Ameer Randolph
The MSR Pocket Rocket is a lightweight and compact canister stove that uses isobutane-propane fuel, which is sold separately in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz canisters. The amount of fuel consumed depends on various factors, including the temperature, elevation, and amount of water boiled. For example, a small canister can provide about 10 boils or last for three to four days with two boils per day. However, in cold temperatures below freezing, the stove may encounter performance issues due to the different vaporization rates of propane and butane.
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What You'll Learn
- Isobutane-propane fuel canisters are available in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz sizes
- The amount of fuel depends on how much water you boil
- Avoid plain butane if temperatures are below 50 °F
- MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is a canister stove with performance issues at high altitudes or freezing temperatures
- Liquid fuel stoves like the MSR DragonFly are more reliable in extended periods of high altitude or freezing conditions
Isobutane-propane fuel canisters are available in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz sizes
When it comes to the MSR Pocket Rocket stove, there are a variety of fuel options available, including isobutane, butane, and propane blends. Isobutane-propane fuel canisters, in particular, are a popular choice for Pocket Rocket users due to their superior performance in cold weather conditions. These blends typically contain 70% to 80% isobutane and 20% to 25% propane, with a small amount of butane, usually around 5%.
It's worth noting that the shape of the canister can vary, with Widder canisters offering more stability, while narrow canisters pack neatly into cook kits, making them ideal for backpacking trips where space is limited. Additionally, some canisters feature a fuel gauge, such as those from MSR IsoPro, which helps users determine the amount of fuel remaining in 4 oz and 8 oz canisters.
When planning fuel usage for a Pocket Rocket stove, it's important to consider factors such as the number of people, cooking habits, and water boiling requirements. For example, a full 8 oz canister can last for approximately 24 days when used for cooking dinner nightly, with a few exceptions for town meals, and occasional lunches. On average, a small canister can boil 500ml of water about 10 times.
In conclusion, the availability of Isobutane-propane fuel canisters in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz sizes offers Pocket Rocket stove users versatility in their outdoor adventures. By choosing the appropriate canister size and blend, adventurers can ensure they have sufficient fuel for their cooking needs, regardless of trip length or weather conditions.
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The amount of fuel depends on how much water you boil
The amount of fuel consumed by a pocket rocket depends on several factors, including the amount of water boiled, environmental conditions, and the type of fuel used. Let's delve into the relationship between fuel consumption and water boiled in more detail:
Firstly, it is essential to understand that the amount of fuel required to boil water is directly proportional to the volume of water. In other words, the more water you need to boil, the more fuel your pocket rocket will consume. This relationship is fairly straightforward and can be easily managed by keeping track of fuel usage during each trip.
One method to determine fuel consumption relative to water boiled is to measure the weight of the fuel canister before and after each trip, as suggested by a user on Reddit. This approach helps in quantifying fuel usage per unit of water boiled and enables better planning for subsequent trips. It also assists in understanding the efficiency of your stove and its fuel consumption rate.
Another user on Reddit shared their experience, stating that they budget 5 grams of isobutane fuel per cup of water boiled. This estimation accounts for the worst-case scenario of boiling icy-cold water and provides a good baseline for planning purposes. However, it is important to note that individual setups may vary, and testing your specific stove is highly recommended.
The volume of water boiled is not the sole factor influencing fuel consumption. Environmental conditions, such as wind, temperature, and altitude, also play a significant role. For instance, windy conditions may require a stronger flame, resulting in increased fuel usage. Similarly, at higher altitudes or freezing temperatures, the propane and butane in the fuel can vaporize at different rates, impacting the performance and fuel efficiency of the stove.
Lastly, the type of fuel used can also affect fuel consumption. Isobutane-propane blends are commonly used in pocket rocket stoves, and the ratio of butane to propane is tailored for specific temperature ranges. Therefore, selecting the appropriate fuel mix for your anticipated environmental conditions is crucial for optimizing fuel efficiency.
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Avoid plain butane if temperatures are below 50 °F
The MSR Pocket Rocket stove is a popular option for backpackers and campers due to its lightweight and compact design. It uses a small canister of fuel, typically containing a blend of butane and propane, such as the MSR IsoPro canister. The amount of fuel needed depends on how much water you will be boiling and the environmental conditions.
