What is Reddit's opinion of Terra Hiker 3500 W Camping Gas Stove, Backpack Stove, with Convenient Piezo Ignition, Durable, Portable Burner with Carrying Case?

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I have it and it's served me well.

However if I were to buy again, I'd probably go with this one, just because it's more stable with a pot of water because it wouldn't be so top-heavy due to the canister being off to the side. Sometimes it's hard to find a fully flat surface out in the woods. It's just safer overall.

Can't go wrong either way though.

I'm sure it's a possibility, but if you're there to keep an eye on it it should go smoothly.

Microwaves have their place. I've actually become fond of a little extra virgin olive oil, some salt and pepper on veggies in the microwave for a minute or so VS sautéing them. So much less work, less clean-up and so easy to get right after a long day at work. Don't discount the venerable microwave, it does have its place, but I do feel you on not wanting to nuke everything.

I travelled for a living for some years and lived out of hotels. I bought a camp stove and would go sit in the parking lot and cook steaks and stirfrys. Not saying it'll be an easy thing for you, but if you don't mind funny stares you could always set up shop outside somewhere and camp cook in the urban jungle.

This is my favorite portable compact camp stove.

My go-to car camping stove is one I got off Amazon. Supports anything from a metal coffee cup to heat water to a cast iron pan. Super tiny

https://www.amazon.com/Terra-Hiker-Backpack-Convenient-Ignition-x/dp/B06XVV525Q/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1546380288&sr=8-10&keywords=backpacking+stove

>MSR WhisperLite Universal

$139!? Who not spend $19 instead for virtually the same thing? I get that the MSR stove can do white gas too, but isobutane canisters are everywhere these days - my local Walmarts sell them for a few bucks in the outdoors section.

Car camping and backpacking are two very different things so here's my input for both:

Tent:

For car camping, go for the 4-person. More space, the better, no need to worry about the weight, etc. Also, they can be pretty inexpensive. I actually don't own a car camping tent, but I borrow my parent's REI one when I need it-I think they have a Camp Dome? With proper care, I think most will last a while. My best friend's Walmart tent was purchased for her girl scout trips 20 years ago and its still going strong. REI is reliably a strong brand and I think they've got a couple options on sale right now.

For backpacking, go light and stick with a 2 person (as long as you like your hiking buddies-otherwise get a 1person and tell them to bring their own). There is usually large price jump between the superlight (3-4lbs) and ultralight (2-3lbs) so it might depend on your budget. I went with super light and am a big fan of my two Big Agnes tents (1person Tumble and 2 person Rattlesnake). I also splurged (about 20$ more) for the versions with built in lights-they don't replace a headlamp but they are still super convenient.

Stove:

Car Camping: Mine is a ~50 year old Coleman gas stove that my brother gave me... he says he finds them at thrift stores all the time and they take a little know-how but last forever.

Backpacking: My brother also gave me this one? What is it with my brother gifting me with stoves? It's not the smallest one you can get, but it is inexpensive and has worked well for me for the last few months. The electric ignition is a plus, although the instructions are sparse and I only discovered it was there when I shocked myself with it!

Lantern:

Car Camping: Again, I borrow this off my parents. My mother has some weird off-brand one that falls apart on me occasionally but has a built in fan. If you're planning on doing any summer camping, maybe look for one with a fan?

Backpacking: Headlamp is usually sufficient for most, but I've shared campsites with people who bring the little inflatable ones (luci, I think the brand name is?) which have been nice-I just prefer other "luxuries" for the weight. Or you can get built in lights (see my tent section)

Cookware:

Car Camping: Just grab a pot/pan/cooking utensils from home. Or go to a thrift store and pick up a decent set to keep in your camping bin so you don't have to move it in and out of your kitchen. Space and weight aren't any concern here.

Backpacking: The MSR two person set can sometimes be found for cheap at Sierra Trading Post-that's where I got mine. Seems sturdy over the couple trips I've taken it on, mugs are a weird shape but nicely insulated. I just grabbed the GSI soloist set during the REI fall sale so I haven't been able to test it yet, but the MSR was big when I was only cooking for one person, so it should shave some weight and save some space for me. I might invest in a titanium mug at some point because I don't love the plastic ones in either set but it's not essential, just a preference.

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Well, that was long. Let me know if there's anything you'd like more in-depth reviews of. I'm a recent convert too and put a lot of research into my purchases so always happy to share the tips. Happy camping!!