Best Portable Grills for Backcountry Adventures: A Comprehensive Review of 5 Top Models246

As an avid outdoors enthusiast, I’ve spent countless weekends exploring nature's beauty, and a crucial part of that experience, for me at least, is enjoying a delicious meal cooked over an open flame. This has led me on a quest to find the perfect portable grill for backcountry adventures. This report details my comprehensive review of five leading portable grilling options, evaluating their performance, portability, durability, and overall value. I've subjected these grills to rigorous testing in various environments, from breezy mountaintops to damp forests, to give you the most accurate and insightful assessment possible.

1. BioLite CampStove 2: This isn't your typical grill, but it deserves a place on this list for its versatility. The CampStove 2 is a wood-burning stove with a built-in fan powered by a thermoelectric generator. This means it's incredibly efficient and produces very little smoke. While it doesn't offer a large grilling surface, its grill attachment allows for cooking smaller items like burgers, sausages, and vegetables. The compact design and lightweight nature make it ideal for backpacking.

Pros: Extremely lightweight and portable, efficient fuel usage, minimal smoke, versatile (can be used for boiling water as well).

Cons: Small cooking surface, requires wood fuel (which needs to be sourced or carried), slightly more expensive than some competitors.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

2. Solo Stove Bonfire: The Solo Stove Bonfire is a smokeless fire pit that's perfect for group gatherings. Its unique design ensures efficient airflow, resulting in minimal smoke and a cleaner burn. While not strictly a grill, its cooking capabilities are impressive. You can place a grill grate on top and cook a variety of foods. Its larger size makes it less portable than some options but ideal for car camping or established campsites.

Pros: Virtually smokeless, efficient burn, larger cooking surface, robust construction.

Cons: Heavier and less portable than backpacking grills, requires wood fuel, relatively expensive.

Rating: 4/5 stars

3. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill: This is a solid choice for car camping or tailgating. The RoadTrip 285 is a propane-powered grill offering a generous cooking surface, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. Its sturdy construction and ease of use make it a reliable option, and the propane fuel is readily available. However, its size and weight limit its portability for backpacking trips.

Pros: Large cooking surface, easy to use, consistent heat output, readily available propane fuel.

Cons: Heavy and bulky, not suitable for backpacking, requires propane canisters.

Rating: 4/5 stars

4. GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper: Designed with backpacking in mind, the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper is a compact and lightweight grill. It's incredibly easy to set up and packs down small, making it perfect for those looking to minimize weight and bulk. It utilizes alcohol fuel, which is lightweight and readily available. However, its small size limits the amount of food you can cook at once.

Pros: Lightweight and compact, easy setup and cleanup, alcohol fuel is readily available.

Cons: Small cooking surface, can be tricky to control heat, limited fuel capacity.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

5. Weber Q 1200 Portable Gas Grill: While not strictly a “backcountry” grill, the Weber Q 1200 deserves a mention for its impressive portability and performance. It's a surprisingly lightweight and compact propane grill that provides consistent and controllable heat. It's ideal for car camping and short trips where space and weight are less of a concern. The quality and durability of the Weber Q 1200 are unmatched, though its price reflects this.

Pros: Excellent heat control, durable construction, relatively compact and portable (for car camping), consistent performance.

Cons: More expensive than other options, still relatively heavy for backpacking, requires propane.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Conclusion: The best portable grill for you depends on your specific needs and the type of outdoor adventure you're undertaking. For backpacking, the BioLite CampStove 2 or GSI Pinnacle Camper are excellent choices. Car campers and those with more space will appreciate the Coleman RoadTrip 285 or Weber Q 1200. The Solo Stove Bonfire is a fantastic option for group gatherings around a campfire. Consider factors like weight, size, fuel type, and cooking surface area when making your decision. Happy grilling!

2025-02-27

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