Cooking up a storm in the backcountry has never been easier with these modern stoves and cooking accessories.
Fuel types
Gas stoves are simple, convenient and inexpensive to run and maintain. Many models now have regulators or use inverted canisters to provide consistent output and improve efficiency in cold and alpine environments. Liquid and multi-fuel stoves burn almost any flammable fuel. Solid-fuel stoves that burn twigs are heavier, but the fuel source is plentiful and free.
Maintenance
Gas stoves require little maintenance whereas liquid fuel models should be cleaned and serviced regularly to ensure optimum performance at higher altitudes and when cooking for larger groups.
Ignition
Piezo or similar ignition is convenient, but not infallible, so always carry matches or a lighter. Liquid fuel stoves often need to be primed and can take practise to light.
Flame control
Flame adjustment should be glove-friendly and allow fine-tuning from simmer to boil.
Stability
Canister-mounted stoves have a high centre of gravity and can be unstable when oversized cookware is used. Expedition-style liquid fuel and gas stoves have legs beneath the burner, providing a lower centre of gravity. Large pot struts will support bigger pots and pans – ideal for larger groups.
Windshield
Although some models have a built-in windshield and are designed to work effectively in windy conditions, a separate windshield that wraps around pot and cooker will improve performance and reduce fuel consumption.
Burner size
A larger burner will spread heat more evenly over the base of the pan. Smaller burners, although possibly more powerful, concentrate heat in one location, requiring more attention while cooking.
Boil times
There are many variables to take into account when testing boil times: air temperature, wind, altitude and burner size – even gas quality and quantity in the canister – have an effect. Advertised boil times can even be averaged over the life of the gas canister. Boil times in this feature are for one litre of water.
Now you know what to look for, it’s time to choose a model
MSR WhisperLite Universal $349.99
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MSR WindBurner Stove System $299.99
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BioLite CampStove 2 $259.99
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Soto Windmaster Stove + 4Flex Combo $134.99
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Macpac Ultra Light Titanium Stove $129.99
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MSR Pocket Rocket 2 $99.99
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Cooking accessories
 Sea to Summit X-Set 31 $169.99Collapsible set includes 2.8 litre X-Pot for camp stove cooking, two X-Bowls and two X-Mugs. X-Pot’s clear lid has an integrated strainer, pot collapses to 4.5cm with the bowls and mugs nesting inside. 609g.
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GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist $159.95
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Macpac Heat Exchange Pot $69.99
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GSI Glacier SS Minimalist $69.95
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