Sylvie Willis
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a lightweight and compact canister stove that is compatible with isobutane-propane fuel canisters. The stove does not come with fuel, so it is important to consider how much fuel you will need to carry for your trip. The fuel canisters are available in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz sizes, and the amount of fuel required will depend on factors such as the number of boils per day, elevation, and temperature. For example, at 4000 to 6000 feet with four boils per day, a small canister lasted for seven days, while at higher elevations, a small canister lasted for three to four days with two boils per day. When choosing a fuel canister, consider the temperature range you will be using the stove in, as plain butane may not work well in temperatures below 50 °F, and performance issues can occur in extended periods below freezing.
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What You'll Learn
- Isobutane-propane fuel canisters are compatible with the MSR Pocket Rocket 2
- The stove does not come with fuel, so you must purchase it separately
- The amount of fuel needed depends on the temperature and elevation
- MSR fuel canisters are recommended, but other brands may work
- The weight of the fuel canister should be considered when backpacking
Isobutane-propane fuel canisters are compatible with the MSR Pocket Rocket 2
The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is an upgrade from its predecessor, now equipped with new folding pot supports. It is a lightweight and compact stove, weighing 2.6 ounces, and can be folded and tucked away in its carry case. It is compatible with isobutane canisters that have a screw-on Lindal valve. Mountain Safety Research (MSR) recommends using their MSR IsoPro Fuel with the Pocket Rocket 2. However, other brands of isobutane-propane fuel canisters are also compatible with the stove, such as Jetboil JetPower, Gas One, KOVEA, Primus, and Snow Peak. These alternative brands offer propane/isobutane mixes that work well with the Pocket Rocket 2 as long as they have a compatible thread.
When choosing fuel for the MSR Pocket Rocket 2, it is important to consider the temperature range you will be using it in. Isobutane-propane fuel canisters perform better in cold weather due to the inclusion of propane, which has a lower boiling point than butane. Therefore, if you are camping in cold weather, it is recommended to use a fuel mix that includes propane. On the other hand, plain butane fuel mixes may be sufficient for warmer temperatures above 50 °F.
The weight of the fuel canister is also a significant factor to consider when backpacking. The weight of the fuel canister itself can add to the overall weight of your gear, so choosing a lightweight canister option is essential. Additionally, the shape and size of the canister can impact the stability of the stove setup and how easily it packs into your cook kit.
While MSR brand fuel canisters are recommended and readily available at retailers like REI, other off-brand fuel canisters can also be used with the MSR Pocket Rocket 2. These can often be found at supermarkets or stores like Walmart, offering a more affordable and accessible option. However, it is important to note that some users have reported issues with off-brand canisters, such as pressure loss and reduced flame, which have not been experienced with MSR brand canisters.
In conclusion, the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is a versatile and lightweight stove that is compatible with various isobutane-propane fuel canisters. While MSR brand fuel canisters are recommended, alternative brands with compatible threads can also be used, especially those that include propane for better performance in cold weather. Considering factors such as temperature range, weight, and stability can help you choose the most suitable fuel canister for your MSR Pocket Rocket 2 stove.
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The stove does not come with fuel, so you must purchase it separately
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a lightweight and compact canister stove that is compatible with isobutane-propane fuel canisters. The stove itself does not come with fuel, so you must purchase it separately. This fuel type is the most common kind of fuel canister and can be found easily in the United States and abroad.
MSR has its own brand of iso-mix fuel, which is available in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz canisters. However, other brands such as Snow Peak, Jetboil, Primus, and Coleman also sell compatible fuel canisters. It is important to note that while cheaper brands may work with the stove, they may use regular butane instead of isobutane, which may not perform as well in cold weather.
When planning how much fuel to carry, consider the temperature and the number of boils or burns you will need. In temperatures above 50 °F, any fuel mix will work, but once you go below 50 °F, it is recommended to avoid plain butane. For extended periods in freezing temperatures, a liquid fuel stove may be a better option.
The number of boils or burns you will need will depend on the number of people and the length of your trip. A small canister can provide approximately 4 grams of fuel per boil, lasting about three days for two boils a day or four days with one boil a day. A larger 30 oz fuel bottle can last up to five days for two people, boiling water for breakfast and dinner.
In summary, when purchasing fuel for the MSR PocketRocket 2, consider the fuel type, brand, temperature range, and the amount of fuel you will need per boil or burn.
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The amount of fuel needed depends on the temperature and elevation
The amount of fuel you will need for your MSR Pocket Rocket stove depends on various factors, including the temperature and elevation.
