Jetboil Stash Cooking System Review

The Bottom Line

The Jetboil Stash is aimed at light backpackers looking for a simple yet highly effective cooking system. We tested the Stash under a variety of conditions in the Colorado Rockies with multiple meals and were impressed with its direct stove performance.

This program is all about maximizing efficiency in a small package. The stove and pot are designed to work seamlessly together, delivering quick boil times while extending the fuel supply as much as possible. A true All-in-one kit – no extra pieces needed – and everything comes together neatly for easy packing.

For most backpackers, it covers the essentials very well, but its high performance comes with a hefty price tag. If you’re looking for affordable options or something built for more inclusive cooking, check out our full list of the best camping stoves.

How We Tested

We tested this system on several trips in Colorado, from dry desert to cold alpine trips in both calm and windy conditions. Along with field use, we conducted controlled tests to measure fuel efficiency and performance. Our evaluation is based on extensive experience using a number of cooking systems to combine hundreds of backyard meals.

Comfort

The Stash comes with everything you need for a premium, lightweight backyard cooking set. The set includes a collapsible stove with a stuff sack, a 0.8-liter cooking pot, and a plastic stove.

The stove itself is basic and easy to use. Three collapsible potty bases pop out to carry a range of potty sizes, although it’s well suited for a built-in potty. Each arm has a small notch that helps lock the pot securely in place, creating a stable connection. The stove doesn’t include a built-in switch, so you’ll need a lighter or matches to get going.

The included pot is high quality and lightweight. The base has a heat exchanger for quick boiling. There is also a comfortable handle that is sturdy in use and helps hold the kit together when stored. The lid is similarly well designed, with a highly functional spout that makes pulling and feeding easy in the field.

Weight & Packaging

Despite being a complete cooking kit, the Stash manages to remain surprisingly light, even at high light levels. The complete setup weighs 7.1 ounces and offers little thanks to a smart nesting design that keeps everything firmly organized.

The pot lid is designed to hold a 4-ounce can of gasoline upside down inside the pot, while all the other parts pack neatly into the space around it. The folding handle gets out of the way, helping your entire setup to form a compact, self-contained unit that doesn’t waste space in your pocket.

If you want to light the kit further, you can leave the stuff sack and canister stand at home. Or, you can pair the 2.1-ounce stove with a lighter, titanium-filled pot.

Power & Efficiency

Jetboil is known for its high-performance stove systems, and Stash fits the bill to a T. The stove boils water quickly and efficiently due to its powerful flame output and heat exchange built into the pot.

In testing, the Stash boiled half a gallon of water in about 3 1/2 minutes while using 0.2 ounces of fuel. That level of efficiency is above average for compact stoves, which translates to about 2 hours of total burn time from one 8-ounce canister of fuel.

Performance is also good in the air. With a cool breeze, boiling times increased to about 4 minutes and 40 seconds – about a 33% reduction. This level of overall performance is as good as we’ve seen in an unbundled system.

Accuracy

Stash’s flame control is OK but nothing to write home about. The stove does not have a true pressure regulator, so performance may vary with height, and it is not designed for precision or delicate back cooking. That said, it’s not all-or-nothing. The stove can still transition from a hard, rolling boil down to a low simmer without too much trouble. It doesn’t give you the fine-tuned control you find in cooking-oriented systems.

Should You Buy a Jetboil Stash?

The Stash is Jetboil’s premium ultralight cooking system, and it comes at a premium price. For backpackers looking to make the most of their ultralight kit with a high-performance cooking set, it could be a worthwhile investment. But for most users, there are many budget-friendly options that cover the same basics. Additionally, the system is optimized for speed and ease of use rather than accuracy, which may deter some discerning camp cooks.

That said, the Stash packs a lot of punch considering its small, lightweight package. You’re paying for a more efficient stove that will benefit your fuel economy and reduce cooking time along the way. It’s a true plug-and-play kit with no need for additional components to cook. For active-minded backpackers, it’s a real design winner.

What Other Camping Stoves Should You Consider?

Be sure to check out our stove gear guide, which covers the full range of stove designs. The three alternatives below are very close to Stash:

SOTO Amicus Cookset Combo Review: While not as premium as the Stash, this cooking set combo comes with everything you need to put together a backpacking meal at a very affordable price. It has a pot with a burner, a lid, a stuff sack, and a stove made by one of the best in the business.

MSR PocketRocket 2 review: PocketRocket 2 gives you the best bang for your buck. It works reasonably well across the board and weighs just a few ounces. We’ve taken this stove on all the long drives in the US, and it’s been one of our top picks for a long time.

SOTO WindMaster Review: If wind resistance is what you’re looking for, the SOTO WindMaster delivers in a reasonably lightweight package. This stove is almost as efficient in air as it is in cooler conditions. It comes with two interchangeable pot stands to accommodate a variety of cookware.