New stove suggestions

[ATX-Hiker]

I'm trying to decide on a new stove and I was looking for input. I'm wanting a liquid multi fuel stove (white gas, unleaded, kerosene). No alcohol for me, except some good whiskey. I've read about the plastic pumps on the MSR's breaking, so I'm thinking against one of those. Also I've read about people complaining about the noise, my old pocket rocket, RIP, was pretty loud. I've been looking at the Bruntons, Primus, and Optimus models.

So the I guess it boils down to what's a good multi fuel stove that is...

1. solid
2. not too loud
3. and not too heavy, I know the alcohol are the lightest.

Thanks in advance everybody.

[_terrapin_]

If you're talking canister stove burner units, they're all pretty reliable and simple. Not much to go wrong. MSR his its share of detractors on this forum, but my Whisperlite is 20 years old and has never failed me. Mostly, I use an MSR Pocket Rocket these days.

[sheepdog]

Hard to beat the optimus nova. A little heavy (15 ozs) but bomb proof. I like the fact that when you turn your fuel bottle over it runs all the fuel out of the line so it doesn't leak in your pack.
http://www.backcountry.com/store/OPS0003/Optimus-Nova-Stove.html?CMP_ID=PD_GOO001&CP=Google&CMP=KNC-Google&mv_pc=r101&gcid=S2000x136&keyword=&s_kwcid=optimus%20nova%20stove|2850288974

[Blissful]

Ditto on the MSR pocket rocket. Excellent stove, except in windy conditions.

[Tinker]

I bought a Whisperlite in 1986, used it on every multi day hike until 1999, rebuilt the pump once, and, If I ever get around to rebuilding it again, It will probably last me the rest of my life. It's a great winter stove - as hot as their XGK and much quieter (I've owned both). The new XGK looks to be much more stable than the orig. one which I had. It's worth a look. Btw: MSR has completely designed the pump for their stoves (except for the Firefly), and it's supposed to be much better. Come to think of it, maybe I'll just buy a new pump. I plan on using my stove quite a bit this winter (I'll be getting laid off in a couple of weeks :)).

[buz]

I am with sheepdog on the Nova stove. Great simmer, can handle big pots if needed, very fuel efficient, works everytime. Not the lightest, but solid performer.

I think you need to priortize your wish list to figure out what stove would have the most check marks you need, in order to slim down the field.

[Cookerhiker]

I use a Coleman F1 ultralight canister and am very pleased with it. In cold weather, I wrap a sock around the base.

Meanwhile, there are scads of stove forums and discussions already existing on WB. Have you checked them out?

[JumpInTheLake]

I'm really liking my Pocket Rocket. For white gas I still like and recommend my Coleman single burner. Here is a link to the modern version.
http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Exponent-Feather-Dual-Stove/dp/B0009VC7OC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/175-1901894-7595964?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1228788735&sr=8-1

No assembly, no pre-heating. Just light and cook. It holds enough fuel for several days. It weighs about 3 or 4 ounces more than a Whisperlite and it's fuel bottle. It always works.

[russb]

The pocket rocket and other canister stoves are not multi-fuel as the OP's info request.

[snowhoe]

I have a simmerlite and a jet boil. I like them both but you are going to have to think when you are using them. If it is cold out I use the simmerlite because the canister would freeze and then it is pretty hard to get going. I know what people are saying right now "just pour water on it" that does work but I remember times when I woke up in the morning and everything was frozen. If I am out and I am just going to be boiling water I use the jetboil which I would rather do. That is a fast and fun stove. Or just eat powerbars instead.

[ATX-Hiker]

Good or Bad idea?

If the canister gets too cold, would it be dangerous to set one of those single use hand warmer pouches under the canister in the little concave space?

[snowhoe]

Dont know I have never tried it. I know that if you can get the water a little warm you can just pour some water on the canister. Just make sure you have enough water to make your meal and to keep pouring on the canister. That brings up a good point. If you are on the trail and you know that it is going to very cold before you go to bed pour some water into your pot. That way if it gets so cold that your water freezes you can just fire up your stove and get your breakfast ready. If you dont its pretty hard to get frozen water out of you bottle. I had to learn that the hard way.

[snaplok]

I am with sheepdog on the Nova stove. Great simmer, can handle big pots if needed, very fuel efficient, works everytime. Not the lightest, but solid performer.

I think you need to priortize your wish list to figure out what stove would have the most check marks you need, in order to slim down the field.

I'm another fan of the Nova though I only borrowed it from a friend for a month of use. Right now I use a Crux but should I need to buy another stove it would be the Nova all the way.