Monday, August 02, 2010

My Review of MSR Pocket Rocket Backpacking Stove

Originally submitted at REI

Hands-down winner in the race for space! The tiny MSR Pocket Rocket stove delivers full-size performance yet fits into the smallest corner of your pack.


Great for a canister stove

By thelosthiker from Central Kentucky on 8/2/2010

 

4out of 5

Gift: No

Pros: Lightweight, Compact, Great temperature control, Powerful, Easy to Light

Cons: Unstable

Best Uses: Car Camping, Hiking, Backpacking

Describe Yourself: Professional/Guide

What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

I'm not the biggest fan of canister stoves, I'd rather use something that's easy to refill and doesn't produce waste. However, I've had one of these for years for quick meals while on the trail. They're super easy to light, quick to set up, and easy to pack (especially with the hard case, very nice). My only real gripes with them is you can't refill the canister (although you can recycle them, and new ones are less than $5 usually), you can't find canisters everywhere, once completely assembled it's a bit unstable on bumpy ground, it won't support bigger loads like cooking in a base camp, and any sort of isobutane fuel is finicky in cold weather and/or high altitudes.

The bottom line is if you don't like to fool with the mess of filling up fuel bottles, priming, etc...and you need a fast and light setup, these are just the ticket. Super simple setup...screw the canister in, turn on the gas, light and cook!
If you need something a little more diverse or are cooking for more than two people, look at maybe a liquid fuel stove. Either way, this stove is great for what it was designed for, fast and light setup and simple meals.

(legalese)

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