
Trail tested: which camping stove packs the most punch?
Choosing the right camping stove can make or break a trip. Whether you're grinding out long kilometres on a multi-day bushwalk or pulling up at a remote campsite after dark, having a reliable, lightweight stove means the difference between a hot meal and a cold night. With so many options on the market, we've put our top picks through their paces — here's what you need to know.
Finding the camping stove best suited to your adventures
Why a quality hiking stove matters more than you think
A great hiking stove doesn't just boil water. It performs when conditions turn against you — high altitude, wind, cold mornings — and it does it without adding unnecessary weight to your pack. That's why we stock only proven performers at PAST Outdoors, from the iconic Jetboil range to Soto's precision-engineered systems.
If you're new to choosing a backcountry stove, our guide to portable camp stoves for Australian bushwalking is well worth a read before diving into the specifics.
The Jetboil stove range: fast, efficient, trail-ready
Few brands have dominated the camping stove space like Jetboil, and for good reason. Our Jetboil TrailCook 1.2L is built around Jetboil's FluxRing technology, bringing water to the boil in just 2 minutes 10 seconds. The ceramic-coated non-stick pot, push-button ignition, and fold-flat silicone handle make it an incredibly user-friendly all-in-one system that packs neatly inside itself. It's an ideal camping stove portable option for solo hikers who want precision cooking without the bulk.
For those cooking for two or heading out on longer trips, the Jetboil TrailCook 2L (pictured above) steps things up with greater capacity while retaining all the same smart features — self-centering pot support, an integrated lid strainer, and a fuel regulator for consistent output from first light to the last of the canister.
Our Founder Dave Parker using his Jetboil Flash in the high country of New Zealand, on a multi-day hiking trip.
If pure speed is your priority, the Jetboil Flash S25 1.0L is the one to look at. Widely regarded as one of the camping stove best options for fast-and-light adventurers, the Flash is stripped back and focused entirely on getting your water boiling as quickly as possible. Want to understand how these systems compare?
Our Jetboil camping stove comparison guide breaks down each model in detail, and if you're trying to decide between the TrailCook and the Flash, our Jetboil Stash, flash and trailcook article covers the specifics side by side.

Soto Camping Stoves: precision for the discerning camp cook
Not every hiker wants an integrated system, and that's where Soto earns its following. The Soto Amicus Stove is a compact, lightweight canister stove that works brilliantly with a wide variety of cookware. It's an excellent camping stove portable choice for those who already own quality pots and want a versatile burner they can rely on across all seasons.
For those who regularly contend with wind and cold — think Alpine conditions or exposed ridgelines — the Soto Windmaster Stove is a standout performer. Its innovative 4Flex pot support and micro-regulator deliver consistent, efficient combustion even when conditions are doing their worst. As a hiking stove purpose-built for challenging environments, the Windmaster is hard to beat.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google Product Review – Soto Windmaster Stove
Precision is at the heart of every Soto product, and the Windmaster Stove is no exception. Lightweight, compact, and impressively efficient, this stove has become an essential part of my EDC cooking and coffee kit. One of its standout features is the built-in ignition system, allowing it to spark to life without the need for a lighter — an absolute game changer when you are on the move.
Its design integrates seamlessly with my setup, making it incredibly convenient for roadside stops or impromptu brews. Whether I am heating a quick cuppa or warming up a tin of soup, the Windmaster delivers consistent performance, even in less-than-ideal weather.
Reliable, portable, and thoughtfully engineered, the Windmaster earns its place in any minimalist outdoor kit.
- Joe
Why shop at PAST Outdoors?
At PAST Outdoors, we're a family-owned Australian outdoor retailer based in Helensburgh NSW, and we've spent years building a community of hikers and adventurers who trust our advice and our range. With over 1,854 verified customer reviews and a 95% five-star rating, our customers consistently tell us that our product knowledge, fast shipping, and genuine passion for the outdoors sets us apart. We don't just sell gear — we use it.
Whether you're narrowing down the camping stove best for your next big trip or comparing our full Jetboil stove range, our team is here to help you get it right. Visit our compare Jetboil camping stoves page to see all options side by side, or head into our Helensburgh store to see the range in person.
Ready to upgrade your camp kitchen? Shop our full camping stove range at PAST Outdoors today — because great adventures start with great gear.





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