11 Best Wood Burning Backpacking Stoves in 2023

In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Picks!

1. Solo stove light
2. Solo Stove Titan
3. OHUHU Camping Stove

When you’re camping or hiking, a stove is one of the essential items that you have to bring. Unless you want to eat granola bars for the entire duration of your trip. So a fire source is a non-negotiable item. Conveniently go off the grid with the best wood burning backpacking stoves.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a suitable backpacking stove. One of which is the source of fuel. While some stoves require the use of propane gas for fire, sometimes it’s such a hassle to carry a tank. Not to mention, it may also leave an undesirable smell. 

A wood-burning camp stove requires wood as fuel. The best news is that it’s free. In this article, we are going to review 15 of the best camp stoves on the market today. How else would you be able to enjoy those roasted marshmallows right?

Here is the List of Best Wood Burning Backpacking Stoves:

1. Solo stove light
2. Solo Stove Titan
3. OHUHU Camping Stove
4. BioLite Camp Stove 
5. TOMSHOO Portable Camping Stove
6. SOLELEADER
7. CANWAY Camping Stove 
8. Unigear Camping Stove
9. kampMATE 
10. TOAKS Titanium
11. Bushbox Outdoor Pocket Stove 

Best Wood Burning Backpacking Stoves ( What’s hot right now)

From twigs, pine cones, branches lying on the forest floor, it’s very easy to find fuel for these types of stoves.

Let’s see what brands made it to our top list.

1. Solo stove light

The solo stove light is one of the most versatile backpacking stoves we’ve ever come across. From coffee, steamed veggies, and even burgers, you can enjoy a quick bite and drink anytime. 

Oftentimes, you find it hard to start the fire. And when you’re camping and hiking, you always want to have coffee asap so you can catch that glorious sunshine. So it’s time wasted if your stove can’t keep up with your itinerary. 

One of the biggest advantages of this camp stove is that it heats up relatively fast. It takes only about 8-10 minutes to boil water for your early morning caffeine kick. The Solo Stove Light boasts of exclusive double-wall construction. 

How does it work? The solo stove light is made of a chamber with several holes in it.

So when the air is pulled into the chamber, the double-wall construction heats the air up. It then feeds it to a top vent. This unique airflow motion signals a secondary combustion. It results in an efficient firing system. Hence, resulting in an almost flameless fire. 

Also, the stovetop is made of a durable material. It’s constructed with 304-grade stainless steel and has nichrome wire. It measures 3.8 x 3.8 x 4.2 inches and weighs 9 ounces.

Though there’s some minor trade-off. The stovetop needs to be fueled often so it might not heat up that fast in damp environments. But there’s always a solution to that. You can instead bring a firestarter so that you can maximize this product even in a wet environment.

Pros

• Doesn’t produce too much smoke
• Heats up fast
• Maintains a good flame output
• Leaves a small amount of ash
• Comes with a Yukon stuff sack

Cons

• Can make pots and containers sooty

Why you should buy this backpacking stove

It’s quite easy to feed the fire. And the flames last until you have finished cooking your burger patties. So you can be ensured that your meat is cooked all the way through. You can use twig, branches, pine cones and pretty much anything you can see on the forest floor.

The unique construction of the product results in a flameless fire. And we love it for the following reasons. One, it does not contribute to air pollution. Two, it doesn’t damage the vegetation below it. 

After all, you’re camping to enjoy the great outdoors, might as well do your part in preserving it. And three, the smokeless flames result in fewer ashes. It’s one of the best wood burning backpacking stoves that has a lesser environmental impact.

2. Solo Stove Titan

The Solo Stove Titan can serve 2-4 people. Armed with a bigger chamber, it can create more fuel to feed more people.

Some of the best wood burning backpacking stoves are meant only to serve 1-2 persons. Even with an efficient thermal efficiency and build, you may need to do another heating to serve a company of four. That’s where the solo stove titan stands out. It allows you to cook meals for 4 people in a single go.

The main difference of the Titan from the Solo Stove Light is, of course, the weight and the size of the fuel chamber. The Solo Stove Light is good for 1-2 persons while the Titan can make meals for up to 4 people. 

It’s made with a smart patented design that results in smokeless cooking. Even if the Titan is heavier than the Solo Stove Light, it’s still lighter compared to other brands. Weighing approximately 16.5 ounces and measures  5.1 x 5.1 x 5.6 inches, it is still manageable to squeeze in your backpack.

Another advantage it has over the Solo Stove Light is that it can boil water within 4-6 minutes. And you can boil 32 ounces of water for our coffee in one heating.

