View Full Version : Most common canister stove on the AT
Roughin' It
09-13-2008, 11:44
Hey, i am still deciding on the right stove for my thru-hike in '09, and I think i have narrowed it down to getting a canister stove.
What is the most commonly used canister stove on the AT? or what do you guys use? I still have some learning and experimenting to do, but it's good to hear opinions.
thanks.
_terrapin_
09-13-2008, 12:00
A "canister stove" is a pretty simple thing. IMO, the MSR Pocket Rocket is a good, generic, safe pick. I think you'd be hard pressed to prove that one brand or model is "better" than another. For best performance & efficiency on any canister stove, you should consider using it with some sort of wind screen.
Most canister stoves are equally good and many people used them this year. There were times I wished that I had instead of an alcohol stoves. MSR pocket rocket is solid and don' forget that jetboil thing =) . Good luck to you.
The MSR Reactor is a more efficient stove than the Jetboil - particularly in bad conditions. I own neither stove. I use an MSR Pocket Rocket when I don't use an alcohol stove.
[quote=Thinker;696679There were times I wished that I had instead of an alcohol stoves. [/quote]
Why was this? What times? Just curious. I use alcohol now, and haven't seen any reason not to continue for three-season solo.
Why was this? What times? Just curious. I use alcohol now, and haven't seen any reason not to continue for three-season solo.
Alcohol is OK, but the damn stuff burns too hot. And carrying liquid can be a PITA. But that's me. Don't get me wrong. I still use it. Plus, I like to hike in winter. Alcohol is not very efficient in winter, but canister stoves are not as efficient either.
To me, the downside of canister stoves is the waste with the empty canister.
Snow Peak really great stove 10.000 btu of heat will boil a pot of water in 3min and yes this was in 20deg. weather. I made a windscreen for itand it don't sit on the cold ground. Also the canister that fit the msr will fit the snow peak and the jetboil
Kerosene
09-13-2008, 13:11
SnowPeak GigaPower here. The new SnowPeak Lite Max (http://www.snowpeak.com/back/stoves/ultralight.html) weighs in at only 1.9 ounces and generates 11,200 BTU.
NICKTHEGREEK
09-13-2008, 13:12
Hey, i am still deciding on the right stove for my thru-hike in '09, and I think i have narrowed it down to getting a canister stove.
What is the most commonly used canister stove on the AT? or what do you guys use? I still have some learning and experimenting to do, but it's good to hear opinions.
thanks.
The new remote canister stoves from virtually every maker are going to be the "hot" items next year. Low profile less tipping better setup.
john gault
09-13-2008, 13:12
Various factors, most important is how much cooking and what you're cooking, determine which stove is best for you.
I have a Jetboil and love it for its efficiency, don't really care about the fast boiling time. MSR Reactor is the quickest, but I question its efficiency, compared to Jetboil, despite the "built-in" heat shielding capabilities. This opinion is from reading reviews, I've never seen the Reactor operate.
When I bought my Jetboil about 3 years ago it was not much more than the price of a MSR Pocket Rocket, but now they cost more, ~$80, and the Reactor is about $140.
If I had to replace my Jetboil today, I'd buy the MSR Pocket Rocket. Very cheap and I love the simplicity. I would use certian things/techniques to increase the efficiency, such as pot cozys, wind shields...
P.S. Jetboil is probably the most common cannister stove, but that doesn't mean it's the best for everyone. The most common stove on the AT (IMO) is the alcohol stove.
_terrapin_
09-13-2008, 13:24
In fairness, it should be noted that the Jetboil is much more than a stove; it's a stove, cookpot, cozy with a handle, pot cover, and windscreen. In short: it's more like a camping kitchen. Only thing missing is a spoon.
I have a Jetboil and love it for its efficiency, don't really care about the fast boiling time. MSR Reactor is the quickest, but I question its efficiency, compared to Jetboil, despite the "built-in" heat shielding capabilities. This opinion is from reading reviews, I've never seen the Reactor operate.
I met the guy who designed the Reactor (with one other person) while in California hiking the JMT. While he's obviously not unbiased, he told me that the two stoves perform about equally in "normal" conditions. The Jetboil's performance tails off dramatically as soon as the conditions get sketchy - according to this fellow. The Reactor's made more for expeditions - and to work in high winds and such.
john gault
09-13-2008, 13:36
I met the guy who designed the Reactor (with one other person) while in California hiking the JMT. While he's obviously not unbiased, he told me that the two stoves perform about equally in "normal" conditions. The Jetboil's performance tails off dramatically as soon as the conditions get sketchy - according to this fellow. The Reactor 's made more for expeditions - and to work in high winds and such.
