Backpacking Cooking Equipment & Stoves
Backpacking stoves fall into a few main types. Compact gas stoves screw directly onto a gas canister and are popular because they are quick to light, easy to control and boil water fast in typical UK conditions. Integrated stove systems pair a burner with a heat‑efficient pot that locks in place, so you get faster boil times and better fuel use on exposed pitches. Alcohol and multi‑fuel stoves suit more remote routes or cold conditions where gas is harder to source or can struggle.
Lightweight cooking sets focus on low weight and packability. Many nest a pot, lid, mug and small bowl together, sometimes with space for a gas canister and burner inside. Hard‑anodised aluminium and titanium are common as they are light and tough for daily use, while non‑stick coatings make cleaning easier when you are cooking more than simple boil‑in‑the‑bag meals.
For trail runners, fast‑packers and bikepackers, every gram counts. Here, tiny stoves and minimal titanium pots keep the load down so you can still carry enough layers, water and safety kit. Campers and casual hikers on shorter trips can afford slightly heavier, more feature‑rich stoves and pan sets that handle bigger portions, proper frying and more varied cooking.
From quick overnight trips to longer hiking routes, the right backpacking stove and cooking set make eating on the hill simple and dependable. Explore backpacking cooking equipment and stoves at Cotswold Outdoor, then refine your choice by weight, fuel type, pot size and packability to build a setup that suits your pace, your meals and your adventures.
Most backpackers carry a small stove, a fuel canister, one main pot, a lighter or matches and a spork or spoon. This covers hot drinks, simple one‑pot meals and basic cleaning without adding too much weight.
For most UK trips a compact gas stove is the easiest option, as it lights quickly, boils water fast and is simple to control. Integrated gas systems work well in windier, more exposed spots because the burner and pot are built to work together efficiently.
Solo hikers often use pots around 700–900 ml, which is enough for a meal or a brew. Pairs usually prefer 1–1.2 litre pots so there is space to cook for two without boiling over.
An integrated system pairs a burner and a pot, often with a heat‑exchange base and windshield. This usually gives faster boil times and better fuel use, which matters on longer trips where every gram of gas counts.
They can be useful on longer or more remote journeys where gas canisters are harder to find. Many people still choose gas for shorter UK trips because it is cleaner, quicker and easier to use.
Keep the setup simple: one stove, one pot, one spoon and a single fuel type. Look for nesting sets where the stove and canister fit inside the pot to cut bulk in your pack.
Aluminium is light and good for general cooking, especially in hard‑anodised form. Titanium is lighter and tougher for its weight, which appeals to gram‑counters, though it can run a bit hotter and needs more care with real cooking.
Most compact stoves use screw‑top canisters from common outdoor brands, but it is always worth checking compatibility. Using the correct threaded canister ensures a secure fit and safer use.
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