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MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove

    MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove

    • $139.95
    5
    (15)

    Item # 830342

    Product size and color
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    The legend continues with the MSR WhisperLite™ Universal backpacking stove. The trail-worthy stove gives you the option to burn nearly any fuel source, including white gas and isobutane-propane.

    • From BACKPACKER 2012 Editors’ Choice Awards: “For years, we’ve been hunting for a multifuel stove that burns both liquid gas and canister fuel, burns them equally well, …
    • … and easily converts from one mode to another. The Universal is that stove—and possibly the last one you’ll need to buy.”
    • WhisperLite Universal burns a variety of fuels available worldwide—it runs on white gas, kerosene, unleaded gasoline and isobutane-propane canisters (sold in REI stores)
    • Simply swap out 1 of 3 self-cleaning Shaker Jets™ and 1 of 2 source couplers to match your fuel source and you're ready to cook
    • Boils 1 liter of water in only 3 min. 30 sec. when using white gas and 3 min. 45 sec. when using an isobutane-propane canister
    • Stove allows excellent control of simmering when you're burning isobutane-propane and good control when burning white gas
    • Aluminum mixer tube, stainless-steel legs and a smart design keep the weight down to 11.5 oz.
    • Shaker Jet technology makes cleaning as simple as shaking the stove
    • Includes a stand for inverting isobutane-propane canisters for better cold weather performance and more consistent output over the life of each canister
    • Also includes a fuel pump, windscreen, heat reflector, small-parts kit, instructions and storage sack
    • MSR WhisperLite Universal backpacking stove requires an MSR fuel bottle and fuel or an isobutane-propane canister for operation (both sold separately)
    • Weight of liquid fuel stove includes only stove and fuel pump
    • Due to flammable item shipping restrictions, we cannot sell fuel canisters online; they are available at REI retail stores

    We cannot ship fuel-burning products to addresses in Japan or South Korea.

    Please note: MSR products can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.

    Made in USA.

    Item 830342

    $27.99

    with coupon code ANNV13
    May 17-27 Details

    Not a member? Add a Membership

    Backpacker Magazine 2012 Editors' Choice Award Winner
    Backpacker Magazine 2012
    Editors' Choice Award Winner

    REI Membership

    Related items

    MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove Specs
    Specification
    Description
    Best use
    Backpacking
    Canister / liquid
    Isobutane-propane / white gas / kerosene / auto
    No
    (20 oz.white gas) 1 hr. 50 min. / (8 oz. isobutane) 1 hr. 15 min.
    (White gas) 3 min. 30 sec. / (isobutane) 3 min. 45 sec.
    (Stove, pump & canister mount) 13.7 ounces
    6 x 6 x 4.75 inches
    Fuel type
    Fuel
    Auto ignition
    Burn time (max flame)
    Average boil time
    Weight
    Dimensions

    MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove Customer Reviews

    REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

    by PowerReviews
    MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove
     
    4.5

    (based on 15 reviews)

    100%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

    Pros

    • Stable (14)
    • Good power output (12)
    • Easy to light (10)
    • Great temperature control (10)
    • Lightweight (10)

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Backpacking (13)
      • Hiking (10)
      • Car camping (8)
      • High altitude (7)
        • Reviewer Profile:
        • Avid adventurer (8), Casual/ recreational (7)
        • What Is Your Gear Style:
        • Survivalist / minimalist (9), Comfort driven (5)
        • Was this a gift?:
        • No (14)

      Reviewed by 15 customers

      Sort by

      Displaying reviews 1-10

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      4.0

      Great stove

      By Camper

      from Israel

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      See all my reviews

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Compact
      • Great temperature control
      • Includes Some Accessories
      • Lightweight
      • Powerful
      • Stable

      Cons

      • Seems To Collect Soot

      Best Uses

      • Backpacking
      • Car Camping
      • Hiking

      Comments about MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove:

      Used the stove last week when hiking on a 20 mile hike during a very hot and windy day.
      Took a few attempts to light it but this is probably due my inexperience (this was the second time I ever used it, and the first time was a dry run at home when I got it).
      Boiled about two cups of water extremely fast and used very little gasoline. The tea was great.
      Note that when using unleaded fuel if seems to collect some soot in the lower part, but it's not terrible.
      The pouch is neatly designed. It has a small pocket for the tools and spare parts, some of which are included with the stove.
      Overall I'm very satisfied and plan on taking it with me on all possible trips.