I can't argue those claims since I've never even seen one operate, only read reviews/specs. I just can't see the need to spend the money for one. Might consider it if I were to hike in windy "expedition-type" environment.
When I bought my Jetboil I had very little experience with stoves, I mostly cooked on an open fire. After using a stove on 3 long-distance hikes on the AT, I would recommend the simple stoves, like Pocket Rocket, for any length hike on the AT.
john gault
09-13-2008, 13:48
In fairness, it should be noted that the Jetboil is much more than a stove; it's a stove, cookpot, cozy with a handle, pot cover, and windscreen. In short: it's more like a camping kitchen. Only thing missing is a spoon.
That's true, but I don't much care for the deep cup for cooking meals, I use a normal pot for my dinner meals. I don't use the new jetboil pot because its too big.
On the positive side, I've read reviews that state Jetboil is great for fast boiling, but not slow cooking. That's not been my experience. I'm able to turn the flame down very low while cooking rice for about 20 minutes and the water still boils; I do this every night, plus make coffee in the morning and a small cannister will last me nearly 10 days.
Jetboil is great for slow cooking and it's extremely quiet when slow cooking.
Blissful
09-13-2008, 13:53
Pocket Rocket is a good stove. We used it throughout our hike - no problems, maintenance free but uses fuel like crazy in wind. Use snowpeak canisters, not MSR.
Jack Tarlin
09-13-2008, 14:14
I've used cannister stoves for years.
Most popular is probably the MSR Pocket Rocket.
Performance levels of JetBoil and Reactor are virtually identical. JB packs up more efficiently and weighs less; on a thru-hike, it's probably the better choice.
Lately I've been using the SnoPeak Giga. Great stove.
Performance levels of JetBoil and Reactor are virtually identical.
This test data says otherwise, and confirms what the Reactor designer told me in California. Jetboil performance (compared to the Reactor) drops off significantly in windy conditions.
http://www.trailspace.com/news/2007/01/17/integrated-canister-stove-showdown.html
I'll stick with my Pocket Rocket.
NICKTHEGREEK
09-13-2008, 14:35
This test data says otherwise, and confirms what the Reactor designer told me in California. Jetboil performance (compared to the Reactor) drops off significantly in windy conditions.
http://www.trailspace.com/news/2007/01/17/integrated-canister-stove-showdown.html
I'll stick with my Pocket Rocket.
Impressive results for the reactor!
_terrapin_
09-13-2008, 14:36
I suppose if you like the "integrated-ness" of the Jetboil, you can think of the Reactor as having an integrated 2nd-stage wind screen, at a cost of an extra 4.5 oz. or so (additional total system weight.)
Jack Tarlin
09-13-2008, 14:36
As I said, if you're not cencerned with melting snow, (which I've seen people do on the Trail maybe twice in thirteen years), the JB makes more sense on a thru-hike. According to the field comparison cited above, the Reactor is a bit faster and performs better in high winds. However, the same test says that the JetBoil is lighter,more fuel efficient, packs better, is compatible with more pot/cooking systems. The study concludes witht the comment that if one is hiking solo and is looking to cut pack weight, the JetBoil is the "obvious choice." Oh, and it also costs significantly less.
According to the field comparison cited above, the Reactor is a bit faster....
Actually, it is more than twice as fast. 3:03 to boil the same amount of water that the Jetboil takes 6:44 to boil.
I still don't need or want either stove. They're both overkill in my opinion - for the AT.
Jack Tarlin
09-13-2008, 14:45
Actually, Mowgli, not too many people care. :D
The study says that for folks travelling solo or looking to save weight,the JetBoil is not only the better choice, but the obvious one.
I'd tend to agree.
OregonHiker
09-13-2008, 14:48
As I said, if you're not cencerned with melting snow, (which I've seen people do on the Trail maybe twice in thirteen years), the JB makes more sense on a thru-hike. According to the field comparison cited above, the Reactor is a bit faster and performs better in high winds. However, the same test says that the JetBoil is lighter,more fuel efficient, packs better, is compatible with more pot/cooking systems. The study concludes witht the comment that if one is hiking solo and is looking to cut pack weight, the JetBoil is the "obvious choice." Oh, and it also costs significantly less.
A 0.3 ounce weight difference
Actually, Mowgli, not too many people care. :D
The study says that for folks travelling solo or looking to save weight,the JetBoil is not only the better choice, but the obvious one.
I'd tend to agree.
