BioLite’s new CampStove 2+ is a portable, wood camp stove that generates electricity to charge your phone.
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The BioLite CampStove 2+ Creates a Campfire and Keeps Your Phone from Dying
Updated on Oct. 07, 2024
Calling all extreme hikers and avid campers: The BioLite CampStove 2+, the latest wood camp stove from BioLite’s firepit line, turns fire into electricity so you can cook a meal and charge your gear simultaneously. You read that correctly. You can charge phones, battery packs, headlamps and more with twigs, wood scraps and pellets.
Plus, the CampStove 2+ is ultra-portable. It weighs just slightly over two pounds and packs down to the size of a 32-ounce water bottle. If you’re looking for the latest easy-to-pack, multipurpose camping gear, keep reading for all the details about the new CampStove 2+. We think it’s pretty darn cool.
On This Page
What is the BioLite CampStove 2+?
The CampStove 2+ is a lightweight wood camp stove that produces a small, smokeless fire. That fire converts flame into electricity you can use to boil water or grill food while charging a phone or headlamp. The CampStove 2+ holds three watts of electricity, so you can use the power module to charge devices with the USB port immediately or store the electricity for later use.
With the CampStove 2+, smoke is burnt off before it has a chance to leave the fire, which means no smoke or fumes in your face. You can even control the size of the flames in your CampStove with different fan speed settings that are monitored on the stove’s smart LED dashboard. The dashboard also tells you how hot your fire is and how much battery you have available for charging.
When it comes to cooking, the CampStove is compatible with the CampStove Complete Cook Kit, which includes the BioLite Portable Grill, KettlePot and Coffee Set for all your eating and drinking needs while out on the trails.
VIA MERCHANT
BioLite CampStove 2+
This packable camp stove creates a fire anywhere and has an onboard battery that charges a cell phone through its built-in USB outlet while the fire burns.
Pros:
- Efficient energy use and eco-friendly
- Portable and easy to pack
- Ability to charge devices while cooking
- Minimal fuel needed
- Easy to ignite and manage
Cons:
- Requires dry wood, may not perform well in wet environments
- Takes some time to generate enough electricity for charging
- Slight learning curve for new users
BioLite CampStove 2+ Features
BioLite’s CampStove 2+ has two parts: The stainless-steel burn chamber and the orange power module that you can pre-charge at home for added power supply before camping or hiking. To set up the CampStove, you’ll insert the power module into the burn chamber and lock it into place by extending the three aluminum legs at the bottom of the chamber.
You’ll want to use the CampStove on level, clear ground to avoid fire hazards. To start your fire, you’ll want to start with good fuel, such as hardwoods like oak and maple because they burn longer. You can also use food-safe pellets for extended burn time and cooking. You do not want to use charcoal, liquid fuels or wet or green wood as fuel in your CampStove. Those fuels will smoke and burn poorly.
Once you have your wood or pellets handy, you’ll want to pack the burn chamber with fuel. A fire starter can be useful for lighting a quick fire. After your fire builds, you can use larger pieces of wood to keep it burning. When the fire is built to your liking, you can grill food and boil water with the BioLite cooking attachments.
The CampStove uses a thermal electric generator to capture heat from fires and produce electricity to charge outdoor gear. The power module holds electricity and can charge your devices when detached from the burning chamber.
Check out the video below for more tips and tricks for using the CampStove 2+.
How We Tested It
Why You Should Trust Us
Mary Henn is a shopping editor and national award-winning writer and journalist for Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest and Taste of Home. She has tested over a hundred individual products, ranging from outdoor gear (like the BioLite CampStove 2+) and DIY gadgets to mattresses and vacuums.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
FAQ
How long does the BioLite CampStove 2+ take to charge a phone?
The BioLite CampStove 2+ can typically charge a phone in about four to six hours, depending on the phone’s battery size.
What type of wood or biomass works best with the stove?
BioLite states, “The CampStove 2+ works best with dry solid biomass like sticks and pellets.”
Can the BioLite CampStove 2+ be used in rainy or windy conditions?
The stove can handle light rain or wind, but it shouldn’t be used in extreme conditions. Heavy rain and strong winds may damage the Power Pack’s electronics.
What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say
“[It] works like a dream,” says Wendy in her five-star review on BioLite’s site. “[It] came with high-quality storage bags. [It’s the] perfect gift for a touring motorcycle enthusiast.”
“The BioLite CampStove 2+ is a groundbreaking innovation that combines sustainability, versatility, and convenience for outdoor enthusiasts,” says Shell in their five-star Amazon review. “It’s a must-have for eco-conscious campers and adventurers who want to stay connected and powered while exploring the great outdoors.”
“[A] nice feature is that it can charge a cell phone in an emergency, and you can drink a cup of coffee while you wait,” says Dee London in yet another verified five-star Amazon review. “It’s super lightweight. Fits nicely in a backpack. It will burn off pretty much any material in the woods.”
Product Comparison
It’s tough to compare the BioLite CampStove 2+ to other devices, as few offer the same level of versatility. While many camp stoves rely on fuel canisters, the CampStove uses any biomass found outdoors to create a fire. Although the fire it produces may not be as powerful or wind-resistant as stoves from brands like MSI or Jetboil, the CampStove’s standout feature is its onboard battery, which charges by fire—something no other stove offers.
For pure cooking or fire performance, the CampStove may not always be the most efficient or reliable. But if you need a device that charges tech while providing heat and cooking capabilities, it stands in a class of its own.
Final Verdict
Where to Buy the CampStove 2+
VIA MERCHANT
BioLite CampStove 2+
This camp stove runs on almost any biomass you find on the trails—twigs, sticks, leaves, etc. Its solid fire-making abilities get an extra boost from the integrated USB battery.
