OT: Backpacking/camping equipment question

I have been slowly putting together some basic camping/backpacking equipment for those photography or hiking trips where I'll want to spend a night camped out someplace. I've got most of everything I would need, and now I'm working on some simple cooking equipment. I'm thinking of getting some of the pre-packaged foods that just need the addition of boiling water, so I'm looking at small backpacking stoves. Does anyone have suggestions for what to get (size, fuel type, brand, etc)?

Thanks!

Bob, I use one of these and like it a lot. Boils water fast, lightweight package, small.

http://m.rei.com/mt/www.rei.com/product/813622/jetboil-sol-stove

Thanks Joshua!

One can't go wrong with the MSR stoves. They are a bit more involved in that you have to bring fuel, but it just depends how much you plan to backpack. The whisperlite and dragon fly are two good ones. In fact, some of their stoves will virtually burn any fuel, but white gas(Coleman) fuel is the perferred and cleanest. I have had my MSR for many years and it is quite dependable. And it works under any conditions.
Right now REI is having a 20% off one item sale. You do have to be a member which doesn't doesn't cost anything. Additionally, one gets 10$ back each year on purchases.

I have this one which I find to be perfect if all you are doing is boiling water for dehydrated food. Its very light and takes up very little space. One of the small gas cylinders has lasted me through about 2 weeks. One food recommendation: Mountain House Pro Paks -- really good stuff.
http://www.rei.com/product/769473/optimus-crux-lite-cooking-system
PS -- REI membership costs $20 (I think) but if you buy enough stuff it pays for itself in the cash back rewards.

Here's what I use; it weights .3oz and costs 50¢. http://andrewskurka.com/how-to/how-to-make-a-fancy-feast-alcohol-stove/

If all you need is to boil water, I think the jet boil is the way to go!

I used an MSR Whisperlite for well over a decade before switching to the MSR Pocket Rocket, then to the JetBoil, which is a canister stove). If all you're doing is boiling water for dehydrated meals, the JetBoil is the way to go. Simple, compact, efficient piece of kit. If you're planning to use your stove at high elevation or in very cold temperatures, you might consider something other than a canister stove. Liquid fuel stoves, such as the Whisperlite, work much better in those applications.

Thanks for the many responses...they all have been very useful!
I am an REI member and have been looking at the current sale, which was one of the reasons I'm looking at doing this now. I'll look at all these (including the home made stove...pretty cool!) and see where the dust settles.

http://www.rei.com/product/660163/msr-pocket-rocket-backpacking-stove


The least expensive, lightest, most compact stove that boils a liter of water in 4 minutes. I've had mine for 12 years and I'll use it for another 12 years. Time tested to say the least. Just read the reviews.

I use this thing at least 30 times a year. I actually keep it in my car because I hate drinking cold coffee so I reheat my coffee in 1 minute. Its basically a microwave!

Hell Kane, I saw you reheat coffee 30 times in one day at Maroon Bells.

Bob, I camp a ton and the easiest stove I have ever used is a portable butane stove. The case canisters re the size of a big stay can. You can light them in the tent if needed since the butane can be burned indoors and they usually come in a VERY easy to carry case which looks like a miniature briefcase. Also easy to clean and they light about anywhere since the have an automatic ignition. Here is an example of what they look like: http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Butane-Stove-Camping-Burner/dp/B000RA8V1S

BTW, the case is not in the photo.

I've been backpacking since '94 and was a die-hard fan of white gas stoves before switching over to a JetBoil. They're the greatest thing since freeze-dried food for heating up water in the backcountry. Not only are they relatively lightweight, but the heat exchanger on the bottom helps the boiling time, and the neoprene sleeve means that the water doesn't cool off nearly as quickly. I've even gone ahead and bought a spare mug for my fiancee so that we can both have hot water simultaneously. And, if it does get too cool, it's easy to fire up again. The combination of the heat exchanger and the neoprene means that regular-sized butane/propane cannisters last a lot longer than you might expect -- easily a week for one person.

If I lost mine tomorrow, I'd buy another one at full retail price the next day. There aren't many things that I say that about.

I use the Soto Micro-Regulator. It boils super fast, the piezo ignitor makes lighting simple and easy (never need a match or lighter), and it's lighter than the pocket rocket (2.7oz). The regulator allows it to work well in cold temps and high elevations. I've had mine for a couple years and used it probably a couple hundred times, mostly for boiling water but some cooking as well. I've used it in 0 degrees and above 13000ft without issue. One of my photo buddies switched to the Soto recently from the Pocket Rocket and really likes it.

http://www.rei.com/product/785338/soto-od-1r-micro-regulator-stove