Whisperlite International

[JWren]

I just bought a Whisperlite International for my first backpacking stove and i just wanted to see if i should have bought just the basic whisperlite, and is the only difference is that the international can take more types of gas

[Panzer1]

You can't go wrong with the whisperlite international. Its a classic backpacking stove. For the addition of 1 ounce in weight you have the option of using multiple fuels.

Panzer

[CrumbSnatcher]

You can't go wrong with the whisperlite international. Its a classic backpacking stove.

Panzer

panzer is right this stove is bomb proof,and will last for along time.i have a bakepacker that makes great pizza and baked goods and fits this stove well. for long/thru hikes i carry a pocket rocket now,but on my first thru i carried the same stove you bought. never hurts to own more than one stove.

[fiddlehead]

Well, i can't agree. I tried one and it was a bit of a pain compared to other stoves.
First of all, it's heavy.
2nd/ it's very loud
3rd/ it requires cleaning which means taking it apart and cleaning many small pieces that can be easily lost especially if you are out in a wind/snow/rain storm while attempting it.
4th/ yes it burn the diesel fuel we used in it in Nepal but we also had to filter the fuel first before putting it in as well as cleaning the stove every few days.

Did i mention expensive? bulky?
All that being said, propane/butane stoves are much simpler/quieter/lighter/cheaper
Alcohol stoves and propane seem to be the way of the future and the whisperlite the way of the past. IMO

[Panzer1]

All that being said, propane/butane stoves are much simpler/quieter/lighter/cheaper

As far as lighter is concerned: if your comparing it to other MSR stoves:
The MSR reactor canister stove weights 21.6 ounces compared to the MSR whisperlite international multi fuel which weights 15.5 ounces.

Panzer

[CrumbSnatcher]

I just bought a Whisperlite International for my first backpacking stove and i just wanted to see if i should have bought just the basic whisperlite, and is the only difference is that the international can take more types of gas

as fiddlehead said, it is heavy,and bulky stove...but i've only had to clean the stove before long trips. once a year maybe. WRENMAN,what kind of trips will you be carrying your stove on. (thruhike,section,weekend?) anyway if you decide to carry this stove some people leave the pump attached,if you do make sure you release the pressure in the fuel bottle. in 1999 a guy was hiking along,and the bottom of his fuel bottle blew off. its better to take the pump off and put the cap back on the fuel bottle,and pump the pump a couple times to clear the fuel out of the pump. fiddle head makes some good points,depends on your uses.

[Sly]

I used a Whisperlite Internationale on both the AT and PCT and never had a problem. Even using an 11 oz bottle I never ran out of fuel. It would last a week or more morning and evening. I did have to use regular unleaded on a couple occasions which burnt sooty but real cheap.

Two tips, after pumping just crack the valve until you hear a hiss and shut it off before priming, allow it to almost burn out before opening the valve again; and tap the stove for the shaker to clean the jet it if it not burning right.

[Panzer1]

I agree with Sly that you just crack the pump loose a bit to let the pressure out, you don't remove the pump completely.

Panzer

[Panzer1]

We could talk about the advantages and disadvantages of stoves all night long. I think in the end you hike with whatever stove you want to. I myself have 5 different stoves. I like them all.

Panzer

[PJ 2005]

Actual quote:

"Whisperlite international? I was going to bring one of those... til I pulled my head out of my ass."

For the record, I own one

[fiddlehead]

Here's a link to my blog article about my backpacking stove collection in my garage.

Although i bought one once, a whisperlight is not in the collection (i sold it)

http://fiddlehead.wordpress.com/2008...ve-collection/

[Peaks]

Well, i can't agree. I tried one and it was a bit of a pain compared to other stoves.
First of all, it's heavy.
2nd/ it's very loud
3rd/ it requires cleaning which means taking it apart and cleaning many small pieces that can be easily lost especially if you are out in a wind/snow/rain storm while attempting it.
4th/ yes it burn the diesel fuel we used in it in Nepal but we also had to filter the fuel first before putting it in as well as cleaning the stove every few days.

