[conrad74]

Curious to know if my backpacking gear shopping the habits are the same as everyone else... Let's take a backpacking stove for example. Which of the following is (usually) YOUR main concern? For example... 1) Budget (most concerned about budget. have X amount of dollars to spend. what is the best stove for less than that price?) 2) Weight (most concerned about weight. If it is really light and high quality, will tend to pay more if need be.) 3) Quality/Brand (want things to last forever and operate well so more concerned about this and willing to sacrifice money and carry extra weight.) Are there any other concerns I am missing that you would consider over these?

[InFlight]

My first criteria is reliability. I'm only going to bring one stove for a trip, so I need it to work every time. Fuel efficiency and total cooking system weight are my next priorities. Cost is a consideration, but a quality stove will give you years of service. On lifetime per night basis they're fairly inexpensive. Water treatment is one area that that I have tried out a lot of different options from Large pumps, all the chemicals, UV lights, and the Sawyer.

[Jaberwock]

Weight, then quality and reliability, then budget.

[trestle]

Reminds me of the old adage:

[awilsondc]

I'd go quality / reliability, weight, fuel efficiency, $$

[Ski]

[moonspots]

[DIYSteve]

stove priorities: 1. reliable (never an issue with canister stoves, all of which have been reliable for me) 2. wind performance (Reactor = game changer) 3. fuel efficiency (for longer trips) 4. speed

[Randito]

To stir the pot a little -- another concern is fuel accessability. A non-issue for up to a week backpackers in the USA. However for long distance touring cyclists and international backpackers its something to consider. Backpacking fuel canisters aren't easily available in podunk towns in the USA, most of Mexico, etc. For bike touring alcohol is broadly available -- someone even blogged about it.

[cartman]

[wildernessed]

Weight, Volume, Durability, Value and I am looking for all of those variables. My base weight will be in the 4 lb. range shortly.

[thunderhead]

For things on which a life, or successful trip, depends: reliability is key and everything else is secondary. For other things, its really a sliding scale of all variables, function cost and weight. I'd clearly forsake some expensive gear if it saves me only a couple ounces. But to save a couple pounds, sure, I'll pay a lot.

[RumiDude]

Packability and functionality are two of my highest concerns with any piece of gear. For a stove to pass my packability criteria, it should pack into the pot and still leave room for other items. I want the stove, fuel canister, lighter, and possibly my Sea To Summit collapsible cup as well. Functionality in a stove to me mainly means ease of operation, set-up, take-down, stability, able to simmer, and suited for a variety of conditions. I don't want to have to fiddle too much with a stove. In winter snow camping with snow melting I will allow for less convenient in lieu of reliability and raw snow melting power. Rumi