Is this the smallest and lightest hiking stove?
When hiking and carrying everything you own on your back, the little things matter. This includes your stove.
In the quest to keep packs light, and make hikes more enjoyable, my gear choices have been studied and refined over the years as I look to find the best stove that works for me, and if its ultralight, then even better. I am looking at stoves that are upright canister stoves (not remote canister stoves)
Recently I purchased the smallest and lightest stove I could find to see what it was like - there is plenty of competition for the title "most lightweight" and the winner in that category is......
BRS 3000T Ultralight Titantium Alloy Camping Stove Weight: 25g.
Available via Amazon
Price: Expect to pay anywhere from AUD12-22 including shipping
It's a bargain price. But is it too good to be true?
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Whilst initially impressed by the weight and price of this hiking stove (the most lightweight stove I had ever owned), concerns with it's construction made me look around at other options.
Some reasons why I wanted to look around include:
- Other users have reported the pot holder melting (which is far from ideal) when in use. For others, there has been no issue. It's a concern that you don't want to have when out in the bush. Quality control is obviously missing with the BRS.
- The amount of gas I used to boil water was more than with the Fire Maple Hornet. When hiking, minimising fuel usage (plus the amount you need to carry) is important, so on an upcoming trip, the FMH means only 1 canister. The BRS would require 2.
- Not wind efficient and that means higher fuel consumption
- Very narrow pot stand means that you need to make sure your pot fits nicely on it, or risk losing its contents.
- I think paying that price is amazing, but there is a cost with it - and that is, it just might fail you.
For in depth review of the BRS, we recommend you read Adventures In Stoving which covers their experiences with the BRS
Fire Maple Hornet
With the above in mind, it was time to buy another ultralight stove - the Fire Maple Hornet FMS-300T with a weight of 45g. Whilst it's 20g heavier than the BRS, reliability has made this one my more likely choice for a hike.
It's nice to say you have have the lightest stove ever - but reliability and functionality is more important, so for the sake of a few grams, it wasn't a big decision.
The folding size is 3.7 x 3.7 x 5.2cm and the unfolded size is 8.5 x 8.5 x 6.85cm ( L x W x H )
Price : Available via Amazon with a price around $45 (incl. postage). EBay also has it, but I have seen at higher prices.
The reasons are
- Had faster boil time that the BRS in the same conditions - boil time of course will change on a number of factors, so I am not basing my change to the FMH solely on that.
- The pot holders seemed to be of better construction and material, and I felt more comfortable they wouldn't warp when in use. This was the main reason for my choice.
BRS (on the left). Fire Maple Hornet (on the right)
Other Ultralight/Light Stove Options
worth considering
So what other options did I look at when looking at a new lightweight stove?
There are plenty around, and all of these were considered as there are no duds here. I have included links from other sites by those who have done extensive testing of these stoves to help you make informed choices. We especially recommend the website Adventures In Stoving for thorough reviews on stoves.
There are plenty around, and all of these were considered as there are no duds here. I have included links from other sites by those who have done extensive testing of these stoves to help you make informed choices. We especially recommend the website Adventures In Stoving for thorough reviews on stoves.
Snow Peak LiteMax Stove
Weight: 56g (Lightweight) this has a high output of 11200 BTU/hr, which is impressive for a tiny stove. But often higher BTU/hr means higher fuel consumption, so don't always make this your must have requirement for a stove.
With good pot supports this stove tends to be one of the pricier lightweight stoves but from brand that offers lifetime warranty which might give you peace of mind. Pot supports are good and simmer function is reported to be better than some others.
The weight certainly makes it one worth considering but the price and availability here in Australia might make it prohibitive for many as it's just too cumbersome to get here. Read further down about the Kovea Supalite if interested in this Snow Peak LiteMax, as they are practically identical.
Price: USD55+ on Amazon USA (and some sellers will ship to Australia). If you look at Amazon Australia, the price goes over AUD120.
Need more information? Then we put together reviews from around the internet that will help you with your choice. Links below.
Backpackers.com
Next Adventure
Weight: 56g (Lightweight) this has a high output of 11200 BTU/hr, which is impressive for a tiny stove. But often higher BTU/hr means higher fuel consumption, so don't always make this your must have requirement for a stove.
With good pot supports this stove tends to be one of the pricier lightweight stoves but from brand that offers lifetime warranty which might give you peace of mind. Pot supports are good and simmer function is reported to be better than some others.
The weight certainly makes it one worth considering but the price and availability here in Australia might make it prohibitive for many as it's just too cumbersome to get here. Read further down about the Kovea Supalite if interested in this Snow Peak LiteMax, as they are practically identical.
Price: USD55+ on Amazon USA (and some sellers will ship to Australia). If you look at Amazon Australia, the price goes over AUD120.
Need more information? Then we put together reviews from around the internet that will help you with your choice. Links below.
Backpackers.com
Next Adventure
Snow Peak LiteMax
Image: Via Snow Peak
MSR PocketRocket 2
The MSR PocketRocket 2 - weighing in at 72g (not including the case it comes in) is a very popular lightweight stove. MSR have always produced quality products, and we have used many of their stoves, including the original PocketRocket. We really loved the MicroRocket by MSR as well, but sadly now discontinued. The newest model has better simmer control and sturdy pot supports which fold down better than its predecessor.
Quality manufacturer means that the PR2 would be a stove that many of us would feel happy in owning and comfortable knowing that it would perform well. Reading lots of other sites, many other stoves are measured against this one.
Price: AUD85 via Wild Earth
Need more information? Then we put together reviews from around the internet that will help you with your choice. Links below.
