In 2024, outdoor activity grew in the United States by 4.1%, with hiking and backpacking leading the way.
As more adventurers hit the trails, the reliability of equipment has become increasingly important, especially when it comes to food preparation.
Cooking in the backcountry is essential for nourishment and stamina, but presents challenges with safety, efficiency, and dealing with uncertain terrain or weather conditions.
In 2024, outdoor activity grew in the United States by 4.1%, with hiking and backpacking leading the way.
As more adventurers hit the trails, the reliability of equipment has become increasingly important, especially when it comes to food preparation.
Cooking in the backcountry is essential for nourishment and stamina, but presents challenges with safety, efficiency, and dealing with uncertain terrain or weather conditions.
In 2024, outdoor activity grew in the United States by 4.1%, with hiking and backpacking leading the way.
As more adventurers hit the trails, the reliability of equipment has become increasingly important, especially when it comes to food preparation.
Cooking in the backcountry is essential for nourishment and stamina, but presents challenges with safety, efficiency, and dealing with uncertain terrain or weather conditions.
>250,000 Miles
>250,000 Miles
>250,000 Miles
of trails in the United States. From Florida to Alaska to Hawaii, there are 15 EcoRegions represented.
of trails in the United States. From Florida to Alaska to Hawaii, there are 15 EcoRegions represented.
of trails in the United States. From Florida to Alaska to Hawaii, there are 15 EcoRegions represented.
10.3 Million
10.3 Million
10.3 Million
Americans went backpacking in 2021. Backpacking popularity has risen exponentially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Americans went backpacking in 2021. Backpacking popularity has risen exponentially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Americans went backpacking in 2021. Backpacking popularity has risen exponentially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2 Days - 7 Months
2 Days - 7 Months
2 Days - 7 Months
is the average length of most backpacking trips.
is the average length of most backpacking trips.
is the average length of most backpacking trips.
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
Food While Backpacking
Food While Backpacking
Three equipment options for boiling water in the backcountry
Three equipment options for boiling water in the backcountry
01
Canister Stove
Stoves that screw onto isobutane and propane canisters are easy to use and low-maintenance. Most backpackers use Canister Stoves.
02
02
Liquid-Fuel Stove
Liquid-fuel stoves use refined gas, work well in cold temperatures, but require regular maintenance.
03
03
Alternative Fuel Stove
Alternative fuel stoves, including wood-burning, alcohol, and solid-fuel tablet stoves, are good for long trips and emergency kits.
01
01
Canister Stove
Canister Stove
Stoves that screw onto isobutane and propane canisters are easy to use and low-maintenance. Most backpackers use Canister Stoves
Stoves that screw onto isobutane and propane canisters are easy to use and low-maintenance. Most backpackers use Canister Stoves
02
02
Liquid-Fuel Stove
Liquid-Fuel Stove
Liquid-fuel stoves use refined gas, work well in cold temperatures, but require regular maintenance.
Liquid-fuel stoves use refined gas, work well in cold temperatures, but require regular maintenance.
03
03
Alternative Fuel Stove
Alternative fuel stoves, including wood-burning, alcohol, and solid-fuel tablet stoves, are good for long trips and emergency kits.
03
Alternative Fuel Stove
Alternative fuel stoves, including wood-burning, alcohol, and solid-fuel tablet stoves, are good for long trips and emergency kits.
canister stove user journey
Analysis
Many aspects of using a Canister Stove can be tricky, but backpackers are most concerned about the stability of the stove while it’s boiling their water. They worry that its instability will cause them to loose vital resources.
canister stove user journey
Analysis
Many aspects of using a Canister Stove can be tricky, but backpackers are most concerned about the stability of the stove while it’s boiling their water. They worry that its instability will cause them to loose vital resources.
canister stove user journey
Analysis
Many aspects of using a Canister Stove can be tricky, but backpackers are most concerned about the stability of the stove while it’s boiling their water. They worry that its instability will cause them to loose vital resources.
Analysis
Many aspects of using a Canister Stove can be tricky, but backpackers are most concerned about the stability of the stove while it’s boiling their water. They worry that its instability will cause them to loose vital resources.
Erin
Alleva
Portland, OR
“
There are a lot of things to think about, but convenience is honestly the biggest.
Will
Moore
Denver, CO
I love using my stove, but there are definitely issues. I hate when it tips over and spills my water.
“
Sophie
Eger
Bend, OR
“
I really do struggle with where to put it, and I'm always propping it up on rocks and stuff.
Claire
McArthur
Redmond, WA
I'm concerned with stability, so I don't reach for it on shorter trips. It makes me less likely to use it.
