How to Choose a Backpacking Stove
MSRÂ WhisperLite International Stove
$159.95
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A top choice for globetrotting backpackers, the MSR WhisperLite International is a reliable multi-fuel stove with a one-piece leg assembly for stability, simplified maintenance and reduced weight.
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- Built tough for travel, the compact, multi-fuel MSR WhisperLite International stove allows you to use a variety of fuels available worldwide
- WhisperLite International can run on white gas, kerosene and unleaded auto fuel
- Stove boils 1 liter of water in only 3 min. 30 sec. when using white gas and 4 min. 24 sec. when using kerosene
- One-piece, stamped stainless steel leg assembly increases stability and simplifies maintenance while also reducing weight
- Shaker Jet technology makes cleaning as simple as shaking the stove
- Comes with fuel pump, windscreen, heat reflector, small-parts kit, instructions and stuff sack. (Fuel bottle not included.)
- This stove requires an MSR fuel bottle for operation (not included)
- Fuel not included
Made in USA.
View the MSR WhisperLite Product LineView all MSR Backpacking Stoves| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Liquid |
| Fuel | Auto Kerosene White Gas |
| Burn Time (Max Flame) | Per 20 oz. of white gas: 1 hr. 50 min. |
| Number of Burners | 1 Burner |
| Average Boil Time (1L) | 3 min. 30 sec. (white gas) |
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Weight | Stove and pump only: 11.2 oz.; packaged weight: 14.9 oz. |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Good Gear That Lasts
Pyromancy512 years ago
I have an older version of the MSR WhisperLite International. I was given this stove as a gift 15 years ago and this stove is still just as reliable as the day I bought it. It goes in my pack every time I camp whether it is on my own for 2 days or with a group for 6 days. I have used it with white gas, kerosine, diesel fuel, and just for kicks I even used Jet A fuel from the airport. Kerosine and the other heavier fuels will have a lot of carbon build up, and will require cleaning more, but this stove still runs great. This stove is easy to clean, and the shaker jet helps clear carbon from the nozzle.
I have replaced the fuel pump once, about 5 years ago (after 10 years of use) because the plastics and rubber seals started to degrade.
Pyromancy5
Columbus, OH
68 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Too much maintenance
Cmac4 years ago
It pains me to write this, but it is true…. After 10 years of owning this stove, I’m finally willing to admit it was the wrong stove for me.
It pains me because I took pride in the concept that this was a portable, durable, multi fuel stove that I could take literally anywhere and it would work on multiple fuels … kerosene, diesel, and of course white gas.
The thing is In reality I’m a lightweight… I’m not backpacking the Congo. At best I’m doing a few day backpacking trip… and most of the time it’s more like car camping.
The number of times this stove has been fouled with soot, requiring me to take it apart, swab it with white gas, get my hands all filthy in front of my friends while they’re basically done jetboiling their meals… grr … just not worth it! And you can say it’s my fault for not cleaning it enough, and you’re right, it is my fault, but seriously I don’t care to do so much maintenance!!! I’m mostly an amateur camper and would be better off with something appropriate with my class of campers.
The good news, you can use multiple cooking surfaces not just a pot, unlike jet boil, but seriously other than that…? This stove is not convenient enough for casual users due to too much maintenance of needing to clean the stove.
Cmac
MI
52 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
StormKingHiker
Hudson Valley, NY
Stupid Fast, even in the coldest temperature
5 years ago
I've used all types of stoves (alcohol, JetBoil, SnowPeak), and each stove really does excel in their own designated conditions. For winter, the MSR WhisperLite is the only choice. While the weight may be an issue for some, the weight balances out the knowledge that you WILL get a fire on the stove, despite the temperature and despite the wind. MSR has really created a piece of gear that cannot be broken. Well done.
Yes , I recommend this product
ChefMike66
Columbus,OH
I just tried out my Whisperlite International...
6 years ago
I just tried out my WhisperLite International, which I bought about 24 years ago. I last used it about 12-15 years ago. I did not have high hopes, but I have the rebuild kit, so I was confident that I could get it working. I've been on a backpacking hiatus, due to life happening. It immediately fired up, just as it had years ago. To be honest, it melted my heart, and I'm not an emotional guy. This stove has been with me for many miles of mainly desert backpacking, through sandstorms and snowstorms and all of it. I guess maybe we have more miles to go. Hopefully many more. I vote to buy it.
Yes , I recommend this product
Pyromancy5
Columbus, OH
Good Gear That Lasts
12 years ago
I have an older version of the MSR WhisperLite International. I was given this stove as a gift 15 years ago and this stove is still just as reliable as the day I bought it. It goes in my pack every time I camp whether it is on my own for 2 days or with a group for 6 days. I have used it with white gas, kerosine, diesel fuel, and just for kicks I even used Jet A fuel from the airport. Kerosine and the other heavier fuels will have a lot of carbon build up, and will require cleaning more, but this stove still runs great. This stove is easy to clean, and the shaker jet helps clear carbon from the nozzle. I have replaced the fuel pump once, about 5 years ago (after 10 years of use) because the plastics and rubber seals started to degrade.