Pros

• High-quality stainless steel material
• Perfect for a group hiking
• Lightweight
• Can boil water in less than 5 minutes
• Smokeless fire

Cons

• Can make pots sooty
• Expensive

Why you should buy this backpacking stove

Group hiking can be fun. The bigger the group the better. But the challenge lies when it comes to cooking. Most portable stoves can only feed 1-2 persons at a time. So we’re very pleased with how we can all enjoy your cup of coffee at the same time.

It can accommodate meals and coffee for a bigger group. And it boils water really fast. So we get to enjoy our favorite cup of joe the soonest and we can all toast to it at the same time.

3. OHUHU Camping Stove

Collapsible, portable, and compact. This OHUHU camping stove is easy to bring along your adventures in the wild.

One of the challenges of bringing a wood-burning backpacking stove is that you can’t quite fit into your backpack. Well, we’ve found a stove that’s easily collapsible and it’s easy to squeeze in your clothes and other belongings. 

Another challenge that you can encounter in the wild is the sudden brush of strong winds. And this can be bad for your baked beans. The wind can send your dinner straight to the forest floor. With the OHUHU’s 3-arm support system, you can successfully cook dinner amidst the strong winds. It keeps the entire stove stable.

Furthermore, it ensures that there is even heat distribution. So you get perfectly cooked meals every time. It measures  5.3 x 3 x 5.3 inches  and weighs  12.8 ounces

Apart from twigs and branches, you can also use solidified alcohol tablets as a source of fuel. In case you’re going somewhere where there is no access to branches or twigs, you can still cook a yummy meal

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• Comes with a storage net
• Stays cool at the bottom
• Has a 3-arm support system
• Affordable
• Easy to assemble
• Compact and collapsible
• Multi-fuel

Cons

• Needs a wider opening to feed the fire

Why you should buy this backpacking stove

It’s durable, stable, and compact too. The entire stove is quite durable and it’s made of stainless steel. Amidst its strong build, this wood-burning backpacking stove will stand its ground.  Also, it easily folds to 5.3 inches x 5.3 inches x 3 inches. So it’s easy to pack in your stash. 

Also, we love the 3-arm support system. It gives stability to this compact stove. So even if it’s windy your food stays on the pot. In addition, it won’t slip even if placed in a greasy area. And for its price, it’s quite a steal. It’s one of the best wood burning backpacking stoves that has an affordable price. 

4. BioLite Camp Stove 

BioLite Camp Stove is an innovative camp stove that lets you charge your phones while you cook.

Now you can charge your smartphone as you cook. Going off the grid doesn’t mean you can’ post IG stories in real-time because your battery has died. The Biolite camp stove generates energy from the fire. It comes with a built-in USB charger that can give you 3 watts of electricity. It has an integrated 2600 mAH battery for charging your phones and power banks.

How does it work? Primarily, this camp stove comprises two units- the combustion chamber and the USB charger. It also has vents at the back that increase the efficiency of the burn. This in return powers up the USB charger that’s attached to the chamber. It also boasts of 4 fan speed settings that circulate hot air and make cooking faster. 

The chamber is a double-wall steel chamber with a honeycomb housing. The honeycomb housing makes it possible to pick up the stove even when it’s hot. And you can find the foldable aluminum legs at the bottom of the unit. This adds stability to the stove

Moreover, you can easily check the power output with the Smart LED display. So you know if you need to add more twigs and conifers to the fire. 

It measures 5 x 5 x 8.3 inches and  weighs only 2.06 pounds.

Pros

• Has a built-in USB charger
• The stove can be touched even when it’s hot. All thanks to the honeycomb housing
• Foldable aluminum legs for stability
• Portable
• Scalloped pot stand 

Cons

• Quite heavy
• Expensive

Why you should buy this backpacking stove

When you’re going off the grid, the problem of your phone running out of battery is inevitable. And even if you have power banks with you, that too can run out of battery. There’s no need to bring a solar panel. That can eat up space in your backpack too.

Even if the charging can just be a trickle, it’s very handy especially when your batteries are dead. After all, the best wood burning backpacking stove should be useful in emergencies.

5. TOMSHOO Portable Camping Stove

If you’re headed to the wild, you can expect some sudden gusts of wind. The TOMSHOO boasts of extra stability that increases wind resistance.

Some lightweight and portable camp stoves come with a trade-off- they can be easily toppled over. So you can say goodbye to your coffee even before the water gets to boil. The TOMSHOO portable camping stove stands out from the rest for being wind resistant. It has several stability pieces that enable it to withstand sudden gusts of wind. 

One of the stability pieces is the pot supports. These pot supports are quite stable and it locks. So there’s no chance of slipping.

