[turnipmonster]

probably not. a jetboil is nice because it's super compact, light, and extremely efficient meaning you use much less gas than you would with another brand stove.

it's really not necessary unless you are backpacking, but it is the best camping stove I've ever used.

with a large group, especially if you are staying in one place you probably won't use a stove too much and cook over the campfire. it's much better to have a stove if you're by yourself and don't want to make a big fire just to cook dinner.