Everything you'd ask before you buy.
The Backpacker is a 9.2 oz integrated stove with a real 1.2 L pot. It packs to 4.75 × 6.25 in with the fuel inside. Search below, or browse by topic.
About the Backpacker
What does the 9.2 oz weight include?
The published 9.2 oz (260 g) weight includes the burner, pot, pot supports, bowl, and strainer lid. We also include a microfiber cleaning towel, but it is not counted in the published weight because some customers choose not to carry it. Fuel canister sold separately. See how the Backpacker compares on weight, capacity, and speed on Why It's Different.
What's included with the Backpacker?
Everything you need to cook on the trail except fuel. Each Backpacker ships as a complete, pack-ready kit: the burner, a 1.2 L hard-anodized aluminum pot, an insulating sleeve, a strainer lid, a nesting bowl, click-in pot supports, and a microfiber cleaning towel. It all nests inside the pot with a 100 g or 230 g canister for one compact unit. Add a standard EN417 screw-on isobutane fuel canister and you're ready to cook. See the complete kit on the Backpacker product page.
What is the boil time for the Backpacker camping stove?
The Backpacker boils 500 mL of water in about 2.5 minutes. A built-in Piezo igniter lights the burner without matches, and an integrated aluminum heat-exchanger drives fuel efficiency, holding boil times steady even in a breeze. For the full performance breakdown, see Why It's Different.
Can I cook more than just boiling water?
Yes. The Backpacker boils water quickly and efficiently first and foremost, but it's built for real cooking too. An adjustable flame-control valve lets you drop to a simmer for actual meals, and the strainer lid makes draining pasta or ramen easy. When you want more range, the included click-in pot supports let you use the burner with the included pot or most cookware you already own.
Can I use cookware I already own?
Yes. You're never tied to a proprietary cookware line. The 1.2 L pot sits securely on the burner for efficient, direct heat, and the included click-in pot supports let you set any standard backpacking skillet, pot, or kettle you already own on the same burner. The pot rests on the burner instead of being fixed to it, which is a deliberate safety choice: if the stove gets bumped, the pot lifts off on its own instead of taking the burner and fuel canister over with it. Use the integrated pot when weight and speed matter; bring your own pan when you want to fry, sauté, or cook a shared meal. It's one of the ways the Backpacker stands apart: see why it's different.
Is the Backpacker good for one person?
Yes. While the 1.2 L pot is large enough to cook for two or three people, it also works well for solo backpackers who want extra versatility. The slightly larger pot makes it easier to cook real meals, melt snow, boil extra water, or prepare coffee and breakfast without adding much weight to your pack.
Is the Backpacker good for two people?
Absolutely. The Backpacker was designed with shared meals in mind. Its 1.2 L pot comfortably prepares meals for two and can often serve three, making it a great choice for couples, Scout leaders, hunting partners, and anyone who prefers to cook together.
What can you actually cook in the 1.2 L pot?
A 1.2 L pot holds approximately 5 cups, making it large enough for much more than boiling water. It's ideal for one-pot pasta or ramen for two people, soup or chili for two to three, oatmeal for a group, rice, or rehydrating multiple freeze-dried meals. It also boils enough water for several mugs of coffee or tea in one batch, so everyone can enjoy a hot drink together.
Most integrated backpacking stoves use pots closer to 0.8–1.0 L, which are designed primarily for solo cooking. The Backpacker's larger 1.2 L hard-anodized aluminum pot gives you the flexibility to cook real meals for one, two, or even three people while remaining one of the lightest fully integrated backpacking stove systems available.
Why did you choose a 1.2 L pot instead of a smaller one?
Most integrated backpacking stoves are designed primarily to boil water for one person, so they typically use pots between 0.8 and 1.0 liters. We chose a 1.2 L hard-anodized aluminum pot because it gives you the flexibility to prepare real meals, boil water for multiple people, melt snow, or make coffee for camp while adding only a small amount of weight.
At just 9.2 oz, the Backpacker remains one of the lightest fully integrated backpacking stove systems available, proving you don't have to sacrifice cooking capacity to save weight.
What are the packed dimensions of the Backpacker stove system?
Fully nested with a 230 g canister inside, the system packs to 4.75 in in diameter × 6.25 in in height: about the size of a 1 L water bottle. The burner, pot supports, and microfiber cleaning towel nest alongside the canister, the bowl clicks over the bottom, and the strainer lid seals it into one rattle-free cylinder that slides easily beside a sleeping pad or water bottle. See full specs and photos on the product page.
Will a standard 230 g fuel canister fit inside?
Yes. A 100 g or a full 230 g screw-on canister nests completely inside the 1.2 L pot, along with the burner, click-in pot supports, and microfiber cleaning towel. The bowl clicks over the bottom and the strainer lid closes the system into one compact, rattle-free unit. Everything travels together, with nothing to store separately.
