Whisper-Lite Internationale

Pros:

• light
• reliable
• powerful
• maintainable in the field
• easy to use

Cons:

• doesn't simmer well

(The Backpacker's Handbook 2nd Edition, by Chris Townsend)

Types

• Liquid Fuel -most popular
• Cansiters -don't work in well in very cold temperatures, but they are the easiest to operate

MSR Whisperlite (liquid fuel)

• used by 2/3 of AT hikers

(Advanced Backpacking -A Trail Side Guide, by Berger)

• Cartridge Stoves: look for stoves who's cannisters can be disconnected before they're empty so repacking them is easier

(Backpacking Primer, Lori Saldanas)

• Butane may not work in below freezing temperatures
• Alcohol doesn't get very hot

(Hiking and Backpacking by Eric Seaborg and Ellen Dudley)

• Trangia“I bought the lightweight backpacking model and I'm quite impressed with it. It fits inside of your pot set, actually it will fit in your shirt pocket, no moving parts to fail, uses anykind of alcohol. I'm not an expert on stoves, but I think the simplier it is, the better. It only cost about 20 dollars.”

(Aching Toes, Atlmorphans email group, yahoogroups)