Don't go camping without one of these

You checked all the essentials for your camping trip: tent, sleeping bag, bug spray — the list goes on. All that's left to do is think about how you're going to cook food outside. You could stick to roasting hot dogs or trying to hold a skillet over a fire pit, but you can do better than that. A camping stove gives you a better surface for cooking actual meals. Plus, not every campsite will have a fire pit, so you want to be prepared. Types of camping stoves Not every camp stove is the same. They come in different shapes, sizes, and fuel types. For backpacking, you need a small stove than can fit in your pack without taking up too much room or weighing too heavily. The BioLite CampStove 2 is relatively small and lightweight, but for long backpack excursions, we suggest the MSR PocketRocket 2, which is basically just a burner with a couple cooking accessories and is super compact and lightweight. Read more...More about Food, Outdoors, Cooking, Camping, and Mashable Shopping IMAGE: REI BEST PORTABLE STOVE BioLite CampStove 2 This stove is small enough to fit in a pack and harnesses power to charge your devices. Fuel type: Wood Heat output (per burner): 10,000 BTUs $149.95 from REI IMAGE: REI BEST BUDGET CAMPING STOVE Coleman portable butane stove This stove is a nice size for your basic cooking needs. Fuel type: Butane Heat output (per burner): 7,650 BTUs $34.95 from REI IMAGE: REI BEST FOR GRILLING Coleman propane grill stove This multi-use stove features a grill and a burner. Fuel type: Propane Heat output (per burner): 11,000 BTUs $138.95 from REI IMAGE: Dick's Sporting Goods BEST BEGINNER CAMPING STOVE Camp Chef Everest If you're new to outdoor cooking, this is a good place to start. Fuel type: Propane Heat output (per burner): 20,000 BTUs $129.99 from Dick's Sporting Goods IMAGE: REI BEST BACKPACKING STOVE MSR PocketRocket 2 This tiny, lightweight camping stove is great for backpackers. Fuel type: Isobutane-propane Heat output (per burner): 8,000 BTUs $79.95 from REI IMAGE: Dick's Sporting Goods BEST FOR LARGE GROUPS Camp Chef Explorer At a larger size, this stove is ideal for extended camping or large groups. Fuel type: Propane Heat output (per burner): 30,000 BTUs $129.99 from Dick's Sporting Goods IMAGE: Cabela's BEST FOR FIRE PITS Adjust-A-Grill No fuel required, 'cause this grill plate sits above your fire pit. Fuel type: Wood $49.99 from Cabela's IMAGE: REI BEST FOR AN OPEN FLAME BioLite FirePit For campsites lacking fire pits, this provides an open flame for cooking. Fuel type: Wood and charcoal $249.95 from REI