Camping Stoves - Trekking

Stove: a short guide to buy with confidence

Are you going hiking or camping? The right stove makes all the difference. First, think about your camping and trekking gear to not forget anything.

Types of stoves and their fuels

1) Gas cartridge stoves

Advantages: lightweight, easy to light, precise adjustment. Disadvantages: less effective in extreme cold. Fuel: butane/propane cartridges or mixture. Ideal for most camping and hiking.

2) Alcohol stoves

Advantages: simple, quiet, fuel easy to find. Disadvantages: less powerful, slower to heat. Fuel: burning alcohol or SPIRITUS. Accessories: windscreen and stable support.

3) Gasoline stoves (liquid fuel)

Advantages: very powerful, reliable in extreme cold and high altitude. Disadvantages: heavier, requires maintenance. Fuel: white gas, kerosene depending on model. Perfect for expeditions and fishing trips in harsh conditions.

4) Wood stoves

Advantages: almost total autonomy, no need for purchased fuel. Disadvantages: dependent on local fuel, possible smoke, requires skill. Accessories: grill or supports for pots.

Quick advantages/disadvantages

• Gas: light and clean but sensitive to cold.
• Alcohol: simple and economical, slower.
• Gasoline: powerful and versatile, heavier and more technical.
• Wood: autonomous, variable depending on environment.

Criteria for making a good choice

• Weight and volume: crucial in hiking.
• Power and boiling time: for quick cooking.
• Type of fuel available on your routes.
• Ease of use and safety.
• Compatibility with your equipment: think about camping kitchen equipment (cookware, stove, accessories).

Tips by activity

Camping: choose a stable and powerful stove, often gas cartridge or multifuel. If you are going in a group, prioritize ease.

Hiking: the priority is weight. Compact gas cartridge stoves or integrated systems are preferable. The camping and trekking tents and the rest of the pack should remain light.

Fishing and cold conditions: choose a gasoline or multifuel stove for maximum reliability.

Necessary accessories and fuels

• Gas cartridges suitable for gas stoves.
• Fuel can and maintenance kit for gasoline stoves.
• Alcohol stove + windscreen for exposed areas.
• Fire starter, grill, stable foot for wood stoves.

Also remember to check compatibility with your cookware and utensils. If you also buy NORDISK tents and sleeping bags, sometimes take advantage of bundled offers to save.

Brands and compact options

Compact tablet stoves are perfect for very light: the Esbit range for camping and trekking offers minimalist solutions.

For ultra-quick cooking while hiking, buying a Jetboil stove is a practical option thanks to the integrated pot-stove system.

If you are looking for robustness and modularity, the high-performance MSR gear is known for technical expeditions.

Where to buy online?

For safety and after-sales service, prefer specialized retailers or official stores. You can notably buy an MSR stove through dedicated sites or partner stores. Look for technical sheets, user reviews, and availability of spare parts.

Safety and maintenance

• Use your stove on a stable and clear surface.
• Ventilate if used under light shelter.
• Store fuel away and in suitable containers.
• Clean the nozzles and seals after each season.
• Check for cracks and replace worn parts.

Quick FAQ

Which stove for a weekend in the forest?
A stable gas cartridge stove is sufficient in most cases.

Can you take a stove on a plane?
Fuel is generally prohibited in checked and cabin baggage. Check the airline's rules.

How to maintain a gasoline stove?
Clean the pump, change the seals, and test the pressure before departure.

Where to find parts and fuel?
Specialized outdoor stores and online shops offer cartridges, tablets, and spare parts.

Conclusion

Choosing the right stove depends on your activity, the weight you want to carry, and the conditions. For a thoughtful purchase, compare power, fuel compatibility, and accessories. Happy outings and cook safely!