Camp Stoves

Self-Cook Camping Stoves Guide
Planning a self-cook camping trip? Here are three excellent lightweight stove options that are perfect for scouts cooking on their own.

?? Quick Tip: All of these stoves are available locally at Cabela's if you need one quickly!
Jetboil Flash
Jetboil Flash
Best For: Scouts who want the fastest, easiest option
Price: ~$110
Weight: 13.1 oz (with fuel canister)
Why Scouts Love It:

Boils water in just 100 seconds - the fastest option!
Color-changing heat indicator shows when water is ready
Insulated cup keeps food/water hot
Everything nests together - super easy to pack
Push-button igniter - no matches needed
Great for hot chocolate, ramen, oatmeal, freeze-dried meals
Where to Buy Online:
REI | Amazon | Jetboil Official Site

MSR PocketRocket 2
MSR PocketRocket 2
Best For: Budget-conscious scouts who want ultralight
Price: ~$50
Weight: 2.6 oz (stove only)
Why Scouts Love It:

Most affordable option - great value!
Incredibly small - fits in your palm
Weighs less than a AA battery
Boils 1 liter in 3.5 minutes
Simple and reliable - easy to use
Works with any camping pot or cup
Note: You'll need to bring your own pot or cup with this stove (unlike Jetboil which includes one).

Where to Buy Online:
REI | Amazon | MSR Official Site

MSR PocketRocket Deluxe
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe
Best For: Scouts camping in cold or windy conditions
Price: ~$85
Weight: 2.9 oz (stove only)
Why Scouts Love It:

Pressure regulator works great in cold weather
Push-button igniter included
Better simmering control than regular PocketRocket
Consistent heat even when fuel is running low
Still ultralight and compact
3-year warranty from MSR
Note: You'll need to bring your own pot or cup with this stove.

Where to Buy Online:
REI | Amazon | MSR Official Site

Recommended Cookware for MSR Stoves
Since MSR stoves don't include a pot or cup, here are some great lightweight options that work perfectly with the PocketRocket stoves:

MSR Trail Mini Solo
MSR Trail Mini Solo Cook Set
Price: ~$52 | Weight: 7.3 oz

Includes 0.75L pot, bowl, lid with strainer, and pot lifter. The pot can store a PocketRocket stove and fuel canister inside!

Buy at REI | Buy on Amazon

GSI Halulite Boiler
GSI Outdoors Halulite Boiler (1.1L)
Price: ~$50 | Weight: 8.6 oz

Hard-anodized aluminum pot that heats efficiently. Includes lid with strainer holes and folding handle. Great for boiling water or cooking simple meals.

Buy at REI | Buy on Amazon

Snow Peak Trek 700
Snow Peak Trek 700 Titanium
Price: ~$65 | Weight: 4.8 oz

Super lightweight titanium pot (holds 24 oz). Best for ultralight backpackers who mainly boil water. Collapsible handles save space. Can store fuel and stove inside.

Buy at REI | Buy on Amazon

GSI Bugaboo Mess Kit
GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Mess Kit BUDGET PICK
Price: ~$30 | Weight: 16.7 oz

Complete single-person kit! Includes 1 qt pot, 7.5" frying pan/lid, 12 oz cup, bowl, pot gripper, and stuff sack. Two layers of non-stick coating.

Buy at Cabela's | Buy at REI | Buy on Amazon

MalloMe Mess Kit
MalloMe 10-Piece Mess Kit SCOUT FAVORITE
Price: ~$25 | Weight: Lightweight aluminum

Perfect for one scout! 10-piece set includes pot, pan, bowl, spork, cleaning sponge, and storage bag. Anodized aluminum construction. Great starter kit.

Buy on Amazon | Buy Direct from MalloMe

? Verified at Cabela's: Jetboil Flash, MSR PocketRocket 2 stoves, and GSI Bugaboo cookware are confirmed in stock at Cabela's stores!
Quick Comparison
Feature Jetboil Flash MSR PocketRocket 2 MSR Deluxe
Price ~$110 ~$50 ~$85
Boil Time 100 seconds 3.5 minutes 3.5 minutes
Cup Included? Yes No No
Igniter? Yes No Yes
Best For Ease of use Budget Cold weather
Important Reminders
Fuel Canisters: Don't forget to buy fuel! All these stoves use isobutane-propane canisters (sold separately)
Matches/Lighter: If your stove doesn't have an igniter, bring waterproof matches or a lighter
Cookware: MSR stoves need a pot/cup (Jetboil includes one)
Practice at Home: Set up and test your stove before the camping trip!
Safety: Always cook outdoors in well-ventilated areas, never in a tent
Questions? Contact your patrol leader or scoutmaster for help choosing the right stove!