Gear Review: Camping stoves

Selecting a backpacking stove

When it comes to emergency situations, you should always be ready to build a fire for warmth, cooking, and signaling.  But that doesn't mean that a campfire is the only option.  And there's lots of reasons for that.  Here's a list of reasons NOT to use a campfire:

• Leave No Trace: Stoves leave minimal impact on the environment compared to open fires, which aligns with the Leave No Trace principles. They don't scar the landscape or leave behind ash and charred wood.
• Fire Restrictions: Many areas, especially during dry seasons, have strict fire restrictions to prevent wildfires. Stoves are often allowed where fires are not.
• Speed and Convenience: Stoves boil water and cook food much faster than open fires. They’re ready to use immediately, without the need to gather wood, build a fire, and wait for it to reach a suitable cooking temperature.
• Fuel Efficiency: Stoves use fuel efficiently, which is particularly important in areas where wood is scarce or where gathering wood is prohibited.
• Weather Conditions: Stoves can be used in various weather conditions, including rain and wind, where it might be challenging or impossible to start and maintain a fire.
• Safety and Fire Risk Management: Stoves significantly reduce the risk of unintended wildfires, a crucial consideration during hot, dry weather conditions prevalent in areas like New Mexico and Colorado. Unlike open fires, stoves can be turned off immediately. This feature is especially important during periods of high fire danger when burn bans are in effect.
• No Smoke: Stoves do not produce the smoke that fires do, which is beneficial for reasons ranging from stealth to healh.  
• Wildlife Attraction: Cooking on a stove is less likely to attract wildlife, as it leaves less residue and odors that can attract animals compared to open fires.
• Altitude Performance: Stoves, especially those designed for high-altitude use, perform better than fires at high elevations where oxygen levels are lower, and starting a fire can be more challenging.
• Regulation Compliance: Many protected areas require the use of stoves for cooking to minimize the impact on the environment and reduce the risk of fire.
• Portability and Weight: Modern backpacking stoves are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry without adding significant weight to a backpacker's load.
• Consistency and Control: Stoves offer consistent heat and allow for precise control over cooking temperatures, which is difficult to achieve with an open fire.

Choosing between a backpacking stove and building a fire depends on various factors, including regulations, environmental impact, convenience, and personal preference. In many cases, a stove provides a more practical and responsible choice for cooking in the wilderness.

And I want to add one more reason to use a small protable camp stove instead of a fire:  practice.  Learn to use the tools in safe settings so if you have that emergency, you're better prepared.

Let's now compare some camp stoves:  two major market contenders are the "Jetboil" system and the "BRS 3000T" stove.  Jetboil is a premium brand where the BRS 3000 is incredibly lightweight and has a very low price.

I own the BRS 3000T. I do not own the Jetboil.  Maybe one day...

For my use:  the BRS 3000T folds up to about the size of my thumb.  I've used it for several years and never had a problem... but if I ever did, a second one is still a low-cost redundancy and is next to nothing to carry in my gear.  It boils water, makes my coffee, and does the job.  I've never had it tip over, but I did spring for one of the plastic fold-out canister stands.  I use a Toaks titianum 750 ml pot, and all items fit inside.  I completed and posted a review of this stove here:  BRS 3000T Camp Stove Review.

But I know next to nothing about the Jetboil setup.  If I were to be in a situation where fuel efficiency was a primary concern such as a high adventure cold-weather location, I'd probably look really close at the Jetboil.  

So it's time to call in a ringer!  That or I spend money and buy it... I think I'll call in a ringer.

One of the YouTube Channels I follow completed a comparison of the two stoves.  There's some valuable insight to be gleaned from Miranda's review of these two gear items.  I recommend you watch her video.

Here's my summary of Miranda's video and comparison (channel:  Miranda Goes Outside!)

When comparing the stoves, Miranda conducted tests to evaluate their performance in boiling water, including time and fuel efficiency. The BRS took 3 minutes and 25 seconds to boil two cups of water, using 9 grams of fuel. The Jetboil Flash boiled the same amount of water in just 1 minute and 42 seconds, using only about 5 grams of fuel, show its efficiency and speed, though it had some reliability issues with its piezoelectric igniter.

Miranda concludes that both stoves have their merits depending on the user's needs. The BRS 3000T is ideal for solo backpackers prioritizing weight and cost, offering simplicity and functionality. The Jetboil Flash excels in group settings or for those valuing speed and efficiency, despite its higher price and bulk. For those seeking a middle ground, Miranda suggests considering the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 ($50) or the Soto Windmaster ($70) for their balance of stability, efficiency, and performance under various conditions.

Overall, the choice between the BRS 3000T and the Jetboil Flash depends on personal preferences, trip specifics, and whether the user values minimalism and cost over speed, efficiency, and all-in-one convenience.