In cold temperatures, the choice of fuel for your pocket rocket stove becomes crucial. Butane, a common fuel component, performs poorly in cold weather, especially below 50 °F (10 °C). Below this temperature, butane may not vaporize properly, leading to reduced stove performance or even failure to ignite. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid plain butane canisters if you plan to use your pocket rocket stove in such conditions.
Instead, opting for a blended fuel that includes propane or isobutane is a better choice for cold weather camping. These blends are designed to perform reliably at lower temperatures. For example, a propane/isobutane mix, such as Jetboil Jetpower or Primus Power Gas 4 Season Mix, can be used without issues in cold environments. Additionally, small LPG containers, such as those made by Coleman, are suitable for extremely cold temperatures, even down to -40 °C.
It is worth noting that fuel consumption may increase in cold conditions, especially if you need to melt snow for water. Testing your stove with different fuel canisters in similar conditions to your planned trip is essential to ensure its reliability. Marking the canister after each use will help you keep track of how much fuel you have left and give you an idea of your stove's efficiency under those specific conditions.
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MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is a canister stove with performance issues at high altitudes or freezing temperatures
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a backpacking canister stove that weighs 2.6 oz (74 g) and is compact enough to fit into an MSR Titan Titanium Kettle with an 8 oz fuel canister. It is compatible with isobutane-propane fuel canisters, which are available in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz sizes. The stove has three foldable pot supports and an adjustable flame.
However, as a canister stove, the PocketRocket 2 relies on high internal pressure to vaporize fuel, which can be an issue at high altitudes or freezing temperatures. The propane and butane will vaporize at different rates, and the canister will eventually fail. This issue becomes noticeable at altitudes as low as 7,500 feet, with boil times stretching to 15-20 minutes for 1.5 liters of water in freezing temperatures.
To mitigate the effects of cold weather, some users have suggested warming the fuel canister with their hands or propping the stove on a ski to keep it elevated and out of the snow. Additionally, a remote canister system like MSR's WhisperLite Universal is recommended for cold weather cooking, as it allows you to invert or insulate the canister. You can also purchase a separate adapter to convert the PocketRocket 2 into a remote stove.
While the stove performs adequately in light breezes, it struggles in gusty conditions. This is due to its design, as the burner head is divided into three sections to keep the flame burning in windy conditions. In such conditions, it is recommended to use a windscreen to protect the flame or opt for a stove with an integrated canister system and an enclosed burner.
In summary, while the MSR PocketRocket 2 is lightweight and compact, it does have performance issues at high altitudes and freezing temperatures. These issues can be mitigated to some extent with adaptations and alternative setups, but they may not completely resolve the problem.
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Liquid fuel stoves like the MSR DragonFly are more reliable in extended periods of high altitude or freezing conditions
The MSR Pocket Rocket stove uses fuel canisters, which typically contain a butane blend. One small canister can boil 500ml of water about 10 times, although this depends on various factors such as the water's initial temperature and wind conditions.
The DragonFly's burner technology is not new, but it is refined and reliable. It can burn various types of fuel, including old white gas, diesel, kerosene, aviation fuel, and automotive gas, although white gas is recommended for its clean burn and easy priming. The stove is easy to use and maintain, with a ""shaker jet"" feature that allows for simple cleaning after each use.
The DragonFly is larger, heavier, and bulkier than most other backpacking stoves, making it more suitable for base camping with a group rather than individual travel. It is also not the lightest option, weighing 14 ounces, but it does have a clever folding mechanism for ultra-light group travel. The multi-fuel potential is a significant benefit for international travelers who may not know when their next fuel resupply will be available.
In terms of performance, the DragonFly can boil a liter of water in 4 minutes at an altitude of 6,000 feet, with water starting at an ambient temperature of 50 degrees. The entire system can be assembled in about 60 seconds, and the average bag-to-burn time, including priming, takes just a few minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel you need depends on how much water you will be boiling. One user reported that they were able to boil 500ml of water 10 times with one small canister. Another user reported that they were able to get three days' worth of fuel with a small canister, with one midday coffee. If you are hiking in cold weather, you will need to use a fuel mix that is suitable for cold temperatures.
The Pocket Rocket is compatible with isobutane-propane fuel canisters. The ratio of butane to propane in the mix will depend on the temperature and elevation you will be using the Pocket Rocket in. If you are in temperatures below 50 °F, avoid using plain butane.
Fuel for the Pocket Rocket can be easily found in the United States and abroad. One user reported buying fuel at Walmart.