      • What Is Your Gear Style:
      • Minimalist
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Brilliant & Reliable

      By Chris Mellor

      from Leidschendam, Netherlands

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      See all my reviews

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Compact
      • Easy To Clean
      • Easy to Light
      • Lightweight
      • Powerful
      • Stable

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Backpacking
        • Car Camping
        • Hiking

        Comments about MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove:

        This has to be the best stove I've ever used. It's lightweight, compact and quick. Compared to Camping Gaz and such like - there really is no comparison.

        The only thing that comes close is the Trangia but that doesn't do the business when it comes to altitude or real cold days.

        Once you've taken a few times to try lighting it (and do this at home OUTSIDE rather than when you need it) then the operation becomes second nature.

        The only complaint (strong word) is temperature control is not that easy although for what I need, boil and burn then it's not a biggie.

        The ability to use many fuels is a big advantage for me, I've yet to use it with gas cylinders but I suspect this will be no problem at all.

        • What Is Your Gear Style:
        • Minimalist
        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        Great for international

        By Stavy21

        from Dallas, TX

        About Me Avid Adventurer

        See all my reviews

        Verified Buyer
        Site Member

        Pros

        • Compact
        • Lightweight
        • Powerful
        • Stable

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove:

            I have just upgraded to the universal from the international, but the review will go for both.

            This is a great stove for traveling. I took it with me on a 4 month backpacking trip through central and south America, and it was everything I needed. The stove is light enough for daily carry, but big enough to keep stable in many instances.

            Big powerful flame gives you quick boil time. Of course the best feature is being able to use gasoline. This gives you the ability to use it in any country, which allows it to travel anywhere!

            • What Is Your Gear Style:
            • Minimalist
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            Love It

            By jimmynotjim

            from Boston, MA

            About Me Avid Adventurer

            See all my reviews

            Verified Buyer
            Site Member

            Pros

            • Easy to Light
            • Great temperature control
            • Powerful
            • Stable

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Backpacking
              • High Altitude
              • Hiking

              Comments about MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove:

              I've used older versions of the WhisperLites before and always loved them. The upgrades on the Universal make it even better. I've only burned liquid fuel so far but I like knowing I can switch if I need to. Setting up for liquid is easy enough (comes setup for isobutane), the base is solid with a pot of water on it and everything breaks down small enough to fit inside my 2 liter pot.

              • What Is Your Gear Style:
              • Minimalist
              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Comment on this review

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Great Stove

              By Frodoreads

              from Green River, Wyoming

              About Me Casual/ Recreational

              See all my reviews

              Site Member

              Pros

              • Compact
              • Easy To Clean
              • Easy to Light
              • Great temperature control
              • Lightweight
              • Powerful
              • Stable

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Backpacking
                • Car Camping
                • High Altitude
                • Hiking
                • Power outages

                Comments about MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove:

                This stove is absolutely perfect for my needs. It has really fast boil times, i have yet to use gasoline but i have been pleased with isobutane. I use it with the MSR Peizo igniter and it works very well. Absolutely NO drawbacks!

                Service and delivery comments:

                When I ordered it it had to be backordered, but it still arrived two weeks before the predicted date.

                • What Is Your Gear Style:
                • Comfort Driven
                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                Great Stove!

