Think back to the last time you were on the trails or campsite and your stomach started growling.

Instead of investing time and energy in building a fire, wouldn’t it have been better to use a portable stovetop burner?

Thanks to modern technology, it is now possible to cook on a portable flame in the wilderness.

Here’s how to pick the best burner for safe and fulfilling hiking and camping expeditions.

Know Your BTUs

BTUs, short for British Thermal Units, are the heat generated by a stove.  The greater the BTU number, the faster it warms food.

Check the BTU count before buying to ensure the portable stovetop will heat your food in a timely manner.

A portable two-burner stove that generates 10,000 BTUs will suffice.  However, if you hike or car-camp with a significant number of people, a three or four-burner portable burner with 40,000 BTUs or more will be more efficient.

Consider the Minimalist Approach

Oftentimes, the simplest approach is best when backpacking.  Adopt the law of parsimony, meaning simplicity, to hike and backpack with little worry.  Choose a basic no-thrills portable stove and you’ll enjoy functionality without a fancy form.

Basic portable burners provide a flame without extra accessories or parts.  In the end, fewer parts means fewer problems as there is less that has the potential to break.

Fuel Type

The typical camping stove functions with propane.  Chances are you’ve seen those small green bottles at local campsites.  Propane is in each of those bottles.  Though butane is also used, it isn’t as common.

Propane is commonly favored as it burns clean, ignites with ease and doesn’t use any type of liquid fuel pressurization.  This way, there’s no need to burden yourself with messy refills.  We would be remiss not to point out that liquid fuel functions better than propane when the temperatures dip down low.

Capacity

Propane green bottles are available at most big-box retail and outdoors stores.  You can also find propane bottles at gas stations.  In general, a 16-ounce bottle of propane should suffice for your outing.

However, be sure to accommodate your propane bottles and tanks for security.  Add cushioning in your pickup or other vehicle bed to prevent dents and leaks.

Simmer Control

The portable stovetop you select should have an effective simmer control.  Though the best simmer controls are found on high-end portable stoves that cost several hundred dollars, they are well worth it.

Wind Resistance

The last thing you need is for a strong gust of wind to blow out your portable stove’s flame.  The answer lies in protection.  Use the proper safeguards and those inevitable strong gusts won’t extinguish the flame.

Consider a portable stove made with a windshield along the sides to safeguard the flame.  If you have your eye on a portable stove that doesn’t include protection, add a barrier or making one of your own.

As an example, a windscreen will help keep your flame lit when the wind picks up.

Lotz Makes Hiking and Camping Easy

Whether your passion is hiking, camping, fishing or hunting, Lotz has what you need.

Check out our inventory and you’ll find the perfect new addition that makes your outdoor experience that much more enjoyable and memorable.

Create a new account with our shop and you’ll receive 5% off all purchases.  Simply click the blue button in the bottom right corner of your screen to sign up, refer and earn.