Three stoves dominate lightweight backpacking in 2025

Yes – the BRS 3000T, Soto Windmaster, and MSR PocketRocket Deluxe are your three choices, and they’re not interchangeable.

The BRS 3000T is the ultralight king. It weighs under an ounce, costs about $20, and boils water fast enough. The trade-off is terrible wind performance and a flimsy pot support. If you’re counting grams and cooking in sheltered spots, it’s unbeatable. If you’re above treeline in a breeze, you’ll hate it.

The Soto Windmaster is the best all-arounder. The four-prong pot support is rock solid, the regulator handles cold gas canisters well, and it actually works in moderate wind. Slightly heavier than the BRS (about 2.5 ounces) but still ultralight. If I could only own one stove for the next five years, this is it.

The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe is the most refined. Wider burner head means better simmer control, piezo ignition that usually works, and it folds up compact. It’s heavier and pricier than the Windmaster but feels premium. Great if you want to occasionally cook something besides ramen.

Pick based on your priorities: grams, wind resistance, or cooking convenience. Don’t overthink it – any of these beats the old white gas monsters.