NEW STOVE!!!!!!!! (Pocket Rocket)

[jeepcj258]

Well I labored over this for nearly 3 months before decideing on a new stove. So at the suggestion of almost every one here, I went with the pocket rocket.

Very excited!!

Can any body tell me the best fuel to use, or what fuel that will work with it besides MSR. Also what size canister do most of you carry and how long will it last?

Thanks in advance!
God Bless
Seth

[Lone Wolf]

You'll like the PR. I'm starting at Springer this year with a Brunton isobutane/propane mix cannister. It's the 8 oz. size. I plan on getting 8-10 days use out of it.

[jeepcj258]

Thank for the reply LW. I have a week long trip coming in March and I was hoping one can would do the trick.

I may try and get out this weekend with and try it we will see?

God Bless
Seth

[TJ aka Teej]

I have a week long trip coming in March and I was hoping one can would do the trick.I've used just about every kind of stove from my old MSR Firefly to woodburners to alcohol tincans, and I like my Pocket Rocket best. I get 30-40 cooks out of a cannister, ymmv, plenty for a 7 day trip.

[Nightwalker]

Can any body tell me the best fuel to use, or what fuel that will work with it besides MSR. Also what size canister do most of you carry and how long will it last?
Use Primus Power fuel until the weather warms up. It is a 3-fuel mix that burns well down to -15 F. No warming in the jacket required. It is made up of Butane, Propane and Isobutane. Good stuff. I'm pretty much considering forgetting the alcohol and just using my canister. Use a pot cozy and one tank will last a LONG time.

If the rest of your goodies are good and light, get the 16 oz canister. The total weight is 24 oz. It'll last you 2 weeks or more if you're careful. Sweet, eh?

I've got a couple of gassers. The Pocket Rocket is my favorite. Light, hot and small.

Frank/Nightwalker

[Nightwalker]

You'll like the PR. I'm starting at Springer this year with a Brunton isobutane/propane mix cannister. It's the 8 oz. size. I plan on getting 8-10 days use out of it.
LW,

You doing another thru, or just feeding Springer fever?

[MileMonster]

Nice stove, for a non-alki, lol. I enjoy mine when I use it. I've gone on an 8 day trip, heating water for three people, B&D every day and barely gotten into the second can of fuel. The regular size, not the big one. Another trip, three folks, 5 days, B&D, 1 can. A buddy did a 7 day trip, three people, B&D, 1 can. The cans can last a while. That's just boiling water for dehydrated meals and cozy cooking, though. No simmering.

[neo]

i have a pocket rocket,great stove,:sun neo

[Ramble~On]

I like mine for winter hiking. I've never gone through a 4 fl. oz on a three or four day trip with a lot of use. Small, lightweight and reliable...only thing I don't like about it is how high off the ground the pot sits while cooking....sooner or later I'll knock one over.

[Lone Wolf]

No more thru-hikin Frank. Just gonna do a little section. Springer to Damascus.

[NICKTHEGREEK]

Well I labored over this for nearly 3 months before decideing on a new stove. So at the suggestion of almost every one here, I went with the pocket rocket.

Very excited!!

Can any body tell me the best fuel to use, or what fuel that will work with it besides MSR. Also what size canister do most of you carry and how long will it last?

Thanks in advance!
God Bless
Seth
What factors took 3 months to resolve? It seems like an awfully long time to spend on a pretty straight forward decision.

[Toolshed]

I've used just about every kind of stove from my old MSR Firefly to woodburners to alcohol tincans....
I thought MSR fireflies were new??

[jeepcj258]

Thanks all for the replies, and for reaffirming my decision!

FRANKLOOPER: Do you have a site that you recommend pickin up the Primus Power Fuel?

NICKTHEGREEK:
I considerd not getting a canister stove for a while or sticking with the Alchol stove. You are correct, awfully long time for a $40 stove. But I have not been in a hurry, I had to get back to work and school right after new years, and I have only gotten to hike once since. So I have had some time to debat and shop. But, Good Lord willing, there is some time off and the woods are calling me.

Now on to the next purchase, a new tent. This one can not take me that long, I am going to use it spring break. Get ready all, I have lots of questions.


Thanks again for all of the help.

God Bless
Seth

[Footslogger]

I like mine for winter hiking. I've never gone through a 4 fl. oz on a three or four day trip with a lot of use. Small, lightweight and reliable...only thing I don't like about it is how high off the ground the pot sits while cooking....sooner or later I'll knock one over.===================================
It's one more thing to carry but Primus does make a little plastic tri-pod (<2oz)that fits onto the base of the propane cannister and makes it less "tippable". Only use my cannister stoves in the Winter and always take that little tri-pod for the same reasons you mentioned.

'Slogger
AT 2003

[Dainon]

Can you use a standard windscreen with a cannister stove? Is it needed? Would it be safe or would the heat build-up inside the screen serve to explode the cannister? I looked on the MSR site and didn't see any info on this. I did see an optional screen that would attach just below the pot holders.

[MileMonster]

NO! Do NOT use a windscreen. There is a danger of the canister exploding if you do this.

