13 Best Gas Hiking Stoves For Backpacking Australia 2025

Do you have an overnight or multi-day hike coming up and not sure which stove to trust with your hot choccie needs? This list of the best gas hiking stoves for backpacking trips will make that choice a lot easier.

Not all hiking stoves are made equal. Not only do gas stoves use different fuel sources, come with or without sturdy pot supports, and have varying levels of fuel efficiency, but their prices and weights can be wildly different too.

Here’s all you need to know to help you make an informed choice when purchasing your next hiking stove.

How do I choose the best backpacking stove for me?

Choosing the right backpacking stove can make a massive difference when you’re out on the trail. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when making your choice:

1. Cooking Style

Boiling vs. Cooking: If you mainly boil water for meals, a lightweight, fast-boiling stove like the Jetboil Mightymo might be ideal. For more elaborate cooking, consider stoves with simmer control like the Jetboil Minimo.

2. Weight and Portability

Ultralight Options: For ultralight backpacking, stoves like the Optimus Crux Lite and MSR PocketRocket 2 are excellent choices.

Integrated Systems: If you don’t mind a bit more weight, integrated systems like the MSR Windburner are wind-resistant, more efficient, and ultra reliable.

3. Boil Time and Fuel Efficiency

Speed: If quick boiling is essential, look to models that boil in under five minutes. Just remember that environmental conditions will change boil times.

Fuel efficiency: For longer trips where fuel efficiency matters, consider stoves with good fuel economy, such as the SOTO Windmaster. The grams of gas used per minute will depend on multiple factors and isn’t a commonly reported metric. Check out the FAQs for help estimating how much gas you should bring based on the amount of boils per canister. As you get more familiar with your specific stove and the conditions you normally cook in, you’ll be able to fine tune your calculations.

4. Wind Resistance

Windproof Designs: Stoves like the MSR Windburner are designed to perform well in windy conditions, making them ideal for unpredictable weather. If this is a big concern, invest in a windshield.

5. Fuel Type and Availability

Canister Stoves: These are common and easy to use, and every model on this list uses gas canisters for fuel. These are available from hiking, fishing, camping, and outdoor stores.

Liquid Fuel Stoves: Liquid fuel stoves are more reliable in very cold weather, and it’s often easier to find liquid fuel in remote locations than gas canisters if you haven’t come prepared. We haven’t included these in this list, but we talk about them in the FAQs!

6. Ease of Use and Setup

User-Friendly Features: Features like piezo igniters (we’re looking at you SOTO Amicus!) and stable pot supports can turn your dinnertime routine from a nightmare to a breeze.

7. Your Budget

Price Range: There’s a huge range of stoves to fit different budgets. The 360 Degrees Furno offers good value for a basic canister stove, while high-end models like the Jetboil Minimo come with advanced features, like wind resistance.

8. Durability and Build Quality

Longevity: Invest in a stove made from high-quality materials that can withstand repeated use and rough treatment. Stoves with durable construction like the Optimus Crux Lite will last longer.

By considering what you value in your ideal outdoor kitchen, you’ll be able to find a backpacking stove that meets your needs and enhances every one of your trips.

@jackjbrookes

Best Gas Backpacking Stoves Reviewed & Tested

1. MSR Pocketrocket 2 Hiking Gas Backpacking Stove

Design & ease of use: Simple and ultra-reliable with foldable pot supports
Size & portability: 73g
Boil time and efficiency: 1L of water in 3.5 minutes
Cost: $129.95

The MSR Pocketrocket 2 is a favourite among ultralight hikers for a reason. The first thing you notice is its size, the Pocket Rocket is tiny. Thanks to cleverly rotating and folding pot supports the whole thing fits in the palm of your hand. It comes with a protective plastic case too, which is good for keeping dust out of the ports, but could probably be replaced by a ziplock bag or tightly sealed pot if you’re hiking light – the all metal construction is pretty bombproof.

It’s just about as tough as backpacking stoves can get. Whether you’re boiling water for coffee or cooking up dehydrated meals, the PocketRocket 2 won’t let you down.

@jackjbrookes

2. MSR Windburner Personal Cooking System

Design & ease of use: Integrated stove system
Size & portability: 432g
Boil time and efficiency: Boils 1L in 4.5 minutes
Cost: $429.95

The MSR Windburner boasts strong performance when it comes to boil speed and wind resistance. The integrated stove design allows the pot, burner, and heat exchanger to work seamlessly, resulting in fast, reliable boils every single time.

