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Hunting & Fishing help me select the ideal backpacking stove

NY700

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
May 23, 2009
898
284
Dallas
Not sure if this is the ideal forum but figure its outdoors in nature. Ok guys so here is the deal I'm a newb in the world of backpacking. As it is now I usually go on 2-3 camping trips a year and 2 huntingtrips. This year my wife and I are planning a couple light weight weekend backpacking trips. So weight will be an issue where it hasn't been before. I'm looking for some quality info on cooking options, looked at the kelly kettle, the MSR whisperlite, the Esbit alcohol cook set both large and small, and jetboil line. I'm hoping to do more than just simply boil water since if I can catch it it I pln on cooking it. What info do you have for me thanks
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

If you're going light, I highly recommend the MSR PocketRocket. Mine has seen heavy use for three years without failing or needing any maintenance. It boils fast, is efficient, and simmers well.

Jetboils are also awesome... but that awesomeness costs $$$

You mention cooking what you catch, would you mind elaborating on that? There's some great advice I could offer on this if you think you'll need it.

Best,
TXPACS
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TXPACS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

You mention cooking what you catch, would you mind elaborating on that? There's some great advice I could offer on this if you think you'll need it.

Best,
TXPACS</div></div>

I'd like to hear what you got. I plan on doing some packing trips this year and doing my best living off the land, fishing and small game kinda eating.

Thanks
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

First off I own a pocket rocket and love it... for boiling water. Any time I've tried to cook trout on it, it either blows out or burns the crap out of the fish. There really isn't a whole lot of heat adjustment with those stoves without it blowing out (or most any camping stove btw).

The simple work-around to this is to build a fire and get skilled at field cooking. There are some simple backpack friendly methods for trout that I've found.

For example, if I'm going to be by a river or lake (which I usually am) I bring a chopped onion, some butter packets, some Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper, and a bunch of sheets of tin foil. Put the onions on the bottom, trout on top, fill the trout body with the butter lemon pepper, and onions, then put more onions on the top. Wrap it up with several layers of foil and put it in some hot coals. After about 10-15 minutes turn the trout and wait another 10-15 minutes till you hear it sizzling and smelling awesome. Then eat.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

I love my MSR Reactor. It works great for me and my wife. Boils water incredibly fast, and is also pretty quite. If you plan on doing some "gourmet cooking" I'd look at the MSR XGK. It will burn anything and is bomb proof.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

A buddy and I have a snow peak Giga power and they've been great, I like the size, effiency and container it comes in. It's a little smaller and cheaper than the pocket rocket. Get a good size titanium cup and spiel to go with it and you're set. I've had great luck with the snow peak gas but have heard mixed stories about em, the jet boil gas is like a dollar more and work great. PM if you have any questions
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boudin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've had my MSR superfly for a few years now and I can't say enough good things about it.

http://m.rei.com/mt/www.rei.com/product/665544/msr-superfly-stove</div></div>
^ +1 I have packed that thing all over hell (AT and the Rockies) and it has never let me down.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Big Bone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First off I own a pocket rocket and love it... for boiling water. Any time I've tried to cook trout on it, it either blows out or burns the crap out of the fish. There really isn't a whole lot of heat adjustment with those stoves without it blowing out (or most any camping stove btw).

The simple work-around to this is to build a fire and get skilled at field cooking. There are some simple backpack friendly methods for trout that I've found.

For example, if I'm going to be by a river or lake (which I usually am) I bring a chopped onion, some butter packets, some Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper, and a bunch of sheets of tin foil. Put the onions on the bottom, trout on top, fill the trout body with the butter lemon pepper, and onions, then put more onions on the top. Wrap it up with several layers of foil and put it in some hot coals. After about 10-15 minutes turn the trout and wait another 10-15 minutes till you hear it sizzling and smelling awesome. Then eat. </div></div>



+1... No need for tarter
smile.gif
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

I've only used a jetboil. I like it. It's bigger than your ultra-small stoves, so go with one of the other options if you are all about micro-sizing your gear, but I find it pretty convenient and robust. I also like everything fitting together in a nice stacked/sealed unit I can throw in my pack and not worry about getting smashed/bent/warped.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

Alcohol vs canister? Alcohol is cheap, plentiful had anywhere and the esbit cook sets stack nice an compact but little to no temperature control.