                By Scouterdad

                from Canton, GA

                About Me Avid Adventurer

                See all my reviews

                Verified Buyer
                Site Member

                Pros

                • Great temperature control
                • Lightweight
                • Powerful
                • Stable

                Cons

                • Difficult to Light

                Best Uses

                • Backpacking
                • High Altitude

                Comments about MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove:

                The Whisperlite Universal was purchased to enable our crew going to Philmont Scout Reservation in the Summer to utilize liquid fuel at higher elevations. Our group typically uses canister stoves, but we felt we needed something with better flexibility, especially when different types of fuel may or may not be available. We last used the stove on a training trip on the GA AT in cold weather. Our experience in the past has not been good with canister stoves in cold weather, but we really liked how well the Whisperlite worked in temperatures near freezing. The only "drawback" was needing to prime the stove when using liquid fuel. We easily adapted and are confidently ready to take the stove out west.

                • What Is Your Gear Style:
                • Comfort Driven
                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Great Stove

                By thewidj

                from Green River, Wy

                About Me Casual/ Recreational

                See all my reviews

                Site Member

                Pros

                • Fast Boil Time

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Car Camping

                  Comments about MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove:

                  Even though I haven't taken it into the country yet, I have still used it at home. The boil time was about three minutes using iso/butane canisters with the snow peak hybrid trails cookset. The pot in that set is about 4 and a half inches on the bottom and is a little unstable when empty, but when you fill it with water the weight holds it to the stove.

                  Service and delivery comments:

                  When I got it it was on backorder. It took about a week to get back in stock, and then about five extra days to get to my house. The shipping was two weeks faster than predicted.

                  • What Is Your Gear Style:
                  • Minimalist
                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Comment on this review

                   
                  3.0

                  Cheap threads don't last

                  By Veryhappycamper

                  from On the road ....

                  About Me Avid Adventurer

                  See all my reviews

                  Site Member

                  Pros

                  • Easy to Light
                  • Great temperature control
                  • Stable

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Backpacking
                    • High Altitude
                    • Hiking

                    Comments about MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove:

                    This stove has everything you need for a backpacking trip at high altitude in cold and wind. Lights easily, stable, comes with an effective windscreen, and a big titanium pot feels reasonably secure. However, the threads are a cheap, thin metal, not brass like better stoves. Cross-threaded just when we needed it most. The good news was that we had brought along the accessories needed to use liquid fuel, and so our trip wasn't cut short.

                    • What Is Your Gear Style:
                    • Minimalist
                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Comment on this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    Versatility worth it

                    By krabipady

                    from Seattle, WA

                    About Me Casual/ Recreational

                    See all my reviews

                    Site Member

                    Pros

                    • Easy to Light
                    • Great temperature control
                    • Powerful
                    • Stable

                    Cons

                    • Bit bulky

                    Best Uses

                    • Backpacking

                    Comments about MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove:

                    Fairly new backpacker and wanted to have alternative burner option to just a JetBoil, so went with the Universal WhisperLite that came highly recommended. Like the ability to adjust the flame and control the fuel consumption, plus the ability to use mixed fuel canisters or white fuel. The burner blades had sharp enough edges though that they cut through the carry case already, so some concern that with shifting inside the backpack, they might cut into a tent or through something else inside the pack or the pack itself. Avoidable enough if packed correctly though as our first use resulted in no other damaged gear.

                    • What Is Your Gear Style:
                    • Comfort Driven
                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Comment on this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Upgraded from old whisperlite

                    By Finao

                    from San Francisco, CA

                    About Me Avid Adventurer

                    See all my reviews

                    Site Member

                    Pros

                    • Easy to Light
                    • Lightweight
                    • Stable
                    • Versatile

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Backpacking

                      Comments about MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove:

                      Opted for the Universal when replacing my old whisperlite. Number of improvements over the years, but really liking the upgrades that came with the intro of the Universal, particularly leg design and fuel choices. Have taken on a number of backcountry trips so far and haven't found anything to complain about.

                      • What Is Your Gear Style:
                      • Minimalist
                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Comment on this review

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