Jetboil Stash Review: Ultralight Moto Camping Stove
The Jetboil Stash is the ultimate ultralight camping stove, designed for adventurers who value compact, efficient gear. Whether you’re motorcycle camping, backpacking, or just looking to save space, the Jetboil Stash delivers fast boil times and exceptional versatility in a lightweight design.
After replacing my Jetboil Flash Java Kit with the Stash, I’ve been impressed by how much space it saves and its performance. While it’s not without a few quirks, the Jetboil Stash has quickly become my go-to cooking system for motorcycle camping because of its size and many uses.
Why the Jetboil Stash Is the Best Ultralight Camping Stove
Switching to the Jetboil Stash from my Jetboil Flash Java Kit for motocamping was about optimizing space and versatility. As a motorcycle camper, I need compact gear that performs well without taking up too much room. At just 7.1 ounces, the Stash is incredibly lightweight and packs down small enough to fit in my GIVI Trekker Outback Top Case with my food and the rest of my camp kitchen, leaving enough room to carry an extra fuel canister—a game-changer for longer trips.
Unlike the Jetboil Flash Java Kit, the Stash features a shallow pot design perfect for cooking more than just water-based meals. Whether I’m heating a can of chili, steaming veggies, or even poaching an egg, the Stash pot easily handles the task. Its thoughtful design doesn’t stop there: the pot handle doubles as the retaining mechanism for the lid, keeping everything secure during transport.
Jetboil Stash Features That Stand Out
1. Compact and Ultralight Design
The Jetboil Stash is the lightest cooking system in Jetboil’s lineup. Its nesting design allows the burner, fuel canister, and base to fit neatly inside the 0.8-liter pot. This compact setup saves valuable space in my luggage while keeping all the components protected and organized.
2. Shallow Pot for Cooking Versatility
The shallow pot design sets the Stash apart from the more bottomless pots of other Jetboil systems. It’s perfect for heating canned foods, cooking small portions, and even poaching eggs. This versatility makes the Stash more than just a water-boiling stove—it’s a full-on cooking solution.
3. Fast Boil Times
Despite lacking an insulation sleeve, the Jetboil Stash uses FluxRing technology to heat food and boil water quickly. It does not boil water as fast as the Flash Java Kit but is efficient and reliable.
4. Handle-Lid Retention System
The pot handle doubles as a locking mechanism for the lid, keeping all components secure when packed. It’s a clever touch that makes the system feel streamlined and user-friendly.
5. Extra Space for Fuel
The Stash’s minimalist design frees up room in my top box for an additional fuel canister. This makes it ideal for longer rides or trips to remote camping locations where resupply is impossible.
Downsides of the Jetboil Stash
No Built-In Igniter
One drawback of the Jetboil Stash is its lack of a built-in igniter. While not a dealbreaker, it does mean you’ll need to carry a lighter or matches. This extra step can be inconvenient on cold mornings or in windy conditions.
Struggles in Windy Conditions
Unlike the Jetboil Flash Java Kit, the Stash struggles to perform in windy conditions. I fold and carry heavy-duty aluminum foil in my kitchen kit for cooking in less-than-ideal conditions.
Tricky Repacking Process
The compact design is fantastic, but fitting the burner, fuel canister, and base back into the pot can be like solving a jigsaw puzzle. Getting everything in the correct position so the lid will close properly takes some trial and error.
No Insulation Sleeve
While the lack of an insulation sleeve helps keep the system lightweight, it does mean food and drinks cool faster. This is worth considering if you’re used to the heat retention of other Jetboil systems.
My Jetboil Stash Camping Experience
I’ve used the Jetboil Stash on multiple motorcycle camping trips, and it has consistently impressed me with its performance and versatility.
On one trip, I used it to poach an egg and heat chili for breakfast. The shallow pot made stirring and cooking effortless, especially compared to more bottomless pots like those on the Flash Java Kit.
Another time, I paired the Stash burner with my Jetboil 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan to cook bacon and eggs, then used my GSI Escape Collapsible Cooking Pot for a hearty pasta dinner. The Stash’s burner design creates the proper gap between the burner and the cookware, allowing it to be a universal stove. This is a significant benefit over the Flash Java Kit, which is a single-purpose device.
This compatibility with larger pots and pans makes the Stash far more versatile for cooking a variety of meals, whether it’s a quick breakfast or a more elaborate dinner.
While I love its versatility, I wish the packing process were more straightforward. Reassembling the burner, fuel canister, and base inside the pot can be tricky, though I’ve improved with practice.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultralight and compact design saves valuable space.
- Shallow pot is versatile for cooking more than just water-based meals.
- Boils water quickly with FluxRing technology.
- Handle doubles as a secure lid-retaining mechanism.
- Leaves enough room for extra gear, like a fuel canister.
Cons:
- No built-in igniter—requires a lighter or matches.
- Repacking can be tricky.
- Lacks an insulation sleeve, so food and drinks cool faster.
Why Ultralight Gear Matters
For motorcycle campers, backpackers, and adventurers, ultralight gear is essential. The Jetboil Stash’s 7.1-ounce weight and compact design make it an ideal choice when space and weight are at a premium. By saving room for an extra fuel canister or other gear, the Stash offers a balance of performance and portability that’s hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
The Jetboil Stash Ultralight Camping Stove is a versatile, compact, and efficient cooking solution perfect for motorcycle campers. Its shallow pot design makes it ideal for more than just boiling water, and its ultralight construction saves space without sacrificing performance.
While it lacks a built-in igniter and the packing process could be improved, the Stash’s fast boil times, compatibility with various cookware, and space-saving design make it a fantastic upgrade over bulkier systems like the Flash Java Kit.
Ready to streamline your camping setup? Check out the Jetboil Stash on Amazon and see why it’s become my go-to cooking system for delicious meals while out on my moto camping adventures.