How to Choose a Backpacking Stove
MSRÂ PocketRocket Deluxe Stove
$84.95
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Only a smidge heavier than the original, the ultralight MSR PocketRocket Deluxe stove adds a durable, push-start igniter and a broader burner head for better heat distribution and simmering.
Key Details
Fuel
Isobutane-propane
Average Boil Time (1L)
3 min. 18 sec.
Auto Ignition
Yes
Dimensions
3.3 x 2.2 x 1.8 inches
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- Just 10 g (0.3 oz.) heavier—the weight of 2 nickels—than the PocketRocket 2 stove
- Ideal for backpackers who want to travel fast and light on the trail without sacrificing high-quality cooking performance
- Push-start ignition provides fast, reliable piezo lighting; spark igniter is protected inside burner for durability
- Broad burner head with wind-blocking burner lip improves wind resistance and combines with simmer control for excellent cooking versatility
- Pressure regulator maintains stove's fast boil times even in cold weather and with low fuel, offering faster boil times than non-regulated canister-mounted stoves
- Just 83 g (2.9 oz.) and ultra-packable, this stove expands the menu options for ultralight backpacking
- Fuel not included
Imported.
View the MSR PocketRocket Product LineView all MSR Backpacking Stoves| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Canister |
| Fuel | Isobutane-propane |
| Auto Ignition | Yes |
| Number of Burners | 1 Burner |
| Burn Time (Max Flame) | 60 minutes (8 oz. canister MSR IsoPro) |
| Average Boil Time (1L) | 3 min. 18 sec. |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.3 x 2.2 x 1.8 inches |
| Weight | 2.9 ounces |
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Fast Boil Time and a Built-In Lighter
Pennsyhiker6 years ago
I have had one of those $8 stoves for a few years and it has worked well enough. I had some money to spend at REI and love most of my other gear. I hesitated to buy the earlier pocket rockets because I like the piezoelectric lighter that the cheapo stove had; the very delicate looking lighter has never let me down in the multiple trips I've had it. So when I saw that the Deluxe model has the lighter, I decided to go for it. The lighter looks to be much more robustly designed on the PocketRocket.
I performed a boil test using 1.5 cups of cold water in my GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist pot (about 6 years old). 1.5 is about typical for the freeze dried dinners I eat on the trail. Using a new fuel can and cooking indoors, the $8 stove took 2:05 to bring the water to a rolling boil. Using the same fuel can, the PocketRocket Deluxe took 1:35. I'm not surprised, as the flame pattern was much more uniform and I could see an even ring of blue flame rolling up around the entire circumference of the pot. The flame is much quieter too.
I also like that less fuel leaks out as I attach the can to the PocketRocket Deluxe. Quite a bit of fuel would spray/drip out of the cheap stove regardless of how quickly I attached the can. So I can see that this new PocketRocket will save me a considerable amount of fuel in the backcountry.
Pennsyhiker
PA
52 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Igniter does not work at altitude
Ozzy5 years ago
I have been using MSR canister stoves well over a decade for at least 30 trails days per year. All the MSR stoves I used have been well engineered and worked flawlessly in the field.
This month, I purchased a new PocketRocket Deluxe at REI. I tested it at home (sea level) several times before hitting the trail. The piezo igniter sometimes took several clicks to light, but I consider that normal for piezo igniters.
However, upon reaching the trailhead at 10,000 feet elevation, the piezo igniter completely failed to ignite the stove, regardless of how many times I pressed it. Wind was not a factor. The fuel used was MSR and I tried different canisters in case that was the issue. I was able to light the stove manually using a standard flame lighter.
For the rest of my trip which ranged from 10,000 feet to 12,000 feet elevation, the igniter never worked. I had to manually light the stove with a lighter each time. The piezo spark was visible when I hit the button but the stove never ignited at altitude. It is worth nothing that I used the MSR MicroRocket with external piezo igniter at high elevations for years and never had a problem lighting it with the piezo igniter.
Previous reviews show that this is a common problem. I will be returning this stove to REI for refund. A self-igniting backpacking stove that won't self-ignite over 10,000 feet elevation is a failure.
Ozzy
San Diego, CA
43 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Andrew
New Jersey
Great for camping.
4 years ago
Great for camping! Spent 4 days at a campsite near Acadia national park. It worked great for boiling water and cooking on an egg pan. I didn’t try using a bigger pan but I’m sure it would have been fine with this deluxe version. The built in light was super easy to use. The pot/pan was pretty stable on the stove/arms; just make you’re cooking on a flat surface.
Age:25–34
Yes , I recommend this product
Pastor
Cocoa Beach
Great little stove. Lighter than ever.
