| Backpacking stoves have continued to get | | | | heavier, but provide fuel options. Depending on the |
| smaller, lighter, and easier to use. With advances | | | | stove, liquid fuel stoves can run on various fuels |
| in stove design, improvements in pre-prepared | | | | including Coleman Fuel, Kerosene, or even |
| backpacking food, and regulations limiting fires in | | | | Gasoline. This flexibility can be a huge advantage; |
| National Forests, more people are choosing to | | | | not only because liquid fuel is cheaper, but it is |
| carry stoves. This has resulted in more choices | | | | easier to find. Liquid fuel stoves also tend to heat |
| for consumers, who are often uncertain about | | | | better in temperatures near freezing while |
| what advantages different types of stoves offer. | | | | canister stoves become stubborn to light and |
| The two most common types of backpacking | | | | take significantly longer to heat as temperatures |
| stoves are canister stoves and liquid fuel stoves. | | | | drop near or below freezing. |
| Canister stoves use pressurized disposable | | | | The type of cooking that will be done is also |
| canisters that contain a mixture of butane and | | | | important in selecting a stove. If the sole purpose |
| propane. Since the fuel for canister stoves is | | | | of the stove is to heat water to hydrate |
| already pressurized, there is no need for pumps | | | | pre-prepared backpacking food and make hot |
| or heavy fuel bottles making the canister stoves | | | | drinks, almost any stove will do. If simmering of |
| small and light. The canister stove simply screws | | | | sauces, soups, or noodles is required, then the |
| onto the canister and if equipped with a Piezo | | | | small torch like burner heads on many canister |
| ignition can be ignited reliably with the push of a | | | | stoves should be avoided as they tend to heat |
| button. | | | | unevenly and burn the food directly above the |
| Liquid fuel stoves use small hand pumps to | | | | flame. Larger burner heads are generally better |
| pressurize the fuel along with mechanical devices | | | | for simmering food even though they add size |
| to atomize the fuel. These stoves have seals and | | | | and weight to the stove. |
| moving parts that may need maintenance from | | | | Understanding the advantages and disadvantages |
| time to time including lubrication and seal | | | | of the different types of stoves will help in |
| replacement. Liquid fuel stoves are generally | | | | selecting the stove best suited for the conditions. |