It’s small in size, but its stability won’t disappoint you. Though the small size comes with a bit of a tradeoff. It’s recommended for a small group since it can only accommodate small pots.

And pierced at only 19 dollars it’s one of the best wood burning backpacking stoves that’s very affordable.

Pros

• Affordable
• Comes with a storage bag
• Wind resistant
• Multi-fuel
• Comes with a ash tray
• Stable pot supports
• Less smoke
• Has a wire grill

Cons

• Can only accommodate small pots
• Ideal for small groups only

Why you should buy this backpacking stove

This TOMSHOO portable stove is a bit similar to CANWAY except that it comes with a wire grill. So you have more options to cook your food.

We also love how stable it is. You won’t be scared if there’s a sudden gust of wind while you’re frying eggs. And it’s lovely how clean it burns the fuel. You won’t even see any smoke. 

6. SOLELEADER

In terms of even heat distribution, this SOLELEADER camp stove leads the pack.

Grilling burgers on a camp stove can be tricky. Oftentimes you end up getting an unevenly cooked burger. Some stoves tend to have a hot or cold spot. Or it would take hours just to cook a single patty. The SOLELEADER camp stove can fix that problem. It boasts of a double-wall construction. So meaning it has a second combustion that ensures the fuel burns steadily.

Another advantage is that it’s relatively smokeless. It has a unique Smart gasification system that burns clean fuel. 

In addition, this stove camp measures 5.5 x 5.5 x 3.2 inches and weighs 1.1 pounds.

This camp stove features an open mouth design. So it’s easier to use and you don’t have to lift the pot to add chunks of wood. And you can see 4 double-layered arms on top that support your pans and cups. 

Pros

• Has a wide opening to add wood
• Collapsible
• Even heat distribution
• Little to no smoke
• Wide mouth

Cons

• Prone to discoloration

Why you should buy this backpacking stove

If you want evenly cooked burgers, steaks, and any meat, this is one of the best wood burning backpacking stove options. It’s a little collapsible stove that you can use to cook proper meat. 

You’ll also love that it’s almost smokeless. Every wood fuel you out will be turned into ashes. You won’t be leaving any charred pieces of wood. So it helps you with the clean up as well.

7. CANWAY Camping Stove 

The CANWAY stove has high thermal efficiency. It’s perfect for cooking hot meals and meat dishes.

We often encounter camping stoves that can’t keep their flames burning so it’s quite challenging to cook meaty dishes. So oftentimes, we find those stoves only good for a cup of coffee. Now, this CANWAY camping stove can give other brands a run for its money.

It features high thermal efficiency. So you can keep the fire continuously burning for 20 minutes. And in terms of the design, it’s functional and won’t disappoint. The circular base makes it solid. And it has a three-arm support for your pots. It’s quite stable and durable too. It’s manufactured from a high-grade stainless steel. 

Pros

• Stable
• Collapsible and portable
• High-grade stainless steel material
• High thermal efficiency

Cons

• Takes a while to heat water

Why you should buy this backpacking stove

When you want to enjoy a meaty dish in the wild, you need a camping stove that can sustain the flames. The CANWAY camping stove has a high thermal efficiency. So you can make your favorite steak even in the wilderness. While we love coffee, we also need protein while camping.

8. Unigear Camping Stove

The Unigear camping stove is a durable backpacking stove that can support camping cookware that weighs up to 20 lbs.

You often find yourself limited with the camping pots that you can use. That’s because some brands can accommodate only a lightweight pot. That’s why we’re very pleased with the Unigear camping stove. It’s heavy-duty and you can use cookware that weighs as much as 20 lbs.

But the stove itself is quite light. It measures 6.3 x 0.8 x 7.1 inches and weighs 1.54 pounds.

This backpacking stove is composed of only four parts So it’s very easy to assemble. It’s also quite easy to use. And another advantage is that it’s multi-fueled too. So it’s more versatile and can adapt to different camping situations

Pros

• Heavy-duty
• Scratch and rust-resistant
• Easy to assemble and use
• Multi-fuel
• Can withstand high temperatures

Cons

• May have flimsy handles

Why you should buy this backpacking stove

We love how we’re not limited to small camping cookware. One of the main problems of some stoves is that a lot of camping pots aren’t compatible with it. Most of the camping pots tend to be too heavy for such a small unit. And this is where this product is very advantageous. You can use it for a variety of pots and can even support pots as heavy as 20 lbs. 

9. kampMATE 

The kampMATE camp stove is one of the best wood burning backpacking stoves that’s versatile. It can accommodate a regular-sized pot to a small cup.