What fuel canisters work with The Backpacker?
The Backpacker uses standard threaded backpacking fuel canisters with an EN417 Lindal valve. Compatible canisters are widely available from outdoor retailers and are sold by brands including MSR, Jetboil, Snow Peak, Primus, and others. Both 100 g and 230 g canisters fit inside the pot for packing. Fuel is sold separately. Standard green Coleman-style propane bottles are too wide to nest inside the pot and aren't recommended for trail use.
How much fuel does The Backpacker use?
In our testing, the Backpacker uses approximately 5 g of fuel to boil 0.5 L of water. That works out to roughly 23 L of boiled water from a full 230 g canister. Actual fuel use will vary with wind, temperature, elevation, starting water temperature, and flame setting.
Is a 9.2 oz stove system light enough for ultralight thru-hiking?
Yes. At 9.2 oz (260 g), the Backpacker is well suited to long-distance thru-hikes on the PCT, AT, and CDT. It delivers the weight savings of an ultralight micro-burner while keeping a real, insulated 1.2 L pot, so you can cook actual meals and brew coffee instead of only rehydrating freeze-dried bags, without carrying a separate pot.
How does the Backpacker perform in cold or windy conditions?
The Backpacker is engineered for wind. A deeply recessed heat-exchanger and an integrated wind-blocking burner collar shield the flame from heat-sapping gusts, and the Piezo igniter is built to spark reliably in damp or cold conditions. In sub-freezing temperatures, keep your fuel canister warm in an inside pocket before cooking for the strongest, most consistent flame.
What materials are used to build the Backpacker stove?
Every material in the Backpacker was selected to balance light weight, durability, and long-term performance in the backcountry.
- Pot: Hard-anodized aluminum for excellent heat transfer, scratch resistance, and corrosion resistance.
- Burner & heat exchanger: Stainless steel, brass, and aluminum selected for strength, heat resistance, and reliable performance through repeated heating and cooling cycles.
- Insulating sleeve: Durable weather-resistant neoprene that provides a secure grip while helping retain heat.
- Bowl & strainer lid: BPA-free, food-safe polypropylene chosen for its durability, low weight, and resistance to cracking during normal outdoor use.
How does the included bowl work with the Backpacker?
The bowl does double duty. It clicks securely onto the bottom of the 1.2 L pot for protective, rattle-free storage in your pack, then serves as a second dish on the trail. The strainer lid fits both the pot and the bowl, so one person can eat from the bowl while another eats from the pot: a clean way to share a hot meal without losing heat.
Why does the Backpacker come with a microfiber cleaning towel?
Two reasons, both practical. On the trail it wipes the pot clean and dries the bowl so you can pack up fast. In your pack it wraps the nested system to keep everything rattle-free and quiet and to protect the pot and burner. It weighs almost nothing and earns its place, which is the standard every included piece has to meet. It is included with every Backpacker but is not counted in the published 9.2 oz weight, since some customers choose not to carry it.
What are the dual handles on the sleeve for?
The insulating sleeve has dual handles instead of one so you can lift and pour with a balanced, two-point grip, even with gloves on or a full 1.2 L pot of hot water. Pouring into a mug or a freeze-dried pouch is steadier and less tippy than with a single side handle. The handles fold flat against the sleeve, so they add no bulk when the system nests together.
Where is the Backpacker designed?
The Backpacker was designed in California by John Peretti, who spent five years leading research and development for award-winning backpacking stove systems before founding Coastal Range Equipment. Every feature reflects extensive engineering experience and countless hours of real-world testing. Read more about John and the company on Our Story.
How is the Backpacker manufactured?
The Backpacker is built by experienced manufacturing partners to specifications set and overseen by founder John Peretti, who spent years engineering award-winning integrated stoves. John stays hands-on with production: he travels to the factory for every production run, hand-tests units on site, and runs a second round of testing when they arrive at our headquarters. Not every stove is checked by hand, but a high enough share is to give us real confidence in the durability and reliability of what ships to you.
Why is it called "The Backpacker"?
The name is deliberately plain. In an outdoor shop, you're not searching for a "rocket" or a "dragonfly." You're a backpacker looking for a stove that fits your life on the trail. Coastal Range names products after the people who use them, so the gear is as direct and pragmatic as the name. More on our approach in Our Story.
What are the pot supports for?
The click-in pot supports let you use compatible cookware beyond the included heat-exchanger pot, such as a small frying pan. They are included in the published 9.2 oz system weight and pack inside the pot when not in use.
Is the Backpacker only for backpacking?
No. It was designed around the needs of backpackers, but its compact size and 1.2 L capacity also make it useful for paddling trips, bikepacking, hunting, fly-in camping, road trips, and other adventures where space and weight matter.
What makes The Backpacker different from other integrated stoves?
