Mountain Safety Research (MSR) is one of my all time favorites when looking for quality and reliability in a product. In 1969, Larry Penberthy founded the MSR name that we have come to trust. His dedication to making the backwoods safer led to the success that we enjoy today.
Known for specializing in lightweight and technical products, there is no doubt that we will have some conversations about their stoves in preparation for your next outing. For todays comparison, we will be focusing solely on MSR and helping you decide which product is best for you.
MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove
Making the changes to the initial design resulted in a stove even smaller and lighter. Wieghing in at 2.6oz and boiling water in as little as 3.5 minutes, this product is hard to beat. In my opinion, this is one of the best ultralight backpacking stoves you can find. For a solo backpacker, the PocketRocket 2 is a perfect choice.
- Price: $44.95
- Ultralight: Weighs just 2.6 oz
- Fast: Boils 1 liter of water in as little as 3.5 minutes.
- Compact: Folding pot supports pack extremenly small, fitting into a MSR Titan or Insulated Mug.
- Strong: Pot supports offer excellent stability.
- Wind-Resistant: WindClip™ wind protection and focused burner pushes a persistent, solid flame.
- Includes: Ultralight, hard-shell carry case.
*For best results with canister fuel, always burn MSR® IsoPro™ fuel.
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove
While we’re talking about ultralight backpacking stoves, this enhanced PocketRocket comes with more features than the one listed above. This hiking stove comes pressure regulated making it ideal for all weather conditions, Piezo push-start ignition, and improved wind resistance. For just an additional 0.3oz, you receive a few extras that can make the cooking experience a little more comfortable and less stressful.
- Price: $77.95
- Consistently Fast: Pressure regulator maintains stove’s fast boil times even in cold weather & with low fuel.
- Ultralight: Just 83 g (2.9 oz) and ultra-packable; expands the menu options for ultralight backpacking.
- Push-Start Ignition: Fast, reliable piezo lighting; spark igniter is protected inside burner for maximum durability.
- Broad Burner: Improves wind resistance and combines with simmer control for excellent cooking versatility; wind-blocking burner lip.
MSR WhisperLite International Stove
The WhisperLite International has been designed with over 20 years of feedback and field use. For those looking to travel into other parts of the world, or looking for a great all around foldable camping stove, I’d give this one a consideration.
- Price: $109.95
- Multi-Fuel Performance: Burns white gas, kerosene, and unleaded auto fuel.
- Lighter & Stable: Stamped stainless steel legs offer excellent stability and low weight.
- 11.2 oz
- Compact: Folds small and fits inside most MSR pots.
- Field Maintainable: Self-cleaning Shaker Jet™ technology and new, one-piece leg assembly allow fast cleaning and maintenance in the field.
MSR XGK-EX Stove
The XGK-EX has been exceeding expectations for over 35 years, known for its durability in extreme conditions. It’s multi-fuel design allows for numerous options when fuels may be limited. These extra features do add some wieght (Minimum Weight (Standard):13.5 oz), but for the most harsh environments, it is a great choice. If you are looking for the best portable camping stove for extreme weather conditions, this must be an option.
- Price: $169.95
- Proven: No. 1 choice on expeditions worldwide.
- Multi-Fuel: Reliably burns more liquid fuels than any other stove.
- Dependable: Easy to field maintain; Shaker Jet™cleans fuel jet with a simple shake.
- Compact: Flexible fuel line allows stove to fit in a 1.5-liter MSR pot.
- Superfast: Boils 1 liter of water in just 2.8 minutes (using kerosene fuel).
- Extra-Stable: Retractable legs and pot supports provide a secure platform.
- Includes: Fuel pump, windscreen, heat reflector, small-parts kit, instructions, and stuff sack. (Fuel bottle not included.)
Warranty
MSR Warranty states “So long as you are the original purchaser, and you use your MSR product for the use it was intended (for example, using snowshoes as snow flotation devices, and not as water skis; stoves for boiling water outside, and not for roasting marshmallows), and you treat your products with care and maintain them properly, we warrant your product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for three years.”
Conclusion
The MSR names is one that you can trust. They have been around for many years, and have built a reputation on durability and quality. There is not a product in this list that I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking on my next outing. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced lover of the outdoors, there is something for you.
Which product best fits your needs? Have you used one of these products in the past? Please drop a comment and let us know what works well for you and why!