There are 2 different common versions of stoves made from cat food cans, the original, and the Super Cat. I've made a Super Cat and used it camping a few times (can't remember if any of those trips were backpacking). I have not tried the original. I pretty much agree with everything others have said about it being hard to center/balance, sometimes sticking to the pot when you lift it, being a fire hazard, etc. I would add that it's very prone to wind, so I think the suggestion to pair it with a caldera style cone is probably a good one. It could definitely work if you're aware of the quirks and dangers and are willing to fiddle with it, but in the end, I settled on a light weight canister stove. It's heavier, at least for the short trips I do, but it's worth it for me personally.