To produce 1L of boiling water in less than five minutes is very fuel efficient and everything you need packs inside the supplied pot. Easy!

It’s on the heavier side but is undoubtedly one of the best backpacking stoves out there. If you don’t want to waste any time waiting for hot meals, or you’re simply chasing a more fuel-efficient option, the MSR Windburner Personal Cooking System is a great choice.

Put your stove to work: 19 Recipes to Make Camp Cooking a Breeze

@tim_ashelford

3. Companion Pro Nano X2 Gas Cooking System

Design & ease of use: All in one system, bulkier than others on this list
Size & portability: 520g
Boil time and efficiency: Boils 1L of water in 5 minutes
Cost: $159.99

The Companion Pro Nano X2 is a complete cooking system and ideal for people keen to tick this item off their list and who don’t mind a bit of extra weight. The integrated pot and burner give stability and increased efficiency compared to separate gas canister stove systems.

While this integrated stove and pot combo isn’t the lightest option, it offers a lot of value for those who want an all-in-one setup that can handle various cooking tasks.

The integrated pot has a capacity of 1.2L so it’s perfect for cooking up big meals or catering for people hiking in groups. If you’re the kind of camper who likes to whip up a full meal, this backpacking stove system has you covered.

Read more: Hiking Meals Comparison: Pre-Cooked, Dehydrated & Freeze Dried

4. Optimus Crux Lite Stove with Terra Solo Cookset Bundle

Design & ease of use: Efficient stove with matching cook set
Size & portability: 272g (including cook set)
Boil time and efficiency: 1L of boiling water in 3 minutes 30 seconds (wow!)
Cost: $164.95

The Optimus Crux Lite is all about keeping cooking simple and efficient. The stove is designed for solo campers and hikers who want performance and none of the bulk.

The included cook set means that everything matches, and the stove stashes neatly inside the pot (which conveniently has a pour spout – surprisingly often quite hard to find).

If you don’t like to fuss over gear and check specifications, buy this backpacking stove and you’ll have the same outcome as someone who’s researched for months.

5. SOTO Windmaster Lightweight Hiking Stove

Design & ease of use: Great wind resistance
Size & portability: 60g-87g (depends on combination of optional pot support arms)
Boil time and efficiency: Boils 1L of water in just under 5 minutes
Cost: $124.99

Designed by Japanese brand SOTO, the SOTO Windmaster backpacking stove is aptly named as it performs really well in windier environments.

The flame is protected from the elements by the duel efforts of a concave burner head and raised wind-guard, and the bottom of the pot rests close to the burner to further block the wind and allow for even and efficient heat exchange.  The small stove can be made more stable with interchangeable pot supports, which provide balance for small pots but may be less stable with much larger sizes.

The piezo ignitor ensures that you’ll have a flame, and the inclusion of the micro regulator system ensures it stays lit. If you’re headed into exposed areas, it’s still worth taking the windshield so your stove isn’t working overtime for no reason.

The SOTO Windmaster stove is super easy to use, with the four pot support arms folding down neatly for storage. Lightweight and reliable, this stove is a top choice for those who don’t want the weather to dictate when dinner’s ready.

@tim_ashelford

6. SOTO Amicus Stove with Piezo Igniter

Design & ease of use: Excellent flame control
Size & portability: Lightweight (81g), good for ultralight hikers
Boil time and efficiency: 1L boiling water in 4 minutes (quick!)
Cost: $89.99

The SOTO Amicus with Igniter comes with spring-loaded pot support arms, which are easy to set up and overall the stove feels stable when in use. The piezo igniter means you can leave the matches at home and it’s safely tucked away so it’s unlikely to get damaged bumping around your pack.

Despite the concave burner head, this one can struggle in the wind at lower outputs, so if you have trouble just crank the gas up a bit. The igniter can take a couple of hits to come through with a flame, but it always gets there eventually.

If you’re on a budget, the SOTO Amicus is a super lightweight bargain with minimal compromise on performance.