Also any kelly kettle guys out there they seem to be robust and very effective and no need to cary a fuel source
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

Also anyone using the msr superfly. Although im cutting weight i can spare a few oz. the biggest nock ive read on the msr pocket rocket is the support arms being small and sometimes closing while cooking when you move the pot around. the superfly seems to be very similar with.a larger.burner and a more rpbust support design. anyone have.actual use with one?
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Big Bone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First off I own a pocket rocket and love it... for boiling water. Any time I've tried to cook trout on it, it either blows out or burns the crap out of the fish. There really isn't a whole lot of heat adjustment with those stoves without it blowing out (or most any camping stove btw).

The simple work-around to this is to build a fire and get skilled at field cooking. There are some simple backpack friendly methods for trout that I've found.

For example, if I'm going to be by a river or lake (which I usually am) I bring a chopped onion, some butter packets, some Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper, and a bunch of sheets of tin foil. Put the onions on the bottom, trout on top, fill the trout body with the butter lemon pepper, and onions, then put more onions on the top. Wrap it up with several layers of foil and put it in some hot coals. After about 10-15 minutes turn the trout and wait another 10-15 minutes till you hear it sizzling and smelling awesome. Then eat. </div></div>

Nailed it.

The class of stove you're looking at was never really meant for much more than boiling water. My pocketrocket does fine simmering with chili, noodles, oatmeal, etc. Frying eggs is also gtg. I would never try to cook a cut of meat or fillet on it though, it's just plain too small with too little ability to adjust heat. If you want to get creative you can cut your meat up & make a soup/stew, the camp stoves will do it just fine. For larger cuts of meat/fillets I either use the foil & coal method, skewer & cook over fire, or cook with hot stone. Also, you can pick up a small charcoal grill grate from academy for like $6 & carry that with you to put over your fire. Just get a small one that you can strap to your ruck.

Best,
TXPACS

 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NY700</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also anyone using the msr superfly. Although im cutting weight i can spare a few oz. the biggest nock ive read on the msr pocket rocket is the support arms being small and sometimes closing while cooking when you move the pot around. the superfly seems to be very similar with.a larger.burner and a more rpbust support design. anyone have.actual use with one? </div></div>

I've never had that problem of arms closing. Ever. Nor have any of my buddies who use this stove. Keep in mind, these stoves were meant for small, light back country mugs, i.e. the Snow Peak Trek 700, etc. not pots like you would use at home.
I have no experience with the superfly, but one advantage to the pocket rocket or similar is that the fuel & stove will nest inside your mug saving valuable space.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NY700</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Alcohol vs canister? Alcohol is cheap, plentiful had anywhere and the esbit cook sets stack nice an compact but little to no temperature control.

Also any kelly kettle guys out there they seem to be robust and very effective and no need to cary a fuel source </div></div>

I'd strongly urge you to go with the isobutane canisters.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NY700</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NMMX nailed it im talking about fish rabbit maybe even some squirrel or game birds </div></div>

Mmmm rabbit... Skewer it up man!
grin.gif
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

I've used an MSR dragonfly for a few years now. Originally I got it for motorcycle camping and planned to steal fuel out of my bike if I ran out of white gas but that never happened (the stove runs on white gas, kerosene, unleaded, diesel, and jet fuel!).

It's got really good flame control, from low simmer up to flame thrower. No issues with the legs folding in or anything but the aluminum heat shield thing is a PITA, but does make a positive difference so it's worth using. Pre-heating is super easy. You let a little fuel into the burner which gets soaked up by a cotton wick. Turn off the burner, then light the wick and it burns for a bit heating the burner up. Then it lights perfectly every time, no singed eyebrows from a cold burner flare-up.

