Hey there! If you’re an avid motorcycle camper, you know that finding the right stove can make or break your trip.
With so many options available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
To assist in your decision-making process, I have created a list of the top stoves for motorcycle camping.
These stoves were evaluated based on:
1. Fuel versatility
2. Simmering capabilities
3. Wind resistance
4. Compactness
Contents
- Currently available Portable Camping Stoves to take on A Motorcycle Trip
- #1 MSR WhisperLite Multi-fuel Stove
- #2 Jetboil Flash Cooking System
- #3 SOTO Amicus Stove
- #4 SOTO WindMaster Stove
- #5 MSR PocketRocket 2
- #6 MSR Reactor Windproof Stove
- #7 Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Stove
- Motorcycle Camping Stove Buying Guide
Currently available Portable Camping Stoves to take on A Motorcycle Trip
- MSR WhisperLite Multi-fuel Stove
- Jetboil Flash Cooking System
- SOTO Amicus Stove
- SOTO WindMaster Stove
- MSR PocketRocket 2
- MSR Reactor Windproof Stove
- Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Stove
Best Overall
#1 MSR WhisperLite Multi-fuel Stove
- Fuel Type: gas/kerosene/gasoline/butane/propane
- Stove Type: Non-Integrated
- Cup Volume: Not Included
- Flame control: ✅ Yes
- Auto-Ignition: ❌ No
- Boil Time: 1 liter / 3.5 min
Unique Features
✅ Fuel pump, windscreen, and heat reflector included in the kit
✅ Works with gasoline so you can always drain a little bit from your motorcycle’s gas tank.
⚠️ Fuel bottle not included
Runner Up
#2 Jetboil Flash Cooking System
- Fuel Type: aviation gas/Isobutane/butane
- Stove Type: Integrated
- Cup Volume: 1-liter
- Flame control: ⚠️Twist valve
- Auto-Ignition: ✅ Yes (not reliable)
- Boil Time: 1 liter / 3.5 min
Unique Features
✅ The cup has an insulation sleeve which slightly improves its ability to keep liquids warm and also provides a handle for easy carrying.
✅ Increased surface area at the bottom of the pot, enabling a conveniently-shaped vessel to heat with high efficiency.
⚠️ Auto-ignition button is reported to break by the users so always take matches or lighter with you.
Best for Money
#3 SOTO Amicus Stove
- Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas/isobutane
- Stove Type: Integrated
- Cup Volume: Not included
- Flame control: ⚠️Twist valve
- Auto-Ignition: ✅ Yes
- Boil Time: 1 liter / 3 min
Unique Features
✅ Compatible with standard 8oz isobutane canisters such as Primus, Snow Peak, MSR, and Jetboil.
✅ Wind-resistant burner. Not affected by wind nearly as much as other stoves.
✅ Packs in a very compact space.
⚠️ Note: does not work properly with 16oz canisters. (Does not seal properly)
Also Good
#4 SOTO WindMaster Stove
- Fuel Type: butane/isobutane
- Stove Type: Integrated
- Cup Volume: not included
- Flame control: ⚠️Twist valve
- Auto-Ignition: ✅ Yes
- Boil Time: 1 liter / 3 min
Unique Features
✅ Wind-resistant burner. Not affected by wind nearly as much as other stoves.
✅ Works with any 8oz isobutane canister. Note: do not use 100% propane canisters
⚠️ Doe not come with a cup.
Also Good
#5 MSR PocketRocket 2
- Fuel Type: aviation gas/Isobutane/butane
- Stove Type: Integrated
- Cup Volume: 0.75 liter
- Flame control: ⚠️Twist valve
- Auto-Ignition: ❌ No
- Boil Time: 1 liter / 3.5 min
Unique Features
✅ Compact Storage – The kit packs down to 4 x 4 x 5 inches (10 X 10 X 12.5 cm).
✅ Comes with a plastic measuring cup that fits inside the main metal cup as a sleeve.
✅ Metal attachable handlebar is included in the kit – a convenient accessory to move a cup when it is too hot to touch.
⚠️ MSR Fuel Canister is sold separately. Make sure to purchase the Fuel Canister separately before going on a motorcycle trip. Any brand 4oz universal threaded can from Walmart will work as well but will not pack with this KIT as well as MSR Fuel Canister.