[Footslogger]

I ALWAYS use a windscreen, with any kind of stove. Stoves only work efficiently if the flame is concentrated on the base of your cook pot and not wavering around in the wind.

The thing you have to be careful about with a cannister stove is excess heat build-up. To avoid this I make the windscreens for my cannister stoves a lot larger in diameter and punch a lot of holes along the edge near the ground. I also do not fully enclose them around the cannister ...just enough to block the wind. Have never had a problem in over 25 years of propane cannister cooking.
'Slogger
AT 2003

[bulldog49]

I always use a windscreen with my canister stove as well. I use one that goes about 2/3 the way around the stove, leaving the side opposite the wind open. Never a problem with heat build up.

[jeepcj258]

The wind screen thing is new to me also. I am glad that you guys metioned this. I would have just put it on there and that would have been it.

Any thing else I might like to know?

Thanks
God Bless
Seth

[Nightwalker]

No more thru-hikin Frank. Just gonna do a little section. Springer to Damascus.
Never say never again.

:D

[Nightwalker]

Thanks all for the replies, and for reaffirming my decision!

FRANKLOOPER: Do you have a site that you recommend pickin up the Primus Power Fuel?
A local outfitter. :)

[jeepcj258]

Frank, I live in a college town, my local outfitter catters to the rich kiddies with their parents credit card. (I suppose I would too, that is what keeps their doors open) Any way, not that any thing that doesn't say north face on it would be in stock any way, if it were, I would have to pay 5 prices to get it. I will surf around on line and try and located. About what is that supposed to run for a 4oz or 8oz canister?

Thanks
God Bless
Seth

[Nightwalker]

Frank, I live in a college town, my local outfitter catters to the rich kiddies with their parents credit card. (I suppose I would too, that is what keeps their doors open) Any way, not that any thing that doesn't say north face on it would be in stock any way, if it were, I would have to pay 5 prices to get it. I will surf around on line and try and located. About what is that supposed to run for a 4oz or 8oz canister?

Thanks
God Bless
Seth
I get a 16 oz canister for 6.95 to 7.95. You can't buy canister fuel online. Think: KABOOM! They won't hardly ship bombs through the mail. :D

[Nightwalker]

I get a 16 oz canister for 6.95 to 7.95. You can't buy canister fuel online. Think: KABOOM! They won't hardly ship bombs through the mail. :D
I was mistaken. You can get them some places, but there is a pretty stiff--20 dollar or so--HazMat surcharge. Here's one. (http://store.4siteoutdoors.com/4site-outdoors/primgascarfu.html)

Frank/Nightwalker

[jeepcj258]

I will continue my search, I might run over to the Buffulo Creek Outfitters and see if they can get me one and what it would cost me.

Thanks for all of the advice, hoping to get out and use it soon.

God Bless
Seth

[Groucho]

The wind screen thing is new to me also. I am glad that you guys metioned this. I would have just put it on there and that would have been it.

Any thing else I might like to know?

Thanks
God Bless
Seth


You might want to make this HOMEMADE CANISTER WINDSCREEN (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00041.html)

[smokedog]

How easy is it to get the canisters, say from Pearisburg to Harpers Ferry? I bought a Pocket Rocket last year and loved it only to purchase a Brasslite alcohol stove this year for fear the canisters might be hard to find.

[bulldog49]

Order canister fuel on-line from Campmor or REI. It has to be shipped ground, so it will take a few days to get it. Regular shipping charges apply, no surcharges for Haz-Mat.

EDIT: It appears Campmor no longer sells fuel on-line, but REI does.

[jeepcj258]

Groucho, I have been giving thought to the windscreen since yesterday when other posted about not over heating the canister. Thanks for the link, it certainly gives me some ideas.

I saw the regular canisters on REI and other sites and I may just have to stick with them for now.

God Bless
Seth

[tribes]

According to Wingy and the companion there are only a few options to pick up canisters along the way. I have not hiked this section yet but this is what I could come up with using WIngy and ALDHA Companion.

Pearisburg: I have heard people say the Walmart had isobutane canisters. The ones in Jersey do not stock them. Maybe this one stocks does.

Daleville: There is an outfitter .3 miles from the trail according to Wingy. 90 or so miles from Pearisburg.

Waynesboro: I think there is an outfitter coming into town from Rockfish Gap. I am not 100% on this but I know there is an outfitter in or near town. I was going to stop in 02' when I hiked SNP but opted not to. Waynesboro is about 130 miles from Daleville.

Shenandoah National Park: Going through SNP, you may be able to pick up a canister at one of the campstores, but once again I am not 100% if they are stocking them. Maybe call ahead when these stores open in Spring or maybe just get a fresh one in Waynesboro for SNP.

Front Royal: Although I cannot find it in the 04' Wingfoot or ALDHA Companion, there is a newer outfitter in Front Royal that I have heard other hikers mention. Sorry about being so vague on this one, but I am pretty sure someone else can confirm or disconfirm this one. If you can get one here it should be enough fuel to get you to Harper's Ferry.

Harpers Ferry: There is an outfitter near the river crossing into Maryland.