Yes , I recommend this product
Loll
Aalborg, Denmark
Best piece of equipment I own!
10 years ago
I have used the previous version of this stove since 1997 - with NO problems whatsoever. I have never had to service it, take it apart or replace any parts. In my young adulthood I used it for maountain hiking. Now we're a family of five using it for canooing trips every year and the occational camping trip or odd night out in shelters. As others have pointed out, it doesn't really simmer - but we rarely cook food that need simmering when camping, and you can use it for pasta, rice or sauce if you just stir often and/or leave the lid slightly off the pot. We now have the MSR Dragonfly as well - which does simmering well (but is extremely noisy). This is the best piece of equipment I have and I cannot recommend it enough!
Yes , I recommend this product
Jon J
Washington DC
hot hot hot
4 years ago
I only used this once on the trail so far, I'm glad I tried it out at home because I had to disassemble and reassemble it to get it to work. That may have just been inexperience. Like the other reviews say, when under normal pressure it only has one setting - jet blast. I might experiment with low-pressure simmering at some point, but I am not a chef, I am a water boiler and this bad boy will boil water so quickly it's actually kind of scary. A container has to be fairly large to fit on its rack, my old army canteen cups were a no go. I like it, but it seems finicky so I don't totally trust it yet, hence 4 stars instead of 5.
Age:45–54
Yes , I recommend this product
Greg Halliday
On the mountain
Great Classic Stove
3 years ago
I have had my stove for twenty five years and I would not want any other stove. I have taken it on every adventure and if you are smart about maintenance and cleaning it will not fail you. Leaving the country? Bring your stove and empty bottles and you will be able to find something to make it burn. My advice, to folks reading the reviews who are looking at this stove, is buy it. Test it out at home. Learn to clean it. Put it through its paces. Keep spare parts if it gets lots of use. If you know how to use and maintain it it will never let you down. This is a great high altitude stove.
Age:45–54
Yes , I recommend this product
woody
Michigan
old reliable
10 months ago
I’m 54 years old and I purchased this stove in my early twenties for use in the San Isabel national forest, Colorado. This stove worked flawlessly for my hiking trips through the trails of the collegiate range of the fourteeners. I have also used this stove on months long motorcycle trips throughout the country in all types of weather conditions with no problems. I packed this stove away for about 20 years and recently got it out to prepare for an overnight backpacking trip. The stove started right up ,although I noticed it needed some O-ring replacement maintenance, it still burned like it should. This thing is definitely old reliable and I highly recommend it. Happy trails, Woody
Age:45–54
Yes , I recommend this product
Surferchris1
Sacramento, CA, United States
If I had to have just one...
9 years ago
Had this stove 7 or 8 years, and really abused it. I dropped a motorcycle on it a couple times (it was in a saddle bag), fully submerged it several times, it's been coated in dust and mud, I've never done ANY maintenance whatsoever, and it works like a champ! I've (only) taken it to about 11,000 feet and down to about 17 degrees and it always worked fine. I've only used white gas, so maybe that's part the reason its worked so well for me. I have a super light isobutane stove that I probably use slightly more often, but if I had to have just one stove, it would be this. I'm thinking I'll finally do a rebuild on it one of these days. It takes a little practice to master (low simmer), but it's well worth it.
Yes , I recommend this product
SD Trekker
San Diego/ Sierras
Stove Perfection
12 years ago
This is my stove for all non-ultralight packing trips. It's easy to light (primes itself basically), is insanely quiet compared to my older stoves, runs efficiently on white gas, and if I can't find any white gas I can just walk to a gas station and fill it up! This stove takes a beating in my pack and knowing that it will light easily at the end of the day is another thing I love about it. And if it doesn't? I just pull out my service kit and repair/clean it in minutes! Great stove for any serious (or comfort minded) packers.
Yes , I recommend this product
rab2638
Indianapolis, IN
Not bad with some practice
12 years ago
I have used the WhisperLite International Stove only a couple of times since my purchase, once on an overnight backpacking trip and once while car camping. I quickly learned what I did and did not like about the unit. First, the likes; easy to bundle, sturdy structure, fuel versatility and great heat output with throttle full open. Unfortunately, the downside; difficult to create a 'simmer' setting near with the valve (either seems to be at medium or cut off), a large surface is needed to support the fuel canister and the stove, somewhat difficult to light with a lighter (definitely recommend a match).
Yes , I recommend this product
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