MSR SuperFly Stove

Comments about MSR SuperFly Stove:

I have owned a superfly for several years now, and haven't experienced the cold fuel issues, despite using the stove in frigid temps several times. For those otherwise happy with this stove I believe I never had cold fuel problems because I fashioned a foil wind screen that goes from about three inches above the built in pot platform, all the way to the ground. This wind screen effectively heats the air surrounding the canister; in fact the canister becomes very warm.

I like the convienance of the butane/propane gas system, but regret I have come upon what I believe is an unacceptable failure mode of this stove, perhaps a flaw that can affect many makes and models of the butane stove technology. The problem occurs largely because critical components of the stove are designed as "maintenance free." Yet those very portions of the stove can become clogged, reducing the stove to just a low simmer, not matter what brand fuel or environment the stove is used in. Curious, I took the stove apart (destroying it in the process), and discovered a dried up hard plug of what must have been coffee or food sauce blocking the passage of gas, between the canister coupling and the adjusting valve housing. How this blockage got there is anyone's guess – perhaps due to a fellow camper who tends to spill a lot, or perhaps residual soapy waster from post trip cleaning routines seeped into the workings. In any case it doesn't matter. If you have this stove I suggest you never emerge the aluminum stove body, and take care to avoid spills. If you don't have this stove I suggest considering another model or brand, keeping in mind that any stove with a portion of the fuel delivery system that cannot be cleaned out (or replaced) may also be vulnerable to this failure mode. I for one am returning to my trusty white gas stove that can be completely taken apart and cleaned stem to stern in the field, and not prone to cold gas issues.

BTW: My rating is solely because of the stove's untimely failure in mid trip – something that is unforgivable, given a stove's mission critical role in cooking dehydrated foods. But it does work great until it plugs up.

Comments about MSR SuperFly Stove:

Overall, the Superfly is a pretty run-of-the-mill canister stove, and does not perform significantly better or worse than similar stoves from other makers. This stove has just about the same cooking power, ease of us, and fuel efficiency as the MSR Pocket Rocket; it also weighs a couple of ounces more and is more expensive. So, why choose this instead of the Pocket Rocket (PR)?

The Superfly differs from the PR in two details; how you intend to use it will help you choose between the stoves. The Superfly's burner spreads the flame over a wider pattern; the PR's flame is pretty well concentrated into a small diameter. The Superfly has 4 pretty sturdy pot supports; the PR has 3 that are long and don't seem to be quite as sturdy a gauge.

If you're using small pots, up to a quart capacity, to boil small quantities of water (or cook single servings of food), the PR will be your choice. (My solo kitchen is a PR and an MSR Titan Kettle.) However, if you're using larger pots to boil large quantities of water or prepare large quantities of food - a typical group situation - you'll want to go with the Superfly. It's flame pattern will spread the flame over the entire bottom of larger pots (but will allow the flame to go up the side of small pots), and is less likely to scorch food in the center of the pot while leaving food on the outside uncooked. Also, the weight of a filled 1.5 or 2 quart pot will tend to deform the PR's supports; with only 3 supports, larger pots also tend to become less stable and more likely to tip over. The Superfly's fourth support, and the better strength of its supports, reduces the chances of tipping or deforming to very low levels.

However, since you will normally be using larger-diameter pots with the Superfly, I'd also recommend using the MSR Universal Canister Stand with the stove, which increases the overall stability of the stove/pot setup immensely. (My small-group kitchen is a Superfly, Universal Canister Stand, and MSR Titan 2 Pot cook set.)

This is a good, solid performer at a reasonable price, and really shines for cooking when pots larger than a quart are being used.

Comments about MSR SuperFly Stove:

Previous reviews sum it up. However, here's a fix for a frozen/stuck valve due to cold temps: While on the SHR last month at 25F, the control valve froze shut leaving me to enjoy balance bars for breakfast again. So, after dinner that night after I unscrewed the cannister I turned the control valve to the open position and stored the stove in this manner. The next morning, with match ready, I screwed the cannister on and lit her up real quick. Worked like a charm. I did this the next 19 mornings out of need. I imagine the manufacturer does not condone this, nor does REI, but, hey, it worked fine. Another PRO: my 8 oz cannister lasted 20 days boiling 1.5 liters of water daily at an avg. of 10k ft of altitude.