The Broke Backpacker
Outdoor Gear Lab
Section Hiker
Backpacking Light
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Image: Via Wild Earth
Soto Windmaster
Weight: 67g (with TriFlex Pot Support)
With a name like Windmaster, you know what they are claiming - a recessed burner will make it less likely that the flame will go out. With canister stoves being very susceptible to wind, and needing windbreaks, the Soto Windmaster is a little different to the others in other areas as well though its unlikely that its impervious to going out completely in some windy contiditons. It's taller, and has detachable pot supports (so you can choose a larger one for larger pots). To minimise height, you can remove a pot support to make smaller.
Weight - 87g with the 4Flex pot support
60g without the TriFlex/4Flex pot supports
Price: Around AUD100 via Wild Earth
Need more information? Then we put together reviews from around the internet that will help you with your choice. Links below.
Adventures in Stoving
Trail Groove
Weight: 67g (with TriFlex Pot Support)
With a name like Windmaster, you know what they are claiming - a recessed burner will make it less likely that the flame will go out. With canister stoves being very susceptible to wind, and needing windbreaks, the Soto Windmaster is a little different to the others in other areas as well though its unlikely that its impervious to going out completely in some windy contiditons. It's taller, and has detachable pot supports (so you can choose a larger one for larger pots). To minimise height, you can remove a pot support to make smaller.
Weight - 87g with the 4Flex pot support
60g without the TriFlex/4Flex pot supports
Price: Around AUD100 via Wild Earth
Need more information? Then we put together reviews from around the internet that will help you with your choice. Links below.
Adventures in Stoving
Trail Groove
Windmster with 4 flex pot support Image: Via Wild Earth
Kovea Supalite Titanium
Weight: 60g and 56g (depends on model you purchase)
Kovea make a number of stoves, and the Supalite is the lightest titanium stove in their range. Depending on where you purchase, weight does vary with some sites indicating their Kovea weighs only 56g, but 4 g is not much to quibble about. With a good outward flame, it will disperse well on your pot resulting in more even cooking.
If you are looking at a similar reliability and style of stove, then the Snow Peak LiteMax would be the one you compare this against - and that is because both the LiteMax and Supalite are both manufactured by Kovea. The Supalite is cheaper.
Price: Around AUD65-95 (depending on seller) via Ebay. Ships from Korea. Amazon does also have it, but it is more expensive
Need more information? Then we put together reviews from around the internet that will help you with your choice. Links below.
Adventures in Stoving
Weight: 60g and 56g (depends on model you purchase)
Kovea make a number of stoves, and the Supalite is the lightest titanium stove in their range. Depending on where you purchase, weight does vary with some sites indicating their Kovea weighs only 56g, but 4 g is not much to quibble about. With a good outward flame, it will disperse well on your pot resulting in more even cooking.
If you are looking at a similar reliability and style of stove, then the Snow Peak LiteMax would be the one you compare this against - and that is because both the LiteMax and Supalite are both manufactured by Kovea. The Supalite is cheaper.
Price: Around AUD65-95 (depending on seller) via Ebay. Ships from Korea. Amazon does also have it, but it is more expensive
Need more information? Then we put together reviews from around the internet that will help you with your choice. Links below.
Adventures in Stoving
Kovea Supalite Titantium - image from Kovea website
Kovea Supalite
Soto Amicus
Weight: 75g (without igniter) If you want the model with the igniter, that will take weight up to 81g.
Coming in 3g more than the MSR PR2 (see above) this Japanese 4 prong pot support with a recessed burner head are some of the features found on more expensive models. It has higher BTU/hr - 10220 BTU vs 8200 BTU with the MSR PR2 and both use quality materials. With the 4 supports, you are going to be able to use a wider variety of pots for your cooking thanks to this stability .
The Amicus and MSR PR2 are often compared together because they are very similar and perform pretty much the same. Both seem good value, and with 3g difference probably not worth changing over to the other if one of them is working well for you.
Price: Around AUD70 (with igniter) via Wild Earth
Need more information? Then we put together reviews from around the internet that will help you with your choice. Links below.
Weight: 75g (without igniter) If you want the model with the igniter, that will take weight up to 81g.
Coming in 3g more than the MSR PR2 (see above) this Japanese 4 prong pot support with a recessed burner head are some of the features found on more expensive models. It has higher BTU/hr - 10220 BTU vs 8200 BTU with the MSR PR2 and both use quality materials. With the 4 supports, you are going to be able to use a wider variety of pots for your cooking thanks to this stability .
The Amicus and MSR PR2 are often compared together because they are very similar and perform pretty much the same. Both seem good value, and with 3g difference probably not worth changing over to the other if one of them is working well for you.
Price: Around AUD70 (with igniter) via Wild Earth
Need more information? Then we put together reviews from around the internet that will help you with your choice. Links below.
Soto Amicus with lighter
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Soto Amicus
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Optimus Crux Lite
Weight: 79g.
This Optimus Crux model does have foldable arms and comes in at 83g, but if you want to save about 11g, the Crux Lite has no folding mechanism (so takes up a little more room). The Crux Lite has a wide flame pattern which can help with your cooking, though some users report the flame adjustment can take some getting used to, but once you have this mastered, it's meant to be a very reliable option,
If you are looking for this stove and a pot that suits you can purchase a package deal with the Optimus Crux Lite - the Terra Solo Bundle (see image below).
Price: AUD94 (with Terra Solo cooking bundle ) via Wild Earth OR if you want just the stove AUD75 via Paddy Pallin
Heavier Model - Optimus Crux price: AUD 84 via Wild Earth
Need more information? Then we put together reviews from around the internet that will help you with your choice. Links below.
Outdoor Gear Lab
Bike Packing
Anthony Awaken
Backpacking Light
Fat Canyoners
Optimus CruxLite Stove Bundle Image: Via Wild Earth