MSR PocketRocket Stove

Auto Ignition:	No
Blazing Heat Output:	Boils a liter of water in under 3.5 minutes.
Boil Time:	3.5 min. / 1 L
Boil time (MSR IsoPro), 1 liter:	3.5 minutes
Boiling time at sea level:	4 minutes
Burn Time:	60min [8oz canister]
Burn time (MSR IsoPro) per 227-g / 8-oz. canister:	Appx. 60 minutes
Burns MSR IsoPro™ Premium Fuel:	Clean burning, ultimate performance from start to finish of canister life.
Cleaning Tool:	No
Country of Origin:	China
Fuel:	butane
Fuel Type:	MSR isopropane canister
Hard Case:	No
Heat Reflector:	No
Ignition Method:	Manual
Manufacturer Warranty:	Lifetime
Material:	Stainless steel
Packed size:	4 x 2 x 2 inches
Parts Kit:	No
Priming:	No
Recommended Use:	Backpacking, camping, cooking
Simmer:	Yes
Simmer or Boil:	Glove-friendly controls allow precise flame adjustment and stability.
Simple, Lightening-Fast Operation:	No need for priming, pressurizing or maintenance.
Size:	3.5 x 2in (8.8 x5cm) folded
Stuff Sack:	No
Total burn time:	1 hour
Type:	Cannister
Ultralight, Pocket-Sized:	Weighs just 3 oz. (86 g). Palm-size dimensions, 4x4x2 inches.
Warranty:	Limited Lifetime Lifetime
Water boiled (MSR IsoPro) per 1 oz. of fuel:	2 liters
Water boiled (MSR IsoPro) per 227-g canister:	16 liters
Weight:	[minimum] 3 oz/85 g; [packaged] 4.2 oz/119 g
Weight (no fuel):	3 ounces
Windclip™ Windshield:	Micro-burner, tri-sectional clip protects flame in light wind gusts.
Windscreen:	No
Windscreen Included:	No