Me thinks thou art disingenuous.
Funny, you often rave about how quickly you can eat dinner with your Jetboil. And scoff at the notion of carrying a few extra pounds. Imagine! You could be eating in less than half the time if you had an MSR Reactor. :D
Another great canister stove is made by Coleman. The Coleman F1.
Yeah, we tend to associate it with bomber car camping gear and/or 2nd tier backpacking gear, but their canister stove has received great reviews.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/coleman_outlander_f1_ultralight_canister_stove_rev iew.html
This stove is a little flame-thrower. Its phenomenal 16,400 BTU/hr output is 50% greater than most 3-ounce stoves. The power output on full throttle is spectacular. The stove boiled water faster than any of the others tested. It was the only stove besides the Jetboil to bring water to a boil in windy conditions without a windscreen. It is lightweight, well priced, and simple.
If you don't need the "doo-dads" of a Jetboil or the "convenience", it is an excellent stove for the price. A thinking person's Jetboil. :)
NICKTHEGREEK
09-13-2008, 18:44
Another great canister stove is made by Coleman. The Coleman F1.
Yeah, we tend to associate it with bomber car camping gear and/or 2nd tier backpacking gear, but their canister stove has received great reviews.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/coleman_outlander_f1_ultralight_canister_stove_rev iew.html
This stove is a little flame-thrower. Its phenomenal 16,400 BTU/hr output is 50% greater than most 3-ounce stoves. The power output on full throttle is spectacular. The stove boiled water faster than any of the others tested. It was the only stove besides the Jetboil to bring water to a boil in windy conditions without a windscreen. It is lightweight, well priced, and simple.
If you don't need the "doo-dads" of a Jetboil or the "convenience", it is an excellent stove for the price. A thinking person's Jetboil. :)
Mags what do you use to put all that horsepower on the pavement so to speak? 16.4 kBTU is a heap. Do you have a suggestion for the best type pot or kettle to go with it?
Mags what do you use to put all that horsepower on the pavement so to speak? 16.4 kBTU is a heap. Do you have a suggestion for the best type pot or kettle to go with it?
I don't know if it is the *best*, but I have used a simple alum pot with this stove [1]. I have not used it long term yet, so no concrete results. You can throttle i down if need be.
I still prefer an alcohol stove for solo use. But for trips where it is more social and/or I am sharing it with someone, I decided to invest in a canister stove. Don't have to explain how to use it (unlike my Whisper/Simmerlite stoves!) Alcohol stoves can be shared, but nearly as easily.
Incidentally, this stove is on sale for $35 at Campmor!
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___85280
Considering a SnoPeak giga ti is 2.5 oz at $65 (.2 less than the Coleman) that is quite the deal.
The Pocket Rocket is roughly the same price as the F1, and slightly heavier.
However, neither has the heat output for the price (nor apparently the wind shielding capacity) of the F1.
As I said, the F1 reminds me a lighter and cheap Jetboil (minus the accouterments)
[1] It is a pot very similar to this one. (http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=33) The original pot has been retired at X amount of miles. :) I found its clone in a thrift store.
NICKTHEGREEK
09-13-2008, 19:59
I don't know if it is the *best*, but I have used a simple alum pot with this stove [1]. I have not used it long term yet, so no concrete results. You can throttle i down if need be.
I still prefer an alcohol stove for solo use. But for trips where it is more social and/or I am sharing it with someone, I decided to invest in a canister stove. Don't have to explain how to use it (unlike my Whisper/Simmerlite stoves!) Alcohol stoves can be shared, but nearly as easily.
Incidentally, this stove is on sale for $35 at Campmor!
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___85280
Considering a SnoPeak giga ti is 2.5 oz at $65 (.2 less than the Coleman) that is quite the deal.
The Pocket Rocket is roughly the same price as the F1, and slightly heavier.
However, neither has the heat output for the price (nor apparently the wind shielding capacity) of the F1.
As I said, the F1 reminds me a lighter and cheap Jetboil (minus the accouterments)
[1] It is a pot very similar to this one. (http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=33) The original pot has been retired at X amount of miles. :) I found its clone in a thrift store.
I'm not all that much into hybrids but I'm thinking that the F1 with a Brunton Stove stand http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/Stovedetail.cfm/BR1089 would make a pretty powerful remote canister rig. Thanks for the info.
Cookerhiker
09-13-2008, 22:14
Another great canister stove is made by Coleman. The Coleman F1.
