Coffee, Campfires, and Charging Cables – My Off-Grid Dilemma
There’s something sacred about brewing your morning coffee in the middle of nowhere. But for me, there’s always been one problem: how do you balance fire, food, and your phone’s battery when you’re miles from the nearest outlet?
I’ve field-tested more than a dozen camping stoves, but none of them checked all the boxes. I wanted something that ran on renewable fuel, didn’t weigh down my pack, and had a little tech magic built in.
That’s when I finally tried the BioLite CampStove 2+. A stove that not only cooks your food but also charges your devices? Sounded like snake oil. But after three trips in the field with it, I’m here to say: this one might actually live up to the hype.
Want to cook your meals and charge your gear—without carrying fuel? Check out the BioLite CampStove 2+ here
Design & First Impressions – Is This Thing for Real?
Out of the box, the CampStove 2+ feels like it was designed by engineers who actually camp. The stove body is sturdy but sleek, with a bright orange power module that clips right onto the combustion chamber. Inside the box you get the stove, a FlexLight, firestarter, USB cable, and instructions.
Weighing in around 2 pounds, it’s heavier than your basic alcohol burner but still totally justifiable for weekend trips and base camps. The legs fold out cleanly, and setup took less than five minutes the first time.
It feels premium. Not in a “fragile” tech kind of way—but in a “this-is-going-to-last” kind of way.
I was skeptical too—until I had it burning in under 5 minutes. Grab yours here
Performance Test – Fire, Fuel, and Function
The real magic happens when you load it up with sticks, twigs, or pinecones and light it. No fuel canisters, no chemical tablets—just biomass. Once lit, the integrated fan kicks in (it has 4 speed settings) and turns a tiny campfire into a miniature jet engine.
I boiled 1 liter of water in under 5 minutes, cooked eggs and sausage in a lightweight pan, and kept the flame going steadily for about 40 minutes on a single batch of sticks.
The FlexLight is a nice touch—especially if you’re cooking pre-dawn or after sunset. And because the fan improves combustion, smoke output is surprisingly low.
BioLite Camp Stove
CampStove includes CampStove 2+, Portable Grill, KettlePot, Coffee Press, FlexLight, 2x stuff sacks, micro USB cable, and instructions; complete set weighs 5.1 pounds
Buy NowThe Tech Factor – Charging Without a Power Bank
The thermoelectric generator inside the stove converts heat from the fire into usable electricity. There’s a USB port on the side of the orange module where you can plug in your phone, GPS, or headlamp.
It won’t fast charge your phone, but during my last trip, I was able to bring my iPhone up 20% while cooking a meal—enough to check maps, message a buddy, or shoot a few pics.
The LED dashboard tells you what the fire strength is, how much power you’re generating, and the battery level of the internal storage (which holds a charge even after the fire’s out).
If you’ve ever worried about battery life in the backcountry, this stove turns fire into freedom. It’s that good.
Pros & Cons – My Honest Take
What I Loved:
- Burns twigs = no need to carry fuel
- USB charging while cooking
- Clean, efficient burn with less smoke
- Rugged design with useful FlexLight
- Battery stores power for later use
What Could Be Better:
- On the heavier side for ultralight trekkers
- Requires post-use ash cleanup
- Won’t charge larger devices like tablets efficiently
Who Should Buy the CampStove 2+?
This stove is perfect for:
- Weekend warriors who want to pack smart
- Eco-conscious campers and preppers
- Digital nomads who venture into nature
- Solo hikers or duos who value efficiency
Not ideal for:
- Thru-hikers going ultralight
- Large groups needing a bulk cook system
I hesitated to switch—but now I won’t camp without it. See what makes it so different.
Conclusion – A New Standard in Sustainable Trail Cooking
The BioLite CampStove 2+ isn’t just a cooking tool—it’s a micro-power station that lets you cook, boil, and charge your essentials with just twigs and pinecones. It’s the kind of innovation that reminds you technology can work in harmony with nature.
It’s not the lightest. It’s not the cheapest. But if you care about renewable energy, staying connected, and making your trail meals more efficient, this stove is in a league of its own.
I give it a 9.2/10 for versatility and 10/10 for innovation.
Want to cook smarter, charge faster, and ditch the fuel canisters? Start here with the BioLite CampStove 2+. You won’t go back.
))/1621751.json)
Basspro.com$49.99Camp Chef 2-Burner Camp Stove Carry BagBasspro.com$49.99Camp Chef 2-Burner Camp Stove Carry Bag))/2008215.json)
Basspro.com$49.99Camp Chef Reversible Cast Iron Grill and GriddleBasspro.com$49.99Camp Chef Reversible Cast Iron Grill and Griddle
Walmart.com$50.60camp stove Stove Stove Windproof Stove Camp Silver
Walmart.com$69.27Dengmore Outdoor Wood Camping Stove Charcoal Stove Mini Wood Burning Stove Household Small Multifunctional Barbecue Rack Heating Stove Pot Home))/3775824.json)
Basspro.com$439.00Englander Black Bear Camp Stove Kit))/3775826.json)
Basspro.com$399.00Englander Cub Camp Stove Kit))/3775825.json)
Basspro.com$299.00Englander Black Bear Camp StoveBasspro.com$299.00Englander Black Bear Camp Stove
Walmart.com$50.61camp stove With Picnic Stove Stove Camp Silver Stove Huiop StoveBasspro.com$439.00Englander Black Bear Camp Stove Kit))/3775818.json)
Basspro.com$489.00Englander Grizzly Camp Stove Kit))/3775814.json)
Basspro.com$259.00Englander Cub Camp StoveBasspro.com$489.00Englander Grizzly Camp Stove KitBasspro.com$399.00Englander Cub Camp Stove KitBasspro.com$259.00Englander Cub Camp Stove-12%
Walmart.com$175.00$200.0055 Gal. Drum w/Sealed Top))/3775823.json)
Basspro.com$349.00Englander Grizzly Camp StoveBasspro.com$349.00Englander Grizzly Camp Stove
Leave a Reply