Most integrated stoves are designed primarily around boil speed. The Backpacker balances low weight, useful capacity, compact packing, fuel efficiency, and the flexibility to cook real food. At 9.2 oz with a 1.2 L pot, burner, bowl, strainer lid, and pot supports, it gives you a complete cooking system without requiring you to carry several separate pieces.
Orders, Shipping & Warranty
What does the Backpacker cost, and how does shipping work?
The Backpacker is $149.95, which includes the complete backpacking stove system: everything but fuel. Shipping is free by standard ground across the United States, and orders typically leave our warehouse within 1–2 business days. Shipping outside the US? The Backpacker isn't yet certified in every country, so international checkout is currently closed: send us a message with your location and we'll work it out.
What is your return policy?
Every Backpacker is backed by our 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. If it's not the right fit for your adventures, simply contact us within 30 days of receiving your order to start a return. Email info@thecoastrange.com or use our Contact page, and we'll walk you through the process. Full details are available in our Return Policy.
Does the Backpacker come with a warranty?
Yes. Every Backpacker is backed by our 3-Year Limited Warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal outdoor use. If you experience a manufacturing defect, contact us and we'll make it right.
How durable is the Backpacker?
The Backpacker is engineered for years of reliable backcountry use while keeping weight to a minimum. Every component is selected to balance lightweight performance with long-term durability.
- Pot: Hard-anodized aluminum resists scratches, corrosion, and everyday wear while providing excellent heat transfer.
- Burner: Stainless steel, brass, and aluminum components are designed to withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles.
- Pot supports: Stainless steel supports securely hold cookware and resist bending and corrosion over years of use.
- Insulating sleeve: Durable neoprene withstands repeated packing, cooking, and handling while providing a comfortable grip and helping retain heat.
- Bowl & strainer lid: BPA-free polypropylene offers excellent durability while remaining lightweight.
Like any quality backcountry gear, the Backpacker benefits from reasonable care, but it is built to accompany you on adventures for many seasons.
If you ever do need a replacement part, contact Coastal Range Equipment. We design our products to be serviceable and will do our best to keep your Backpacker cooking for years to come.
Are replacement parts available?
The Backpacker is designed to provide years of reliable service. If you ever need a replacement part, contact Coastal Range Equipment. We'll help identify the correct part and, as replacement inventory becomes available, make it easy to keep your stove performing for years to come.
How long will the Backpacker last?
The Backpacker was designed for years of dependable backcountry use. We chose durable materials, tested the system extensively, and back it with a 3-year warranty because well-designed gear should provide lasting value, not become disposable.
About Coastal Range
Why did John Peretti start Coastal Range Equipment?
John Peretti spent five years leading research and development at one of the outdoor industry's most respected backpacking stove companies, where he helped design award-winning integrated cooking systems. Along the way, he listened to backpackers, hunters, guides, pilots, paddlers, and specialty retailers who wanted gear that was lighter, simpler, and more versatile.
He founded Coastal Range Equipment around a simple belief: the best outdoor gear is thoughtfully engineered around the people who use it. The result is lightweight, durable equipment designed to help more people spend time outside, not products loaded with features they'll never use.
Read the full story on our Our Story page.
Where does the name Coastal Range come from?
The Coast Ranges stretch from Washington State to the Mexican border, putting mountains, forests, rivers, and coastline within reach of millions of people. They're places where people hike, paddle, hunt, fish, fly, camp, and reconnect with the outdoors.
Coastal Range Equipment is named after that spirit: thoughtfully engineered gear that helps more people enjoy everyday adventures, whether they're carrying everything on their backs or traveling by canoe, bush plane, bike, or truck. Read the fuller story on Our Story.
What is Coastal Range's commitment to sustainability?
At Coastal Range, the most sustainable outdoor gear is the gear you don't have to replace.
That's why we engineer products for years of reliable use using premium materials like hard-anodized aluminum, stainless steel, and BPA-free polypropylene that are chosen for their durability, longevity, and recyclability. By building products that stand up to years of adventures, we help reduce unnecessary waste and the need for frequent replacement.
When a component eventually wears out after years of use, many parts are designed to be replaceable rather than requiring an entirely new stove. If you ever need a replacement part, simply contact Coastal Range. We're committed to helping you keep your Backpacker on the trail for years to come.
How can I share my adventures with the Coastal Range community?
Tag your backcountry photos on Instagram or TikTok with #thecoastrange_. We feature customer adventures on our Reviews & Press page. Join our newsletter for stories from the trail, early access to new gear, and ultralight packing tips. We build the gear; you write the stories.
Are you hiring?
Yes. Coastal Range is growing and looking for a few doers who are passionate about the brand: roles across sales and marketing (dealer and consumer focus), part-time finance, and operations, plus product internships for talented designers and engineers. The best fits are humble, pragmatic, and good at building systems that scale. Roles can be remote or based at our Bay Area headquarters. Reach out at recruiting@thecoastrange.com.
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