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Gros Ventre Range Monsoon Storm WY

Best American Made Backpacking Stoves

By Matt Mullins   updated November 17, 2020

MSR is a world leader in backpacking and camping stoves. They make the fastest boiling stove in their Windburner, and the top time-tested and proven white gas and butane stoves available. Countless expeditions to every corner of the globe including Antarctica have chosen MSR for their stoves. MSR hasn’t let me down either.

Why Trust Me?

I know how hard it is to find honest recommendations and to narrow down American made gear. This is why I started American Gear Guide. I take my recommendations seriously and only recommend the best of the best. Of course this is my subjective opinion but I’m confident it won’t disappoint. Here are a few reasons to trust me:

  • I make independent recommendations based on personal experience (not paid to endorse a product).
  • As a passionate outdoorsman that reviews gear for a living, I also actually own and use all American made gear.
  • My background includes 10 yrs working with the Forest Service as a Wildland Firefighter, Ranger, Wildlife Crew-leader, and Forest Ecologist. I’ve been certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). I’ve backpacked extensively throughout the USA and 34 countries including in Central & South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. See About page for more.
  • I attend industry trade shows like Outdoor Retailer to stay informed on the latest innovative equipment.
  • This guide receives regular updates with the newest gear.
  • I encourage continuous learning & self improvement, so I welcome your criticism. If you think I missed anything then please leave some helpful suggestions.

MSR WindBurner Duo Stove System

This is the best do-it-all butane backpacking stove. Unlike the non-Duo Windburner and Jetboils that only boil water quickly, the new Duo excels both at boiling and cooking with a simmer. It’s also less likely to topple over than Jetboils with its anti-topple legs. It should be mentioned… there’s a coffee press kit available for the WindBurner… mmm coffee.

Last observed price range: ~ $180

 

 

More Info/Current Pricing from Amazon
More Info/Current Pricing from Backcountry.com
More Info/Current Pricing from REI.com

MSR Whisperlite International Stove

Ol’ reliable, the longtime favorite Whisperlite International burns multiple types of fuel with a hot burn or a low simmer, making it the best stove for high altitude (where butane struggles), international travel, and low temperature cooking (and snow melting). It’s easy to maintain, has a great burner capable of simmering for some real cooking and it weighs under a pound. Additionally, there’s the more expensive Whisperlite Universal which also burns butane fuel in addition to liquid fuels like white gas, gasoline, and kerosene.

Last observed price range: ~ $110

 

More Info/ Current Pricing from REI.com

MSR WindBurner Stove System

If you want a windproof stove to quickly and efficiently boil water, the WindBurner is an excellent choice. This stove excels at boiling water for quick & lightweight backpacking food like freeze dried meals, don’t expect to cook anything else. This system weighs 15 oz. including the 1L insulated pot. The WindBurner edges out the older MSR Reactor Stove due to increased fuel efficiency and wind performance. As stated above, there’s a coffee press kit available for the WindBurner.
Last observed price range: ~ $150

 

More Info/Current Pricing from REI.com

MSR XGK-EX Stove

Like the Whisperlite International, the XGK burns a variety of liquid fuels but is truly the ultimate stove for rugged durability and dependability. It’s not without good reason that the XGK is the no. 1 choice for expeditions in extreme conditions like Antarctica.
Last observed price: ~ $170

 

 

More Info/Current Pricing from Amazon
More Info/Current Pricing from Backcountry.com
More Info/Current Pricing from REI.com

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