“
Erin
Alleva
Portland, OR
“
There are a lot of things to think about, but convenience is honestly the biggest.
Will
Moore
Denver, CO
“
I love using my stove, but there are definitely issues. I hate when it tips over and spills my water.
Sophie
Eger
Bend, OR
“
I really do struggle with where to put it, and I’m always propping it up on rocks and stuff.
Claire
McArthur
Redmond, WA
“
I’m concerned with stability, so I don’t reach for it on shorter trips. It makes me less likely to use it.
Erin
Alleva
Portland, OR
“
There are a lot of things to think about, but convenience is honestly the biggest.
Will
Moore
Denver, CO
“
I love using my stove, but there are definitely issues. I hate when it tips over and spills my water.
Sophie
Eger
Bend, OR
“
I really do struggle with where to put it, and I'm always propping it up on rocks and stuff.
Claire
McArthur
Redmond, WA
“
I'm concerned with stability, so I don't reach for it on shorter trips. It makes me less likely to use it.
Angled Grip
“Usually rocks or whatever surface you have is bumpy and lumpy, so being able to adjust it to it so you can keep it more stable would be good.” - Will
“How does the pressure maintain on it?” - Will
“I feel like it wouldn’t be great with having adjustable heights, like it would just default to being fully extended or fully folded in.” - Sophie
Poor feedback as users took concern with the adjustability of the product
Camera Lens
“I feel like that could work well on certain rocks, but it might be pretty specific. I’m not sure if it’s universal enough.” - Will
“I feel like it wouldn’t be structurally sound since there’s only one point of support.” - Sophie
“It would be hard to move in an emergency since it’s locked to the earth. I wouldn’t reach for it if something went wrong.” - Claire
Negative feedback as users took concern with the stability and durability of the product.
Retracting Tripod
“It would be really cool if it could collapse into itself and store really small.” - Claire
“I would prefer if it were a pretty manual process. I’d be nervous that introducing technology would make it break easier.” - Will
“I really like how it’s adjustable to be at multiple heights at a time in case the ground isn’t level.” - Sophie
Positive feedback due to the adjustability and stowage capability of the product.
Angled Grip
“Usually rocks or whatever surface you have is bumpy and lumpy, so being able to adjust it to it so you can keep it more stable would be good.” - Will
“How does the pressure maintain on it?” - Will
“I feel like it wouldn’t be great with having adjustable heights, like it would just default to being fully extended or fully folded in.” - Sophie
Poor feedback as users took concern with the adjustability of the product
Camera Lens
“I feel like that could work well on certain rocks, but it might be pretty specific. I’m not sure if it’s universal enough.” - Will
“I feel like it wouldn’t be structurally sound since there’s only one point of support.” - Sophie
“It would be hard to move in an emergency since it’s locked to the earth. I wouldn’t reach for it if something went wrong.” - Claire
Negative feedback as users took concern with the stability and durability of the product
Retracting Tripod
“It would be really cool if it could collapse into itself and store really small.” - Claire
“I would prefer if it were a pretty manual process. I’d be nervous that introducing technology would make it break easier.” - Will
“I really like how it’s adjustable to be at multiple heights at a time in case the ground isn’t level.” - Sophie
Positive feedback due to the adjustability and stowage capability of the product.
© 2025 - Sarah McArthur All Rights Reserved
© 2025 - Sarah McArthur All Rights Reserved
© 2025 - Sarah McArthur All Rights Reserved
Angled Grip
“Usually rocks or whatever surface you have is bumpy and lumpy, so being able to adjust it to it so you can keep it more stable would be good.” - Will
“How does the pressure maintain on it?” - Will
“I feel like it wouldn’t be great with having adjustable heights, like it would just default to being fully extended or fully folded in.” - Sophie
Poor feedback as users took concern with the adjustability of the product
Camera Lens
“I feel like that could work well on certain rocks, but it might be pretty specific. I’m not sure if it’s universal enough.” - Will
“I feel like it wouldn’t be structurally sound since there’s only one point of support.” - Sophie
“It would be hard to move in an emergency since it’s locked to the earth. I wouldn’t reach for it if something went wrong.” - Claire
Negative feedback as users took concern with the stability and durability of the product
Retracting Tripod
“It would be really cool if it could collapse into itself and store really small.” - Claire
“I would prefer if it were a pretty manual process. I’d be nervous that introducing technology would make it break easier.” - Will
“I really like how it’s adjustable to be at multiple heights at a time in case the ground isn’t level.” - Sophie
Positive feedback due to the adjustability and stowage capability of the product.