Color	Size
out of stock	N/A
Silver		39.95
Sorry	39.90

A real review of the MSR Pocket and stoves in general
Rating:
First of all, there is no perfect stove for every situation, but for only $39 and weighing a mere 3 oz., this is a great buy. I've used it extensively on long trips such as the John Muir Trail for 13 days. I've had zero issues. Do not buy this stove if: 1) you will be using it near or below freezing. Propane/butane fuels do not work well at that temperature so you really should be buying a white-gas stove such as a MSR Whisperlite. 2) you are hiking in other countries where it is hard to find and purchase fuel canisters. Again, choose the white gas stoves. 3)If you plan to cook grand gourmet meals on the trail and require perfect heat regulation. I just boil water and add it to a Mountain House freeze dried meal so temp regulation is not needed. 4) you must have a piezo electric starter. Folks those things are a gimmick to charge you more and are just waiting to break. You should have a lighter and/or matches anyway. 5) Your primary use is for car camping or tailgaiting. Get a Coleman dual burner propane stove. 6) You are an ultralightweight hiker. Although this stove is lightweight it may be too heavy for some, but not all, ultralightweight hikers. Yes, the Snowpeaks are lighter (and more expensive) but ultralightweight hikers typically choose homemade white gas beer can stoves, Esbit fuel stoves, and woodburners. They typically weigh less than an ounce. 7)You must have the most efficient, fastest stove and you will be camping in windy adverse conditions. You may want to consider a MSR Reactor or Jetboil. 8)You tend to cook with cast-iron skillets. Again, gourmet campers should look elsewhere. A 3 oz stove doesn't make sense when you are bringing a 10 pound skillet and a rolling cooler of food. 9) Your base packweight is 60 pounds or more. It is apparent that weight is not a consideration for you so why are you buying a 3oz stove? 10) You want one stove that can do everything all the time and isn't affected by temperature or wind, is superlight, supercheap, superstable, superfast and you live in a fantasy world. Understand the limits of the various types of stoves and figure out what type of backpacking you will be doing, and want type of backpacker you are, before selecting one. This is a great stove and hopefully it work out for you!
richfax940427 at Backcountry.com on 04/13/2009
Great 3 season backpacker!
Rating:
I've been using mine for a few years now, and overall, I've been really satisfied. The weight of the stove(or lack there of) was really what sold me, but the speed at which it boils water was a pleasant surprise. Not everything was perfect, however. Being that it is a canister fuel delivery system, I did find that it was very challenging to use it in any kind of cold weather camping. it could be done, however it just involved a lot of work. This made using my percolator very challenging. Not saying that it can't be done, just that it does require some babysitting. The other issue that I found was that if it wasn't placed exactly flat, my cookware/percolator would slide right off of it quite easily. The only other issue that could be a problem for some folks is that the flame spread is about the size of a quarter. This is only a problem if you're cooking food versus re-heating food or boiling water. You might be asking, "Why 4 stars then?" Well, this little thing really does perform for what it is. I mean, 3 oz? Come on, you don't have to be an expert to know that it has to be one of the lightest stoves on the market. As I stated, I've used this thing for about 2 years as my primary cook stove for 100+ meals and I've never gone hungry because of it. If you're looking for a high altitude, or winter stove, this is not it. That's why I just bought a WhisperLite International, and will look forward to giving it as thorough of a review as I have this one. The Pocket Rocket really is a worthwhile buy.
Aaron Sorrell at Backcountry.com on 02/18/2008
Nothing better for the price!
Rating:
I've used multiple types of MSR stoves including the Whisper Light and Dragon Fly as well as feather weight, pop-can alcohol stoves and nothing beats the Pocket Rocket when one combines the price, weight and performance. Extremely powerful, one can boil 30ozs of water in a few minutes but simmer without fear of burning your food. The stove is also quite efficient. I've been using the same 8oz canister during my last four outings and probably still have 15-20 minutes of water boiling fuel remaining. As with all other MSR stoves, the Pocket Rocket is well-constructed using brass and aluminum materials and is easily field serviceable. One of the best things about this stove is that the gas canisters and the stove (without the case) fit almost perfectly inside my Snowpeak titan cook set. I've used the stove at 11,000 ft without issue here in Colorado. Be sure to insulate the gas canister if using in cold temps as well as protecting the stove from wind while cooking.The only negative is related to ALL ultra light, gas canister stoves similar in design to the Pocket Rocket and that is the lack of stability. Place it on a solid foundation and you will have no worries.Bottom-line: 3ozs; [$] bucks; rock solid, ultra-reliable, jet engine performance!
Jutt at Mountain Gear on 05/18/2007
Easiest Fire
Rating:
I don't know of a faster or easier way to get a cooking fire going than the Pocket Rocket. It's literally seconds from your pack to set-up and burning. If you want lighter than 3 oz., a pop-can stove is probably the alternative, but I've tried them and could never get comfortable with the fuel measuring and pouring, the waiting for the jets to fire up, and the inability to adjust or extinguish the flame. If you want more efficient, I think the JetBoil is probably tops, but then you've got the several extra ounces. Do beware though, if you plan to be camping above treeline or in similarly wind-prone areas, Pocket Rocket is probably not the stove to use. Use of windscreens is discouraged with the Pocket Rocket due to risk of explosion from the canister overheating, and unless you can find a sheltered corner to set your stove in, it only takes a gentle breeze to blow most of the PR's heat into the great outdoors. But, wherever wind is less of a concern, and where iso-butane canisters are easy to find, the Pocket Rocket is easy to get hooked on. Highly recommend.
Mas at Rock/Creek Outfitters on 01/29/2009
super duper!
Rating:
ive owned this stove for about a year now. have been gearing up for the AT next year. never used a stove like this and weighed the pros and cons of what stove to go with (butane, white gas, alcohol, etc.) then I almost got a particular coleman stove but Backcountry was out of em so I go this one and after a year later looking at all the reviews and hype still coming from this stove I am glad I got it. I have used it many times in the backcountry over the last year and it has never failed me. Ive never tried it in any cold extremes but I recently fired it up in Kansas where the wind gusts are constant and this thing never once sputtered or acted like the wind was phasing it. all in all it may have taken an extra 60 seconds to boil my ramens...geez...I was amazed...the wind carried away my make shift windscreen but the pocket rocket kept on boiling and never missed a beat. as everyone points out it is economic, efficient, conservative, and convenient!!!!
daniel roy at Backcountry.com on 03/09/2009
It doesn't get any easier than this
Rating:
For the simple backpacker, you can't beat the Pocket Rocket due to its size, ease, and weight. It takes any kind of canister fuel and lighting is as simple as screwing in the canister, holding a lit match over the burner, and turning on the gas. I've used it in temps ranging from the 20s to the 100s and it has never given me a problem. When it is super cold or very windy I make an improvised wind shield with aluminum foil to keep the heat in and that is about the extent of the maintenance. Make sure the stove is very level or a pot/pan may slide off and I wouldn't recommend it for a long backpacking trip unless canisters are readily available. Other than that, it is perfect for short excursions and trips where pack space/weight is an issue and/or you don't want to mess with a white gas stove.
PearlJamPSU at Backcountry.com on 01/08/2009
It's Fine In The Cold
Rating:
I don't agree with reviews that point out low performance in cold temperatures. Maybe they are leading expeditions in Antarctica. I don't need to measure my external temperature in Kelvin and I have never had any problems using this in singe digit temperatures. I just got a snow peak Titanium 700 pot for my water boiling and the pair could not be lighter or more effective. When I have tried to simmer rice I have experienced the hot spot. You have to have the valve almost closed and stir constantly to simmer rice without burning. Works better with the cup style pots. I used mine with the MSR fuel at first but recently switched to the gigapower and experience better performance. Plus the snow peak fuel nests inside the 700 pot with the pocket rocket! I have had my stove for over 6 years without issue.
Jon D at Backcountry.com on 05/18/2009
The Best
Rating:
This stove plus the Titanium Teakettle plus a fuel canister = super light weight. I bring this set up even on big walls, and I get coffee in the morning and soup at night, rather than hauling cans up the wall. I also have it in my truck, as an emergency backup in case my big propane campstove canister runs out suddenly (like they tend to do). I also pack this (without the fuel canister, just buy one there) for Europe trips, so I can always have coffee in the morning and save money. Ive used this set up on Torre Egger too. You can wedge a small-size lighter into the red carrying case, so you never end up without one. I cant really say enough good things about this stove. Its one of the best pieces of gear I own.
steph davis at Backcountry.com on 07/01/2009
Best of It's Kind
Rating:
I've owned two other MSR stoves, one for windy winter camping, one for the summer, and this one beats them both out. It's a very good "in between stove" for camping, climbing, adventure racing (I've used it for all three), when the weather isn't so bad, because this stove isn't made for windy conditions. Trying to use it at midnight during windy fall weather and you'll just end up pissed. BUT, bad weather aside, this stove is perfect. It's got a great boil time, totally lightweight, very adjustable flame (some MSR products go full blast or nothing), and if you need a windscreen (if doesn't come with one), then just go by one, or carry some cardboard with you. Great for your first stove, great for summer camping, great for post ride espresso, great gift (only 40 bucks!).
gogospeedracer at Backcountry.com on 12/31/2007
Tiny and light
Rating:
I cooked on this stove for 2 months straight last summer, and use it for backpacking and camping trips now. It boils water fast, can be turned down to approximate a simmer, and folds up to practically nothing. In its case, it usually gets packed into my pot with no problems at all. Less efficient in the wind 'cause the flame blows sideways, but still useable. Pots are always stable on the stove, but on uneven ground the canister can tip, especially if using a tall canister. No big problem, it just means that I have to hold onto the handle of the pot as I stir or while my dinner cooks. For the price, this stove is reliable, pretty versatile, and super light & tiny. I love it.
Andrea Murland at Backcountry.com on 10/02/2009

