluminum legs that fold for stability
Portable
Scalloped pot stand
Cons
Quite heavy
Expensive
This backpacking stove is worth the investment
When you’re going off the grid, the problem of your phone running out of battery is inevitable. Even if power banks are available, your phone can run out of batteries. There’s no need to bring a solar panel. It can take up space in your backpack.
Even if the charging can just be a trickle, it’s very handy especially when your batteries are dead. In an emergency, the best wood burning backpacking Stove should be able to provide heat.
If you’re headed to the wild, you can expect some sudden gusts of wind. The TOMSHOO offers wind resistance and extra stability.
Portable camp stoves that are lightweight and portable can easily be tipped over. You can have your coffee ready to go even before the water boils. TomsHOO’s portable camping stove is wind-resistant. It has many stability pieces that can withstand sudden gusts.
Pot supports are an important stability piece. Pot supports are very stable and lock. So there’s no chance of slipping.
It’s small in size, but its stability won’t disappoint you. The small size is a compromise. It’s recommended for a small group since it can only accommodate small pots.
And pierced at only 19 dollars it’s one of the best wood burning backpacking stoves that’s very affordable.
Pros
Affordable
Includes a storage pouch
Wind resistant
Multi-fuel
Comes with an ashtray
Stable pot supports
Less smoke
A wire grill
Cons
Only small pots can be accommodated
Ideal for small groups
This backpacking stove is a great choice.
The TOMSHOO portable stove looks a lot like CANWAY, but it has a wire grill. You have more options for cooking your food.
It’s also extremely stable. You won’t be scared if there’s a sudden gust of wind while you’re frying eggs. And it’s lovely how clean it burns the fuel. You won’t even see any smoke.
This camp stove by Soleader is the best in heat distribution.
Grilling burgers on camp stoves can be difficult. You may end up with a greasy burger. Some stoves have a hot and cold spot. It would take hours to cook one patty. This problem can be solved by the SOLELEADER camp stove. It boasts a double wall construction. It boasts a double-wall construction that ensures steady combustion.
Another advantage is that it’s relatively smokeless. It boasts a unique Smart Gasification system that burns clean, renewable fuel.
Additionally, the stove camp measures 5.5×5.5×3.2inches and weighs 1.1 lbs.
This camp stove features an open mouth design. So it’s easier to use and you don’t have to lift the pot to add chunks of wood. You can also see the four double-layered arms at the top that support your cups and pans.
Pros
It has a large opening for adding wood
Collapsible
Even heat distribution
Smoking is very rare.
Wide mouth
Cons
Prone to discoloration
This backpacking stove is worth the investment
This backpacking stove is a great choice for evenly cooking burgers, steaks, or any other meat. It’s a little collapsible stove that you can use to cook proper meat.
You’ll also love that it’s almost smokeless. Every wood fuel you use will be converted to ashes. You won’t be leaving any charred pieces of wood. It will also help you with the cleanup.
The CANWAY stove boasts high thermal efficiency. It’s perfect for cooking hot meals and meat dishes.
We often encounter camping stoves that can’t keep their flames burning so it’s quite challenging to cook meaty dishes. These stoves are often only good for a cup if coffee. This CANWAY camping stove is a worthy competitor to other brands.
It is extremely efficient in terms of heating. The fire can be kept burning for up 20 minutes. And in terms of the design, it’s functional and won’t disappoint. Its solid base is due to its circular shape. It has a three arm support for your pots. It’s quite stable and durable too. It’s manufactured from a high-grade stainless steel.
Pros
Stable
Portable and collapsible
High-grade stainless Steel Material
High thermal efficiency
Cons
It takes time to heat water
This backpacking stove is a great choice.
You need a camping stove capable of sustaining flames if you want to enjoy a meaty meal in the wilderness. The CANWAY camping stove boasts a high level of thermal efficiency. You can cook your favorite steak in the wilderness. We love coffee, but we also need protein when camping.
The Unigear camping stove can hold camping cookware up to 20 lbs.
It is common to be limited in the types of camping pots you are able to use. That’s because some brands can accommodate only a lightweight pot. That’s why we’re very pleased with the Unigear camping stove. It’s heavy-duty and you can use cookware that weighs as much as 20 lbs.
But the stove itself is very light. It measures 6.3×0.8×7.1inches and weighs 1.54lbs.
This backpacking stove is composed of only four parts So it’s very easy to assemble. It’s also quite easy to use. And another advantage is that it’s multi-fueled too. So it’s more versatile and can adapt to different camping situations
Pros
Heavy-duty
Rust- and scratch-resistant
Easy to assemble, and easy to use
Multi-fuel
Can you tolerate high temperatures?
Cons
May have fragile handles
This backpacking stove is a great choice.
We love how we’re not limited to small camping cookware. One of the main problems of some stoves is that a lot of camping pots aren’t compatible with it. Many camping pots are too heavy for such small units. This is where this product comes in handy. It can be used for many pots and can even hold pots up to 20 lbs.
The kampMATE camp stove is one of the best wood burning backpacking stoves that’s versatile. It can hold a large pot or a small cup.
