Arizona Camping: Choosing a Cook System

Food is not only an integral aspect of daily life, but it is also a consideration that can elevate your camping experience. For many people, cooking in the front country or backcountry is just as important as any other part of camping – and meals shared with loved ones (or yourself) only add to the magic of time spent outside. 

The gear you choose to purchase and bring can make or break your experience, however, so it’s important to choose the right cook system depending on where you’re going, what you’re doing, and – of course – your culinary preferences. Whether you’re car camping on a Forest Service road in Coconino National Forest or backpacking below the rim of the Grand Canyon, the staff at Peace Outfitters is here to help you choose the perfect cook kit for your trip. 

Car Camping vs Backpacking

One of the first considerations in choosing a cook system is to think about the actual nature of your trip or what kind of camping you do most. 

1. Car Camping: If you’re driving to a campsite, such as Edge of the World, you have a considerable amount of flexibility when it comes to the size and weight of your gear. You have easy access to a cooler, can carry more and larger cooking equipment and utensils, and more supplies for cleanup. 

For many car campers, a large two-burner stove is the way to go. Two-burners allow for more versatility when cooking, whether you want to boil water, grill, or sauté. You can also have multiple operations going on at once; for example, maybe you want to boil water in a pot for pasta on one burner and on the other you want to sauté vegetables and sauce for that pasta. Most of these two-burners run on 1lb propane canisters, but many can also pair with adapters to be able to use a larger propane tank as well. 

If you are a solo car camper or are only camping with one other person, it is also worth considering a single burner stove. These are lighter and more compact than a two-burner, but like two-burners, they still have excellent simmer control, which allows greater versatility in cooking methods. Some single burner stoves also run on butane canisters which are integrated into the stove itself, making them extra compact. This can be a great option for space-conscious car campers or people living out of their vehicles. 

2. Backpacking: When you’re heading into the backcountry on a multi-day backpacking trip, weight and space are paramount; this means there are more considerations to think about when choosing a cook system.  

Generally, backpacking stoves are divided into three categories: (1) canister stoves, (2) liquid fuel stoves, and (3) alternative fuel stoves (less common). Canister stoves are easy to use and low-maintenance, screwing seamlessly onto 100g, 230g, or 450g isobutane canisters. They are small and lightweight, but do not have much simmer control, meaning they are best for very basic cooking, or – better yet – simply boiling water or rehydrating food. They are commonly used by lightweight and ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers. Some canister stoves, such as the Jetboil Flash, the Primus Lite, and the MSR Switch, use integrated systems, meaning that the burner screws onto the fuel canister with a connected twist-on cooking pot. These stoves are generally designed to boil water quickly, making them perfect for dehydrated/freeze-dried backpacking meals, coffee, and tea. 

Liquid fuel stoves, on the other, hand run on white gas, which is a highly refined fuel that burns hot and clean and runs well in sub-freezing temperatures. Many liquid fuel stoves, moreover, such as the MSR WhisperLight International, are multi-fuel stoves that can also run on unleaded auto gasoline or kerosene. Fuel versatility makes these stoves a great choice for international travelers. Many of these stoves also feature a larger and lower-profile base, making them better for larger groups. Lastly, they also have far more precise simmer control, meaning you can actually cook on them, rather than just boil water. 

Weather and Conditions

Environmental factors can also influence how you cook outside, and thus, what kind of stove or cook system in which you choose to invest. This is especially important when backpacking; cold temperatures, wind, and precipitation such as rain and snow can drastically influence the performance of your stove, so if you plan to be in those types of conditions, it’s important to be selective.

1. Wind: If you’re camping or backpacking in high winds – which are very common in Flagstaff and other high-country terrain – you might want a stove with built-in wind protection. For car campers, many two-burner stoves have integrated walls that protect the burners from cross-cutting winds. For backpackers, integrated canister stoves are a great option (Jetboil Flash, Primus Lite, MSR Switch) because they help cut wind and better distribute heat. You can also purchase lightweight windscreens from brands such as Toaks or Olicamp to use in case you’re heading out in windy conditions. For canister stoves, you can also look for those that have a piezo igniter – such as the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe – to avoid having to use a handheld lighter when it’s windy. 
2. Temperature: If you plan to camp in sub-freezing temperatures – and particularly if you’re backpacking – look for a stove that performs well in such conditions. Generally speaking, while isobutane does not freeze easily, it does not perform as well in colder temperatures as liquid fuel stoves that run on white gas. 

Final Thoughts

As spring slowly moves in across Northern Arizona, it is a great time to start planning for spring and summer camping and backpacking trips. Your cook system is a crucial part of your gear closet, so whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade your stove and camp kitchen equipment, make sure to do your research. 

At Peace, our knowledgeable staff is happy to help you in selecting the right cook system. We carry canister stoves, liquid fuel stoves, and one-burner and two-burner car camping stoves for any manner of trip. We also offer a wide range of camp kitchen accessories, such as pots, pans, utensils, coffee presses/filters, cutting boards, knives, and more. See you out there!