Also Good
#6 MSR Reactor Windproof Stove
- Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane
- Stove Type: Integrated
- Cup Volume: 3 options: 1.0 / 1.7 / 2.5 liter
- Flame control: ⚠️Twist valve
- Auto-Ignition: ❌ No
- Boil Time: 1 liter / 3 min
Unique Features
✅ Has 3 cup Volume options to choose from. The smallest is 1 liter and the largest is 2.5 liters. I would go for a 1.7-liter option since a 1-liter option spills water a lot if you actually put 1 liter in it.
⚠️ Boils water quickly making simmering almost impossible to control. Good if you just want to boil water as quickly as possible but cooking for a longer period of time becomes harder.
Also Good
#7 Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Stove
- Fuel Type: Isobutane
- Stove Type: Integrated
- Cup Volume: not included
- Flame control: ⚠️Twist valve
- Auto-Ignition: ❌ No
- Boil Time: 1 liter / 3.5 min
Unique Features
✅ Made of Titanium making it lighter compared to other stoves in this list
⚠️ Does not work well in windy conditions. A Wind barrier is recommended to secure the flame.
Motorcycle Camping Stove Buying Guide
When choosing a motorcycle camping stove, consider the following factors:
Size and weight: Choose a stove that is lightweight and compact, as it will need to fit in your motorcycle’s storage space.
Canister compatibility: chose a stove that is compatible with any 4os-16oz canister and can be used with different gas types including aviation gas, isobutane, butane, propane, or their mixes.
Fuel efficiency: Look for a stove that uses less fuel and has a longer burn time, to save you from having to carry a lot of fuel on your trip.
Durability: Make sure the stove is made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel that can withstand the wear and tear of being transported on a motorcycle.
Ease of use: Choose a stove that is easy to set up and use, with clear instructions and simple controls.
Safety features: Look for a stove with safety features such as an automatic shut-off, to prevent accidents while you’re cooking.
Accessory compatibility: Consider if the stove is compatible with the accessories you already have or plan to have, such as a windshield or pot stand.
Type of fuel: Choose a stove that runs on the type of fuel that is readily available in the area where you will be traveling.
Backcountry Stove Types
There are 2 main types: Canister stoves and remote canister stoves. Both may be used for motorcycle camping, but have some key differences:
Canister stoves
These stoves have the fuel canister attached directly to the stove, which makes them easy to set up and use. They are lightweight, compact, and ideal for short trips or backpacking.
Remote canister stoves
These stoves have the fuel canister separate from the stove, which allows for a more stable base and better wind protection. They are a bit heavier than canister stoves and are ideal for longer trips or car camping.
Liquid and Multi-Fuel Stoves
Liquid fuel stoves use liquid fuels, such as white gas, kerosene, or propane, as a source of energy. These stoves are typically more powerful and efficient than canister stoves and are often used for backpacking, camping, and mountaineering.
Multi-fuel stoves, as the name suggests, are able to burn a variety of fuels, including liquid fuels like white gas, kerosene, and diesel, as well as other fuels like unleaded gasoline, alcohol, and even solid fuels like hexamine tablets. These stoves are popular for backpacking, camping, and international travel as they provide more options for fuel availability.
Both liquid and multi-fuel stoves have their own advantages and disadvantages and the best option for you will depend on your intended use. It’s important to consider factors such as fuel availability, ease of use, and durability when choosing a stove.
Alcohol Stoves
Alcohol stoves are portable stoves that use alcohol as a fuel source. They are commonly used for camping and backpacking. These stoves typically consist of a metal container that holds the alcohol fuel, a burner head that controls the flame, and a control valve to regulate the fuel flow. They are lightweight and easy to use. Alcohol stoves are also relatively safe to use, as they do not produce the same level of heat as a propane or gasoline stove. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to find, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
Integrated Stoves vs. Non-Integrated Stoves
Integrated stoves are designed to be one streamlined package, including a burner, heat exchanger, and pot that all securely attach to the top of a fuel canister. This design allows for faster heating with less fuel and results in quicker boil times. It also makes for a simple purchase, with everything needed in one package. However, the tall and skinny pot size, small diameter burner, and lack of simmering capabilities make integrated stove systems primarily useful for boiling water for dehydrated meals and hot drinks.
On the other hand, non-integrated stoves function as two separate units, with the fuel source and stove at the bottom and a pot or frying pan perched on top. These stoves lack the heat exchanger of an all-in-one system and are generally less stable and less efficient. They also lack the convenience of integrated systems and require the purchase of a separate cookset. But they offer a great deal of versatility, allowing for pot size and fuel type changes, simmering, and use in cold or higher elevations. They are also often lighter and more affordable than integrated stoves, making them an excellent choice for backpackers who like to cook over the flame and don’t need a particularly windproof setup.
