How to Choose a Backpacking Stove

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Combining award-winning MSR Reactor® technology with the features solo travelers need most, the 1.8-liter WindBurner Stove System is ideal for backcountry adventures and weekend camping alike.
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View all MSR Backpacking StovesBest Use | Backpacking |
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Fuel Type | Canister |
Fuel | Isobutane-propane |
Integrated System | Yes |
Number of Burners | 1 Burner |
Burn Time (Max Flame) | 110g canister: 1 hr. 35 min. |
Average Boil Time (1L) | Unavailable |
Dimensions | 8 x 5 x 5 inches |
Liquid Capacity (L) | 1.8 liters |
Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.) | 60.9 fluid ounces |
Weight | 1 lb. 3.9 oz. |
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Used it twice on Scout camp out, okay probably overkill but prepping for a week canoe trip this summer. Did the job but falling apart after 2 uses. Not happy I need to send it back to MSR and wait for a replacement. Also had a situation that the bowl got stock on the bottom of the pot, almost couldn't get it off without cracking it. Other than the construction, I like it, wish I had this at Philmont last summer instead of the Whisper lite.
Used this past weekend hiking Crow Pass in Alaska. Had no issue boiling water at the top of the pass where it was super windy or along the river being. Was convenient to just boil water for multiple people for breakfast or coffee while they were getting their stoves set up. For four people, it was useful to have a stove this big. For a solo trip, day trip, or single night, I'll likely pick up the 1L windburner.
First, the stove is an excellent. It is fast, works in suboptimal conditions, isn't too bulky. That being said, the koozie and cup that fits below the koozie tend to get stuck together and they're almost impossible to separate. They need to make a bigger ridge for the cup to sit in so it doesn't get stuck.
In typical MSR fashion, this product is top notch. I've had an MSR Whisperlight stove for almost 30 years. It still works as good as the day I bought it, but decided to upgrade to the convenience of a more modern, windproof design. I couldn't be happier.
This thing boils water in a few minutes. The only two imperfections are a lack of ignition and not super easy to take off lid when it's boiling.
I only rated 4 stars because the metal is not nonstick. Aside from that, this compact, lightweight, and efficient techno-gadget is impressive. I paired it with the MSR coffee press and I make cafe quality coffees in about 5 minutes, start to finish. This cooker is ideal for soup style meals also. I have made eggs too, but the high heat tends to cause a layer to stick to the bottom. Adding some oil before and a few diligent minutes of clean up after and it is as good as new. The heat protector works great so it’s hard - impossible to burn yourself when handling it right after cooking. Also, it goes from red hot to being able to handle it bare handed in seconds (during the cold of winter). Having never owned a similar device and coming from old school Coleman stoves you had to pump prior to using (long ago), this thing is space age. The wind protection reduces fuel usage and eventually will pay for the cost of the kit compared to an open flame.