Eating well in the wilderness doesn’t happen without preparation.
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The Camp Kitchen
Camp Stoves
Outfitters are businesses, so their stove choices need to balance cost, ease of use, and durability. It’s no surprise that the models they most often rely on are practical, affordable, and built to last. That said, many also stock (or personally use) lighter, more streamlined models that appeal to those prioritizing performance over ruggedness.
Solo Tripping/Single Burner
Outfitters consistently tell us, the right stove is totally dependent on the group and the trip. For a solo trip or small group that is looking to be trim and light on the portage or hiking trail, a single burner stove is as all you typically need. Additionally, where campfire cooking is permitted, larger groups sometimes bring one or more of these lightweight options to avoid having to stoke a wood fire for a simple pot of boiled water or to mitigate inclement weather, fire bans etc.
The fuel source becomes a significant consideration in whichever stove option is selected.
Canister: These fuel canisters are widely available where outdoor supplies are sold, but not necessarily elsewhere. As long as you’ve got the canister of isobutane/propane, these are a great option.
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe
We’ve received a ton of positive feedback on the MSR Pocket Rocket line, so we took a closer look at how the design has evolved over time. With that in mind, our GTC recommendation for an ultralight canister stove is the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe. It offers all the lightweight reliability, packability, and performance of the original, with thoughtful upgrades—including improved heat regulation (great for simmering and for use at altitude or in cold conditions) and a built-in piezo igniter for added convenience.
Coleman Peak 1
The Coleman name is still prominent with outfitters and many swear by the reliability and value for money of the Coleman Peak 1. That said, this perspective is largely derived from a “cost” standpoint, as it certainly is a low cost option. If the “good enough” stove is what you’re seeking, you want durability and don’t want to pay a premium to trim a few ounces, this Coleman might just suit your needs.
Dual/Multi Fuel Stoves: Sometimes called multi-fuel stoves, this family of stoves offer some versatility in terms of the fuel needed. That said, not all fuel burns the same in these and some fuel types have more additives that can lead to strong odors while burning and can cause some buildup in the stoves themselves. Typically, the preferred fuel for these is white gas, sometimes referred to as Coleman or just camping fuel.
Coleman Guide Series 533
We could practically just rewrite the commentary on the Peak 1 from above, as the Coleman brand carries a lot of weight (no pun intended) with our guide and outfitter community. The Coleman Guide Series/Coleman 533 is a solidly built, reliable stove. If pack weight is not a major priority for your trip, and you prefer the dual fuel stove, this stove will serve you well.
Weight: 2.7 lbs
Optimus Polaris Optifuel
A somewhat lesser known, but highly regarded stove in this category is the Optimus Polaris Optifuel. Well built, compact stove. For small group or solo tripping, it does the job and is a highly durable camp kitchen companion. Not as popular with our Guides and Outfitters as the Pocket Rocket from MSR or even the Coleman’s but revered for its flame control and it’s versatility with multiple fuels.
Weight: 16.7 oz
Small Group or Family/2-Burner
A two-burner stove can suit the needs of a family or mid-size group that wants to be able to cook on a larger surface (like a griddle) or use multiple pots. Stove options in this category range from moderately heavier than multiple single burners to downright heavy options. What these stoves lack in mobility, they make up for in stability and ease of cooking.
Coleman Classic Two Burner Dual Fuel
The classic Coleman two-burner dual fuel stove remains a staple, still found in outfitter gear caches across the country—especially the dual-fuel model that requires priming the fuel tank. These stoves are nearly indestructible, which is exactly why so many are still in service. Coleman’s long-standing reputation and the nostalgia factor run deep—many of these stoves have been handed down through generations, a rare trait in today’s gear market. If you’re cooking for a larger group and weight isn’t a concern, this tried-and-true stove has reliably fed hungry camps for decades—and continues to do so.
Weight: 12 lbs.
Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove
The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 allows you to use it like a stove, a grill and a griddle. This is a propane stove, which is a more convenient fuel for most, though the waste factor with the empty canisters is a potential drawback. In talking with some of our fishing Guides who do the occasional shore lunch, a stove like this can be used if and when there is a fire ban and gives versatility to use the two burners to cook using two of the three cooking styles simultaneously.
Weight: 14 lbs. 13 oz.