Did i mention expensive? bulky?
All that being said, propane/butane stoves are much simpler/quieter/lighter/cheaper
Alcohol stoves and propane seem to be the way of the future and the whisperlite the way of the past. IMO

But, when the whisperlites came out, it was a big improvement over the Svea's in all the aspects you mentioned.

But, getting back to the orginal question, I'd say that the "international" version is unnecessary for most of us because how many of us are going to remote parts of the world where unleaded gas is not available.

[take-a-knee]

But, when the whisperlites came out, it was a big improvement over the Svea's in all the aspects you mentioned.

But, getting back to the orginal question, I'd say that the "international" version is unnecessary for most of us because how many of us are going to remote parts of the world where unleaded gas is not available.

I don't see how leaky O-rings are an improvement over a SVEA 123, it is six or so ounces lighter and works better in the wind with the supplied windscreen but it needs more maintenence. Those parts kits they sell, buy one, you'll need it. As for cannister stoves, I think the MSR Wind Pro has them all beat.

[JWren]

Thanks, I first off really do not care about the noise, that is also a psycological boost that it is working and cooking, and i am only going for 3-4 night hikes, i do agree with peaks that i probably will not use it but for a 16 year old who is just starting out i went with old reliable

[Two Speed]

While I'd recommend an alkie stove I think you've got the right attitude, wrenman. Take the gear you've got, go hiking and have fun.

[Lyle]

I don't see how leaky O-rings are an improvement over a SVEA 123, it is six or so ounces lighter and works better in the wind with the supplied windscreen but it needs more maintenence. Those parts kits they sell, buy one, you'll need it. As for cannister stoves, I think the MSR Wind Pro has them all beat.

I agree about SVEA vs Wisperlite. Have had both, prefer the SVEA. My nephew and his wife bought a Wisperlite, but later asked for a SVEA for Christmas a few years back, because he was tired of the constant fiddling required. He had used my SVEA when he was younger and knew that it just simply worked, no fiddle involved other than priming, which is simple and a non-issue once you know how.

Wrenman, nothing wrong with your purchase, it may not be the "best" in some of our opinions, but perfectly fine for your use. It will serve you well, and last a long time, or at least until you develop your own opinion. You might as well get used to changing your opinion about gear now, it is never-ending. :-) Use it and ENJOY!

[woodsy]

Thanks, I first off really do not care about the noise, that is also a psycological boost that it is working and cooking, and i am only going for 3-4 night hikes, i do agree with peaks that i probably will not use it but for a 16 year old who is just starting out i went with old reliable

Its a good stove, mine is 10 years old and have never had a problem with it, works great in cold temperatures too, where many other stoves fail the test.

[Lyle]

Thanks, I first off really do not care about the noise, that is also a psycological boost that it is working and cooking, and i am only going for 3-4 night hikes, i do agree with peaks that i probably will not use it but for a 16 year old who is just starting out i went with old reliable

You are right about the noise. For some reason that I have never analyzed, and it has never just dawned on me why, the moment of shutting down my old SVEA, with it's Roarer Burner, and the contrasting silence, is still a very powerful and pleasant memory of my earlier days of backpacking. I have now changed to alcohol except in winter, and I do miss that experience. It did give you a warm, comfortable feeling. Sounds kinda stupid, but it is a fond memory.

[Toolshed]

I graduated many years ago from an 8R to a Whisperlite and then years later to an International when they came out. I've noticed that some people simply cannot stand a W-lite and prefer simplicity, quietness and ease of use.
Give me a -20 morning in 10'feet of snow and listening to the reassuring roar of my whisperlite over the deafening silence of an alcy stove.

I now use either a PR or an alcy for warm weather trips, as the Whisperlite is heavy and bulky, but I love the stove and it was my buddy for many years. I still use it in cold weather as well as for the boyscouts when we need a blowtorch.

[CrumbSnatcher]

I agree with Sly that you just crack the pump loose a bit to let the pressure out, you don't remove the pump completely.

Panzer

sly was reffer to pre-cooking prepping of the stove?. i was talking about afterwards when packing the stove(but i used a external backpack,with the stove in a side pocket.i wacked it up against trees to often.some people broke the pumps handle off while hiking)IMO the pump was safer not hooked to the bottle while hiking.