Amputee Outdoors

 Adaptive Outdoor Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts!
 

​I’ve used a mixed selection of stoves to cook on when I go camping.  Everything from propane stoves, twig stoves, alcohol stoves and isobutane stoves.  Each has had its own pros and cons and I can honestly say I’ve been happy with all of them.  However, I’ve recently made the decision to ditch them all except for the isobutane stoves.  Why? Well, for two reasons that can’t be denied. ​​​​​

​

​Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

​

Before we get into my decision, let’s review the pros and cons of each.

🔥 1. Propane Stove

Pros:

• Reliable heat output: Delivers consistent performance regardless of temperature.

• Easy to use: Simple setup and instant ignition.

• Great for group cooking: Typically has multiple burners and supports larger pots/pans.

• Clean burning: No soot or residue on cookware.

Cons:

• Bulky: Heavier and takes up more space, not ideal for backpacking.

• Fuel canisters are heavy: Especially if carrying extra for extended trips.

• Not ideal in extreme cold: Canisters may depressurize in sub-freezing temps.

• Non-renewable fuel: Canisters must be packed out and disposed of properly.

 

🌿2. Twig-Burning Stove

Pros:

• No fuel to carry: Uses found wood, twigs, pinecones—great for weight savings.

• Sustainable and renewable: Leaves no trace when used responsibly.

• Unlimited fuel source: As long as you're in a wooded area.

Cons:

• Dependent on dry conditions: Wet environments make it hard to find burnable material.

• Takes time to get going: Requires effort to gather and maintain fire.

• Smoke and soot: Can blacken pots and create smell.

• Fire restrictions: Often prohibited in fire ban zones.

 

🥃 3. Alcohol Stove

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact: Ideal for ultralight backpackers.

• Simple design: Few moving parts means less chance of mechanical failure.

• Quiet operation: Burns silently.

• Fuel is easy to find: Denatured alcohol is widely available in outdoor and hardware stores.

Cons:

• Low heat output: Longer boil times.

• Affected by wind: Requires a good windscreen to be efficient.

• No flame control: Difficult to simmer or adjust heat.

• Less efficient in cold weather: Slower performance when temperatures drop.

• Fire restrictions: Some areas ban alcohol stoves.

 

🗻 4. Isobutane Stove (Canister Stove)

Pros:

• Fast boil time: Excellent efficiency and convenience.

• Compact and lightweight: Great for backpackers.

• Easy to use: Screw-on design, quick ignition, and adjustable flame.

• Cleaner burn: Minimal residue or smell.

Cons:

• Fuel cost: Canisters are more expensive than alcohol or wood.

• Canister waste: Hard to recycle in some areas.

• Cold weather performance: Can be compromised at high altitudes or sub-freezing temps (unless using a special cold-weather blend).

• Non-refillable canisters: Must pack out used ones.

 

Those pros and cons are probably very familiar to you.  Personally, I use the following matrix when considering stoves:

1. Ease of use

2. Functionality

3. Weight

4. Cost

5. Safety

 

I think you can see where this is going. 

​

Propane stoves are easy to use and very functional, but their high weight and bulkiness overshadow those positives.

​

Twig burning stoves have the edge over all the others in weight and cost, but ease of use, functionality and safety are well below the others.  Damp wood, constantly having to push more wood in, sparks or twigs falling and potentially starting another fire all things that show up in the cons column.

​

Alcohol stoves are very affordable (especially if you make your own) and weigh very little even with fuel.  However, while their ease of use is on par with others, the functionality is below that of propane and isobutane stoves.  Additionally, and this is a real danger, spilling alcohol and spreading the flames can happen. 

​

Isobutane stoves have the ease of use and functionality of a propane stove, weight is comparable to an alcohol stove but can be shut off quickly making them safer than alcohol stoves.  The cost of fuel is higher so you need to look for sales and buy 2-3 canisters when the price is good.

​

You’ve figured this out, haven’t you?  Yes, for all future backpacking adventures I’ll be using my little pocket isobutane stove screwed onto a 110g canister.  This decision is based on two factors that for me at least, override all others, Weight and Safety. 

​

The weight of a small isobutane burner and a 110g canister, (with the burner in a plastic bag and including a small lighter) is 290 grams.  My Esbit alcohol stove with pot stand and two days of fuel comes to 309 grams.

If my little isobutane stove tips over, it’s very easy to twist the fuel supply handle and shut it off.  With twig stoves you have to pour water over the embers to make sure it’s out. Using an alcohol carries the risk of spilling the liquid which will soak into the ground and burn.  This could easily create a forest fire.

​

After years of experimenting with every major type of camping stove, I’ve come to a clear and confident conclusion: for my needs, isobutane stoves are the best all-around option. While propane, twig, and alcohol stoves all offer certain advantages, they fall short when measured against my two most important criteria—weight and safety.

Backpacking (especially at my age and on a prosthetic leg), demands lightweight gear that doesn’t sacrifice performance or peace of mind.  Isobutane stoves hit the sweet spot: they’re lightweight and compact like alcohol stoves, yet far more convenient and controllable. Unlike twig stoves, they require no setup time or dry fuel, and unlike alcohol stoves, they won’t flare uncontrollably if spilled. I can boil water quickly, simmer if needed, and shut off the flame instantly with a simple twist of the valve.

​

At just 290 grams for a small stove, canister, lighter, and storage bag, this setup is lighter than some alcohol systems I’ve used—and far safer. When I factor in wildfire risk and the unpredictability of weather or fuel availability, the choice becomes even clearer.

​

I appreciate what each stove type brings to the table and still respect them for specific use cases, my go-to solution for backpacking is now firmly set. The isobutane stove wins not just for its balance of performance and portability, but because it lets me cook confidently and safely.