How to Choose a Backpacking Stove

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A winner in the race for space, the tiny MSR PocketRocket stove weighs just over 3 oz. and fits into the smallest corner of your pack, yet boils a liter of water in less than 4 min.
Shop newer versionImported.
View all MSR Backpacking StovesBest Use | Backpacking |
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Fuel Type | Canister |
Fuel | Isobutane-propane |
Burn Time (Max Flame) | (8 oz. of fuel) 60 minutes |
Average Boil Time (1L) | Unavailable |
Ultralight | Yes |
Dimensions | 4.1 x 2.1 x 2 inches |
Weight | 3 ounces |
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We had no doubts when purchasing this stove from the local REI. Online, it has outstanding ratings and reviews all across the board…for good reason too. This stove weighs in at 3oz, puts out a ton of cooking heat, and really gets the job done. We aren’t going to break down how fast it can boil a certain amount of water. But what we will say is that this stove fed us multiple times a day for multiple days with one small MSR Fuel Can, using the GSI – Bugaboo Mess Kit, and cooking whole foods. The flame on the stove is contained and the cools down within minutes after you’re done using it. It can then be put back in its small, hard plastic case and placed back in your pack. We would recommend this stove to anyone that needs to cook a quick meal outdoors or is looking for a stove of this type for any purpose.
This thing is my favorite new gadget! I think i go on more hikes now just so i can cook Cup o Noodles in a cave! Ive only used it to boil water so far so i cant comment on the temperature control or scorching etc. but boil water it does. I had a liter or more boiling in less than 5 mins on max. I was further amazed that before my cup o noodles was ready this thing was cooled down and back in my pack. It is indeed a rocket though. I was a bit scared to turn it up all the way at first! It can be a bit unstable, you need a good flat surface and the larger fuel cans help. I usually brace mine with a few rocks and that works. For the price, you cant beat it!
This is a great little stove that easily fits into our GSI Backpacker pot set. We've scrambled eggs, cooked chili, and made sausage in these without a problem. We're getting a second one so we can cook more at once. Very convenient and very light weight.
This is a great little stove. I have been using one for over a year now. Its a little unstable in the stock version. I improved mine by adding a Brunton can stand from REI which fits the MSR fuel canisters perfectly. Also unlike a jetfuel you have to bring a lighter or matches. Its super lightweight and small and a great option for the budget minded backpacker. I would get a small 1 or 2QT Open Country saucepan and you are good to go!
Myself and others are ALWAYS blown away by this little stove! Boils water quick for a hot meal anywhere or anytime. I've taken it backpacking, fishing, biking, trail riding, school, work even to the racetrack! Always get oooh's and ahhh's and "where and how much?" Fuel goes a long way and the unit cools down quickly. Combined with my GSI duo cookware set I have yet to be disappointed. I'm seeing some people have commented on instability, fear not! As long as you possess a room temperature IQ I'm sure you find a flat piece of real estate upon which to cook. Bang for the buck? This little guy is worth it's weight in gold!
I've used this stove in Rocky Mountain NP, Glacier NP, Smoky Mountain NP and it has always worked flawlessly. I can boil 16 oz of water in probably 1:30-2:00, and that is without a wind breaker around it. To make it even more efficient, I would recommend a wind breaker around it. I went backpacking last weekend and one of the guys I was with had a MSR Whisperlite stove and it took him probably twice as long to boil his water as it took took this. Don't always get caught up on the price tag. A lot of backpacking products are extremely over priced when you can get a similiar, if not better product for less.
This thing is AWESOME! My husband thought it was funny that when he asked me what my favorite camping gadget was I said, the pocket rocket! This thing has never failed me. I have a nice little pot/dish set by GSR that fits perfectly on it. It lights easily and is so compact, great for backpacking! I have had it for a few years and it still works great. I now have a 1 year old and we just went camping with him for the first time a few weeks ago and I used the pocket rocket several times to warm his milk, it was so convenient. It heats everything up so fast! You won't be sorry you bought this!
The MSR PocketRocket from a 25 year-old single-burner liquid fuel stove. NIGHT AND DAY! Feather light in comparison, lights instantly, burns more consistently, zero upkeep. No problems with snow/winter (below freezing) cooking so far either.
This wasn't the best stove I've ever used. It is pretty unstable, and I lost my food once or twice when cooking. I was kind of nervous to boil water on it without holding onto my pots handle. I also felt like it used more fuel than it should, and this might be because you cannot use (or you're not supposed to) a windsheild around it. However, I can't say only bad things about it. It is a very light and compact stove. It cooked my food and kept me happy when I used it. It was priced right and I've gotten my moneys worth! I'd recommend it to a friend, but only if they knew its flaws.
Used for an AT thru-hike (GA->ME) The 8oz fuel can lasts me 19 days making breakfast (oatmeal, coffee) and dinner (rice side). or about 35+ days making just dinner. Great stove. Your stupid if your using something other than this for backpacking or most camping...except for MAYBE some types of alcohol stoves or small twig fires. The weight is slightly (2-4oz?)more than an alcohol stove (look at weight/fuel consumption over time) but will make your life SO mush easier when all you want to do is eat and go to sleep. It cooks a pot of water in like 2 minutes, an alcohol stove takes about 12. and you can simmer with this! its SO much nicer even though it weighs just a little bit more. Very worth it. And sturdy!