One of the things that are lacking with some camp stoves is versatility. Sometimes, these stoves accommodate a regular size pot but you won’t be able to use your mug. It might go straight into the chamber. KampMATE is wide enough for a regular-sized pot and it can hold a small cup at the same time too. Thanks to its cross arches that go corn to corner. 

We also like how compact, so it’s easy to bring along your adventures. And it weighs about 1.1 lbs so it’s quite light too. 

And apart from wood and twigs, you can also use charcoal to fuel this bad boy.

In terms of durability, it’s a brand that you can trust. It’s made of 304-grade stainless steel. Though you might have some issues with discoloration.

Pros

• Light and compact
• Has a large portal for feeding fuel
• Has a crossbar on top perfect for small cups
• Can be used as a fire pit to keep you warm
• Collapsible

Cons

• The unit is prone to  discoloration

Why you should buy this backpacking stove

It’s quite convenient especially if you want to keep your tea and coffee warm. You just place it on top to instantly reheat it. 

One of the things that we also love is that it has a fuel portal big enough to conveniently feed wood from time to time. You can even place a big chunk of wood. There are enough holes on the sides that increase airflow for better combustion. 

10. TOAKS Titanium

This is perhaps the best titanium wood-burning backpacking stove in the market today.  

Sometimes, even a collapsible stainless steel camp stove might still bear some weight on your backpack. This titanium stove is almost weightless.

At only 5.4 ounces, this is the lightest backpacking stove on our list. It’s portable and lighter than your regular stainless steel camping stove. But even if it is really light, we find that it has Nice built and construction. And when fully assembled, it measures 3 3/4″ (94mm) (Dia) x 7 1/4″ (183mm) (H).

This titanium camping stove is composed of three parts. And you’ll find these parts stacked upon each other when your delivery arrives. It also comes in two sizes (small and large)

As for the performance, it heats up fast and burns all the wood that you’re going to feed it. The advantage is, it won’t leave any charred wood behind. But for cooking meals, it can be challenging to control the flame. So you can use a box stove with it.

Pros

• Come with a nylon sack bag
• Lightweight
• Clean burning
• Easy to light
• Friendly for beginners
• Nice and solid construction

Cons

• The fire feeder slot is quite small
• No instruction on how to assemble it

Why you should buy this backpacking stove

It’s clean-burning. We love how you can cook and reheat your coffee without the smoke and soot. And if you are new to camping stoves, this one isn’t intimidating to use. It’s easy to light a fire that even beginners dare to cook outdoors for the first time.

11. Bushbox Outdoor Pocket Stove 

This stainless steel multipurpose camping stove lets you use different types of fuel. It’s one of the most versatile stoves on our list of the best wood burning backpacking stoves.

Sometimes you could camp in someplace where there is no access to twigs, wood or even branches. This multipurpose stove eliminates the need to buy different types of camping stoves. Aside from wood and twigs, you can also use a variety of fuel.

Also, this square type camp stove is easily folded to fit nicely in your backpack. It measures 4.5 x 3.5 x 0.2 inches and weighs 9.5 ounces so you wouldn’t even notice you had it in your bag. 

Pros

• Compact and foldable
• Multi-fuel
• Dishwasher safe
• Stable

Cons

• Gives off inconsistent heat
• There’s a need to monitor the fire output

Why should buy this backpacking stove

A multipurpose camping stove spells convenience. We don’t want to buy two separate camp stoves in instances where we can’t use wood as fuel. Apart from wood you can also use butane, solidified alcohol, or hexamine tablets.

We also love the stability of this product. We find the wide square bottom lends the stove more balance. And it has a better grip on the ground too. 

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Portable Wood Burning Stove for Camping

The best wood burning backpacking stove can make your camping and hiking more convenient and enjoyable. You won’t get hungry because you get to eat decent meals. You don’t have to settle with granola bars or anything that comes out of a convenience store. And you get to enjoy a warm cup of joe every single morning.

We’ll lay out some features that you have to look for when buying a portable stove. Purchasing the wrong product can ruin your outdoor adventure.

1.Get the right size

Ask yourself this question first- How many people am I going to camp with?

Why is it important? Because for sure you’d want to get a camp stove that can serve all your companions. So you have to know the capacity of the stove. Some bands can accommodate regular points that can feed 4-6 persons. While some brands are good for only 1 person. So you have to be certain of the capacity of the camp stove unless you’d want to cook your meals in batches.

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2. Option to use fuel other than wood

Of course, the main reason why you want to buy the best wood burning backpacking stove is that you want to use wood as fuel. But sometimes, there are instances where you can’t have access to these. There are wood burning camp stoves that are multi-fueled. These stoves can accommodate alcohol, propane or butane. 

