The most fuel efficient of all the backpacking stoves was
We tested five of the most popular lightweight backpacking stoves in various controlled wind conditions. Each stove was also tested in sheltered conditions with no wind. We tested the stoves in 0, 1, 2 and 4 mph simulated wind, and verified the controlled wind speed with an anemometer. We tested each stove three times at each wind speed and averaged the values.
The most fuel efficient stove in all wind conditions tested was the Soto WindMaster. The Soto WindMaster performed about 6% better on average in fuel efficiency than its closest competitor, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe.
The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe had the best boil times.
The stove with the best boil times in all wind conditions tested was the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe. The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe performed about 5% better on average in boil times than its closest competitor, the Soto WindMaster.
Soto WindMaster in 1.0 mph controlled wind conditions
We tested each stove at controlled wind speeds of 0, 1, 2 and 4 mph. We heated 2-cups of 72°F water to a rolling boil at an elevation of 5,280 feet in the same (26 ounce capacity) titanium pot.
For more information about these stoves:
Left to right: Soto Amicus, MSR PocketRocket 2, Snow Peak LiteMax, MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, Soto WindMaster
