Anyone can go out for a long hike or go camping and be uncomfortable, but it takes experience and some flexibility to truly make yourself comfortable out in the bush, and having hot drinks and hot food when you need it certainly goes a long way to achieving this.
Given the constant fire dangers we face in Australia, along with many restrictions around open fires, heating food and water can be a major issue here. To get the heat you need for cooking in a safe and reliable manner a hiking stove is a must.
This semi-essential piece of equipment has many options on both price and size, so read on and find out about some of the best hiking stoves to suit your outdoor needs.
| JetBoil Flash Hiking Stove | MSR PocketRocket 2 Hiking Stove | Coleman Peak 1 Trekking Stove | MSR Whisperlite International Multi Fuel Stove |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Our pick  | Best Value  |  | |
180 x 104 x 104 mm | 82 x 42 x 42 mm | 90 x 55W x 90 mm | 200 x 150 x 120 mm | |
Aluminium & Stainless Steel | Steel | Steel / Plastic | Steel | |
4,500 | 8,200 | 10,000 | 7,300 | |
Isobutane/Propane | Isobutane/Propane | Butane/Propane | Shellite/Kerosene/LPG | |
100g/hr | 227g/hr | 227g/hr | 200g/hr | |
Piezoelectric | Manual | Manual | Manual | |
427 g | 70 g | 190 g | 423 g | |
1 year | 1 year | 1 year | Limited Lifetime |
Best Hiking Stoves Australia
JetBoil Flash Hiking Stove
Best For Boiling Speed
The JetBoil Flash Hiking Stove is a basic model that specializes in boiling water and boiling water fast. This stove is highly fuel-efficient when you are out of the wind, it is also highly efficient at boiling water inside its 1L pot.
Some key features of the JetBoil include a water temperature indicator on the side of its pot panel to allow you to know when the water is about to boil and avoid spillovers. The pot itself is insulated and has a very secure connection along with the electric ignition.
For those who like to move fast and then cook or heat water and food on the go – the JetBoil’s features make it very easy to use, you simply connect the two pieces, fill your pot with water, turn it on and wait a minute or so. The one downside is its inability to simmer liquids or foods – so if you like to sit back and simmer a meal, then this is not really for you.
Customer reviews are all very positive for this stove and while it may not be the best hiking stove you can buy, it’s simple, reliable and the included pot means you won’t have to carry any extra pots or pans with you, just lots of freeze-dried food sachets.
MSR PocketRocket 2 Hiking Stove
Best All Rounder
When it comes to the best backpacking stoves on the market – the MSR PocketRocket 2 is the champion. This is an improved version of the original PocketRocket that has been around for decades.
The improved version is affordable, versatile and very light. It’s able to operate in almost any environment, including windy campsites and can be used to boil water or drinks fast or alternatively to slowly simmer your meal.
It’s not quite as efficient on its fuel usage as other stoves, particularly if you constantly use it in the wind – meaning fuel supplies may create extra weight for you. While the stove connector is great at holding a range of pot sizes, it also means you need to carry an extra pot which will add to the stove’s overall weight.
Customer reviews squarely point to a stove that is one of the best on the market with overly positive feedback, so given this and its price point being under $100 means you really can’t go wrong with this little stove that can do just about anything you need it to.
Coleman Peak 1 Trekking Stove
Best Value
When comparing the best hiking stoves in Australia, there are a lot of variables with price being a big one, especially for those who don’t go out as often as they would like. The Coleman Peak 1 is the cheapest brand named hiking stove you can find, but don’t let the price fool you, this stove is effective at cooking but just not as fast or efficient as its more expensive cousins.
It’s a similar design to the MSR PocketRocket, however, it is almost three times as heavy and also requires extra or separate pots or pans to be carried. It tends to not burn overly hot but yet can use more fuel per hour than the other stoves, making it good at slow cooking, but not great if you need a hot tea real fast.
Customer reviews tend to be quite overly positive or negative with not much in between. The price is low and it does what it says it will do, so this is enough for most people. However, when you compare it to its more expensive competitors – it does have some failings.
If you are an occasional hiker and only head out for weekends, then this stove will be just fine and manage your food needs, however, if you head out more often and for longer, you would be best upgrading to the MSR PocketRocket
MSR Whisperlite International Multi Fuel Stove
Best For Base Camps
There are stoves and then there are stoves. The MSR Whisperlite International is an upgraded version of the legendary Whisperlite. This stove and its predecessors have been in use since the late 1960s and have been the go-to stove for long expeditions worldwide.
Now, given its hefty price tag, you would hope this stove would be able to wash up your dishes afterwards, but the stove itself is not overly special. It’s far heavier than some other models – however, it can be used for very fast or very slow cooking, can secure a range of size pots or pans onto its burner making it quite versatile.
