Image by stilldavid via FlickrThe MSR Pocket Rocket stove provides full cooking function in an incredibly efficient form. For a stove that is barely noticeable in your pack, it can deliver impressive heat in camp. It's lightweight and easy to use, has a precision flame control, and even performs well in breezy conditions.
Most portable gas canister stoves are similar to pressurized burner stoves, except the fuel canister contains a liquefied gas, typically a butane - propane mixture that is held under pressure. While the gas in the canister is in a liquid state when stored under pressure, it vaporizes immediately as it leaves the storage bottle (i.e., without priming), arriving at the burner as a gas.
The principal advantage of a canister stove is convenience: no priming is required, they are generally maintenance free and capable of immediate high heat output, the flame is easily adjusted and they are generally considered simpler to operate. The disadvantages are: the canisters tend to be costly, and usually are not refillable, and they don't operate well in cold weather.
But even with the disadvantages, If you're looking for an ultralight, ultracompact, easy to use 3 season stove than the Pocket Rocket is the one to consider. It weighs just 3 oz., with palm-sized dimensions: 4 x 2 x 2 in., and no need for priming, pressurizing, or maintenance.
The Pocket Rocket boils 1 liter of water in under 3.5 minutes. It has glove-friendly controls for precise flame adjustment and a Tri-sectional Windclip™ wind shield that protects the flame from wind and boosts efficiency.
All in all... considering the size and efficiency of the MSR Pocket Rocket stove, it can make for a great summer backpacking stove and can be the foundation for a solid emergency kit for the home or car.
See you on the trail,
Greg