To field clean it you shake it and it's got some widget inside that knocks the crud out of the jet.

The downside to this stove is that it's really, really, really loud. Crazy loud. You will not do any tactical cooking on this stove and trying to heat water in the AM for coffee or whatever is going to bug everyone sleeping around you.

Pics a little blurry but you can see it will hold a pretty good sized pot (hamburger helper lasagna... tastes like crap until you're in the woods, then suddenly it's the best thing ever).

Anyway, I love my stove.

stove.jpg
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

I have tried many MSR and Primus backpacking stoves and have settled on the JetBoil systems. if you are just boiling water the basic one works great. I have used mine at high alt and in sub zero temps and love it. You should give them a look.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

I have used stoves from about every brand to include the MSR Pocket Rocket and Whisperlite International (the multifuel version) The Jet Boil both the small cup version and the pot burner version, and the Primus Omnifuel. The Primus is hands down my favorite camp stove ever. It is easy to adjust the flame to the desired level from simmer to boil, it has a lagre sturdy pot support, it runs on just about anything flammible that will go into the fuel bottle, and the pump screws off to allow the use of the isobutane canisters. The primus I have has been less maintenence than the whisperlite also, I had a problem with the jet clogging on the whisperlike because somehow the shaker got stuck in the down position and I had to dissassemble the entire thing in like -5 degree weather while my hands were freezing. Anyway take it how you want, but I have been cooking gourmet meals with an aluminium pot and the primus for about 6 years now and it isn't going anywhere. The only drawback is that it is more expensive than the other stoves out there but is definately worth it.
Hope this helps,
Adam
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TXPACS</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Big Bone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First off I own a pocket rocket and love it... for boiling water. Any time I've tried to cook trout on it, it either blows out or burns the crap out of the fish. There really isn't a whole lot of heat adjustment with those stoves without it blowing out (or most any camping stove btw).

The simple work-around to this is to build a fire and get skilled at field cooking. There are some simple backpack friendly methods for trout that I've found.

For example, if I'm going to be by a river or lake (which I usually am) I bring a chopped onion, some butter packets, some Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper, and a bunch of sheets of tin foil. Put the onions on the bottom, trout on top, fill the trout body with the butter lemon pepper, and onions, then put more onions on the top. Wrap it up with several layers of foil and put it in some hot coals. After about 10-15 minutes turn the trout and wait another 10-15 minutes till you hear it sizzling and smelling awesome. Then eat. </div></div>

Nailed it.

The class of stove you're looking at was never really meant for much more than boiling water. My pocketrocket does fine simmering with chili, noodles, oatmeal, etc. Frying eggs is also gtg. I would never try to cook a cut of meat or fillet on it though, it's just plain too small with too little ability to adjust heat. If you want to get creative you can cut your meat up & make a soup/stew, the camp stoves will do it just fine. For larger cuts of meat/fillets I either use the foil & coal method, skewer & cook over fire, or cook with hot stone. Also, you can pick up a small charcoal grill grate from academy for like $6 & carry that with you to put over your fire. Just get a small one that you can strap to your ruck.

Best,
TXPACS

</div></div>



I'm with them
I've used them all & ended up hating msr. I'll stick with the jetboil & campfire combo too
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

I concur with with the ultralight stove and campfire combo. I've had the primus multifuel for about ten years, and it's a very nice stove, and the fact that you can burn anything in it is neat. In recent years though I run a pocket rocket and campfire for even easier packability.