The real reason this burner is one of the best backpacking stoves in Australia, if not the world – is because it can take a range of different fuels from canisters, kerosene, LPG and even petrol - making it very flexible if you are somewhere extremely remote. This is one of the main reasons for its extended use and its high status.
Not all users agree, however with many deriding its price tag and given the availability of butane or propane canisters in Australia, its flexibility may not be necessary. If you like to go hiking in places like Kenya or Nepal, this is exactly what you will need, but in Australia, the price tag may not be worth the cost as far cheaper and lighter options are available.
What To Look For When Buying Hiking Stoves
Unless you are happy with cold food and drinks on your hiking trips, you will most certainly want to be able to cook at some stage. Given the price points, weight differences and even fuel differences, there are some important factors you should consider before you pull the pin and buy your stove.
Types of Stoves and Their Uses
Small Canister Stoves
This style of stove is very common as they are lightweight, easy to use and usually provide some versatility between boiling liquids fast and simmering a can of stew. They are not quite as fuel-efficient as integrated stoves and don't always work as well in the wind.
Both the MSR PocketRocket and the Coleman 1 stoves are good examples. It's also important to have a well-ventilated location for your cooking. They are best for light hiking, overnight backpacking or for those who want a simple and effective set-up for their cooking needs.
Integrated Canister Stoves
A very popular newer style of stove, an integrated canister stove has a pot that comes with it and a very secure connection between it and the burner. This allows for much better fuel efficiency, making your fuel last longer.
The Jetboil Flash is the leading design and leading company in making these stoves. They are excellent at boiling water fast, but that's it.
You won't be able to simmer foods at all however as they are only designed for water meaning you will be eating freeze-dried meals in a bag the whole time.If you are interested, read our guide on how to freeze-dry and dehydrate food.
These stoves are best for light hiking, alpine climbing, windy conditions or when shared amongst a group of people.
Liquid Fuel Stoves
The oldest design and most used on long expeditions – the liquid fuel stove is flexible and reliable. They can be taken apart for cleaning and can use a range of different fuels including canisters, LPG, kerosene or whatever you can get your hands on.
They can take a range of pots and pans which you will have to carry as extras, adding to the weight of the stove. The Whisperlite International is a liquid fuel stove and a workhorse for larger groups of people.
This style of stove is best for use if you like to stay at one campsite for a few days or you have a lot of cooking to do. They are also great in places where canisters are not always available.
Other styles
There are also alcohol stoves that are ultralight and boil water fast, however, they are unreliable and don't work well in the wind. Solid fuel stoves that use wood or hexamine tablets are also available and are designed for long stays in the bush or military use.
Fuel Efficiency vs Weight
There are always calculations when it comes to backpacking or hiking in regards to weight as after all you will have to carry everything. In addition to your stove, you'll be carrying gear like your hiking tent and trekking poles.
It's good for the environment to use less fuel so weighing up an integrated stove versus a much lighter canister stove that requires extra pots or pans (or canisters) is important.
It's best to actually look at what your needs are first, and then make decisions based on fuel and weight after that to ensure you have the most appropriate stove. It's important to note that canisters can be recycled once empty.
Accessories
There are many different types of accessories that complement some models such as:
- Piezoelectric lighters, steel strikers and other fire-starting tools,
- Fuel bottle sizes and types,
- Coffee canisters (for integrated stoves),
- Hanging kits for cooking while on a rock face
- Specifically designed pots for integrated stoves
Hiking Stoves FAQ
Are backpacking stoves safe?
Yes, or they would not be used. This being said, however, they can be unsafe if you do not have the correct ventilation you may suffer effects from fumes. Fire danger is another risk, especially in Australia and care must be taken to ensure your stoves do not start another bushfire.
Are camping stoves safe to use indoors?
This is a very good question as it's not that simple. You can use a camping stove inside, however, you must have good ventilation and airflow.
Canister or integrated stoves should be no problem but if you are using a liquid fuel stove – you will need to be careful with the fuel you use as some, like petrol, are volatile and should be used with extreme care.
The Department of Health in Tasmania have more advice on the topic.
Final Thoughts
Having a hot drink or meal is such a morale booster after a long day on the trail that many people would not even consider going without one. The best advice is to ensure you get the right stove for your needs in terms of style, weight and the types of foods you like to eat.
Our recommendation is the MSR PocketRocket 2 as an all round winner when balancing up price, weight and efficiency. However, if you are on a tight budget, the Coleman Peak 1 can be a great option.
Any questions? Leave them in the comments below!
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Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