I am sure there are other places to get canisters that other folks may be able to add.

hope this helps,

TRI :sun BES

[bulldog49]

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7392

See Jack's post #17 on this thread for a list of cannister resupply locations.

[jeepcj258]

I think that will pretty well wrap it up! Thanks for the link!

God Bless
Seth

[NECKBONE]

love mine. this is all i use. convenient, easy & no mess.

[Nightwalker]

You might want to make this HOMEMADE CANISTER WINDSCREEN (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00041.html)
Thanks for the link!

I was trying to figure out how to make a demi-screen.

:D

[Nightwalker]

Order canister fuel on-line from Campmor or REI. It has to be shipped ground, so it will take a few days to get it. Regular shipping charges apply, no surcharges for Haz-Mat.

EDIT: It appears Campmor no longer sells fuel on-line, but REI does.
3.95 for a 4 oz canister, 5.95 shipping. Ow!

Not hazmat, but still crazy high.

[Icicle]

We considered the Pocket Rocket but went with the Optimus Crux. The Crux is more stable and seems to be built more sturdy.

Glad you are happy with your stove though. :)

[bulldog49]

3.95 for a 4 oz canister, 5.95 shipping. Ow!

Not hazmat, but still crazy high.


The 5.95 shipping is per shipment, not per canister.
I buy the 8 oz canister and 6 at a time to get the best price per oz.

[jeepcj258]

That can work,
Thanks guys
God Bless
Seth

[Nightwalker]

The 5.95 shipping is per shipment, not per canister.
I buy the 8 oz canister and 6 at a time to get the best price per oz.
Thanks.

Frank

[Cookerhiker]

I like mine for winter hiking. I've never gone through a 4 fl. oz on a three or four day trip with a lot of use. Small, lightweight and reliable...only thing I don't like about it is how high off the ground the pot sits while cooking....sooner or later I'll knock one over.

I'm trying to drop weight for my upcoming JMT hike and finally decided to jettison the Coleman white gas stove. Bought a Vargo alcohol but I don't trust it (or me) to be sufficient for my kind of cooking. I'm impressed with what I've seen of the PR and encouraged by the reviews in this forum. Question: Is more fuel consumed at high elevations? Can I make the JMT on one large cannnister (cooking dinners plus boiling breakfast water)? What about reliability in cold temperatures?

[Cookerhiker]

I doubt it. Water boils at a lower temperature at elevation, requiring less fuel. However there may be more inclement weather at elevation, so it may be a wash.



Maybe. I get around 21-24 days out of a large MSR 12oz. (12oz. gross weight, 8oz net fuel weight.) canister with cooking dinner everynight, a few breakfasts and a few lunches. I usually just boil water, so no intricate cooking or simmering.

If you want a really big canister, get this one..weighs about 1.3 pounds though...should be more than enough for the JMT. My local REI stocks this large canister.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=253437430 2696497&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441775741&bmUID=1155394895031

Much thanks.

[SGT Rock]

Just a few thoughts based on research more than any experience.

- Make a windscreen for the burner. It isn' hard.
- Keep the throttle low. It may be cool to boil in 1:30, but can use twice as much fuel as if you do it at 1/4 throttle and take 4 minutes. Oh the pain of the wait.
- Develop a windblock strategy. Will Rietveld at BPL had very good results with all systems in the wind if he made a simple blocker.
- All standard canisters work with all the standard stoves, your MSR stove is a standard type. So you are good there.
- In warm weather butane canisters are OK, but as it gets colder you want canisters with higher propane ratios is what you want. Some manufacturers use iso-butane or n-butane but it is basically the same stuff.

[saimyoji]

I doubt it. Water boils at a lower temperature at elevation, requiring less fuel.



While this is true, there are no places on the AT where this will make much difference. And if you encounter a situation where you do think your water boils below 100* keep this in mind: while it may "boil" quicker, you'll still need to cook your food to the same temperature as at sea level, thus you'll cook it to the same temperature which may take about the same amount of time.

Boiling is the point at which the liquid begins to turn to gas, not when it begins to cook your food. I can make water boil at room temperature without adding any heat at all!! This won't cook my food however.

Check some of those instant meal packs that say: At elevation, add 5 mins to cooking time. This is the reason.

[saimyoji]

Well, cookerhiker is planning a hike on the JMT, where there are elevations in excess of 14,000 feet, and most of the time you are hiking above the highest elevation on the AT..so...

My first post was in response to cookerhiker, hence the quotes.



Cook vs. Rehydrate?

Well then I stand corrected and am currently working on my other foot. :o

[fiddlehead]

my thoughts on this thread:
If you are hiking the JMT south to north (i believe this is the most popular way as it starts at the highest point and goes to the lowest, unless, of course you prefer uphills to downhills) , you can buy more fuel in Red's meadow camp store and also Tuollume meadows store.
That way if you are not sure if you can make it all the way on one, you can buy as you go.
If you are hiking the trail in the other direction (starting at Yosemite village) i would start out with a small one, and buy a bigger one when i got to Red's Meadow.
No sense carrying two.
And also, i don't worry too much about running out cause you can always build a small fire. (western hikers don't really build fires so keep it very small and stealth to stay out of trouble) (and below treeline of course)