MSR PocketRocket 2
The MSR PocketRocket Ultralight and Compact Backpacking, Camping, and Travel Stove is the ideal solution for minimalist and fast-and-light adventures, hiking, trekking, and global travel. The trusted choice of alpinists and campers, for its durability and reliability, it’s easy to setup and operate—no priming, preheating, pumping, or pressurizing is required—and boils one liter of water in just 3.5 minutes. Simmer or boil, and adjust the flame anywhere in between for temperature-controlled gourmet cooking in the outdoors. Collapsible serrated pot-supports offer grip and stability, and can accommodate a wide range of pot sizes and styles for all types of meal prep. Fueled by high-performance isobutane-propane canister fuel (not included), it’s a good choice for global travel, as self-sealing threaded canister fuel is available in most countries worldwide. Available in 2 styles: The PR 2: Ultra Compact stove weighs 2.6 ounces (4.2 ounces in its included hard case), measures 4.8×4.8×3.6 inches when open, and packs down to 2x2x3 inches; the PR Deluxe : With Piezo Igniter weighs 2.9 ounces (3.4 ounces in the included stuff sack) and measures 1.5×2.2×3.3 inches when open. Manufacturer’s 3-year limited warranty.
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a great backpacking stove. I use the PocketRocket 2 exclusively, when I am visiting our nations National Parks. I’ve used it in a variety of conditions which include cold, windy, and high-altitudes.
The MSR PocketRocket2 dose not come with a cook pot. There are three foldable arms to support whichever pot/skillet/mug you decide to use with the stove. The stove does come with fuel. The isobutane propane fuel is purchased separately and comes in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz canisters.
The Features
- Needs no priming, preheating or pressurizing
- Fully adjustable flame
- Serrated pot-supports prevent the pot from shifting
- The pot supports fold up/down
- Compatible with most self-sealing canister fuel (fuel canister not included)
- Hard-shell carry case included
The Pros
The Compactness: The MSR PocketRocket 2 is compact enough to fit into an MSR Titan Titanium Kettle with an 8 oz fuel canister and a bandana (for pot cleaning). It’s not the smallest/most compact stove out there, but it’s pretty close. The three arms fold down and sit flush next to the base of the stove and the regulator folds around the base (or up next to the arms). It comes with a hard plastic case as well which the stove fits nicely into.
The Flame: The MSR PocketRocket 2‘s flame is great. I’ve never had it blown out in the wind (and I’ve never used a windscreen with it) and I’ve been pleased with the range of adjustability. It doesn’t matter if you want to simmer or have what’s basically a flamethrower scorching the bottom of your pot – this stove’s got you covered.
The Fuel: Fuel for the PocketRocket 2 is easy to find both in the United States and abroad (I know this because I’ve had to ditch many a fuel can at the airport – you can’t fly with them). It uses isobutane-propane fuel canisters which self seal and screw onto and off of the stove. You probably won’t need a 16 oz for backpacking (I keep one for car camping); I usually bring a 4 oz for just myself.
The So So Okay
The Pot Supports: The pot supports on the MSR PocketRocket 2 are solid, but they can be a little tricky to fold up and down sometimes. It’s not terribly complicated, but it’s definitely somewhere that improvement can be made. Additionally, the supports are rigid and require pressure to be moved, but I’ve seen on other people’s stoves that they can become loose.
The Noise: The PocketRocket 2 is loud. I generally get used to the noise fairly quickly but always think to myself, “Damn, that was really loud,” when I eventually turn it off. If you’re looking to quietly make coffee in the morning without waking up everyone else at your campsite, this might not be the stove for you. That said, if you’re a solo backpacker then you’ve got nothing to lose (unless you want to be able to hear animals sneaking up on you to steal your food – and then kill/eat you).
The Cold Performance: The PocketRocket 2 is a canister stove which means that you can expect to encounter performance issues if you plan to be using it for extended periods at high altitudes or temperatures below freezing; the propane and butane will vaporize at different rates and the canister will eventually fail. If you’re looking for a stove that’s going to be more reliable in extended periods of high altitude or below-freezing conditions, check out a liquid fuel stove like the MSR DragonFly.
The Bad
The Ignition: Honestly, there’s not much to complain about when it comes to the PocketRocket 2. I guess the one thing some people may want would be an ignition switch (you have to use a lighter/matches/torch to light the PocketRocket 2). If this is something you absolutely need, check out the PocketRocket Deluxe instead – a slightly larger, slightly heavier version of the PocketRocket 2 with an ignition switch.
Who is it for?
Beginner Backpackers: If you’re a beginner backpacker, the MSR PocketRocket 2 might be a bit intimidating since you need to light it with a lighter and you need to balance a pot on top of it. Something like a Jetboil Flash might be a lot more beginner-friendly, but you shouldn’t let the PocketRocket 2 scare you. There’s a small learning curve, but it’s not too scary once you get the hang of it.
Weekend Warriors: This is honestly a perfect stove for weekend warriors. If you’re thinking of backpacking stove options on a spectrum from “heavy, beginner-friendly stove” to cold soaking, then this falls right in the middle. If you’re cooking for one (or two) and need a lightweight reliable stove, then you should probably check out the MSR PocketRocket 2.
Thru-hikers: This is consistently one of the highest-rated and most-common stoves among thru-hikers. I have used it on a number of long-distance hikes (those where I have elected to bring a stove) and have never regretted bringing it along. If you’re not going stove less or cold soaking all your means, then the MSR PocketRocket 2 is a solid choice.
Conclusion
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a great backpacking stove. If you’re just starting out backpacking, it might be a bit intimidating, but once you figure it out, you will be friends.
So long as you aren’t going on a super-high altitude expedition or into the dead of winter, this stove will probably keep you quite happy. If you’re looking for a compact, lightweight, three-season backpacking stove, there’s no reason you won’t be happy with this stove.
I took 3 isobutane-propane fuel canisters with me this last May to Yellowstone National Park, our base camp was at Rex Hale Campground, in the Shoshone National Forest just outside the National Park, at an altitude of 6,102 ft/1,859 m., the day we arrive the low was 22 F and we had a snow storm overnight. And these worked perfectly. I purchase mine at my local REI store.