Comments about MSR SuperFly Stove:

I got one of these when I first read the review in Backpacker Magazine. Like a lot of people, I've gotten frustrated finding the right type of canister for the stove I'd had. I've never had a problem finding a canister that would fit this stove.The thing fires up consistently well, and in good conditions boils a kettle of water in 3 mins. It does tend to perform less well in really cold conditions, but I cut a piece of closed-cell foam to fit around the canister, and that seems to solve the problem.On my recent thru-hike of the High Sierra Trail (72 miles/7 days), I managed to do the entire trip on one canister of gas, and my buddy the same. After several years of regular use, the stove still performs perfectly.(p.s. Some other reviews here have commented on the instability of the stove. Unfortunately, that's pretty much the case with all canister stoves. I know that there are some third-party support legs you can get, which would probably help, if it was a big issue for you.)

Comments about MSR SuperFly Stove:

This little stove is amazing. I will buy one every time the one I have breaks. I have had it a long time, and it still shows no wear, it's incredible. It has great fuel saving power, and it cooks food exceptionally. I will always use this piece of equipment. Because this type of fuel is hard to start in cold weather, I just put it in my sleeping bad at night, and you ready to go!!! Enjoy!!!

Comments about MSR SuperFly Stove:

This is a great canister stove, especially for the beginner. Unlike others, this one attaches to any can that has a lip (most brands). It sets up quick and easy, and has great temperature control, just like all cannister stoves. Just like other cannister stoves, though, you quickly end up with a box of nearly empty fuel cans you don't know what to do with.

Any cannister stove that sits on top of the gas can will be more unstable. They won't work as well in cold weather unless you warm it up first (try putting it in your sleeping bag or under your fleece).

Comments about MSR SuperFly Stove:

I purchased a Superfly this spring and used it repeatedly this summer on camping trips. I have nothing but praise for this beautifully designed piece of equipment.

The stove is tiny, and fits inside my MSR Alpine 2 cookset for carrying/storage. Despite the stove's tiny size, the burner head is large, and puts out copious amounts of heat. It can boil 2 liters of water very quickly. I suppose this is the norm, and to be expected at this stage in the development of camping stoves.

However, what really impresses me is the ability to fine-tune the heat. I have a gas stove at home, and love the ability to adjust cooking heat with precision. With the Superfly, I don't feel that I am sacrificing any ability to make precision adjustments -- I can really cook at the campsite as I would at home (taking into account, of course, the lack of three other burners, a stove, and an endless supply of ingredients).

It is true that this stove could tip over or be knocked over, and I feel most comfortable if there is a level surface on which to use it. However, I do not feel that the stove is particularly or undulunstable. It is what it is, and one must simply take care when using it.

When I use this stove, I get the feeling that I am using a piece of equipment that has been perfected by people with real experience using such equipment in the field. It's an excellent investment.

Comments about MSR SuperFly Stove:

I have 6 different stoves and this is my favorite!

It only weights 4 ounces.

The fuel attachment part is universal and accepts most any brand of fuel canister.

I'm not a gourmet cook and typically just boil water but I have also used this with my bakepacker with no issues.

Best for solo backpacker looking to travel light.

Only downside – it is a little unstable and you have to make sure it is level.

Comments about MSR SuperFly Stove:

This stove is excellent for new backpackers, who dont need the top of the line and are not going on extended trips. But beyond that, this stove is quite limited. It is not easy to control the temperature and its very difficult to balance.

Comments about MSR SuperFly Stove:

I bought this stove mainly for the light weight, but also wanted great temperature control. This stove is by far the best I've used (compared to whisperlite, simmerlite & exponent fyrestorm). Only possible things to watch out for is to keep your pot balanced so it doesn't spill. For very cold weather the isobutane in the gas canister won't vaporize so you CAN have a mostly full canister that won't keep the stove lit. In this case just *warm* a 1/4" of water & sit the canister in the water while cooking. Completely takes care of the cold weather problem. Worth the little trouble for the superb adjustability.