The lack of versatility is one of the problems with some camp stoves. Sometimes, these stoves accommodate a regular size pot but you won’t be able to use your mug. It could end up in the chamber. KampMATE can hold a small container and a regular-sized pot. Because of its cross arches that reach from corner to corner.
We also like how compact, so it’s easy to bring along your adventures. And it weighs about 1.1 lbs so it’s quite light too.
You can also use charcoal to power this bad boy, in addition to wood and twigs.
In terms of durability, it’s a brand that you can trust. It’s made of 304-grade stainless steel. You might experience discoloration.
Pros
Compact and lightweight
Has a large portal for feeding fuel
It has a crossbar on the top, perfect for small cups
It’s quite convenient especially if you want to keep your tea and coffee warm. Simply place it on the top and it will instantly reheat.
We also love that the fuel portal is large enough to allow you to easily feed wood. You can even place a large chunk of wood. There are enough holes along the sides to allow for better combustion.
This is the most popular titanium wood-burning backpacking stove on the market today.
Sometimes even a collapsible stainless-steel camp stove can still be heavy on your backpack. This titanium stove is almost lightweight.
This backpacking stove weighs only 5.4 ounces. It’s portable and lighter than your regular stainless steel camping stove. It is lightweight, but it still has a solid construction. And when fully assembled, it measures 3 3/4″ (94mm) (Dia) x 7 1/4″ (183mm) (H).
The titanium camping stove is made up of three parts. And you’ll find these parts stacked upon each other when your delivery arrives. It comes in two sizes: small and large.
As for the performance, it heats up fast and burns all the wood that you’re going to feed it. The advantage is, it won’t leave any charred wood behind. However, it can be difficult to control the flame for cooking meals. You can use a box-stove to go along with it.
Pros
Include a nylon sack bag
Lightweight
Clean burning
Easy to light
For beginners
Solid and beautiful construction
Cons
The fire feeder slot can be quite small
There is no instruction on how to put it together
This backpacking stove is a great choice.
It’s clean-burning. We love that you can heat your coffee and make it a little hotter without any smoke or soot. And if you are new to camping stoves, this one isn’t intimidating to use. It’s easy to light a fire that even beginners dare to cook outdoors for the first time.
This multi-purpose stainless steel camping stove can be used with different fuel types. It’s one of the most versatile stoves on our list of the best wood burning backpacking stoves.
Sometimes you may need to camp in an area that isn’t accessible to wood, twigs, or branches. This stove can be used for multiple purposes and eliminates the need for you to purchase different camping stoves. Apart from wood and twigs you can also use a variety other fuels.
The square camp stove can also be folded to fit neatly in a backpack. It measures 4.5 x 3.5 x 0.2 inches and weighs 9.5 ounces so you wouldn’t even notice you had it in your bag.
Pros
Compact and foldable
Multi-fuel
Dishwasher safe
Stable
Cons
Inconsistent heat
There’s a need to monitor the fire output
Why should you buy this backpacking stove?
A multipurpose camping stove spells convenience. We don’t want to buy two separate camp stoves in instances where we can’t use wood as fuel. You can also use butane or solidified alcohol as well as hexamine tablets.
We love the product’s stability. The stove is more balanced because of its square bottom. It is also more stable on the ground.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Portable Wood Burning Stove for Camping
The best wood burning backpacking stoves can make hiking and camping more enjoyable. You won’t get hungry because you get to eat decent meals. You don’t have to settle with granola bars or anything that comes out of a convenience store. You can also enjoy a cup of warm coffee every morning.
We’ll lay out some features that you have to look for when buying a portable stove. The wrong product can ruin your outdoor adventures.
1. Get the right size
Ask yourself this question: How many people will I be camping with?
Why is it important? Because for sure you’d want to get a camp stove that can serve all your companions. It is important to check the stove’s capacity. Some bands can hold regular points that can serve 4-6 people. Some brands are only good for one person. So you have to be certain of the capacity of the camp stove unless you’d want to cook your meals in batches.
2. Other than wood, there is an option to use other fuels
The main reason you want to purchase the best wood-burning backpacking stove is to use wood for fuel. But sometimes, there are instances where you can’t have access to these. Multi-fuelled wood burning camp stoves are available. These stoves can hold alcohol, propane, and butane.
3. How heavy is it?
With the exception of a few exceptions to this rule, most portable camping stoves weigh in at least 3.5 pounds. But the increments in a few pounds can spell a lot of difference if you’re backpacking. You need to choose the lightest, yet most functional camping stove.
You might also want to consider a collapsible camping stove if ever you’re backpacking. It takes up less space in your backpack. You don’t even notice you brought it along.
4. Price
There are many portable camp stoves on the market. Some stoves are expensive, while others are more affordable. You can compare prices online to find the best deal.
The size and material of the stove also affects the price. The more expensive it is, the larger it will be.
5. Stability
Get a camp stove that’s stable enough to resist a bit of wind. Otherwise, it’s going to be pointless. You wouldn’t be able to even boil water for your coffee if it keeps toppling over.
Choose a larger base or a cylindrical design. These can help support the weight of your pot and it won’t easily topple over.