I've had this for about ten years, and it's handy and compact (a little heavy), but you can get away with tin foil just fine too.

http://www.gofastandlight.com/Grilliput-...o/CO-GRILLIPUT/
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

I've been using an Optimus 123 climber for 35yrs; still works like a champ. It will burn almost anything you stick in it. I use it primarily for boiling water, but it fries up t-loins on the mountain just fine. I have a jetboil, and MSR Dragonfly- but I still grab the Climber for durability/simplicity.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

I have the Brunton Vapor AF, (runs on liquid and compressed gas fuel) and I love it. I got mine from sportsmansguide.com for less than $100. I was torn between MSR and the Brunton. The only downfall to the stove, is it uses liquid or compressd gas fuel, so you have to keep track of your fuel bottle, but you're going to have to do that with any of the canister type stoves. It has a great temp control valve, and is pretty user friendly. I have cooked bass filet's on mine, and they turned out great. That is aout has far as I would want to take it for cooking meat. If I were going to do anything heavier, I would just make a camp fire, and go that route.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

I use a cat can alcohol stove. Dirt cheap, super light, and did I mention cheap? For 2-3 trips a year you can make a new one every year and only spend $1! Use tuna cans if you need to use a bigger pot.

If you plan on cooking food and not just boiling water I'd just make a fire if that's possible in your area.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DCR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use a cat can alcohol stove. Dirt cheap, super light, and did I mention cheap? For 2-3 trips a year you can make a new one every year and only spend $1! Use tuna cans if you need to use a bigger pot.

If you plan on cooking food and not just boiling water I'd just make a fire if that's possible in your area. </div></div>

What??...sounds like a dirty bomb!
laugh.gif


get a Jetboil!
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

Another vote for Jetboil, a Jetboil and some sort of water purifier and you can pack really light with the freeze dryed (Mountain House meals, or equivelant) I have done quite a few back country trips with mine and love it. I use a PUR water pump/filter so we don't have to pack water and it has been great. (just as long as you have a water source where you are going. I primarily hunt in Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming and all of the places I have been in I have been around a natural water source of some type.

Some pics of our Elk trip last fall....can't wait for this fall!
DSCF2087-1.jpg


DSCF2090-1.jpg


DSCF2187.jpg


DSCF2170.jpg


DSCF2158.jpg


DSCF2144.jpg


DSCF2079.jpg


Looking forward to getting back out!
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

I have seen and tried the majority of them and I still think the jetboil is the way to go, unless you cannot get the isobutane/propane. If you will be in conditions below freezing isobutane/propane stinks! Either have to put the can in water to keep it warm or find a new fuel.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

Jetboil for the last few years, but I'm not a gourmet cook. I just use it for re-hydrating freeze dried food, heating the entree packets from MRE's, and hot drinks.

Used ( and still use) the MSR whisperlite for years and it's still one of my favorite stoves. You do have to replace o-rings and clean the jet every so often, but it's been very reliable.

Recently got an MSR Dragonfly for it's simmering capabilities and multi-fuel use.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

I want to thank everyone for theirrecomendations. I pulled the trigger on a MSR windpro II. I picked it up new for $80 local. Figured that was hard to beet. Run with thecanister inverted should get me the lower temp usage I want for my november / decemberhunting trips. Althoug it doesn't have the universal fuel usage I was interested the reality is I think it will be very rare for me not to be able to get my hands on canisters for it. I was very pleasantly surprised that the hose is much more flexible then the ones on the whisperlite series. It makes it easier to pack down much smaller. This givesme much more stability then a regulr canister stove and the ability to easily use much larger pots. It seems to hold well at a simmer which will be nice for camp cooking beyound just boiling water. Should require much less maintanance then the whisper lites which is nice too. Also sinceits a remote canister I should beable to use a much better windscreen with out worry of over heating the canister.
I also put together a few different alcohol stoves which I think ill use primarily for my one person simple over night hikes.

Picked up and MSR miniworks ex filter so I should be good to go for water, picked up a golite shangra la2 tent with nest and floor for $125 in like new conition so that should prove to be a light weight versitle shelter and a pir of Leki Makalu poles for $35. The suspension system wasn't working right in them and they weren't locking down right. One call to Leki and they sent me all new replacement parts including 2 brand new lower pole sections free of charge no questions asked in a bout 5 days. That wasseries service and not a bad buy for $125 poles.
So I think now all I need issome time off work!
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

You should look into the Trangia cookset system.

