How to Choose a Backpacking Stove
MSRÂ Switch Stove System
$139.95
Members get an est. $13.99 in rewards
The versatile MSR Switch stove system is an all-in-one choice. The integrated 1-liter pot makes boiling water easy. Flip-out pot supports let you use a larger pot or skillet for more in-depth cooking.
Key Details
Fuel
Isobutane-propane
Average Boil Time (1L)
5 minutes
Auto Ignition
Yes
Dimensions
7.1 x 4.77 x 4.5 inches
This purchase pays for membership!
$13
10% Reward
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card
valid for 60 days after joining*
=
$43
Value
Start earning when you buy a $30 lifetime membership.
Keep shopping
- In "system mode," a ring stand supports the integrated Switch pot; its patent-pending hemispherical bottom is engulfed evenly by the flame, heating quickly and evenly
- Stable ring stand for integrated pot to rest on makes placing the pot on the stove easy and intuitive
- In "multi-pot mode," the Switch stove can accommodate a variety of cookware, including larger pots to boil pasta for a group and nonstick skillets for your morning eggs
- Flip-out pot supports so you can bring your favorite cookware (8 in./20.3 cm max diameter)
- A pressure regulator (found on very few stoves in this class) provides good fuel efficiency, even in cold conditions and higher altitudes
- Pressure regulator also improves flame control for more precise cooking for delicate foods like eggs
- Complete system weighs 13.8 oz. (392 g); stove weighs just 4.1 oz. (117 g)
- Boils 0.5 liters of water in 2 min. 30 sec.
- Built-in piezo ignitor makes lighting the stove simple and fast
- All components and a 4 oz. fuel canister (not included) nest efficiently together inside the Switch pot
- A more sustainable option, the removable cork cozy is burn-resistant and won't melt upon accidental contact with heat
- Cork provides better grip when wet than other materials, minimizing the chance for spills
- Includes Switch™ stove, 1.0 L Switch pot with removable cork cozy, plastic nesting bowl, canister stand, and PackTowl® cleaning cloth
- Additional cookware not included
- Cookware material: aluminum
- Nonstick surface: no
- Fuel not included
Imported.
View all MSR Backpacking Stoves| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Canister |
| Fuel | Isobutane-propane |
| Integrated System | Yes |
| Auto Ignition | Yes |
| Number of Burners | 1 Burner |
| Burn Time (Max Flame) | Approximately 41 min. per 4 oz. canister; approximately 84.5 min. per 8 oz. canister |
| Average Boil Time (1L) | 5 minutes |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Dimensions | 7.1 x 4.77 x 4.5 inches |
| Liquid Capacity (L) | 1 liter |
| Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.) | 33.8 fluid ounces |
| Weight | 13.8 ounces |
Buying Advice
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Customer Images
ryan
A Modern Backpacking Stove System
2 weeks ago
I bought this as an alternative to my aging (but still functional!) MSR Whisperlite white gas setup from the mid-90s. After backpacking with my kid's scout troop for a weekend, it was clear that the technology has advanced quite a bit in the last 30 years. So glad I jumped on this system while it was on sale. Compared with pumping, priming, and manual ignition, the cannister and piezoelectric lighting system is luxurious. And the fact that it fits together is delightful. I'd consider this about 10x safer for a child to use than my old system as well. We've now fully switched over and couldn't be happier.
sdrew
Michigan but was hiking in Colorado
First time and maybe the last
1 month ago
So I’m a Jetboil kind of hiker. So when the Switch was put on the market I was excited to see it in action. Unfortunately I ran into one problem after another. First because I got distracted and second because there is no failsafe I burned a giant hole through the clear cup that comes with the stove. I know I know I’m the dummy that put the stove on the burner with the cup still on it. But hear me out. The Jetboil has a similar set up but you cannot use it with the cup on there. It won’t lock in. So that’s my excuse. Regardless no cup. And no way to order a replacement. Second my igniter switch quit working on day two. Had to use a lighter. Third. Takes so much longer to bring things up to a boil. Like I said I’m a Jetboil user. I am used to that speed. I was expecting and saw reviews to expect similar boil times. Finally it was really easy to burn food at the bottom of that bowl. No matter how low the flame was. User error??? Maybe. But I think I’ll stick with what I know. Hasn’t failed me yet. SorryMSR. Tried.