Show all positive reviews...

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A decent Price point Stove
Rating:
I had This stove for just a few months until I broke it on day 2 of a 10 day backpacking trip. If you try to cook anything more then a half gallon of water on this when the supports heat up they will bend easily. Also the "Simmer" function on this is a joke, it really only has 2 levels: off and surface of the sun. It is good for boiling water but try to make a pancake or anything too solid at it will end up burnt. Better choice for the same style are the Primus Micron or the Snowpeak Giga Power Stove.
Matt Collet at Backcountry.com on 04/01/2009

Good little stove
Rating:
This is a fine little burner. It is light weight and provides enough heat for just about any "normal" camping meal. While you wouldn't think it, this stove is fairly stable (level surface is the key). It's no old school Colman camping stove, but it is more than adequate for a small group (2-4) on a camping trip. Heating is uneven (mainly in the center of the pan/pot), but if you are good with cookware this isn't an issue.
Heiz at Backcountry.com on 07/01/2009
Best Option for minimalists on a good day.
Rating:
This stove most literally fit's its name. It packs up into an included carrying case that you could easily throw into your pocket. On a warm day with little wind, this stove is the most effective for its weight and/or price. Performance decreases drastically, however, if it's windy, and it will sometimes even blow out half of the burner. Not a good choice for the side of a mountain face, or any winter sporting.
Tyler Olander at Backcountry.com on 12/08/2008

Rocky Mountain Trail

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Rock/Creek Outfitters

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Mountains Plus Outdoor Gear

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)

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ProLite Gear

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Backcountry.com

Massey's Outfitters

Mountain Gear

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TahoeMountainSports.com

SummitHut.com

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Ramsey Outdoor

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Marmot Mountain

Paragon Sports

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Moosejaw

Option Availability:

Legend

Notes:

MSR PocketRocket Stove Reviews Summary:

Positive Reviews:

A real review of the MSR Pocket and stoves in general

Great 3 season backpacker!

Nothing better for the price!

Easiest Fire

super duper!

It doesn't get any easier than this

It's Fine In The Cold

The Best

Best of It's Kind

Tiny and light

Negative Reviews:

A decent Price point Stove

Neutral Reviews:

Good little stove

Best Option for minimalists on a good day.