Windscreen
Pot support
Stove holder
Stove
Pots and pans all rolled up into one compact deal

Runs on alcohol, also has canister burner and multi-fuel burner add ons. The alocohol stove has a simmer ring for controlling flame temps.

Can get the pots and pans in a variety of flavors, nonstick or anodized.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

+1, the Soto is my stove for most of the year.

When the mercury really drops, I rely on a 75 year old Svea 123.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shootone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i have the Soto od-1r

its a great little stove, i picked it up over the pocket rocket

http://www.rei.com/product/785338/soto-od-1r-micro-regulator-stove

</div></div>
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

So far I've been impressed with the windpro IIspecifically being able to simmer with it. I have a few home made alcohol stoves and when its just me for an overnight trip or long day hike I really like the simple and light alcohol stoves. I just ordered kinda of on an impulse buy an Esbit alcohol camper set. Comes with their trangia knock off and 2 larger pots and a fry pan picked it up for $50 bucks. I was looking for a couple larger cooking pots for camping so figured helll t that price I would get he whole system and see if its any good. It is a total trangia 27 knock off for $30 less and anodized. Guess we will see
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

+1 for the Jetboil

Quick story - while at a course at Bridgeport (NorCA) we were using the stoves all the time as well as packing them in terrain where ounces make a difference and I will swear by the Jetboil. In fact, everyone who didnt use a Jetboil bought one after seeing those of us with them.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

I have both the whisper lite and the pocket rocket. Going light, I would have to say pocket rocket. I've gotten about 2 + hours of high heat cook time per butane MSR tank (of course YMMV based on altitude, etc.). Have fun camping!
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Infinity</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have both the whisper lite and the pocket rocket. Going light, I would have to say pocket rocket. I've gotten about 2 + hours of high heat cook time per butane MSR tank (of course YMMV based on altitude, etc.). Have fun camping! </div></div>

I have both as well but the pocket rocket gets the nod almost every time. I carry a small tank for day trips and a couple of the larger ones for extended trips. Very simple, small, cheap, and powerful.

IMG_1158.jpg

IMG_1159.jpg
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

+1 on the jet boil, although if traveling to get remote on commercial air can make it difficult to get gas to your location. White gas seems easier to find in off the road spots.
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

I so far have been impressed with the windpro II. Specifically being able to simmer with some control and I think running the canister inverted will certainly give me the extra flexibilty for winter camping. While I was waiting on making my decision I started mesing around with alcohol stoves. I think for day trips and over nighterslight packing tey are very hard to beat. Here are afew I was mesing around with.

First is a simple open top side burner made from an alluminum water bottle from the dollar store. Ideal for a wide pot.
2012-05-17064746.jpg

2012-05-17064822.jpg

Batch stove $12 online made from an alluminium beer bottle
2012-05-17064915.jpg

2012-05-17064927.jpg

Good old soda can stove with a little silicon tape around it
2012-05-17065705.jpg

Then I picked up an esbit cook set just like the larger trangia kits but all hard anodized non stick and I think the esbit has a few nice features over the trangia

CS2350HA_01_Spirituskocher-Set.jpg
 
Re: help me select the ideal backpacking stove

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: teamr2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Infinity</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have both the whisper lite and the pocket rocket. Going light, I would have to say pocket rocket. I've gotten about 2 + hours of high heat cook time per butane MSR tank (of course YMMV based on altitude, etc.). Have fun camping! </div></div>

I have both as well but the pocket rocket gets the nod almost every time. I carry a small tank for day trips and a couple of the larger ones for extended trips. Very simple, small, cheap, and powerful.

IMG_1158.jpg

IMG_1159.jpg
</div></div>
Even though the op already made a decision, I used a pocket rocket with a standard tank to boil coffee, cook eggs, and venison bacon for 10 people in less than 45 minutes on one burner. I'll look forward to trying the the jetboil at one point, just haven't yet...