Age:45–54
No, I do not recommend this product
Chris
Los Angeles, CA
Well Made and Innovative Design
1 month ago
This is my first MSR cook set. I’ve never been a fan of Jetboil style cook systems. Something about connecting the stove physically to the pot doesn’t appeal to me. It just seems awkward. So the fact that the Switch is a sort of a hybrid type device it perked my interest. I am typically a Soto hiker and use the Thermostack Combo with Soto stoves which I really like. MSR is always included in the top tier with their stoves and gear so when the Switch came out with the spherical base I thought the design was interesting and wanted to give MSR a try. What better time to do so when the REI 4th of July Sale is going on. The pot design looked solid and I liked the cork cozy and the spherical bottom replacing the standard heat exchanger you see on other systems. The one design feature I was somewhat concerned about was the ring attached to the stove for the pot base with the foldout pot supports. The pictures don’t do it justice as I was imagining thin gauge aluminum that would bend if dropped or with moderate pressure. I can happily report that it is very robust and it appears to be stainless steel. It feels very solid and my concerns have been addressed after having hands on. The foldout supports also have this satisfying resistive click design when deployed. On some other stoves, supports like this will often just be loose and dangly so a plus for attention to little details like this. One other thing to point out is how compact it actually is in person. It seems larger on video and in pictures, but the box was surprisingly small. It is actually the same size and my Soto Thermostat Combo with a 4oz canister attached to the top. The Soto had been my most compact cool kids setup now matched by this Switch. The switch might be slightly heavier, but I’m splitting hairs. Overall, I am pretty pleased with this and just ordered a spare to keep in the box while this great sale is going on.
Age:45–54
Yes , I recommend this product
LouCitySarah
Louisville
Purchased to replace a Jetboil that caught fire…
2 weeks ago
We go camping or backpacking every weekend, and even when we car camp we hike all day long so I’m too tired to fix dinner when we get back to camp. So we eat a lot of backpacking meals. I had a Jetboil Sumo but last weekend the regulator failed and flames started shooting out of the stove. It was really scary and it completely melted the plastic basket on the stove. I’ve been researching all week, and I ran to my local REI last night and picked up this stove. It’s smaller and lighter than the Sumo, and the pot support is built in which is awesome. I tested it last night and it works great. Plus MSR has a three year warranty, and Jetboil only has a one year warranty, so I know it’ll be covered if something goes wrong. I also really like the cork wrap. If you’ve used a Jetboil you know that if you spill hot water on the sleeve the sleeve is hot. This doesn’t happen with the cork wrap. This kit has zero plastic to melt, so no worries about getting plastic in my coffee or food if there’s a mishap. The pot doesn’t lock on, but I like that bc when the pots hot sometimes it was tough to twist off the stove to disconnect it. The regulator is great as well- adjustable just like my sumo bc I do occasionally scramble eggs for breakfast in the Jetboil skillet with the attached spatula. Overall it’s a really great little kit for boiling water for meals, making coffee, and using a small skillet.
Yes , I recommend this product
Wanda
St Paul MN
Worst directions ever!
1 month ago
Don't try to use this unless you have an experienced helper. The instructions have no words. Think Ikea instructions, but at 1/10 the size. I don't know what happened but I had 2 foot tall flames shooting up, even after closing the valve. I finally had to unscrew the canister. Even then the piezo lighter was still burning. Yikes! Very scary.
Age:65–74
No, I do not recommend this product
Lisa L.
This stove is well designed,
2 months ago
This stove is well designed, easy to use and can be used with the provided canister pot or an even bigger pot because of the pot holder arms that can be deployed. And it's cool looking! Well done, MSR!
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Sean L.
Excellent piece of gear, good
3 weeks ago
Excellent piece of gear, good compromise of weight, speed, efficiency.
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Christian C.
The best!
1 week ago
It is the stove out there. Forget about the Jetboil!
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Emanuel C.
Love the feature to be
1 month ago
Love the feature to be used with my other owned cups
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Ryan G.
2 weeks ago
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
1 - 10 of 11 Reviews