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MSR Reactor Stove System
Whether you're high atop an alpine peak or hunkered down after a day of hiking, the MSR Reactor stove will perform in the worst of weather.
- Backpacker April '07 says for 1-pot meals, " ... MSR Reactor™ offers a whole new level of convenience, speed, and trailworthiness."
- New technology creates a windproof stove that cranks out heat in short order and keeps constant pressure for optimal fuel regulation and consumption
- Burner features 2 modes of heat transfer, convective and radiant, to generate maximum heat output and boil 1 liter of water in about 3 minutes
- Internal regulation of fuel pressure creates a consistent flame in all temperatures and excellent performance throughout the life of the fuel canister
- One 8 oz. fuel canister, sold separately, allows you to boil about 22 liters of water, meaning you need carry less fuel and spend less money
- Integrated heat exchanger fused to the 1.7-liter pot completely encloses the radiant burner, blocking even the most extreme winds
- Whisper-quiet operation won't disturb your dinnertime discussions
- Fuel canister (sold separately) and stove stow inside pot for compact storage; integrated pot handle locks in place over lid for secure transport
- System includes stove, 1.7-liter pot with lid and PackTowl™
- Fuel canister sold separately
Please note: MSR products can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.
Made in USA.
Item 736977
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MSR Reactor Stove System Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Good power output (77)
- Easy to light (64)
- Easy to clean (52)
- Compact (46)
- Stable (42)
Cons
- Poor temperature control (21)
- Heavy / bulky (17)
- Unstable (4)
- Difficult to clean (3)
Best Uses
- Backpacking (73)
- Hiking (53)
- High altitude (34)
- Car camping (28)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid adventurer (55), Casual/ recreational (16), Casual adventurer (3), Outdoor professional (3)
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Survivalist / minimalist (47), Comfort driven (21)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (22)
Reviewed by 81 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Clean
- Easy to Light
- Great temperature control
- Lightweight
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Fishing
- Fishing Boating
- Hiking
Comments about MSR Reactor Stove System:
I have used the li'l can that could extensively-- backpacking in a wide range of seasons and climates, canoe camping, day hikes, cross country skiing and when ice fishing.
Durable product that does exactly what it means to-- boils water "like, super fast!" It is well built and packs up in a nice fashion to help conserve space.
Google MSR Reactor recipes and you'll find some fast, easy and good-tasting ideas. My creation: 1 packet instant potatoes, 1 packet Knorr noodles, a little razzle dazzle and > you've a tasty trail treat. Thank you, Science, for helping me to better enjoy loving Nature.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Consistent
- Easy To Clean
- Easy to Light
- High-quality
- H O T
- Packable
- Powerful
- Stable
Cons
Best Uses
- 3 Season Backpacking
Comments about MSR Reactor Stove System:
I originally reviewed the Reactor for MSR prior to its distribution and have now used it several years. it has never failed to impress me. I have not used it in arctic conditions but seemeingly it excels in everything short of that. Nothing like it has come out since nor is anything on the horizon it appears. Great job MSR!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Clean
- Easy to Light
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- Stable
Cons
- Poor temperature control
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- High Altitude
- Hiking
Comments about MSR Reactor Stove System:
Went on a 5 day backpacking trip last year to the Grand Canyon. 5 men, over 40 miles of backpacking on some of the hardest trails I have ever experienced. Hit camp, break packs open, rig tents, boil water, eat, sleep, wake, coffee, breakfast, break camp and go again. Jim had a Whisper Light, and myself, the new Reactor. Every evening and morning, I would have boiling water ready to go in less than 4 minutes. Their stove was always, with out fail, 5 minutes behind. All were stunned at the speed of this nuclear fission device. It even glows with letters MSR on the actual burner. Sexy does not come close. Reliable, light and just plain rocks. No fuss, no mess, stows quickly and easily. By day 3 all had coffee cups at the ready and lined up for hot water long before the Whisper Light even warmed up.
MSR does it again.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Clean
- Easy to Light
- Lightweight
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about MSR Reactor Stove System:
This is the best stove on the market, currently. However, I do have a few gripes about it:
The shiny metal shroud on the outside is easily dented.