3 years ago
Used to own an old version which weighed 7 oz. Switched to jet boil about ten years ago which I love and have used faithfully. Been doing some longer hikes (5-7 days) where space becomes the biggest factor for hauling food. With newer version of pocket rocket under 3 oz., thought it was time to revisit. Great little stove. Fits in my Toaks cup so it takes up virtually no room in my pack. One small canister of fuel lasted almost five days doing coffee and dehydrated meals for breakfast and dinner. If I’m just cooking for one, this is the no brainer stove to go with.
Age:55–64
Yes , I recommend this product
Alaska faultline
Chugach Alaska
3 ounces and stays lit with 30 mph winds.
5 years ago
Stays lit very well in winds up to 30 mph and gusts to 40 mph. I’m not sure how well the regulator maintains canister pressure in colder temps-I had a hard time getting a rolling boil recently in 30 degree temps in the tundra of Alaska despite a new canister. The igniter hasn’t failed as of yet. I’m not convinced the regulator is of the same quality and provides the same performance of the windburner stove in cold weather-but with a snow peak titanium pot-I am nearly half the weight and half the bulk.
StillGoingStrong
Central Cascades
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove
1 year ago
This is the second MSR PocketRocket Deluxe I have purchased even though my original one is still going strong after years of use. This one is a gift. With the piezo sparker that is bomb proof and actually works and the burner with a windscreen lip, this stove is in my opinion the best small stove on the market. To make it even better I pair it with a Jetboil cup with flux ring on the bottom. Just cut three small slots on the bottom of the cup ring and insert the stove arms up into the fins inside the flux ring. Its almost windproof even in a strong wind. Even without this cup mod it will boil water fast in a wind due to the burner being recessed.
FatHairyItalian
West Palm Beach, FL
Inginiter failed after one use
6 years ago
I received this product and used it at home to ensure it was functioning properly. Got to our first camp in the Yosemite high country and the igniter failed to work. Good thing I had a lighter as a backup. I got one use out of the igniter before it failed. Several reviewers have said this was a problem but I figured I would give it a shot. Once lit, this little stove is great for boiling or simmering but make sure you have a lighter with you. I don't know why anyone wouldn't have a backup lighter or flint with them but you will need one if this is your stove. Lesson learned.............
No, I do not recommend this product
Bill
Boston ma
Simply astonishing
6 years ago
Traveled the world with light stoves that were wonderful. But now have entered s new phase of life where I’m section hiking instead of motorcycle camping. And I’m no longer young. So even if the weight is close, eliminating the hoses and adding a piezo system makes things much simpler. This rig is amazing. 2.9 oz and able to bring a liter of water to boil in 3 min is enough. Add the piezo (way overdue) is just gravy on a great system. Then add the pressure regulator to save fuel use and this system will pay for itself in a year or two. I’ve had no failures on the piezo firing with the first click in hundreds of trials. Any smart hiker will also carry a lighter as a back up. But as of now it sits unused. Great system. Whether in a go bag or adding to your gear for a thru hike this is a must
Yes , I recommend this product
Jeff
Ashburn, VA
Similar to the Soto Windmaster
6 years ago
This is a great little stove. Very powerful flame but great flame control. The igniter is outstanding and usually starts the flame with one press. The shape of the burner acts like a wind screen so wind will not blow it out. I also own a Soto Windmaster (also a great camping stove) and bought this to compare the two. I would say they are relatively equal. Both are great. You can’t go wrong with either one. As far as I’m concerned, this stove is worth every penny—a superior design.
Yes , I recommend this product
TrailKiwi
Santa Fe, NM
Great for high-alpine
4 years ago
Purchased this stove for high-alpine backpacking and longer 14-er treks. The altitude adjustment for fuel is an excellent feature, and it burns very efficiently. It's an easy-to use stove that can put out a lot of heat quickly, but can be easily adjusted. The click ignition removes any need for a lighter or matches, and the foldable design makes it very packable. I opted for this over a JetBoil because flexibility regarding cookware, and because MSR makes high-quality products.
Age:25–34
Yes , I recommend this product
Anonymous
Glenside Pa
Small and quick
2 years ago
Small , light and quick to set up.
Age:45–54
Yes , I recommend this product
Jonny
Crossroads Inn
Nice Improvements!
6 years ago
The Pocket Rocket Deluxe is a great update to a product that keeps getting better as the years go by! I liked the Giga Power 2.0 better than the PR2 by just a hair. This is a notch above either of those mini canister stoves with its pressure regulator and piezo igniter. I prefer the little stuff sack to the plastic container of the PR2 but whatever. The thing is pretty good in the wind and the cold. We had a cold front here and I fired it up at 23 degrees and made some hot chocolate. Some people live in fear of piezo igniters going out so if thats you just have a lighter or some matches or something, you are outdoors and fire / eating / drinking is critical so fire starting equipment should always be on hand so you can still ignite the gas. This isnt a mandatory upgrade purchase unless you are having troubles with wind or cold affecting your use of the PR2 or whatever. This is however the best mini stove on the market right now.
Yes , I recommend this product
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