A reliable, stowable, efficient backpacking stove perfect for hikers, campers and backpackers – check out our Jetboil Zip Cooking System Review.
Derived from Jetboil’s original personal cooking system dating back to 2001, the Jetboil Zip is the tried-and-true classic backpacking stove loved by countless outdoor enthusiasts.
The stowable, no-frills backpacking stove is a reliable, efficient and affordable addition to the Jetboil lineup that is perfect for 1-2 persons. The 0.8L maximum capacity is an ideal volume for individuals or couples looking to make hot drinks or prepare meals when backpacking, camping or hiking on their next adventure.
Jetboil’s FluxRing technology is the star of the show among their lineup of personal backpacking stoves. That famous wavy design on the base of the cooking cup is designed with efficiency in mind and evenly distributes the heat generated from the fuel canister.
All this smart engineering translates to an easy-to-use cooking system that can bring 0.5L of water to a boil in just 2 minutes and 30 seconds. That’s no small feat, but it’s even more impressive that it manages to do so with half of the fuel consumption of a traditional system.
The FluxRing cooking cup is lined with a durable insulating cosy, designed to decrease the boil time and keep the water hotter for longer. The effective insulator has the added benefit of keeping the cup cool to the touch, meaning users can use the handle immediately after boiling to make a brew, fill rehydration meals or start the pasta cooking in record time.
The cooking system is about as simple as it gets in the Jetboil lineup – there’s just a fuel source and a single temperature dial used to get things heated.
The ignition system, unlike some of the other stoves offered by the brand, is match-based – meaning that there is no piezo ignition or push-button start to get things going. To ignite the stove, simply attach the fuel canister (in the -ve position), turn the temperature dial to the +ve position and use a match (or safety lighter) to immediately light.
It’s this back-to-basics approach that makes the Jetboil Zip so popular among backpackers and not only reduces the weight of the stove but removes any unnecessary complexities. The less that can go wrong, the better – right?
The stove itself may be basic, but there are some clever design details that have gone into the system as a whole.
The drink-through lid with a pour spout strainer is a fantastic example of this and allows backpackers to minimise the number of pots by cooking, drinking, and eating directly from the cup.
The bottom cover is used to protect the cooking cup from damage when packed away in your rucksack, and doubles as a handy measuring cup and/or bowl. It’s another simple, but effective design feature that’s great for minimising both the weight and the space taken in the backpack.
Additional measurement marks can be found inside the cooking cup with markings of 200ml to 500ml included.
Unpacking, assembling and lighting the Jetboil takes just a handful of seconds with backpackers able to use boiling water within just 3 minutes (start-to-finish).
Each component of the Jetboil Zip is well designed, slotting and locking into the next to create a secure, reliable backpacking stove. The cooking cup can be detached from the stove with a counter-clockwise turn and transported by hand thanks to the durable insulated cosy.
The fuel stabiliser (included with any Jetboil Zip purchase) prevents the cooking system from toppling when assembled on uneven surfaces.
The Jetboil Zip is the ultimate barebones backpacking stove that every hiker, backpacker and mountaineer should pack for their next adventure. Compatible with all major Jetboil accessories, the Zip is one of the most versatile accessories in any hiking daypack.
Have a question about the Jetboil Zip Cooking System? Check out our FAQ below where we aim to answer the most popular questions about the no-frills backpacking stove!
The main differences between the Jetboil Zip and the Jetboil Flash are the volume (0.8L vs. 1L), boil time (150 seconds vs. 100 seconds), weight (340g vs. 371g) and ignition type (match vs. piezo igniter).
Ultimately the Jetboil Zip is the less expensive, simpler, no-frills backpacking stove whereas the Flash is the more expensive, slightly more complicated stove. Both are great options, but ultimately it boils down to preference (ours lies with the Zip over the Flash).
Unlike the Jetboil Flash, the Jetboil Zip is not offered with built-in piezo ignition and users must instead use either a match or a safety lighter to ignite the stove.
To light, connect the stove to the fuel with the control in the -ve position. Once secure, the control can be turned to the +ve position. The stove can then be lit immediately after positioning the control into the +ve position.
One of the Jetboil Zip’s major benefits is its ability to pack into itself, saving valuable space in a backpacking rucksack.
Starting with the clean, empty cookpot – add the fuel stabiliser, then the fuel stove (upside down), before the 100g fuel canister. Finally, secure the pour-through lid to the top and the measuring cup to the bottom of the cup.
The Jetboil Zip should be used with the 100g Jetpower Fuel Cannister to ensure that the system can still be stored.
Compatible accessories that can be used with the Jetboil Zip include the fuel stabiliser (included), pot support, coffee press, 1.5L cooking pot, accessory cosies, hanging kit, spare cups, fry pan and utensils.
Have another question about the Jetboil Zip Cooking System? Head over to our Instagram (@adventurepending), email us (info@adventurepending.com), or Tweet Us (@AdvPending) and we’ll get back to you with tailored advice!
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