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The MSR PocketRocket is among the top-selling stoves for backpackers because of its low weight and reliability. I’ve been utilizing the identical PocketRocket for nearly a decade, and have been so impressed with its efficiency that it’s nonetheless the very first thing I seize out of my cooking field when packing for a visit. The newest iteration of this basic piece of drugs, PocketRocket 2, was launched in 2019, with a half ounce shaved off the burden of the unique.
MSR PocketRocket 2 Specs and Options
- Weight: 2.6 ounces (73 grams)
- Dimension: 1.3 inches x 3.1 inches
- Three arms that fold down for compact storage
- Windclip prevents the range from blowing out in robust winds
- Toggle permits flame adjustment for backcountry gourmets
- Features a hard-shell case (gasoline have to be bought individually)
- Additionally is available in a deluxe mannequin that features a built-in Piezo lighter and stress regulator
- Three-year guarantee
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is among the easiest stoves in the marketplace, making it an incredible selection for first-time backpackers seeking to whip up a pot of espresso or a few of the greatest backpacking meals. Unfold the arms, screw the underside of the range into your isobutane canister, flip the flame adjuster counterclockwise till you hear a lightweight hiss, and go forward and lightweight your range. Add your cooking pot and switch up the flames to the very best setting to boil your water (you’ll be able to depart it on a simmer in case you are trying one thing extra gourmand).
Turning the flame adjuster clockwise turns off the range if you end up carried out cooking. In my expertise, the steel cools down quick—give it 30 seconds and it’s able to pack up.
Do not forget that if you are going to buy your range on-line that you just’ll want to go to a retailer to buy your isobutane canister. It is because there are strict laws on how pressurized gasoline is distributed by way of the mail. Whereas MSR sells their very own model of isobutane gasoline, any isobutane canister will work tremendous.
Testing the MSR PocketRocket within the Discipline
I’ve used the unique model of the PocketRocket for over a decade, and it’s nonetheless my go-to. It’s lasted this lengthy, not as a result of I’ve taken distinctive care of it, however due to the sturdiness of its design. Actually, I might most likely stand to take rather a lot higher care of my range. The pink casing it got here in was discarded earlier than the primary time I used it and was by no means changed.
Whereas mountaineering within the backcountry, I simply stick the range immediately into my pot, together with gasoline and lighter. Possibly I rigorously organize the items in order that they don’t clang round within the pot; perhaps I roll the cube. I don’t even trouble storing it correctly at residence—simply chuck it into my cooking field in order that I can truly discover it once more after I want it (it’s small measurement implies that it tends to go lacking in any other case). The range has by no means regarded worse for put on after this abuse (though it’s definitely a little bit soiled in any case this time).
What the MSR PocketRocket 2 Does Worst
First off: In my humble opinion, don’t trouble with the deluxe model of the MSR Pocket Rocket 2. There are three foremost variations between the common and deluxe variations of the range. The primary, and worst, distinction between the 2 is the built-in Piezo lighter. These are infamous for failing—generally after solely a few makes use of—and that was my expertise when first utilizing this model of the MSR PocketRocket within the backcountry. In fact, you have to be carrying firemaking instruments with you regardless, but when that’s the case, what’s the level of the built-in lighter? The “comfort” isn’t definitely worth the added weight and value.
The stress regulator is a extra helpful addition to the deluxe model. The concept right here is that by regulating the stress, you’ll be able to maximize the range’s efficiency throughout a spread of circumstances, in addition to when your gasoline can is beginning to hit all-time low. Personally, I’ve all the time appreciated my range beginning to crap out on me after I’ve obtained solely sufficient juice to boil perhaps a cup of water left, as that lets me know that the tip is nigh. That being stated, if you happen to do a good quantity of shoulder season journey, the regulator may help increase efficiency of your gasoline canisters sufficient to offset the additional weight.
The third distinction is the dimensions of the burner itself. Because the measurement of the burner within the common mannequin is loads massive sufficient to carry a two-person pot, the true benefit of the bigger burner measurement is for backcountry gourmets that need extra even heating. However except you’re already working with correct cookware (depart the titanium at residence), a barely bigger burner isn’t going to dramatically enhance your cooking means.
In comparison with the unique MSR PocketRocket, it takes a bit extra origami know-how to fold down the legs. And whereas I’ve by no means had an issue within the subject, I used to be extra assured within the general stability of the burner space when the legs folded up when not in use, versus down—nobody desires to fret that their range goes to break down on them whereas cooking. However thus far, the structural integrity has confirmed strong. Even higher, the extra compact journey measurement implies that I can match each the gasoline and the range into my one-person pot—one thing that wasn’t potential with the unique range.
What the MSR PocketRocket 2 Does Finest
Most backpackers are in search of the total trifecta: low weight, nice efficiency, and long-term sturdiness. At 2.6 ounces, the MSR PocketRocket 2 is among the lightest canister stoves on the market—nearly a half ounce lighter than its closest competitor, the Soto Amicus. That’s the identical weight because the Deluxe model of that backpacking range, which is loaded down with options.
Subsequent up is efficiency. The MSR PocketRocket 2 hits the candy spot of weight and effectivity—it’s each sooner at boiling water than alcohol stoves, whereas solely weighing an oz. or so extra, and considerably lighter than range methods like JetBoil or the MSR Windburner, whereas solely taking a minute or so longer to achieve a full boil.
The ultimate requirement is long-term sturdiness. Whereas solely time will inform whether or not the MSR PocketRocket 2, which has solely been in the marketplace since 2019, will reside as much as the decade-long lifespans of its predecessors, the early evaluations are promising.
Closing Ideas
Simplicity and effectivity make this probably the greatest investments that backpackers and backpack hunters could make of their equipment. Whereas I’ve used different stoves through the years, I preserve coming again to the PocketRocket, because it’s a chunk of drugs that I do know will carry out after I want it and that I gained’t have to fret about after I don’t.
