How to Choose a Backpacking Stove

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The MSR WindPro™ II backpacking stove maintains the efficiency and versatility of the original WindPro while adding the ability to burn inverted fuel canisters for cold-weather performance.
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View all MSR Backpacking StovesBest Use | Backpacking |
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Fuel Type | Canister |
Fuel | Isobutane-propane |
Auto Ignition | No |
Burn Time (Max Flame) | (8 oz. of fuel) 1 hr. 10 sec. |
Average Boil Time (1L) | Unavailable |
Dimensions | 6.5 x 5 x 4 inches |
Weight | 6.6 ounces |
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I have found this stove to be a wonderful all-round stove. I think nothing of tossing it and a small kettle in my daypack for brewing up tea. It also goes along on winter expeditions when cold weather cancels out my other cartridge stoves. by simply inverting the cannister, with the included stand, I can boil away at below-freezing temps. A windscreen is a must, and so it a heat reflector if you cook on delicate surfaces. It will fit onto MSR's Trillium stove base. The only downside is that it gulps fuel when the cannister is inverted. But, given that you're only using the canister inverted WHEN YOU REALLY NEED TO, it shouldn't be a problem. In fact, I find this stove to be very efficient.
Purchased as a replacement to and old comp. gas stove I had since childhood. I have an MSR Whisperlite but have been wanting something for temprete climes. For me separate tanks are the way to go. Enter the WindPro. It did everything it says. Lights quick, no prime. Excellent stability. Oh my God, it simmers! This in it self makes the WP a pleasure. And when the temps dipped to 43* F, just tilted the canister after 30 seconds of warm up, and we were boiling in no time. I like this product so much I didn't even wait for a sale. However, make sure you stop at REI to pick up canister fuel before your trip. Canister fuel was much harder to get then anticipated.
We use this stove for car camping. It fits inside our REI medium camping pots with room to spare, but not enough for a medium size fuel can as well. Temperature control is awesome. I have only had minor trouble with wind so far, and using the included windscreen fixed all problems. I originally bought this to replace a 2 burner camp stove and I wish I had done this sooner. It has more power and better heat control than my old stove. I have used it for boiling water, omelettes, scrambled eggs, gravy, biscuits, mac & cheese, etc. If it was a little smaller it would be great for backpacking. I will take this stove backpacking if there are several people in the group, but if alone I would take a water boiling stove only.
I have been using this stove since 3/12. It has worked flawlessly in temp from 10F to in the 90s. MSR or Snowpeak fuel is a must in cold temperatures. Coleman fuel will not work below 35F, OK at warmer temps. Stove simmers like a dream. This is the perfect stove for those who like to do more than just boil water. I like to fix dumplings and pan cooked biscuits. The only thing I did not like about this stove was the price,but you get what you pay for. I had an MSR WhisperLite before, and it was OK as long as you only want to boil water, and setting the forest floor on fire isn't a problem for you. the stove fuel line developed a leak and MSR said it would cost me $20 to fix. WhisperLite is a pain to light in cold weather. WP2 in much better!
This review compares the Optimus Vega and the MSR Windpro 2. Advantages of the Optimus: Lower profile. Nubs at the ends of the supports to prevent your pot from sliding. Convenient, fold-out legs for the flipped canister position. (The MSR uses an awkward-to-pack plastic thing). And the Optimus looks cooler. Advantages of the MSR: Larger burner for better heat distribution. More travel in the flame adjustment for finer simmer control. (You can manage with the Optimus, but it's touchy at the low end). Upshot: If fine cookery is not important to you, the Optimus has the edge. If fine cookery is important, go for the MSR. (Which was my choice).
I recently bought this stove but have only taken it out one time so far- on an overnight trip on the approach trail to Springer Mountain in north Ga. I have the micro rocket stove as well and I'd say the Wind pro is better if you are trying to 'cook' things as the flame output is a bit wider than the micro rocket and more stable with a pot/pan on top of it. The temp control was excellent as well and I could keep a low flame/heat output with no problem as I fried some eggs and bacon. If you want to boil water, it cranks up and does the job in no time too so no worries there. I like the versatility of being able to do both with ease. I'm very happy with my purchase.
My main backpacking stove! Long time backpacker Sierra - mostly above treeline, often off-trail, but always fishing. Need a wide-flame, stable, hot stove to cook fish up high in the no-fires allowed zone. This one works very well, holds a frypan steady, blasts when needed... but also has the ability to simmer too. Just like cooking at home. Remote canister with generator loop allows inverting cold canister - helps on cold mornings. Safe to use windscreen as gas canister not below stove and not in danger of overheating. Rock solid gear. Have used for 5+ years...over 500 nights, and IMHO, best backpacking stove for/if actual cooking in the backcountry...if just boiling water though, look elsewhere.
I selected this stove to bridge the gap between a servicible backpacking stove (light weight) and something suited to Moto and group camping where I'd want more control, stability, and user friendliness than is available from a canister-mount model. The best part of the stove is its usability. The remote canister design allows me to use a windscreen & base reflector (thoughtfully included), which makes it much more efficient. It's stable, and I can adjust the flame while wearing gloves with no problem. It packs reasonably well: After folding up the legs, I put mine into my tupperware bowl. It won't fit into as many places as a canister-top mini-stove, but it's servicible... & the price you pay for big-pot stability. Even during inverted use (liquid flow mode) it still gave me great flame control, and I like being able to coax that last little bit of fuel from the canister. It does a lot, with only a small compromise in weight. The added cold weather, high altitude performance makes those couple of ounces easier to bear.
Several years ago I used a friend's original Windpro stove and really liked the way I could simmer foods without having the flame blow out. When I found out that MSR refreshed the model for 2012, I decided to buy the Windpro II. I recently went on a backpacking trip in the snow at an elevation of 10K feet. The stove worked very well in the cold weather and I was able to invert the fuel canister (running liquid fuel) and boil water in a few minutes. I should note that the stove is a bit bulkier than other stoves. If you intend to only boil water or melt snow, I would recommend selecting a different stove such as the MSR Reactor. Also, while the Windpro II is not heavy, there are lighter stoves available (if weight is an issue). So far I've only used this stove for boiling water, but I look forward to using it to prepare other meals in the warmer months. This stove is ideal for simmering foods or cooking foods where temperature control is needed. A very good stove that just got better. Well done MSR.
I just finished my first fuel canister with this stove. I have used it car camping to make macaroni and cheese and while backpacking on the AT making coffee and dehydrated food. In both situations this has been a great stove. It heats fast and is very stable.