Msr Pocket Rocket: Fuel Efficiency And Performance

how much fuel for msr pocket rocket

The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a lightweight, compact canister stove that uses isobutane-propane fuel, which is available in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz canisters. While MSR has its own brand of isobutane-propane fuel mix, other brands such as Jetboil, Snow Peak, and Primus are also compatible with the stove. The amount of fuel required will depend on the temperature and altitude at which the stove is used, with colder temperatures and higher altitudes requiring more fuel.

Characteristics Values
Fuel Type Isobutane-propane
Fuel Container Self-sealing, threaded canisters
Fuel Container Sizes 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz
Fuel Container Brands MSR, Snow Peak, Jetboil, Primus, Jeboil, Coleman, Widder, LiCamp, Sterno, Optimus, GigaPower
Fuel Container Weight 4 oz canister: 3.5 oz empty, 7.4 oz gross; 8 oz canister: 3.9 oz empty
Burn Time 8 oz canister: 60 minutes at maximum flame
Fuel Consumption 1 oz per day for 2 cups of water in the evening and 1.5 cups in the morning
Fuel Availability Widely available in the US and abroad, including outdoor stores, gas stations, and hardware stores
Alternative Fuels Denatured alcohol, Esbit tabs, wood (less efficient and may be banned in the American West during fire season)

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Isobutane-propane fuel canisters

The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a lightweight and compact stove that uses isobutane-propane fuel canisters, which are the most common type of fuel canisters. The stove is compatible with a variety of pots, kettles, cups, and skillets, although it does not come with its own. The fuel canisters are sold separately and are available in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz sizes. The 4 oz canister is typically sufficient for a single person during backpacking trips.

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MSR fuel canisters

The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a lightweight and compact canister stove that uses isobutane-propane fuel canisters. These canisters are available in three sizes: 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz. The 4 oz canister measures 3.5 x 3.5 x 2.7 inches and weighs 7.4 oz, while the 8 oz canister measures 4.3 x 4.3 x 3.7 inches and weighs 13.1 oz. The 16 oz canister is the largest, measuring 4.4 x 4.4 x 6 inches and weighing 1 lb 7 oz.

MSR IsoPro fuel canisters are a popular choice for the PocketRocket 2 stove. IsoPro fuel is a performance-boosting blend of 80% isobutane and 20% propane, with less than 5% n-butane. This blend delivers superior cold weather performance and a more consistent output over the life of the canister compared to standard butane/propane mixtures. The IsoPro fuel canisters feature a self-sealing valve, allowing for safe removal from the stove burner during transportation, and a printed float gauge to determine how much fuel is remaining.

While MSR fuel canisters are designed for use with all MSR canister stoves, other brand canister stoves may also be compatible. The PocketRocket 2 stove is compatible with isobutane-propane fuel canisters from other brands, such as Jetboil and Primus, as long as they have a compatible thread. However, it is recommended to use MSR IsoPro fuel canisters to ensure optimal performance, especially in cold weather conditions.

In summary, the MSR PocketRocket 2 stove utilizes isobutane-propane fuel canisters, which are available in various sizes to suit different trip durations. MSR IsoPro fuel canisters are a reliable and high-performing option, offering superior cold weather performance and compatibility with other canister stoves. It is important to purchase new canisters and recycle used ones responsibly to ensure safety and sustainability during outdoor adventures.

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Alternative fuel sources

The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a backpacking stove that uses isobutane-propane fuel, which is available in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz canisters. While MSR PocketRocket stoves are compatible with MSR fuel canisters, they can also use other brands of isobutane-propane fuel blends, such as Jetboil and Primus.

Propane

Propane is one of the most popular fuels for camping due to its high-pressure vapour, even at low temperatures, making it a great-performing fuel. Propane canisters are widely available in many big-box, outdoor, hardware, and grocery stores. However, propane stoves and canisters tend to be larger and heavier, making them more suitable for car camping rather than backpacking.

Butane

Butane is another popular fuel for camping, especially in North America, due to its convenient and easy-to-install canister design. The boiling point of butane is -1°C, so it remains a gas even at freezing temperatures. However, cheaper brands may use regular butane instead of isobutane, which may not perform as well in cold weather.

