When buying a camping stove, one of the biggest decisions you have to make is what fuel source you are going to use. Many stoves allow you to use more than one fuel source, but there are many different fuel sources out there, and there are very few stoves that overlap more than two categories of fuel. Wood is a fairly unique camping stove fuel, in that it is waiting for you in the outdoors, and you don't have to carry it with you. A portable camping wood stove is a good choice, then, for those that like to go lightweight, and to reduce backpack bulk as much as possible.
Camping Wood Stove
Features to look for when you are considering camping wood stoves to buy.- Lightweight - One of the big advantages of using wood as a fuel source is that you don't have to carry the wood with you, it's already waiting for you at your campsite. This is a big advantage over more conventional camping and backpacking stoves, and you shouldn't negate it by carrying a big, bulky, heavy wood camping stove.
- Multiple Fuels - Wood may not always be an option. Some campsites and camping areas will forbid the use of wood as a fuel source for a variety of reasons, for instance, and in some places, there just isn't much wood to be found. If you have a second stove that runs on canisters or liquid fuels then you have options, but there are wood stoves that will also run on alcohol, for instance, for when wood isn't an option.
Best Camping Wood Stove
There aren't too many different camping wood stoves to choose from, but these are a few of the better ones.- Evernew Titanium DX Stove Set - The DX is a simple yet elegant solution to your cooking needs. It has no moving parts, and will burn either solid fuels, like wood, or alcohol. And because it's titanium it weighs just 4 ounces, or 113 grams for the whole set. The stove also nests within itself, to reduce bulk when packing.
- Vargo Titanium Hexagon - This wood stove from Vargo is the definition of simplicity. It's comprised of nothing more than a hexagon of titanium. The wood goes inside, your pot goes on top, and that's it. The conical shape helps to concentrate heat on the bottom of your pot, and the whole thing breaks down for easy packing. Your only fuel option here is wood, but at 4.1 ounces, or 116 ounces and a price lower than the Evernew stove, it's a definite contender.
- Littlebug Junior Stove - The design of the Junior is somewhat similar to the DX above, in that it allows you to use both alcohol and solids such as wood as a fuel source. It's made of stainless steel, however, and weighs a bit more as a result, at 5.1 ounces, or 144 grams. Stainless steel also costs less, however, so factor that in to your decision making.