Yeah, we tend to associate it with bomber car camping gear and/or 2nd tier backpacking gear, but their canister stove has received great reviews.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/coleman_outlander_f1_ultralight_canister_stove_rev iew.html
This stove is a little flame-thrower. Its phenomenal 16,400 BTU/hr output is 50% greater than most 3-ounce stoves. The power output on full throttle is spectacular. The stove boiled water faster than any of the others tested. It was the only stove besides the Jetboil to bring water to a boil in windy conditions without a windscreen. It is lightweight, well priced, and simple.
If you don't need the "doo-dads" of a Jetboil or the "convenience", it is an excellent stove for the price. A thinking person's Jetboil. :)
I use this one also and really enjoy it. Worked well on my winter hike on the Laurel Highlands Trail (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=221884).
This year I saw the jetboil out there the most. Not for everyone though.
Camp Counselor
09-14-2008, 23:20
I've never used alcohol before but from the comments here I may try it out. As for the other stoves mentioned, I have a Jetboil (with both pots, the fry pan, and Java press), an MSR Pocket Rocket, and beyond those an MSR WhisperLight and a couple others who's make and model escape me at the moment. My wife says I have too many stoves... :rolleyes:
I like each for a various reasons and use each in different situation, seasons, etc. The pocket rocket is getting some great press here and I have to agree. Ounce for ounce, or the lack there of, it's a fantastic stove that takes up very little space and really puts out.
I'm curious though about one problem I've had with it and if anyone else has experienced it. I have a small titanium pot that I use with my pocket rocket. I find that the pot slips off the supports very easily, almost as if it's greased, more so than other similar style stoves that I've used. So I'm always overly cautious about where I set it up. Any one else run into this, if so have you come up with any solutions?
I got a primus kettle the red one it was slipper so i use it a few times over small a wood fire got it good and black. each time just wipe some off with a paper towel just the loose stuff then use your reg stove it bake it on and it will not get things dirty
I've been using a pocket rocket with a titanium pot for 7 years and my pot never slid off. Granted there is not much holding it on. Maybe it's mostly luck or maybe I was just too hungry to let it slide off.
Panzer
Lawn Sale
09-15-2008, 22:30
This (http://www.backcountry.com/store/newsletter/a204/Goat-Test-1-Canister-Stoves.html) helped me choose the Gigapower as my cannister stove of choice, and I have not been disappointed. It will work in any wind, but I bought the $10 windscreen for it and it works even better. I used just over a cannister of fuel on the whole 100-Mile Wilderness, cooking twice a day. I bought the regular stainless version with the igniter and love it, no more fumbling for matches or worrying when it's wet.
I never understood the Jetboil craze. Sure, it uses less fuel, but the thing is a TANK.
gonewalkabout
09-19-2008, 12:22
Moreon theJet Boil:
I love the fuel efficiencyof the Jet Boil. Canisters last almost twice as long as they due with my snowpeak however I hate the tall narow pot/cup. Its simply a pain to eat out of and stir. Also the cozy is useless if you plan on letting you food "sit to cook" as some of us do. Its just not thick enough and the water doesn't stay hot enough. There seems to be a big varition in temps from the bottom to the top when useing this method. My pastra only gets cooked through part of the pot. When I use an MSR Kettle with any other stove and my homemade ensolite cozy everything gets cooked as it sits.
Weight: My snow peak, MSR Kettle, cozy, windscreen weigh in at about 10 oz. The Jet Boil I belive is 15 oz. Although not a big deal Irather save the 5 oz and carry mnore fuel weight and have the convienace of my MSR kettle to cook and eat out of day after day.
Finaly don't get me wrong the Jet Boil is a ggod stove I just don't like the pot! Mate it to a wider solo pot and I use one again.
dessertrat
09-19-2008, 12:27
I use a pocket rocket, and the small jetboil canister with it on short trips, the bigger MSR can of fuel on longer trips.
The Jet Boil I belive is 15 oz. .
Based on an earlier thread here on Whiteblaze, the Jetboil PCS is about 22oz for most people.
_terrapin_
09-20-2008, 00:59
Based on an earlier thread here on Whiteblaze, the Jetboil PCS is about 22oz for most people.
Close enough; I measured 21.1 oz, with a full (new) canister. But see how fast the weights add up if you build the same thing from parts:
Full (4 oz net) canister: 7 oz
Pocket Rocket: 3 oz
1.3 L titanium pot: 5 oz
Windscreen: 1 oz
Total: 16 oz
So in effect, there's about a 6 oz. penalty for the neat JetBoil "package" compared to the listed parts.