Alcohol

Alcohol stoves are small, lightweight, and easy to carry. Denatured alcohol and pure ethanol are preferred for alcohol stoves and can be purchased at hardware stores, camping stores, supermarkets, and petrol stations. Alcohol is widely available and, according to some sources, the most easily sourced of all fuels. However, it may not be ideal for cold weather camping as it takes longer to boil water.

Solid Fuel

Light, inexpensive stoves that run on solid fuel tablets are available from brands like Esbit. Solid fuel tablets are incredibly light and easy to pack, but they can leave a sticky residue on pots and have a noticeable odour.

Wood

Several brands, including BioLite, Solo, and Vargo, make stoves that are fuelled by wooden twigs. Wood-burning stoves may not always be a smart, practical, or legal choice, depending on the location, weather, and fire conditions. Always check with the local forest service or authorities before using a wood-burning stove.

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Fuel canister weight

The weight of the fuel canister is an important factor to consider when packing for a backpacking trip. The MSR PocketRocket 2 stove is lightweight and compact, weighing only 2.6 oz (74 g) without the fuel canister. The fuel canisters for the PocketRocket 2 come in three sizes: 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz.

The weight of the fuel canister itself should be accounted for when planning for a trip. A 4-ounce MSR fuel canister has a gross weight of 7.4 ounces, so the empty canister weighs approximately 3.5 ounces. This means that even when empty, the fuel canister adds a significant amount of weight to your pack.

When planning for a trip, it is important to consider how much fuel you will need and choose the appropriate canister size. For example, if you plan to boil 2 cups of water in the evening and 1.5 cups of water for coffee in the morning, you will use about 1 ounce of fuel per day. In this case, a 4 oz canister would last for about 4 days, while an 8 oz canister would last for over a week.

The weight of the fuel canister can also vary depending on the brand and type of fuel. For example, off-brand fuel canisters may be cheaper and fit the Pocket Rocket perfectly, but they may not perform as well in cold weather due to the use of regular butane instead of isobutane. MSR's IsoPro canisters, on the other hand, are specifically designed for the Pocket Rocket and perform better in cold weather, but they may be more expensive and less readily available.

Overall, when planning for a backpacking trip with the MSR PocketRocket 2 stove, it is important to consider the weight of the fuel canister and choose the appropriate size and type of fuel canister for your needs.

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Fuel consumption

The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a backpacking canister stove that uses isobutane-propane fuel canisters. These canisters are available in three sizes: 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz. The fuel consumption will depend on how much fuel you use per day, which will vary depending on how often you use the stove. For example, if you use about 1 ounce of fuel per day to boil 2 cups of water in the evening and 1.5 cups in the morning, an 8-ounce canister will last for over a week, while a 4-ounce canister will last for about 4 days.

The PocketRocket 2 does not come with a fuel canister, so you will need to purchase one separately. The stove is compatible with most isobutane-propane fuel canisters, including those from MSR, Snow Peak, Jetboil, and Coleman. However, some users have reported issues with using off-brand fuel canisters, such as reduced flame due to loss of pressure.

If you are using the stove in cold weather, it is recommended to use a fuel mix that includes propane, as plain butane may not work well in temperatures below 50 °F. MSR IsoPro fuel is recommended for best results, and it offers a burn time of approximately 60 minutes for a 227-g / 8-oz canister.

To reduce fuel consumption, it is recommended to use a windscreen to block the wind, as the stove's performance can be impacted in breezy conditions. Additionally, the weight of the fuel canister itself should be considered when backpacking, as it will add to the overall weight of your gear.

Fuel Flow: How Much is Enough?

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Frequently asked questions

The MSR Pocket Rocket stove uses isobutane-propane fuel canisters.

MSR fuel can be purchased from outdoor stores, gas stations, and hardware stores. MSR brand fuel is sold at REI and Walmart.

The fuel canisters come in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz sizes. For backpacking, a 4 oz canister is usually sufficient. An 8 oz canister can last for over a week when boiling 2 cups of water each evening and 1.5 cups every morning for coffee.

Yes, some users have reported success with off-brand fuel canisters purchased from supermarkets. However, it is important to note that MSR recommends using their IsoPro fuel for best results. Additionally, at temperatures below 50 °F, plain butane should be avoided, and alternative fuels like denatured alcohol, Esbit tabs, or wood may be considered.

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