Let's talk backpacking stoves

[recurvericky]

I am in the market for a backpack stove and would like to get recommendations. There seems to be a love/hate relationship with stoves. One person will love the Pocket Rocket and the next person hates it.

[slivrslingr]

I've got a Snow Peak Giga, which is a canister stove.  It does what I need it to do, boil water.  Lots of guys love the Jet Boil stoves.  My brother has a Pocket Rocket, it works too.  I like the convenience of canister stoves, but they don't work as well as a gas stove, like a MSR Whisperlite, in below freezing temps and high elevation.  Unless you're doing high elevation hunts, in cold weather, for extended periods, I would go with a canister stove of your choice.

[Centex]

Pocket rocket or MRS.  To each his own.  Pocket rockets are simple but sometimes too small for a big pot.  MRS are robust and adjustable but are heavy and require cleaning.

[JimB]

Jetboil

[Bernie B.]

Since you mentioned backpack stove, I would highly recommend the Pocket Rocket.  Very easy on fuel and heats fast.  I'd get another in a heartbeat if I needed one.

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

[EHK]

MSR Pocket Rocket.  Thing boils water in no time.  Just got back from 5 days in the back country.  Used stove twice a day and made it one fuel canister with plenty to spare.

[Bear Heart]

Originally posted by Centex:
Pocket rocket or MRS.  To each his own.  Pocket rockets are simple but sometimes too small for a big pot.  MRS are robust and adjustable but are heavy and require cleaning.

Pocket rocket is made by Mountain Safety Research (MSR)

[recurvericky]

Thanks for the info. Looks like it will be the Pocket Rocket.

[Burnsie]

Another vote for Pocket Rocket - boils fast easy on fuel.

[JEFF B]

you could always make one out of a 50 cal ammo tin has two uses one cooks food two keeps ya warm  

[mmgrode]

Been happy with my pocket rocket for backpack hunts.  Won't let you cook with large pots efficiently, but I'm not cooking in large pots on a backpack hunt anyways. Only thing I wish it had was a built in ignition sparker for starting.  Hard to beat the size and weight though!

Cheers, Matt

[bearsfeet]

I use a soto stove with the GSI halulite minimalist. It's as light or dang close to the lighted option, boils very fast and packs down with fuel inside the GSI for a very small pack size.

[Bjorn]

Jetboil hands down

[tjfish]

Definitely Jetboil.

[Rob W.]

I'm currently using a Optimus crux lite.

[stevem]

Pocket rocket.  Have used mine for about 9 years and no complaints with it.  I've looked at the Jet Boil, but when I look at the size and price I keep my wallet in my pocket.

[goobersan]

I don't currently have a stove, however, I'm leaning towards the Soto or the Optimus Crux lite. I know MSR makes high quality gear. I guess it's just as much personal preference as experience. I'm definitely keeping an eye on this post

[stykbow67]

JETBOIL!!

Steve

[akdd]

If you are just boiling water the Jet Boil is great very efficient. But like said earlier it is not good for real cold weather or high altitude.

[hawkeye n pa]

20 dergrees F to 10,000 feet I've had no problem MSR canister stove.