Going into this year’s hunting season, I was looking for a new backpacking stove that wouldn’t break the bank, but that I could also rely on. I wasn’t about to cash in my 401k for a Jetboil, and besides, those systems are often too heavy. I was convinced that I was going to purchase a MSR PocketRocket, as it’s a reputable company with good reviews.
One day, I decided to research backpacking stoves. I had heard that a person could find a stove on Amazon for less than $20, but how quality are these items?
That’s when I came across the Etekcity Ultralight Backpacking Stove on Amazon. What attracted me first was the picture; the stove looked well made, has an adjustable flame valve, and an ignition system.
An ignition system? Yes, ma’am. The stove provides its own “Piezo” ignition system, making it matchless, lighter-less, and hassle-free. Will I still carry a backup lighter/matches? YES (you always should).
I was impressed as I continued to read specs and reviews, of which are a solid 4.5 stars on Amazon, and I decided to purchase it. I should also mention that this stove works with both butane and butane/propane mix, and also adheres to “Leave No Trace” guidelines.
The next day, I got it in the mail and opened it up to reveal a solid orange, plastic storage box. I opened the box to reveal the stove that was collapsed into a compact package. I unfolded the stove, made sure that the valve was turned to off, and screwed it upon a mixed fuel canister. I slowly turned the valve to “ON”, and hesitantly pressed the ignition switch, as I wasn’t sure if it was going to explode or not.
The given case for the Etekcity Stove.
Bright blue flame started roaring out the top of the stove as I stood impressed with its performance thus far. I turned the valve to “OFF”, and the flame disappeared immediately.
I then collapsed the stove to determine the ease of such – it’s easy, and the stove cools quickly with its aluminum construction.
The Etekcity stove fully collapsed.
Once again, I broke out the stove again and attached it to a fuel source. I lit up the stove, placed a small pot filled with 2 cups of water, and started a timer. Let’s see how quickly it can boil 2 cups of water…
The Etekcity fully expanded.
Disclaimer: I don’t think that how quickly a stove boils water is a test to its quality. This time can vary with a multitude of variables.
Anyways, my timer stopped at 2 minutes and 48 seconds – a sub 3 minute boil out of a $13.99 stove.
The ignition system of the Etekcity. Within this housing is a small fuse that generates the spark.
What? Did I write that correctly, or did you read that correctly? Yes and yes, this stove is only $13.99. A comparable MSR is $44.95, and a comparable Jetboil is $49.95 – though regular Jetboils are $100+.
I can say that my only complaint is that the gasket that sits between the stove and the fuel source wants to fall off, and I would like to see some sort of mechanism to keep it in place, but this isn't too big of a deal.
Overall, I give the Etekcity Ultralight Backpacking Stove a solid 4.5 out of 5. If you decide to buy and try this stove, click HERE, and let me know in the comments.