When most people go backpacking they stick to either liquid fuel or canister stoves, canisters being filled with propane. But there are actually a few other choices that are available to backpackers, one of the more interesting ones being wood. A backpacking wood stove is certainly a lightweight option, the main reason being that you don’t have to carry your fuel with you, because it’s waiting for you at camp. Many backpacking wood stoves are also capable of using other fuel sources, making them an option even when wood isn’t an option.
Backpacking Wood Stove
What to look for when shopping for a backpacking wood stove.- Fuel Alternatives – If you’re backpacking in an area without any wood at hand, or if you find yourself in an area where wood fires are banned, then you need another fuel option. Many backpacking wood stoves will accept other solid fuels, such as esbit tablets, or even alcohol, giving you options when wood isn’t an option.
- Weight – The big advantage that wood backpacking stove has over other stoves is that you don’t have to carry any fuel, making a wood stove a lightweight option. You shouldn’t negate this advantage, then, by carrying around a big, heavy backpacking wood stove.
Best Backpacking Wood Stove
There aren't too many camping wood stoves out there, but these are the best of them.- Vargo Titanium Hexagon - The Hexagon is a straight wood stove that isn't suited for any fuel alternatives. It's just a simple hexagon of titanium, where the wood goes inside and the pot stands on top of the hexagon. The whole thing is tapered, so it directs and concentrates heat on the bottom of your pot, which is a great design feature. it also breaks down flat, for easy packing. The whole thing weighs 4.1 ounces, which is 116 grams.
- Littlebug Junior Stove - This is a wood stove that will also do alcohol, for when wood isn't an option. It's a small and compact stove, but because it's made from stainless steel it weighs a bit more, at 5.1 ounces, or 144 grams. But stainless steel also costs less, so if you're looking for a stove that gives you options and doesn't cost too much, this is a good choice.
- Evernew Titanium DX Stove Set - This is a design fairly similar to the Littlebug stove above, the big difference being that this is a titanium stove, so it weighs less, at 4 ounces, or 113 grams. Like the Littlebug it will burn either solid fuels like wood or alcohol, so you have options. It also nests within itself, which makes fitting it in your backpack that much easier. But being titanium, it does cost a bit more than the stainless steel Junior above.
