The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is a slightly lighter version of a long-distance hiking classic. The MSR Pocket Rocket Backpacking Stove is a stove I always return to when I cook on my hikes. This stove is dependable, easy to use, and quickly boils my water at the end of a long day.
I have used many other stoves and enjoy trying all of the new technology. When I have to choose a stove for a long-distance hike, though, I often choose the MSR Pocket Rocket, and now the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove. This little stove is a sure bet on any hike.
Table of contents
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Review – Quick Specifications
- Weight – 2.6 oz
- Width – 1.7 in
- Height – 3.1 in
- Boil Time ( 1 Liter ) – 3.5 Minutes
- Burn Time ( 8 oz container ) – Appx. 60 minutes
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Review – Components
The MSR Pocket Rocket is a simple, straightforward stove. Like all ultralight gear, you must take care of your equipment. The Pocket Rocket is no exception.
Many people take the stove out of its plastic case and keep it in their cook pot. I don’t do this since it offers less protection for the stove, and the rattling drives me nuts while I’m hiking. I always keep the stove in its case.
Stove Body
The stove’s body is made from stainless steel, aluminum, and brass. The base of the stove screws onto a fuel canister, and while some users claim the non-brass threads are soft and wear quickly, I have not had this issue. My first stove traveled with me on the Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail with no problems.
Burner Control Wire
The small burner control wire easily folds up against the stove’s body, and the ability to adjust your flame with this control wire is one of the attractive features of this stove. You can quickly simmer or boil!
Pot Support Legs
The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 has three support legs that fold up against the stove. I admit to having to unfold and refold mine several times before getting it to fit back into its case. After a few uses, my brain recognized the “folding pattern,” and I no longer give it any thought.
The legs are fine for my one-person titanium pot but offer a narrow base for larger pots. I would probably look at other options if sharing a pot with a partner or if I was doing some serious cooking that needed a larger pot.
Burner
The burner on the stove has a small Wind Clip screen to help prevent the burner from blowing out in a breeze. I would not call this a windshield, though; when I am in breezy conditions, I use rocks or my Thinlight Pad to block the wind. Take caution that you do not block in the pot closely, or it may overheat.
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Review – Post Summary
The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove is as dependable as its namesake, the original MSR Pocket Rocket. There are currently competitors with auto-ignites and faster boil times – even some slightly lighter. For the cost and weight, I still think the Pocket Rocket is a great value.
Pros
- The low weight of the Pocket Rocket makes it attractive for long-distance hiking.
- Safety is a definite plus in dry areas with campfire bans. In some instances, you can only use canister stoves. Check the locations where you are hiking.
- Ease of Use is a big plus for me. When I stop to eat (usually an hour or two before camping), I want to be able to boil water quickly.
- This is a very reasonably priced stove.
Cons
- There have been complaints about the threads wearing too quickly when screwing the stove onto the canister. I have not had this problem.
- The stove has a narrow base for larger pots.
- Fuel efficiency is average compared to some competitors.
Years later and thousands of miles, the MSR Pocket Rocket is still my “go-to” stove on most long-distance hiking trips. There is still one disadvantage of a canister stove, though.
Fuel availability can be a nuisance. Many small towns don’t always have fuel canisters, and it is a pain in the fanny to ship canisters. I can ship it Ground if I mark the box appropriately, but on two occasions, my resupply box has “disappeared.” I’m not saying it is because there was a fuel canister inside, but only boxes with canisters have been “lost.”
A case in point is my upcoming hike. I can’t take the canister fuel with me since I’m flying. There appears to be a run on canister fuel in Colorado, and it is hard to find canisters right now. Because of this, I’m shipping Esbit fuel tabs and a small Esbit stove. I hope to mail it home at my first resupply stop. We will see if the canisters loosen up since I’m not hiking until August.