I recently did some "unexpected" winter camping. It snowed and the temps went to the teens. We were well prepared except for our stoves. Fuel canisters do not work well in low temperatures. We solved it by keeping them in our sleeping bags. But I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for a good winter stove. I need it to be light weight enough for backpacking.

There are some modifications out there (see Backpacking Lite) that increase the cold weather effectiveness of butane/propane stoves. For gas stoves, the MSR Whisperlite is pretty much the standard--they're solid for winter use and backpackable (I've carried them many, many miles in my pack over the last 30+ years). The MSR XGK is noisy, but effective.

Here's a good resource: Cold weather stove info

Feb. 9th 2017, hiking break in 5 degrees. Coffee time, cooked on my MSR Whisperlite.

Melting snow in camp Jan. 28th 2016 on an MSR XGK2,

White gas/Coleman fueled stoves work best at low (under 20 degrees), temperatures. It will vaporize at low temps.
If you need to stay with a canister fuel, shop for the highest percentage propane to isobutane mix. The problem is that canister mixes rely on gas pressure in the canister to feed fuel, Butane is liquid phase at 30 degrees and will not supply pressure. Isobutane is a few degrees lower, adding some propane to the mix can take it to less than 20 degrees. When into the low teens and below any canister gas becomes a problem to light and keep going because the fuel needs heat to change into gas vapor. Another style of canister gas stove for low temps allows the canister to feed liquid fuel by inverting the canister, but needs a preheated fuel line for vaporizing at the burner. MSR Windpro left Alocs right shows the preheat fuel lines.

Inverted feed and fuel preheat can get you to single digits if you keep the canister warm before using. Colder requires a pressurized liquid fuel stove.

butthead

I usually use either my MSR Whisperlite or Daragonfly stove. Both do well in cold temps. Another option if you want to still use a canister stove is get a Windpro II stove where you can invert the canister. A third option is to do this with an upright canister stove. I have tried it and it works well. Winter canister hack

quote OldFingers57: "I usually use either my MSR Whisperlite or Daragonfly stove. Both do well in cold temps. Another option if you want to still use a canister stove is get a Windpro II stove where you can invert the canister. A third option is to do this with an upright canister stove. I have tried it and it works well. Winter canister hack "

That (link shown), is a heat feed back generator and will help at lower temps, simple and cheap, but watch the canister temps to make sure it does not overheat. You also need to keep the canister warm enough to get the stove going to provide heat back to the canister.

Far as a lite weight liquid fuel stove, the discontinued MSR Simmerlite may be the smallest lightest pressurized liquid fuel stove out there. I have used this well below 0.

My Whisperlites run about 7 ounces, XKG2 and Optimus Nova 9.5, Dragonfly 11.5, Firefly 12.7, Brunton AF 13, just stoves no fuel bottles or pumps.

butthead

Once more and then I'll shut up!

There are a few multi fuel stoves that can switch from canister to liquid fuel. No longer made but one of my favorites is the Bruntom AF, a roared burner stove with adjustable air inlets,

3 currently available, Primus Omnifuel and Omnilite Ti and the MSR Whisperlite Universal.

butthead

quote butthead: "
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Off Topic, but that double-wall snowpeak mug/cover might be my favorite piece of gear.

The canister hack works- it is called a "Moulder Strip" after the online forum member who first posted the hack.

For below freezing temps I like my windpro II. For REALLY cold conditions a white gas stove is the way to go. Whisperlight and XGK are generally the best options. XGK is better if you're melting a lot of snow and more durable in my experience, but the whisperlight is lighter.

Butthead, your quite the stove geek. Hahahaha!
My dragonfly has worked for me. In the winter I'll use something like alcohol to preheat. I have the denatured stuff.

quote keth0601: "For below freezing temps I like my windpro II. For REALLY cold conditions a white gas stove is the way to go. Whisperlight and XGK are generally the best options. XGK is better if you're melting a lot of snow and more durable in my experience, but the whisperlight is lighter."

I can't really speak to the XGK for winter specifically, but I can speak to its overall durability. I got one as a gift about 15 years ago, and it's never failed me. I've had to replace or oil some of the gaskets on the pump, but the stove itself has been rock solid from day one. I know it's a little heavier, but I appreciate the sturdiness when I'm boiling a larger pot, which it does incredibly quickly.

I know they're expensive, but your definitely getting something for the extra money.

quote amhacker22: "

quote keth0601: "For below freezing temps I like my windpro II. For REALLY cold conditions a white gas stove is the way to go. Whisperlight and XGK are generally the best options. XGK is better if you're melting a lot of snow and more durable in my experience, but the whisperlight is lighter."

I can't really speak to the XGK for winter specifically, but I can speak to its overall durability. I got one as a gift about 15 years ago, and it's never failed me. I've had to replace or oil some of the gaskets on the pump, but the stove itself has been rock solid from day one. I know it's a little heavier, but I appreciate the sturdiness when I'm boiling a larger pot, which it does incredibly quickly.


I know they're expensive, but your definitely getting something for the extra money."

The XGK is the standard for big mountain and polar expeditions for a reason. ;)

For really cold temps try a Svea 123R.