Weight and Packability
When choosing a stove to carry on a motorcycle, weight is not as important as physical size, yet something to consider. It’s important to note that comparing weight among stoves can be difficult as you need to take into account the type and amount of fuel needed, as well as whether you’ll be using a cookset.
Typically, alternative-fuel stoves are the lightest options, while liquid-fuel stoves are the heaviest. Canister stoves, particularly non-integrated models are a good balance of weight. When selecting a system, it comes down to your priorities but I wouldn’t compromise on convenience, speed, durability, or cold-weather performance to save weight.
Boil Time and Stove Efficiency
The boil times for Camping stoves vary greatly, from 2 minutes per liter for some models to over 10 minutes for alcohol-burning stoves. The type of fuel used is closely related to the stove’s efficiency. Integrated canister stoves are efficient due to their all-in-one design, while non-integrated canister models typically have boil times of 5 minutes.
Multi-fuel options are also efficient, but boil time may vary depending on the fuel used. Alcohol-burning stoves have the slowest boil times. It’s important to note that these times were measured in laboratory conditions with no wind or adverse weather, which can greatly affect boiling speed. Other factors to consider are pot support height, windscreen coverage, and the amount of flame protection.
When choosing a stove, consider your needs and the performance you require. If you camp in fair weather, a non-integrated canister stove or alternative-fuel option may be suitable. If you camp at a high altitude, a remote canister stove or multi-fuel option will be more reliable.
Furthermore, it’s important to consider not only how fast a stove can boil water, but also how much fuel it takes to do so. Manufacturers often provide both boil time and burn time numbers, but keep in mind that these tests were done in a lab and may vary in the field.
Stove Power – BTUs
BTUs, or British Thermal Units, measure the heat output of a stove and indicate its power. It represents the amount of energy needed to heat 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. However, it is not the only indicator of power as factors like burner size also play a role.
Generally, higher BTUs produce stronger flames and allow for faster cooking. For example, the difference in heat output between a stove with 9,000 BTUs and one with 7,000 BTUs will be noticeable. However, this also results in increased fuel consumption. Stove manufacturers usually publish BTUs along with other specifications like boil time and weight, but it is important to consider other factors as well.
flame control / Simmering Capabilities
If you plan to do more than just boil water, you will want a stove with flame control possibilities. Most canister and liquid fuel models have a twist valve to adjust the flame size, but a built-in regulator or advanced valve system is what really improves a stove’s ability to simmer.
Basic liquid-fuel stoves usually have difficulty maintaining a low heat, though skillful regulation of the fuel valve can keep a small flame going.
Wind Resistance and Windscreens
Wind resistance and windscreens are crucial for camping stoves to function properly in windy conditions. Strong winds can easily extinguish a flame. An all-in-one system offers the best protection against the elements. Non-integrated stoves, however, may require the purchase of a separate windscreen or setting up in a protected area at camp. Alcohol-burning stoves have the least wind resistance and may require practice and patience to maintain a consistent flame. When camping in windy locations – considers investing in a windscreen for added protection.
Cooking at Altitude and in the Cold
Cooking in cold weather and at high altitudes requires special attention to the type of stove used. Fuel reacts differently in these conditions, making a liquid-fuel stove the best option. White gas and other liquid fuels are more reliable in the cold, and the fuel pump can regulate pressure. Canister stoves, on the other hand, can depressurize and freeze, making them less reliable. To mitigate this, consider using a remote canister stove. Additionally, keeping fuel warm by storing it in a jacket pocket or putting it on a warm motorcycle engine can also help.
Cooking at high altitudes can also slow down cooking times. This is because water evaporates faster at higher elevations and has a lower boiling point. As a result, more water is needed for cooking, and meals take longer to prepare. This is particularly noticeable above 3,000 feet.
Auto Ignition: What is a Piezo Igniter?
A Piezo igniter is a built-in starter often found in canister-style stoves. It allows you to light your stove with a simple push of a button after loosening the fuel control valve. This convenient feature adds a small amount of weight and can affect the packed size of the stove, but it is a valuable feature to have.
However, if your stove does not have a built-in igniter, you will need to light it manually. The pros of a built-in igniter include saving time and being helpful in windy conditions, while the cons include the potential for failure over time, which can render the igniter useless. Should this happen, you can still light the stove manually. It’s always recommended to bring backup matches or a lighter for emergency situations.