I've never used alcohol before but from the comments here I may try it out. As for the other stoves mentioned, I have a Jetboil (with both pots, the fry pan, and Java press), an MSR Pocket Rocket, and beyond those an MSR WhisperLight and a couple others who's make and model escape me at the moment. My wife says I have too many stoves... :rolleyes:
I like each for a various reasons and use each in different situation, seasons, etc. The pocket rocket is getting some great press here and I have to agree. Ounce for ounce, or the lack there of, it's a fantastic stove that takes up very little space and really puts out.
I'm curious though about one problem I've had with it and if anyone else has experienced it. I have a small titanium pot that I use with my pocket rocket. I find that the pot slips off the supports very easily, almost as if it's greased, more so than other similar style stoves that I've used. So I'm always overly cautious about where I set it up. Any one else run into this, if so have you come up with any solutions?I used a razor blade knife and put very shallow grooves on bottom of the pot in a grid pattern. The stoves pot supports "find" these grooves and problem solved.
Why make it hard.:-?
I pack 4 day,two boil a day and it adds up to 8oz with Esbit?
mtnkngxt
09-20-2008, 22:45
As far as the Jetboil and Reactor are concerned I think the Jetboil would be a better eastcoast AT stove, however for high altitude mountaineering out west the Reactor or XGK MSR stoves would reign superior for their wind deflecting and boil times at high altitude. Personally I have a pocket rocket and Whisperlite for cooking for large groups. They work fine, however I'm no gourmet chef so they do the job for my simplistic eating styles.
Crazy_Al
09-21-2008, 18:45
Why make it hard.:-?
I pack 4 day,two boil a day and it adds up to 8oz with Esbit?
I use a Trangia pot and a Esbit stove. The Esbit stove fits inside the Trangia pot. I used to use a Trangia alcohol stove, but the low heat flame and carrying lots of alcohol weighted a lot more than Esbit.
I'm not all that much into hybrids but I'm thinking that the F1 with a Brunton Stove stand http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/Stovedetail.cfm/BR1089 would make a pretty powerful remote canister rig. Thanks for the info.
New guy here, the F1 is the stove I have and I love it. I've never used any of the other brands mentioned here. Are the threads on the F1 and Brunton Stove Stand the same? I read somewhere that the threads on the F1 were not compatible with other brands. I like the idea of the remote stand.
As far as the Jetboil and Reactor are concerned I think the Jetboil would be a better eastcoast AT stove, however for high altitude mountaineering out west the Reactor or XGK MSR stoves would reign superior for their wind deflecting and boil times at high altitude. Personally I have a pocket rocket and Whisperlite for cooking for large groups. They work fine, however I'm no gourmet chef so they do the job for my simplistic eating styles.
Well put.
bearbag hanger
09-28-2008, 10:25
I've used just about every stove mentioned here. No one seems to consider which might be a little safer to use. I used the F1 for a long time, but had always noticed that even without a windscreen, the canister got pretty hot, sometimes too hot to touch after just a couple minutes of boiling water. I've sinced replaced the F1 with a pocket rocket. I also have a JetBoil, but find it burns anything other than water at the bottom of the pot. Can't really cook a cup of noodles without having a lot of black burned food at the bottom of the pot. But, I've seen a video somewhere in which someone purposely knocked a working JetBoil over on it's side on a sleeping bag - and the sleeping bag didn't get burned! To me, that's impressive.
NICKTHEGREEK
09-28-2008, 10:29
New guy here, the F1 is the stove I have and I love it. I've never used any of the other brands mentioned here. Are the threads on the F1 and Brunton Stove Stand the same? I read somewhere that the threads on the F1 were not compatible with other brands. I like the idea of the remote stand.
Welcome- I believe all evidence is that Lindahl valves fit universally. Coleman had some "X" series powermax stoves that use a unique canister and attachment. http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/newsrelease.asp?releasenum=289
None of the brick and mortar stores in my zipcode have both in stock so it looks like I'll have to go on line if I buy, try it out and worst case I'll just have one more stove and a stand that works with my Primus Alpine Micro.
I'm definately gonna give it a try. Thanks for the info!
mtnkngxt
09-28-2008, 12:59
Pocket Rocket is probably the most popular on the trail. However, I'm planning on buying a MSR windpro this winter and taking it and the pocket rocket on my 100 mile wilderness trip and Big K summit this summer. I plan on using and abusing both in order to pick one for my thru in 2010.
middle to middle
10-03-2008, 22:38
And when you need a coffee hit quickly it works fast. The coffee press is the best way to fix coffee for me. It all works together as a great system. Great hot coffee ! Of course I addict.