How to Choose a Backpacking Stove
MSRÂ XGK EX Stove
$219.95
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The stove of choice for expeditions throughout the world, the MSR XGK EX burns any liquid fuel from white gas to kerosene to jet fuel!
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- Improved design features a larger pot support and a flexible fuel line that can be wrapped up and stored inside a pot
- Self-cleaning shaker jet has a built-in needle that pushes out built-up soot and debris with a simple shake of the stove
- Bell-shape burner cup makes the stove extremely effective in cold temperatures and at high altitudes; now with feet that lift burner off the ground
- Multi-fuel stove burns white gas, low-grade kerosene, auto fuel, Stoddard solvent, aviation (AV) gas, diesel #1 and naphtha
- Fiberfax® priming pad makes priming and lighting fuels quick and easy while reducing spillage
- Wide and sturdy pot supports handle continuous use with ease
- Easily field maintainable with included cleaning and disassembly tools
- Large-diameter fuel line allows poor quality fuels to burn well and requires less maintenance than smaller diameter fuel lines
- Comes with aluminum windscreen, heat reflector, fuel pump and customized stuff sack
- Windscreen is designed to accommodate cookware up to 10 in. in diameter
- MSR XGK EX stove requires MSR fuel bottle, sold separately
- Weight of liquid fuel stove includes only stove and fuel pump
- Fuel not included
Made in USA.
Here's what Backpacker Magazine had to say about the MSR XGK EX stove in its March 2006 Gear Guide issue: "This enduring multifuel stove is back and badder than ever . . . the XGK is our choice when the mercury slips way below freezing or we head overseas where fuel choices are limited."
We cannot ship fuel-burning products to addresses in Japan or South Korea.
View all MSR Backpacking StovesWe cannot ship fuel-burning products to addresses in Japan or South Korea.
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Liquid |
| Fuel | White Gas Kerosene Auto Diesel |
| Burn Time (Max Flame) | (20 oz. of fuel) (White gas) 1 hrs. 49 min. / (kerosene) 1 hrs. 38 min. |
| Number of Burners | 1 Burner |
| Average Boil Time (1L) | 3 min. 30 sec. (white gas) / 2 min. 48 sec. (kerosene) |
| Dimensions | 5 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 13.2 ounces |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
A real allround workhorse.....
The full Monty14 years ago
The MSR XGK is a real workhorse of a stove. Solid and dependable. I've used it short backpacking trips to the full blown winter hardcore stuff and it just performs.
I've noticed that a number of people have said it doesn't 'simmer' yet once you get to know the stove you realise that its all in the initial pumping of the fuel tank. too much and yes it goes at it like there's no tomorrow. Being more gentle and topping pumps up gets you a much better cooking experience.
My only real downside is that its a bit of a faff setting it up especially after a potentially long day. Also be aware if your on an Alpine Start from a campsite you'll wake up everyone within a half mile radius firing it up!
Photo is of a summer camp in Chamonix, Framce using XGK and Reactor. Also simmering a chicken stew. Tent in background is a North Face Ve-25.
The full Monty
London, UK
54 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
A tired old work horse
Busto96315 years ago
Bottom Line: The XGK is no longer the king of the expedition stoves - technology has moved on and competing multi-fuel stoves in the same price range are simply better values. The XGK will do the job, but why put up with its many anachronisms?
The XGK is targeted at people who need true multi-fuel capability (military, global travelers, expeditions, etc.), rugged dependability, and who do not worry about any flame setting other than maximum heat output. If you do not envision the requirement [emphasis on requirement] to burn diesel, JP-8, or kerosene in your stove: the XGK is probably not your best bet. Also, to get multi-fuel capability out of the XGK, you have to change jets- this is a very simple thing to do, but it does mean that your stove reliability is totally dependent upon retaining two small, threaded brass parts (the fuel jets) – loose one in the field and there goes your multi-fuel capability.
People complain about the noise of the XGK, but honestly, any pressurized fuel stove running full out will be noisy. Plan your cooking accordingly.
