These stoves are small and lightweight enough to carry around in a pack or duffel bag. They are multi-purpose too. You can cook food, boil water for sanitation, whip up a pot of coffee, or even use them for heat if necessary. Most stoves these days run off of a propane mix, butane mix, or alcohol. There are different fuel mixes for different altitudes and temperatures. It's a good idea to make sure the fuel you pick will work in your scenario. You can find stoves that are sold as stand alone units, or you can find stoves that are packaged with cups or pots to cook or boil water in, as well as other accessories.
One of the most popular backpacking stove brands on the market is the Jetboil system. The Jetboil line of stoves are famous for their quick cooking/boiling, and packing everything into one small, easy to carry package.
The Jetboil Zip is one of the smallest systems that Jetboil produces, yet it still provides the reliability and quick heating Jetboil is known for.
A neoprene material wraps around the cup, which holds up to 27 ounces, in order to protect the user from burns. It includes a flexible drink through lid that keeps food or drink from spilling out, and allows all of the accessories to fit inside when not in use. There is a handy diagram on the side of the cup that shows how to re-package the accessories inside the cup. On the bottom of the cup is Jetboil's patented FluxRing, which is supposed to help distribute the heat evenly quickly, decreasing boil times.
On the bottom of the cup is a smaller plastic cup that slides into place covering the FluxRing when not in use. This plastic cup also has measuring marks on the inside, and can be used to measure out food or liquids, or as a bowl to eat out of.
The burner is the star of the show though. This small lightweight burner can boil room temperature water in 2:30 minutes, although in my testing, I have found that it often boils even faster. The Zip system is lacking the built in lighting function of other Jetboil stoves, but a lighter or matches in the side pocket of the cup can remedy that problem.
Jetboil also includes a stabilizing base for the stove system that helps prevent accidental tip-overs. Also included in the package is a pot support device with fold out arms that allow you to cook or boil water in containers other than the Jetboil one.
The entire setup weighs less than a pound. Fuel canisters are available at nearly every major outdoor retailer and even some Walmart stores, and can often be found for under $5.
I carry a Jetboil Zip in my camping pack, with a lighter in the side pocket of the cup, so I am ready for anything. I can boil water for dehydrated meals, boil water to get rid of bacteria and other nastiness, cook food, or use it for heat in an emergency scenario.
If you are looking for a system to keep in your camping bag, car, or emergency system that is capable of cooking food, boiling liquids, and even providing a heat source, in a small package that can be stored and forgotten about, look no further that the Jetboil Zip Cooking System.
Jetboil also sells a complete line of accessories for the Jetboil Zip to help you get the job done, whatever that may be.
The Jetboil Zip is available from many retailers, including REI, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and Academy, and Gander Mountain. It usually retails for around $79.99.
Check out Camp Off The Map on Instagram and Youtube for photos and video of the Jetboil Zip in action.
Do you have a stove for camping? If so what kind? What made you choose that model?
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