Backpacking Stoves for Wild Camping

Backpacking stoves turn trail food into hot, satisfying meals with minimal faff, which matters when you are tired, wet and hungry at the end of a long day. For an overnight in the Lakes, a multi‑day route or a bikepacking loop, the right stove helps you boil fast, use fuel efficiently and keep pack weight under control. This range focuses on compact backpacking stoves that work neatly with lightweight pots and gas canisters so they are easy to pack in a rucksack or frame bag.

For most UK trips, a small gas stove is the simplest option. A screw‑on burner and compatible gas canister give quick ignition, fast boil times and an adjustable flame for everything from dehydrated meals to proper one‑pot dinners. Integrated stove systems, where the pot locks directly onto the burner and has built‑in wind protection, are ideal if you value speed and fuel efficiency on exposed campsites or higher, breezier spots.

If you are planning longer or more remote journeys, alcohol or multi‑fuel backpacking stoves offer extra flexibility. Simple spirit burners are lightweight and compact, using liquid fuel that is easy to top up in many towns, while multi‑fuel stoves can run on petrol or white gas for extended or international trips. Across the range, you will find options that prioritise low weight, pack size, pan stability and wind resistance, so you can match your choice to your usual routes and cooking style.

From quick brew stops to end‑of‑day meals outside the tent, the right backpacking stove makes eating on the move easier and more dependable. Explore backpacking stoves at Cotswold Outdoor and choose by fuel type, weight, pack size and boil time to build a camp kitchen that fits your pace and your favourite trips.

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A backpacking stove is a small, portable burner that lets you boil water and cook simple meals on hiking, camping or bikepacking trips. It is built to be light, compact and easy to use in the outdoors.

A simple screw‑on burner is usually enough if you just want to boil water or cook basic meals. Integrated systems suit people who value very fast boil times and good fuel efficiency in wind.

They can be useful on longer or more remote trips where gas canisters are harder to find. Many people still prefer gas for weekend and holiday trips because it is quicker, cleaner and easier to use.

Solo users often pair a small burner with a pot around 700–900 ml, which covers drinks and one‑pot meals. For two people, a slightly wider burner and a 1–1.2 litre pot makes cooking and sharing food easier.

Wind can dramatically increase boil times and fuel use, so some form of windshield or a more sheltered cooking spot helps a lot. Integrated systems or low‑profile burners cope better on exposed pitches.

Always cook on a stable, flat surface away from tent fabric and long grass, and never run the stove in a closed tent. Let the burner cool fully before packing it away and store fuel canisters upright.

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