The not so good points... I own an older (okay old) XGK and I am not impressed with the overall build quality of the new XGKs: many parts are simply not as well built (e.g. the plastic fuel pump, the "contraption" legs etc.). Some claim the plastic MSR fuel pump is better/safer - LOL! Most fires come from fuel spills and the XGK will definitely spill a small amount of fuel when you disconnect the pump. People who dislike the smell of kerosene or diesel take note. Also the fuel line simply presses into the valve body and is retained by a spring contraption. This flaw goes back to the original designs. If the XGK stove leaks at the pump, and catches fire (I saw this happen in the middle of Mauritania…), you have to wrestle a flaming (plastic!) valve and pressurized fuel bottle to shut off the stove! The two-speed "blow torch" fuel control is also much more likely to cause flaring on start-up due to too much fuel squirting into the stove, or if you misjudge the stove pre-heat.
For the same price, the Optimus Nova and Nova plus stoves burn all the fuels that the XGK does (using the same nozzle - you do not have to carry an extra one); puts out almost as much heat, but simmers nicely too; is built much better (machined steel and alloy parts with no annual maintenance requirement!); and costs about the same. The Optimus Nova is also much safer because it has a positive, industrial type fuel disconnect. The valve on the Optimus Nova is at the stove, not the pump (where your hands and the fuel are!). The Optimus allows you a very simple, very positive way to shut the fuel off - flip the fuel bottle, which takes the pickup out of the fuel!
My Optimus Nova went with me to Central America (24-months), Iraq (21-months), Afghanistan (12-months), and will be with me when I go back to the 'Ghan. The XGK will stay at home (again).
Busto963
Where the fun is
36 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
The full Monty
London, UK
A real allround workhorse.....
14 years ago
The MSR XGK is a real workhorse of a stove. Solid and dependable. I've used it short backpacking trips to the full blown winter hardcore stuff and it just performs. I've noticed that a number of people have said it doesn't 'simmer' yet once you get to know the stove you realise that its all in the initial pumping of the fuel tank. too much and yes it goes at it like there's no tomorrow. Being more gentle and topping pumps up gets you a much better cooking experience. My only real downside is that its a bit of a faff setting it up especially after a potentially long day. Also be aware if your on an Alpine Start from a campsite you'll wake up everyone within a half mile radius firing it up! Photo is of a summer camp in Chamonix, Framce using XGK and Reactor. Also simmering a chicken stew. Tent in background is a North Face Ve-25.
Yes , I recommend this product
Anonymous
trustfull and reliable
10 years ago
We used it a hundred times in one month and had no problem.Very strong and reliable heater ! We never had problem with GKX during our expedition in Greenland. Really easy to clean. Better if you use white fuel made for (no black smoke) but work with all type SP95, Gazoline... Only one negative point: impossible to use it at low flow like Gaz heater. It work all time between medium and high flow. It is a very technical product, so every camper cannot use it...
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Bake the Nomad
Lake Havasu City, Az.
Backpacker/Alpinist delight
15 years ago
I have had this stove for a few months now as a replacement for my Whisperlite which I used into the ground. I have read and heard complaints about temp control and have only to say yes it is like using a jet turbine engine to cook with but keep in mind its design is for high altitude and low temps which require it cook at a high temp. Hint: the stove will continue to burn for several minutes when turned off to control temp turn off for a few and then turn back on. I have used this stove at altitude in temps in the teens and have been stoked with the results. I also enjoy the fact that as a minamalist this stove cooks fast and utilizes little fuel in the process keeping the weight down. Futhermore the ability to use just a camp cup up to a MSR pan on its extremely strudy surface is a huge plus!
Yes , I recommend this product
Peter S.
I love the stove and you will too!
6 years ago
I got my stove almost 10 years ago while looking for something that will last for at least few years and could be refueled anywhere in the world. From camping in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia now it joined me on my South East Asian motorcycle ride with no issues since day one. It's so simple and so reliable that I will never consider any other brand on the market.