Read more: SOTO Amicus With Piezo Ignitor Gas Hiking Stove – Reviewed & Tested

@jessleenehme

7. SOTO Microregulator Gas Hiking Stove

Design & ease of use: Reliable ignition, even in cold weather
Size & portability: Super lightweight (73g), perfect for ultralight hikers
Boil time and efficiency: 1L Boiling water in 4 minutes 30 seconds
Cost: $124.99

The main perk of the SOTO Microregulator gas stove is the micro-regulator (duh!). It ensures you get a consistent flame even in cooler temperatures, making this stove a good choice for winter trips.

The so-called ‘stealth igniter’ is protected from damage and tucked away for peace of mind. Nothing’s worse than carrying kit you’re worried about breaking… or self-igniting in your pack!

This is a compact stove suited to smaller pots and cooking quickly. It’s reliable if used for purpose – don’t go whacking a giant camp pot on there and getting annoyed when it takes forever to boil 5L. It’s won multiple design awards, which means you can rest easy knowing you’ve made a good choice.

8. 360 Degrees Furno Pot and Stove Set

Design & ease of use: Complete cooking system with nesting pots
Size & portability: Lightweight for a set (358g)
Boil time and efficiency: 1L of boiling water in 6 minutes 40 seconds
Cost: $109.99

The 360 Degrees Furno Pot and Stove Set is all about value. It’s not the lightest, most fuel-efficient, or most compact option, but this single backpacking stove is great at cooking meals without breaking your bank account. Plus the rigid case ensures you won’t damage the stove itself – handy.

It’s perfect for beginners or budget-conscious campers. The backpacking stove set includes both a stove and a pot, providing everything you need to start cooking outdoors. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but it offers reliable performance for those who need a solid entry-level option.

I’ve used mine for over six years and rate it as one of the top backpacking stoves available.

@jessleenehme

9. Jetboil Stash Cooking Pot Camp Stove System

Design & ease of use: Ultra-lightweight stove system with a compact design
Size & portability: 200g
Boil time and efficiency: Boils 1L water in 5 minutes
Cost: $299.99

The Jetboil Stash is one of the lightest integrated gas hiking stoves available, designed for those who count every gram and want their hot meals in mere minutes. The stove and pot nest together perfectly, making it easy to pack and carry. Plus it’s made by Jetboil so you know you can rely on it.

Despite its light weight, this backpacking stove delivers excellent boil times, making it ideal for solo hikers who want to travel fast and light without sacrificing meal quality.

Check out our first look at the Jetboil Stash backpacking stove for more details.

@henry_brydon

10. Jetboil Flash Cooking Pot Camp Stove System

Design & ease of use: Fast setup with a reliable push-button igniter
Size & portability: 400g
Boil time and efficiency: 1L of boiling water in 5 minutes
Cost: $279.99

The Jetboil Flash is speedy, but as you’ve no doubt noticed, many of these top backpacking stoves are capable of producing 1L of boiling water in around five minutes or less. While it’s still impressive, it means you should be considering other features to choose which of these camping stoves is right for you.

This slick backpacking stove with an integrated pot, also features a push-button igniter. Collectively these features make it easy to use and efficient to boil water. While the Flash is on the heavier side, the speed and convenience it offers (plus that well-known Jetboil brand name) make it a go-to choice for many hikers and campers.

Not sure how much gas you’ve got left? Grab one of the Jetboil Fuel Gauges.

Photo by @dougbeckers via Flickr | License

11. Jetboil Minimo Cooking Pot Camp Stove System

Design & ease of use: Excellent in cold weather, sturdy streamlined design
Size & portability: 415g – slightly bulkier but worth it for the simmer
Boil time and efficiency: 1L of boiling water in 4.5 minutes
Cost: $369.99

The Jetboil Minimo is designed for those who want to do more than boil water but enjoy eating their hot meal straight out of the pot.

Jetboil has integrated simmer control to cook your food exactly how you want it but has also allowed for better spoon angles with the pot’s shape, so you’re not plunging your hand deep into the pot.

As far as integrated gas hiking stoves go, it’s not the lightest one out there, but the balance between portability and functionality is still excellent. Plus it’s an absolute gun in cold weather, performing reliably even at – 6°C.

Check out our full review of the Jetboil Minimo.

