Perhaps my favorite time of any hike or campout is when we kick back and make food. With that said, I’ve been using the MSR Pocket Rocket (Original Version) to boil water & cook in for around 2 years now.
I had honestly lost track of how long I’ve owned the pocket rocket until this weekend and noticed I hadn’t reviewed it yet. So, what do you say we remedy this today with a long overdue MSR Pocket Rocket Review?! Let’s go.
MSR Pocket Rocket Size & Weight
Starting out with the biggest selling point of the MSR Pocket Rocket is its weight & size. This palm-sized stove only weighs 3 ounces (85 grams). I never talk myself out of bringing it and a small 110g fuel canister (especially on rainy days).
It’s not the most compact stove on the market, but it’s very close. If you’re really dying to save space I’d have to give it to the Optimus Crux for ultimate space savings (previously reviewed here). But, keep in mind, when you diminish the size of your stove you can begin to see some wobbliness when using larger pots/pieces of cookware. For that reason, I’ll take the extra size of the MSR Pocket Rocket. But again, this thing is small and fits really well into any kit.
MSR Pocket Rocket Carrying Case
Speaking of the MSR Pocket Rocket’s size and carry ability – It has my favorite case of any stove. I’m sure the Pocket Rocket would be more than fine without a case (in terms of durability). But what I love about the bright red Pocket Rocket case is how easily it slips into any nook or cranny of a bag. I suppose it’s the triangular shape that makes it so adaptable for fitting into tight spots. Either way, I’ve never had a problem fitting my Pocket Rocket into my kit(s).
MSR Pocket Rocket Performance
Of all the stoves that I’ve tested and used, the MSR Pocket Rocket is my all-time favorite for performance. I’ve used this stove in the blazing, humid heat of summer. And I’ve used it in the frigid, icy, and snowy conditions of winter. At no point has this stove been negatively affected by temperature, wind or elements.
I cannot speak higher about how well the MSR Pocket Rocket performs. It fires reliably each time, boils/cooks fast, is very fuel efficient and cools down very quickly.
MSR Pocket Rocket Review (10 out of a 10)
If you’re in the market for a great lightweight backpacking stove, look no further than the MSR Pocket Rocket. Be aware that it has been updated to a Generation 2, but I’m sure you can find the original Pocket Rocket that I’ve reviewed here for a great price. Or, just go ahead and spring for the Gen2 (which I’m hoping to get in for testing at some point).
Read Also: Stanley Adventure Cookset Review | UCO Hundred Headlamp Review
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* Ethics Statement: I personally purchased the MSR Pocket Rocket with my own money for this review and have no affiliation with MSR. All opinions, statements, and content are my own.
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Q&A: If you have any questions about the MSR Pocket Rocket or anything else, please drop me a comment below – I’d be more than happy to help!
Comments: Do you have the MSR Pocket Rocket, looking to get it or have another sweet backpacking stove? Let me know what you think about them below in the comments!
