MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove Review
Brand: MSR · Category: stove · Price: $44.95 - $49.95
Buy this if you're a solo backpacker or thru-hiker looking for a simple, ultralight, and dependable stove that won't break the bank. Skip it if you need to cook for a group, prioritize maximum stability on uneven ground, or expect a built-in igniter.
Specs
| Weight | 2.6 oz (73-74 g) |
|---|---|
| Boil Time | 3 min 25 sec - 3 min 30 sec for 1 L |
| Burn Time | ~60 min per 8 oz / 227 g canister |
| Fuel Type | Isobutane-propane canister |
| Btu Output | 8,000 - 8,200 BTU/h |
| Packed Size | 1.3 x 1.7 x 3.1 in; hard case included |
| Pot Support | 3 foldable arms; WindClip windshield; 121 mm pot-support diameter |
Strengths
- Very light at 2.6 oz, among the lightest upright canister stoves
- Fast boil times around 3.5 minutes for 1 liter
- Simple, reliable manual ignition with no priming or preheating
- Good flame control for simmering compared with many ultralight stoves
- Compact packed size with included hard-shell case
- Widely available fuel compatibility with threaded canisters
- Strong value relative to performance and weight
Complaints
- No built-in piezo igniter, so you need a lighter or matches
- Less stable with wider pots than integrated or remote-canister stoves
- Performance can drop in wind without additional wind protection
- Not ideal for group cooking because of limited pot support size
- No included pot or integrated cookware system
- Burn time is modest on a small canister compared with larger stoves
- Upright design is less stable on uneven ground than some remote systems
Simmer Control
Unlike many ultralight stoves that are essentially on/off burners, the PocketRocket 2 offers decent flame control. This means you can actually dial down the heat for simmering, allowing you to cook more than just boiled water. This is a nice bonus for backpackers who want to do a bit more than rehydrate a meal.
Fuel And Burn Time
The PocketRocket 2 runs on readily available isobutane-propane canisters, which screw directly onto the stove. An 8-ounce (227-gram) fuel canister will give you approximately 60 minutes of burn time. While that's enough for a few days of solo meals, it's not the longest duration compared to larger stoves, so plan on packing extra fuel for extended trips or group cooking.
Wind Performance
MSR included a WindClip windshield as part of the design, which helps protect the flame from gusts. However, like many upright canister stoves, its performance can still degrade in strong winds. If you frequently cook in exposed, windy conditions, you might find yourself needing to improvise additional wind protection or consider a stove system with more robust wind resistance built-in.
Weight And Packed Size
The PocketRocket 2 clocks in at a scant 2.6 ounces, making it one of the lightest upright canister stoves on the market. That's about the weight of a deck of cards. It also packs down incredibly small to just 1.3 x 1.7 x 3.1 inches, roughly the size of a small energy bar, and even includes a hard case for protection in your pack. This tiny footprint means it practically disappears into your gear.
Boil Time And BTU Output
When you're hungry, this stove won't leave you waiting. It can boil a liter of water in a rapid 3 minutes 25 seconds to 3 minutes 30 seconds. This speed comes from its 8,000 to 8,200 BTU/h output, a measure of how much heat energy the burner produces per hour. For comparison, most home stove burners are in the 7,000-10,000 BTU range, so this little stove packs a punch for its size.
Pot Support And Stability
This stove features three foldable pot support arms that expand to a 121mm diameter, which is about 4.7 inches across. This is fine for smaller solo pots, but it can get tippy with wider pots or larger loads of food. The upright design means your pot sits directly on top of the fuel canister, making it less stable than remote canister stoves (like the MSR WhisperLite) that sit low to the ground and connect via a hose.