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Solo Stove vs Bushbuddy

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Bushbuddy (see image) offers ultra-lightweight stoves that any backpacker would obsess over.

Portable wood-burning stoves have come a long way over the years. Nobody knows this better than Solo Stove and Bushbuddy. These two brands have built up a huge fan base thanks to their efficient, lightweight, portable stoves. But which brand is better?

Bushbuddy has been around for decades, handcrafting quality ultralight backpacking stoves. Their lightest offering weighs a mere 4.5 ounces. Meanwhile, Solo Stove has blown up since their initial Kickstarter. And so has their product line. They produce everything from lightweight backpacking wood-burning stoves to cookware.

Backstory

Solo Stove

Founded by brothers Jeff and Spencer Jan, Solo Stove was born in Dallas, Texas, in 2011. Since the launch of their first Kickstarter campaign, they’ve built up quite the cult following.

The Jan brother’s motivation came from the desire to create an ultralight backpacking stove that could boil water in minimal time. That and create one that uses sticks as fuel.

This sparked the creation of the Solo Stove Lite. This was the first in a line of many products geared toward outdoor enthusiasts.

Bushbuddy

Bushbuddy has been around since 1999. The company was founded in Canada by a man named Fritz Handel.

At the time, Handel had been using a wood stove that ran on batteries. Not exactly ideal for the backcountry.

Handel decided to improve this shortcoming by designing a portable wood stove with no batteries required. He handcrafted numerous models before developing what would become the Bushbuddy Stove.

Although Handel is now retired, Bushbuddy still handcrafts all their stoves. Today, they operate out of an off-grid workshop in Alaska.

You can find out more about the creation of Bushbuddy and Handel’s fascinating story here.  

Product Lineup

Both Bushbuddy and Solo Stove use a double-wall design constructed from stainless steel. That said, the Solo Stove (see image) products have a thicker wall.

A quick glance at the product lineup, and you’ll notice Solo Stove has quite the offerings. Their products range from portable wood-burning camp stoves to fire pits to grilling accessories.

They’re also now offering a cookware line. I purchased the Solo Stove 2 Pot Set about a year ago and am loving it.

This set is compatible with the Lite and Titan. I find it also works with a standard propane camping stove. Due to the size, I wouldn’t recommend taking the 2 Pot Set backpacking.

Bushbuddy is much more limited in products. Yet what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality.

Their stoves are all handmade in the USA. Currently, they offer two wood-burning camp stoves with matching pots. These are the Bushbuddy Mini and the Bushbuddy Stove.

The Mini is extremely lightweight, making it ideal for the solo backpacker. 

Even the Stove is exceptionally small. Small enough that it nests inside the Snow Peak 900 and TOAKS 15mm.

Design

There is controversy about whether Solo Stove ripped off Bushbuddy’s design. 

While I can’t attest to whether there’s any truth behind this claim, I can attest to the similarities in design.

Solo Stove and Bushbuddy both feature rocket stove technology. If you’re unfamiliar, the idea behind a rocket stove is that fire will burn more efficiently with less smoke. This is achieved by using an insulated simple combustion chamber.

To the naked eye, Solo Stove and Bushbuddy camp stoves look almost identical. However, Solo Stove has updated the air intake holes along the bottom of their newer models, giving products a more distinct look.

Both Bushbuddy and Solo Stove use a double-wall design constructed from stainless steel. That said, the Solo Stove products have a thicker wall.

Solo Stove uses 304 stainless steel to make their products. Bushbuddy products are “made from a high-quality stainless steel.” The Mini is specifically made from lightweight titanium.

Weight

Bushbuddy (see image) has been around for decades, handcrafting quality ultralight backpacking stoves. Their lightest offering weighs a mere 4.5 ounces. 

Bushbuddy is superior in weight. Their lightest stove is the Mini which is only 4.5 ounces. No joke!

Solo Stove’s lightest option, the Lite, weighs a bit more at 9 ounces. That’s still heavier than even the 6.4 ounces Bushbuddy Stove.

This isn’t that big of a deal if you’re transporting the stove from car to camp.

But for backpackers, ounces quickly add up to pounds. You’ll appreciate the lighter Mini on a multi-day backpacking or thru-hiking trip.

Price

Bushbuddy is the pricier brand of the two. 

While their price point isn’t vastly different, those who don’t have specific brand loyalty are more likely to opt for Solo Stove. Solo Stove has a very similar design and works just as efficiently.

That said, if you prefer handcrafted goods, Bushbuddy is a better buy. Especially if you’re a backpacker, their stoves will save you weight and space in your pack.

Who It’s For

Solo Stove (see image) is targeted more toward the general outdoor community. This includes campers, backpackers, beachgoers, picnickers, barbecue lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Both companies are for any outdoor enthusiast looking to burn sustainably. What defines them are their differences in process, product, and mission.

Bushbuddy is pure craftsmanship. They state they don’t rely on “aggressive advertising.”