I do most of my camping on the beach, so I have gotten some small pebbles and sand stuck inside the unit. It now makes a rattling sound.
The top of it (grid shaped piece) has sunken in and deformed a bit over time.
It's very difficult to actually cook food in it without burning it because it's so hot.
The lid kept coming undone while stowed in my pack, so I had to bend the handle upwards to keep everything secure.
All criticism aside, I would still highly recommend this stove.
Pros
- Easy to Light
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
Comments about MSR Reactor Stove System:
I have used more stoves over the last 30+ years than I care to list. This one just ROCKS.
My GF was stunned this last pack trip when she wanted to break camp on our last day and hike out without fiddling with breakfast (she is not a breakfast person, while I am). In less than 4 minutes from start (stove was fully packed in stuff sack) I was pouring boiling water on oatmeal. Before the oatmeal was ready to eat, the stove was packed away. All in all, not much more than 5 minutes total and I had a happy morning meal.
It's easy to set up, light, use and pack. Everything about it seems bombproof so far.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Comfort Driven
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Clean
- Easy to Light
- Great temperature control
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- Stable
Cons
- No piezo ignition
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Car Camping
- Hiking
Comments about MSR Reactor Stove System:
In the past, I have always relied on my tried and true Brunton liquid fuel stove. It was powerful, but was lousy in the wind and was a pain to light. So after reading some reviews, I decided that I wanted to go with the MSR Reactor. Best decision ever! Got the stove out of the box, set it up on the deck and fired it up. The Reactor boiled a full liter of water in just about 40 seconds! I couldn't believe this. My buddy's JetBoil is an awesome stove, but not even that could keep up with the mighty Reactor. Only possible complaint I have found so far is that the Reactor doesn't have an intigrated ignition like the Jetboil. And if that's it... I'm not going to complain at all! Bottom line: Buy this stove. It's awesome. The end...
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Clean
- Easy to Light
- Lightweight
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
Comments about MSR Reactor Stove System:
I bought this to boil water on backcountry adventures with my kids. This thing boils water so fast it is scary! The biggest problem I have had is when I was out in the backcountry with a larger group, I ended up boiling everyone's water! This system is so fast, it is hard to believe. If you are going to be out in the cold it is a good idea to keep the fuel canisters in the tent or even in a sleeping bag because the reactor does need good pressure from the fuel canister to work properly. My favorite piece of gear.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Clean
- Easy to Light
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- High Altitude
- Hiking
Comments about MSR Reactor Stove System:
This stove is a water boiling machine! I was able to very quickly boil water/snow at 7000 feet elevation in 20 degree F. weather for a large group. In a mater of 10-15 minutes I had boiled multiple containers full of snow/water mix to provide boiling water for freeze dried meals for me and two other people and enough hot chocolate for me and all of the scouts in our group. Great stove for a small family or small group of scouts. I am very happy with this purchase! I would also recommend using the MSR fuel canister stand/tripod for additional stabilization.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Comfort Driven
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powerful
- Stable
- Windproof
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Hiking
Comments about MSR Reactor Stove System:
The reactor is a great stove for fast boil times. I use it mostly for water for freeze dried meals, and coffee and tea. It seems a bit bulky for solo use but great for two. I use it on solo trips still just because the boil times are so fast that I save weight in carrying fuel. Its not great for cooking gourmet meals as the temperature control is either full on or off. I used it last weekend to melt snow in abou 15 degree weather it melted enough snow to make a liter of water in under 5 minutes. (I put the fuel canister in my sleeping bag at night to keep it warm) It works great in windy conditions! Great stove!
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Comfort Driven
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Light
- Lightning Fast
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- Stable
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Car Camping
- High Altitude
- Hiking
Comments about MSR Reactor Stove System:
Boils water faster than my high powered microwave. Great for solo trips or a group. My fav. cost saving trick: heat water for a pouch of dehydrated something & get it started, then cook instant mashed taters or minute rice in the pot; serve the mtn house over the rice or taters.
We've taken ours everywhere from backpacking the mountains of Montana to every corner of Arizona.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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