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Scrybler
Reliable
9 years ago
I bought my first XGK in the early 1980's for spring mountaineering in the Alps. But I soon learned to use it for every trip. Loss resulted in a new XGKII around 1994 which has nourished me everywhere from sub-tropical jungle to wintering on the slopes of 4000m peaks. I never could master the simmering, it does take patience, but my wife always turns out a great gourmet meal, no matter our location or how many nights on the trail. But MSR make such a great range of apparently reliable stoves now, that it might not be my first choice for general backpacking/trekking today. But if you want something that seems to be built like a tank, that seems to burn anything, that you can service half way up a mountain, that never lets you down when you need that hot drink or meal. And all of those things are more important to you than cooking on something that works like your kitchen stove, then this is the stove to use. Take care of it, and it will take care of you.
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Anonymous
XGK - No nonsense Freight train
8 years ago
My first experience with an XGK was in 1995, climbing with my brother in the Tetons. Coming down after completing Serendipity Arete on Mt Owen we had to bivy up high, and we weren't planning for this. We ended up biving on a nice ledge on the decent route, and chipped ice from cracks for water. The first thing to understand is the energy it takes to melt ice quickly and efficiently. We had an MSR XGK stove along with an MSR heat exchanger, and it was awesome. We brewed tea and made hot gatorade ( which is actually really good). I'm 46 now, and won't use anything but an MSR stove. No questions asked. Hope this helps with your decision.
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
long rifle
Virginia
Very well built stove
17 years ago
At first, the stove had some issues with temperature control, it was either full blast on off. I found out to simmer with this stove you only need to pump it 10 times and it provided the simmering temperatures desired, it does take some trial and error getting accustomed to the heat control. It does indeed burn any flammable fuel from gasoline to paint thinner with no issues in the fuel department. The sound emitted at full blast is not stealthy nor for a weekend camper, I find it a very well built stove with bullet proof design intended for the advertised application.
Yes , I recommend this product
Dustin
Kansas
Tough and easy to use
2 years ago
Camp with scouts at high adventure bases, and found the durability of Wisperlite stoves was lacking. We typically camp in groups of 8-12 and do one pot meals. The XGK is a bit more weight, but worth it for several reasons: 1) Construction is robust and can better handle/balance the heavier weight and can stand up to scout abuse. 2) It is easier to start and operate due to auditory feedback. It will let you know when starting when you have to turn the white gas on. 3) It is definitely louder than a Whisperlite, but I like being able to hear when it is on. It helps myself and the youth leader know that cooking has started.
Yes , I recommend this product
Weiwei Alpine
Palo Alto, CA
Good for Alpine Use
16 years ago
The stove will be hard to light under low temperature. The gas just doesn't evaporate, and you may need a long stick match or some additional lightning tools to light the stove. After a few times try, you will eventually get it. The stove works great if you don't do gourmet cooking (poor temperature control). Good for backpacker and mountaineering, not for comfort trips. The stove is hard to be clogged because of its thick fuel pipe, compared to other MSR stoves. I had tried whisperlite and dragon fly before. This one is more stable and durable than the whisperlite. It is cleaner than the whisperlite, and as clean as dragonfly. But it is definitely durable and stable than the other two: less likely to be clogged and better support to pot and pans. If you care more for the temperature control, go for dragonfly But if you care more about price, go for whisperlite. If you care durability and compactibility, XGK is a good choice
Yes , I recommend this product
Smacky
socal
Rugged and Dependable
11 years ago
I have been using this for about 9 years without a single failure. I have not even doing a single required yearly maintenance either (Bad I know.) I use it in the 4,500 - 12,000 ft elevation ranges in all weather conditions year round. Even if it gets wet, it lights up without a hitch. It really puts out a lot of heat and you can control the amount you need. Like all stoves, once you get into higher elevation, it takes more fuel and longer to boil water. Its pretty fuel efficient as well. I will always have this with me when I go into the back country. I am going to try another MSR stove this year that is getting high ratings that uses smaller fuel canisters. I want to see if I can get faster intense burns with less fuel to lighten my loads for long trips. Some of my friends are using other MSR models similar to this with the superfuel I am using, and no issues. Its a good product.
Yes , I recommend this product
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