Peruse their website, and you’ll get the feeling they're geared toward the survivalist, bushcraft, and backpacking crowd. That and anyone who can appreciate products handmade in the USA

Solo Stove is targeted more toward the general outdoor community. This includes campers, backpackers, beachgoers, picnickers, barbecue lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Which brand is right for you is purely a matter of lifestyle and preference. Personally, I dig the Bushbuddy Mini for backpacking but love the Solo Stove Bonfire for camping.

Conclusion

Bushbuddy and Solo Stove both offer terrific portable wood-burning stoves. Each produces quality products that burn efficiently, creating less smoke.

Which is better is a matter of lifestyle choices. Bushbuddy offers ultra-lightweight stoves that any backpacker would obsess over. Meanwhile, Solo Stove offers more products and accessories tailoring to your activity-specific outdoor needs. Each filling a niche worthy of building a fire.  

Solo Stove Lite vs Titan

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The Solo Stove Titan (see image) is also very portable. It clocks in at 16.5 ounces and 7.9 inches tall. 

The moment I tested my first Solo Stove, I was sold. From efficient burning to smoke reduction, Solo Stove makes some incredible wood burning stoves. The Solo Stove Lite and Titan are no exception. These are both quality options, but don’t put off as much heat as a traditional fire pit. For that, you’ll want to go with the Solo Stove Bonfire.

If you’re looking for a portable wood burning stove you can’t go wrong with either the Solo Stove Lite or Titan. The Solo Stove Lite is the OG Solo Stove. It weighs less than 1 pound and can boil water for 2 people in under 10 minutes. Meanwhile, the 16.5 ounce Solo Stove Titan can feed up to a group of 4 people.

Cooking 

For warmth, the Solo Stove Lite is about as good as a hand warmer for a solo camper. But that’s not what it’s technically made for.

The Solo Stove Lite can feed about 2 people. Light the fire and you’ll have water boiling in about 6 minutes.

You could even fit a 12 inch cast iron skillet on top and not worry about stability. Keep in mind you’ll need to keep the stove burning.

The smaller size means you need to add wood constantly. For this reason, it’s better for cooking quick meals.

With the Solo Stove Titan, you’ll be able to add some more fuel to the fire. This makes it better for feeding up to 4 people.

As for boiling time, this will take about 10 minutes. Considering the wind is on your side.

Obviously, neither of these are ideal for feeding large groups. Or keeping the family warm for that matter.

To find the right size to suit your needs, the Solo Stove fire pit finder can help.

Portability

The Solo Stove Lite (see image) is the OG Solo Stove. It weighs less than 1 pound and can boil water for 2 people in under 10 minutes.

Call me biased, but I love the Solo Stove Lite.

The compact size is highly portable and weighs less than a single pound. I mean, you could carry it with a single finger if you really wanted to.

I dig that you can stuff the Solo Stove Lite in a backpacking pack and still have space for other gear. The entire stove is less than 6 inches tall.

The Solo Stove Titan is also very portable. It clocks in at 16.5 ounces and 7.9 inches tall. Switch it out for a traditional propane car camping stove and you’ll save some space.

Either way, both options have excellent portability.

Use

Solo Stove Lite was designed with backpacking in mind. This ultralight stove is super lightweight.

Plus, there is no need to carry or refill gas canisters. All you need is to find some twiggy stuff lying around. This is like music to the ears for the sustainable, ultralite crowd.

I always pack my Solo Stove Lite on camping trips. It’s good for a quick morning at camp while you’re getting ready to explore.

The Solo Stove Titan is also an option for backpacking if you’re hiking with a larger group.

But if you’re the type to saw off your toothbrush handle to save weight, you’ll want to go with the Solo Stove Lite.

Aside from that, the Solo Stove Titan is excellent for car camping. Or cooking outdoors anywhere you can have an open flame. You can feed a couple of friends at a small gathering or use it for some ambiance.

Speaking from experience, both of these are great backup options if you run out of propane or the power goes out at home.

Just keep in mind neither of these will be an option during a burn ban.

Value

The Solo Stove Titan (see image) is excellent for car camping or cooking outdoors anywhere you can have an open flame. You can feed a couple of friends at a small gathering or use it for some ambiance.

Are the Solo Stove Lite or Titan worth the price? I’d say hell yes they are!

The Solo Stove Lite and Titan are well built, durable, and feature phenomenal technology. They output less smoke than other wood burning stoves. They also offer a more complete burn.

You can fuel them with twigs, sticks, or pinecones which reduces fuel on the ground and saves money on gas. The downside is you need to find a ton of dry sticks to keep these stoves burning.

Bearing all that in mind, the Solo Stove Lite and Titan come at a great price.

The Solo Stove Lite will save you more money, space, and weight. Go with the Solo Stove Titan and you can enjoy more heat and feed more people.

Either way, you’ll be awestruck by the cool dancing patterns of the flames once the stove gets roaring.

Conclusion 

There are numerous reasons to invest in a portable wood burning stove. And even if there weren’t, the Solo Stove Lite and Titan are reason enough.

The Solo Stove Lite is an ultralight option that can feed a couple of backpackers within minutes. That way, you can get back on trail. Plan a trip with another couple and the Solo Stove Titan will be the better choice.

Whether you pack super light or just light, both of these stoves can be added to your gear collection for a reasonable price.