6. Material
The best wood burning backpacking stoves are made of metal that’s a great heat conductor. You also need camp stoves that are durable. There are two types of metal often used in camp stoves – titanium and stainless steel.
Titanium is lighter. So it’s a great option if you’re backpacking. This can be more costly than stainless steel. Stainless steel, however, is a more robust material. It’s thicker and heavier than titanium. It can last longer. Stainless steel camp stoves work well for camping with friends or on wheels.
7. Do you have accessories included?
Do you have a storage container? Are there handles?
These are basic accessories, but depending on your needs, they may be essential. Before you click on the “Buy Now” button, make sure to ask the seller about the inclusions. You still have time to buy the accessories you need before you set off on your adventure.
8. The design of the stoves
The best wood burning backpacking stoves are available in many different designs. It can be round, rectangular, or a pyramid. Some have a simple design, while others have a more complex structure. Some are better suited for experienced backpackers.
Because they are more stable, newbies may benefit from round or cylindrical stoves. The pyramid or rectangular stoves, on the other hand, are more complicated. They may be challenging to set up if you’re a beginner.
Everyone’s used to using propane or butane when they are camping. So what’s the fuss about wood-burning camp stoves, you ask?
A lot if you ‘ll ask! Let’s enumerate some of the reasons why the best wood burning backpacking stove is the best route.
1.Cheaper cost
You don’t need to buy propane, butane or alcohol. The fuel you need is almost always free! You can use wood chunks, barks and barks or branches, or pine cones. These can be found scattered across the forest floor. And there’s a bit of excitement when you’re foraging wood for your fuel too. It adds to the enjoyment.
2. Eco friendly
Burning fossil fuels It can cause harm to Mother Nature. It can also leave a bad odor. This can ruin your camping experience.
You can savor the great outdoors sans the fossil fuels if you’ll use the best wood burning backpacking stove instead.
3. Can be used as an alternative to a campfire
Some brands allow you to double the size of your stove as a small firepit. Your camping stove can be used in more than one way. And it’s quite handy in camping sites where fire pits are discouraged.
4. Won’t eat up too much space in your backpack
It eliminates the need for you to carry a tank of fossil fuels.
Tips for Safely Using Wood Burning Camp Stoves
Even if it’s a compact stove, it still makes use of fire. We have prepared a list of precautions that you can take. These will make sure that you have a great adventure.
Keep all flammables off the stove.
Place the stove on a solid, stable surface.
Keep your children away from the stove. Even if these stoves are small, there’s still a risk involved. Brands with open mouth designs are at greatest risk. There are also brand that you don’t have much control over the fire output
Sleeping, put out the fire. This is obvious. Remember how your mom used to tell you not to leave lit candles unattended? It’s almost the exact same thing.
Let the stove cool completely before handling. Even if the best wood burning backpacking stove claims that it’s cool to touch, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Use the appropriate pans and pots according to the size of your stove. You run the risk of it tipping over.
Never keep it inside the tent. This camp stove requires air circulation to produce a flame. And there’s a risk of your tent catching fire in an event that it topples over.
Clean after. Never leave behind ashes, fallen wood embers, or charred wood pieces. This can light a fire. Be a responsible camper.
FAQ
What should you avoid burning in a wood stove’s wood stove?
You should never use wood, twigs and branches to fuel your wood burning camp stove.
How can you keep a wood stove lit all night?
Before you attempt to do this, ensure that it’s safe. It should be kept away from any combustibles or your tent. You don’t want it to catch fire.
It’s more challenging to keep it burning all night compared to stoves that use fossil fuels. Since wood burns faster, the fire often doesn’t last that long.
Air circulation is essential to keep the fire burning throughout the night. This stove requires ventilation to produce a flame that is efficient. It is also important to maintain a steady flame for at least a few hours. This will ensure that there’s a buildup of ashes that can help keep the fire burning.
Is it possible to put too much wood into the woodstove
Yes. Over-use of wood fuel can cause larger flames that can prove difficult to control. Overfire can be dangerous. This can cause your food to burn or scorch. It can also make pots more difficult to clean. Camp stoves made of thinner materials can cause discoloration.
Can you leave a wood-burning stove on overnight?
Yes, it’s possible but be reminded of the risks that it can pose. One, it can be blown away by a sudden gust. If it falls on dry leaves, it can ignite a forest fire. The good news is that the wood stove tends not to burn quickly. If you don’t want to leave it alone for the night, make sure it is away from any other flame-producing objects.
How do I light a wood-burning stove?
It’s easy-peasy. Break down your branches and twigs. It should be small enough that it can fit in the fire chamber. It may be helpful to spread it evenly. Next, light a small amount of paper using a match or lighter. Place the lit newspaper in the middle of your fire chamber.
If you have trouble starting a fire, you can also use a starter to light the fire. You can also feed it bits of wood to keep your fire going.
That’s it! The best wood-burning backpacking stoves make it easy to get off the grid. You can enjoy good meals and your favorite cup of coffee.
We have chosen the best. So you don’t have to settle with a camp stove that can’t even serve its purpose. The solo stove light and the solo stove titan are our top picks. They can enhance our camping experience by their versatility.
