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Wondering which backpacking stove is right for you? We will explain the pro’s and con’s of each stove, so you can decide which one meets your needs. Read on for a comparison of the Reactor vs Windburner vs Pocket Rocket.
Why a backpacking stove?
Backpacking stoves like these 3 provide a lightweight, efficient way to cook or boil water while in the outdoors. They will add comfort, enjoyment, and energy to your backpacking or camping trip. Each of these stoves has their own set of strengths and weakness. We own all 3 of these so we have a solid grasp on all their capabilities.
MSR Reactor vs Windburner vs Pocket Rocket
MSR Reactor
Strengths: Looking to boil water as quickly as possible? The MSR Reactor may be your best choice. This stove is an absolute powerhouse and can boil water in under 3 minutes (depending on conditions). Do you have the need to melt snow on a mountaineering trip? The Reactor will turn the slush to liquid faster than the rest. This system comes in 1l, 1.7l, or 2.5l options depending on your needs. In addition, this stove provides excellent protection from the wind which means it will work in even the most extreme conditions.
Weakness: Need to simmer? Good luck. This powerhouse of a stove has 2 options: ON or OFF. If you’re planning on cooking meals that involve simmering or low heat, there are much better options.
Who it’s for: The MSR Reactor stove is designed for alpinists who need quick boil times, wind protection, and the ability to efficiently melt snow.
MSR Windburner
Strengths: The MSR Windburner backpacking stove is a great hybrid. It has excellent boil times and snow melting capabilities, as well as the option to simmer and cook. It also has more of a personal feel with the cloth outer cover which invites you to eat & drink out of it. This stove also has different adapter for pans, coffee, and others.
Weakness: Boil times and snow melting times are higher than the Reactor.
Who it’s for: If you’re looking for more of a personal cooking set up and melting snow/boil times are not your main focus, the MSR Windburner your stove.
MSR Pocket Rocket
Strengths: The MSR Pocket Rocket backpacking stove is lightweight, inexpensive, and reliable. You also have the ability to choose which pot you want to use as well as the option to simmer. The MSR Pocket Rocket has been around for years due to its reliability.
Weakness: Boil times are much, much higher than others and melting snow is going to be a struggle. It is also much louder than the Reactor or Windburner, and lacks the proper wind protection for high alpine conditions.
Who it’s for: If you want the most basic stove set up, the Pocket Rocket is the right choice. It is lightweight, inexpensive, and perfect for any day hikes. There’s a reason why its been around for decades.
Interested in hearing more about these stoves? Check out this in depth overview I recorded on YouTube of the MSR Reactor vs Windburner vs Pocket Rocket. This will give you a better understanding of boil times and how each of these stoves function.
Thanks for reading this post. We hope it gave you some ideas on which camp stove to purchase. If you’re still in the market for a rooftop tent, consider ordering here. Read here on why we love ours. Life’s better on top!
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