The BioLite CampStove 2+ Creates a Campfire and Keeps Your Phone from Dying

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.

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.

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+.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/A7cgBlqbopE

How We Tested It

We tested the BioLite CampStove 2+ outdoors in the backyard and at campsites to evaluate its fire-making and cooking capabilities. We used it to prepare campfire staples like hot dogs and marshmallows, assessing how well it created and maintained fire. We also tested the onboard battery and flashlight, paying attention to their performance. To ensure it’s practical for outdoor use, we checked its packability and how easy it was to set up and tear down.

Why You Should Trust Us

Mary Henn is a shopping editor and national award-winning writer and journalist for Vernl, 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 Vernl, 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

" works like a dream," says Wendy in her five-star review on BioLite's site. " came with high-quality storage bags. 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."

" 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

The BioLite CampStove 2+ is a unique device, standing apart from other options on the market. While it might not be the most efficient camp stove available, it compensates with its versatility. It doesn’t require fuel canisters and runs on readily available biomass like sticks, twigs and leaves.

The onboard tech is a game-changer. Its battery, charged by the fire you build, has enough capacity to keep your phone powered, even if it takes some time to charge fully. The removable USB lamp adds convenience, making it easy to use, even in the dark.

If you’re looking for a camp stove that offers more than just fire and basic cooking, the CampStove 2+ is a solid choice for versatility and added functionality.

Where to Buy the CampStove 2+

The CampStove 2+ retails for around $150 and is available directly from BioLite or on Amazon for Prime members seeking quick shipping. For the best experience, consider the CampStove Complete Cook Kit, also available from both retailers (including Amazon).

Grab the CampStove 2+ for your next camping adventure. It allows you to cook meals, make coffee and stay charged no matter where you are—even deep in the woods.