Hiking Accessories
Backpacking Tents
Extremely lightweight, backpacking tents are designed to be compact and easy to bring with you for any adventure.
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Backpacking Sleeping Gear
Efficient, lightweight sleeping bags to keep your pack smaller without sacrificing any comfort or warmth.
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Drinkware
An insulated bottle, a lightweight reservoir or a rugged filter for you to keep going.
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Cookware
A hot meal is a game-changer. From compact pots the right cookware, eat well and trek strong.
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Fuel Your Hiking Adventures
When you are on a trail, every bite counts. Smart fuel with high-calorie and nutrient dense options to provide you with lasting energy without adding weight on your pack.
From freeze-dried meals to protein bars and trail mixes, these options are designed for quick preparation and maximum sustenance.
How to choose a stove for backpacking
Whether it’s your early morning brew or a hot meal after a long day on the trail, a reliable stove is a must for backcountry cooking. The right stove for you depends on several factors, including weight, versatility, boil time, fuel type and burner system.
- Stove type: Backpacking stoves are generally categorized by the type of fuel they use and how the fuel is stored.
- Features: Average boil time, weight, burn time and convenience are a few important features to look for while choosing a backpacking stove.
Types of backpacking stoves
Canister stoves
Easy to use and low maintenance.
They screw onto the threaded tops of closed fuel canisters that contain two pressurized gases: isobutane and propane. They are compact and weigh only a few ounces.
Pros:
- Quick to light.
- Priming is not necessary.
- Easy flame and simmer adjustments.
- Self-seals canisters.
Cons:
- Canisters can depressurize in cold weather.
- Empty canisters need to be disposed of properly and you will have to research recycling options.
- Canister arms may not be long enough to hold large pots.
Liquid fuel stoves
Runs on white gas, which is highly refined to have a few to no impurities. It burns hot and clean, performs well in below-freezing temperatures and compared to canister fuel; liquid fuel is less expensive.
Pros:
- Offers stability on uneven ground surfaces.
- No canister to discord.
- Easy to estimate the fuel left in the bottle.
- Better performance even in higher elevations and cold temperatures.
Cons:
- Priming (a process of preheating the stove by converting the liquid fuel into vapour for effective burning) is necessary.
- Heavier than canisters.
- Fuels other than white gas could clog stove or its fuel tube.
- Fuel spills are possible.
Alternative-fuel stoves
Wood-burning stoves, denatured alcohol stoves and solid-fuel tablet stoves are great alternates for both home emergency kits and long-distance backpacking.
Wood-burning stoves are easy to use and lightweight. Some models can be outfitted with an optional grill.
Denatured alcohol stoves weigh less than an ounce or two and are inexpensive. The fuel burns easily, and you need to carry a bottle of alcohol sized to meet your trip needs.
Solid-fuel tablet stoves are inexpensive, and compact. Some models are so small, they can fold up and fit inside a pocket.
Denatured alcohol stoves and sold-fuel tablets are popular among backpackers for their compactness.
Considerations For Backpacking Stoves
Below are a few key features that will help you in choosing the right stove for your adventures.
- Burn time: Consider and compare how long a stove burns using a given amount of fuel.
- Stove weight: For long treks where every ounce matters, a lightweight, compact stove is best. If you are on a short weekend trip, you may have more flexibility.
- Boil time: Faster boil time mean less fuel used and more time enjoying the outdoors.
- Canister stoves: Quick to boil water, some models offer good simmer control for cooking more complex meals.
- Integrated canister systems: The fastest boiling option, designed for maximum fuel efficiency. Some allow light simmering.
- Liquid-fuel stoves: Reliable even in cold temperatures, with varying simmering abilities depending on the model.
- Alternate-fuel stoves: Typically slower but useful for those wanting to use wood, alcohol or other fuels.
Safety and Usage Tips For Backpacking Stoves
- Do not ever cook inside your tent or an enclosed space. This can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and create a high fire risk.
- Operate your stove on the most level surface possible.
- Check all fuel lines, connections, valves and leaks before lighting it up.
- Always carry a multi-tool in case of an emergency.
- Carry stormproof matches in case the piezo igniter fails.
Ultimate Guide to Choosing Backpack for Hiking and Backpacking
Choosing the right backpack can make or break your hiking and backpacking experience. With so many options, it’s important to pick one that fits your adventure and gear needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you find the perfect pack for your next outdoor escape.
Multi-tools
From cutting to fixing and opening a well-earned beverage, multi-tools are the kind of gear you will always want to pack.
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Lights
A good light keeps you moving. Whether it’s a headlamp for hands-free hiking or a lantern for camp, light your way.
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Fire starters & Lighters
From weatherproof lighters to compact fire starters, the right gear means you’ll never have to struggle to get a flame going.