@katealiice

12. Jetboil Mightymo Cooking System

Design & ease of use: Compact and mighty, with adjustable flame control
Size & portability: 95g
Boil time and efficiency: 1L of boiling water in 3 minutes (wow!)
Cost: $149.99

The Jetboil Mightymo is a compact powerhouse, delivering big performance in a tiny package. With an impressive adjustable flame control, it’s versatile enough for anything from a quick boil to a slow simmer.

And did you notice how quickly the Mightymo boils water? Plus this teeny tiny stove is only 95g.

Jetboil, you’ve done it again.

Forget the big ‘ol camping stove, powerful alcohol stoves, or liquid fuel stoves – the Mightymo will sort you out.

13. Jetboil Zip Cooking Pot Camp Stove System

Design & ease of use: Simple and effective, with a straightforward design
Size & portability: 340g
Boil time and efficiency: 1L boiling water in 5 minutes
Cost: $219.99

If you’re an avid hiker, the Jetboil Zip is probably the most commonly sighted gas hiking stove on the trail. It has everything you love about Jetboil without the extra bells and whistles that can jack up the price.

The boil time is quick, but not out of this world. It’s easy to use, reliable as you can hope for, and if a hot meal is what you want, you’ll be satisfied every time.

This robust backpacking stove is ideal for solo hikers or anyone looking to streamline their gear.

@claire__dalton

Looking for the best camping stoves? Check out this Best Camping Stoves List!

Which gas hiking stove is the best?

Whether you’re an ultralight hiker or someone who values an integrated cooking system, if you’re spending a night outdoors, you need a stove. From the ultralight and highly portable Jetboil Mightymo canister stove to the robust and fuel-efficient MSR Windburner, each stove on this list has its strengths.

Key considerations include boil time, with some stoves like the Optimus Crux Lite achieving a boil in just over three minutes, as well as features like wind resistance, included flame regulator, and easy cook setup.

For those who prioritize fuel-efficient performance in all conditions, the SOTO Windmaster and Jetboil Mightymo stand out with their superior design. Meanwhile, if budget and value are your main criteria, the 360 Degrees Furno offers solid performance at an affordable price.

Ultimately, the best stove is the one that aligns with your hiking style, cooking needs, and budget. And only you can make that choice.

@katealiice

FAQs Best Gas Hiking Stoves Australia

What’s the difference between liquid fuel stoves and gas hiking stoves?

Liquid fuel stoves, like the beloved Trangia, run on liquid fuels like ethanol or alternative fuels, which can be quite heavy to carry. They tend to perform better than gas stoves in cold conditions and are very reliable. Gas hiking stoves tend to be lighter and smaller. They use pre-pressurised gas (typically a combination of butane, isobutane, or propane) for fuel.

What’s the best liquid fuel stove?

The Trangia liquid fuel stoves are incredibly popular, and this is unlikely to change anytime soon. They’re brilliant in cold weather, have good fuel efficiency, can accommodate large pots, and have a windproof burner that keeps the flame reliable. Meet anyone with a Trangia and they’ll tell you they’ve had it ‘forever’.

What’s the difference between hiking and backpacking?

Hiking is pretty much any adventure in the outdoors that involves walking from one location to another. Normally it’s a step up from a walk in the park either due to distance or more difficult terrain. Backpacking is normally used to refer to multi-day trips that involve carrying everything you need on your back. This could involve gallivanting around Paris or a multi-day hiking trip.

How do I know how much fuel gas hiking stoves need?

Check the boil time of the gas canister you buy. For example, the 230g Jetboil Jetpower Gas Canisters are rated to provide enough gas to boil an average of 24L of water. If you plan your meals assuming each person requires 1L of water boiled per meal, and bring gas accordingly, you’re unlikely to run out. While some stoves use gas more efficiently than others, the amount of grams of gas used to boil water is not a common metric – I’m certainly not taking scales hiking to figure it out! Monitor your usage over a few trips making note of how many meals and cups of tea/coffee you made, and you’ll soon get a better gauge of how much gas you typically use and need to bring.

How come my backpacking stove is slower to boil water than the specifications say?

The time gas hiking stoves take to boil water can vary depending on factors like wind, altitude, and water temperature. The times quoted in this article refers to standard conditions with low wind. Depending on where you are and the temperature, it may take a little longer or be a little quicker. It’s always a good idea to take extra gas just in case.

Time to put those gas hiking stoves to work!

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Feature photo by @wanderer_rachel
Table of contents image by @jackjbrookes