3. How heavy is it?

Most portable camping stoves are quite light, with just a few exceptions. But the increments in a few pounds can spell a lot of difference if you’re backpacking. If so, you have to find the possible lightest yet functional camping stove.

You might also want to consider a collapsible camping stove if ever you’re backpacking. It eats less space in your stash. You don’t even notice you brought it along. 

4. Price

The market is teeming with portable camp stoves. And some have sky-high prices while there are affordable ones. To get the best deal, you have to compare prices online. 

And prices are also affected by the size and material of the stove. The larger it is, the pricier it gets. 

5. Stability

Get a camp stove that’s stable enough to resist a bit of wind. Otherwise, it’s going to be pointless. You wouldn’t be able to even boil water for your coffee if it keeps toppling over. 

Look for a wider base or a cylindrical one. These can help support the weight of your pot and it won’t easily topple over. 

6. Material

The best wood burning backpacking stoves are made of metal that’s a great heat conductor. And you would need your camp stoves to be durable too. There are two types of metal often used in camp stoves – titanium and stainless steel.

Titanium is lighter. So it’s a great option if you’re backpacking. But this can be more expensive than the stainless steel. Stainless, on the other hand, is a more durable material. It’s thicker and heavier than titanium. But it can last longer. If you have wheels or camping with a group, stainless steel camp stoves can be a great option. 

7. Does it come with accessories?

Does it have a storage bag? Does it have handles? 

These are simple accessories but can be important ones depending on your circumstances. So before clicking on the buy button, ask the seller what are the inclusions. So you still have some time to purchase the needed accessories before you embark on your adventure.

8. The design of the stoves

The best wood burning backpacking stoves come in a variety of designs. It may be cylindrical, it may be rectangular or has a pyramid shape. Some may have a minimalist design while others may have a complex structure. Some are best suited for the experienced backpacker. 

Newbies might benefit from cylindrical or round stoves since these can be more stable. Rectangular or pyramid ones, one the other hand, have a more complex structure. They may be challenging to set up if you’re a beginner. 

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Why Choose Wood Burning Stove

Everyone’s used to using propane or butane when they are camping. So what is all the fuss about wood burning camp stoves?

A lot if you ‘ll ask! Let’s enumerate some of the reasons why the best wood burning backpacking stove is the  best route.

1.Cheaper cost

You don’t need to buy propane, butane or alcohol. The fuel that you need is essentially free! From chunks of wood, twigs, barks, branches to pine cones. These are just scattered on the forest floor. And there’s a bit of excitement when you’re foraging wood for your fuel too. It levels up the experience.

2. Eco friendly

Burning fossil fuels harms Mother nature. And sometimes it can leave a nasty smell too. And this can ruin your camping experience. 

You can savor the great outdoors sans the fossil fuels if you’ll use the best wood burning backpacking stove instead. 

3. Can be used as a campfire alternative

Some brands can double as a small fire pit. So you can use your camping stove in more ways than one. And it’s quite handy in camping sites where fire pits are discouraged. 

4. Won’t eat up too much space in your backpack

It eliminates the need to bring along a tank of fossil fuels. 

Tips for Using Wood Burning Camp Stoves Safely

Even if it’s a compact stove, it still makes use of fire. So we have enlisted several precautions that you can undertake. These will ensure that your adventure is a happy one.

• Keep all flammables away from the stove. 
• Place the stove on solid stable ground. 
• Keep your kids away for the stove. Even if these stoves are small, there’s still a risk involved. Especially for brands that have an open mouth design. There are also brand that you don’t have much control over the fire output 
• Put out the fire when sleeping. This is self-explanatory. Remember when your mom tells you to never leave lit candles unattended. This is almost the same thing.
• Allow the stove to cool completely before handling. Even if the best wood burning backpacking stove claims that it’s cool to touch, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 
• Use appropriate pots and pans relatively to the size of the stove. Otherwise, there is a greater risk of it toppling over.
• Never use It inside the tent. This type of camp stove needs air circulation to create efficient fire. And there’s a risk of your tent catching fire in an event that it topples over. 
• Clean after. Never leave ashes, fallen embers or charred pieces of wood behind. This can start a fire. Be a responsible camper.

FAQs

There you have it! The best wood burning backpacking stoves will make going off the grid more convenient. You get to enjoy decent meals and of course, your favorite cup of joe. 

We have listed the cream of the crop. So you don’t have to settle with a camp stove that can’t even serve its purpose. Two of our top picks, the solo stove light and solo stove titan can level up our camping experience with its versatility.