First, you need to calculate how much boiling water you will need per meal. The general consensus is to boil one litre of water per person per meal. Once you have this number, you can use your stove's boil and burn time specifications to calculate your fuel needs.
The boiling point of water or any liquid varies according to the surrounding atmospheric pressure. As you go higher in elevation, the atmospheric pressure decreases, and the boiling point lowers. This means water boils faster at higher elevations. However, some foods will take longer to cook at higher elevations because they absorb water more slowly. According to MSR, when cooking raw foods, for every 18 degrees Fahrenheit drop in boiling point, the cooking time will double. So, the stove's efficiency at elevation can affect overall fuel usage.
Similarly, cold temperatures can affect fuel performance. Canister stoves, for example, lose pressure as temperatures drop. You can address this by looking for isobutane-propane mixes instead of butane-propane blends. On the other hand, liquid fuel stoves can always be repressurised, so they are a good option for cold temperatures.
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MSR fuel canisters are recommended, but other brands may work
The MSR Pocket Rocket stove is designed to use MSR IsoPro fuel, an 80% isobutane/20% propane blend. This blend is said to perform better in cold weather than cheaper brands, which tend to use regular butane instead of isobutane. While MSR recommends sticking to its own brand of fuel, other canister fuels with the same blend of isobutane and propane will work. These include Snow Peak, Jetboil, and Primus.
When planning a trip with your MSR Pocket Rocket stove, it's important to consider how much fuel you'll need. The amount of fuel required depends on various factors, such as the number of people you're cooking for, how much water you need to heat, and the ambient temperature. For example, if you want a cup of tea or coffee every morning on a five-day trip for three people, you'll need around 5.3 liters of hot water.
The weight of the fuel canister is also a factor to consider when backpacking. A 4-ounce MSR fuel canister has a gross weight of 7.4 ounces, so the empty canister weighs around 3.5 ounces. Carrying a stove and fuel adds weight to your pack, but it's worth it for the convenience of being able to cook meals and boil water.
While MSR fuel canisters are recommended for the best performance, other brands of canister fuel with the same 80% isobutane/20% propane blend will work in your MSR Pocket Rocket stove. These alternative brands can be purchased at supermarkets, Walmart, REI, and other outdoor stores. However, it's important to note that the performance of your stove may vary when using non-MSR fuel, and there are no guarantees regarding the quality of the fuel.
In summary, while MSR fuel canisters are recommended for optimal performance, other brands of canister fuel with the same 80% isobutane/20% propane blend can be used in your MSR Pocket Rocket stove. Alternative fuel options include off-brand supermarket fuel, Snow Peak, Jetboil, and Primus. However, when using non-MSR fuel, there may be variations in performance, and the quality of the fuel cannot be guaranteed.
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The weight of the fuel canister should be considered when backpacking
The weight of the fuel canister is an important consideration when backpacking, as it can significantly impact the overall weight of your pack. When deciding how much fuel to carry, it is essential to strike a balance between having enough fuel to meet your needs and minimising the weight of your gear.
One key factor to consider is the type of stove you are using. The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 stove, for example, is known for its lightweight design, weighing only 2.6 ounces. However, the weight of the fuel canister must also be taken into account. A 4-ounce MSR fuel canister has a gross weight of 7.4 ounces, including the weight of the empty canister, which is approximately 3.5 ounces. This adds considerable weight to your pack, so it is crucial to plan carefully and consider your fuel needs.
The duration of your trip and the frequency of cooking will influence the amount of fuel required. Some backpackers suggest that a 4 oz fuel can typically lasts them 7-8 days, depending on usage. If you plan to cook elaborate meals or boil large amounts of water, you will need more fuel. Environmental factors such as temperature, wind speed, and altitude also affect fuel consumption. In colder temperatures, your fuel will have to work harder, and lower temperatures cause a drop in pressure within the canister. Windy conditions may also require you to run your stove for longer, so it is advisable to pack extra fuel if you anticipate high winds during your trip.
To optimise fuel efficiency, consider using a windblock and selecting a stove with a shorter boil time. Additionally, opting for lightweight cookware, such as titanium pots, can help reduce the overall weight of your cooking setup.
It is worth noting that not all fuel canisters are created equal. Some canisters may have a different net weight of fuel despite similar sizes. Moreover, the fuel mixture varies among brands, with cheaper options often containing regular butane instead of isobutane, which can affect performance in cold weather. MSR, Snow Peak, and Jetboil canisters are recommended for colder temperatures due to their use of isobutane with some propane.
To make informed decisions about fuel quantities, it is beneficial to weigh your fuel canisters before and after a trip to gain insights into your fuel consumption patterns. This practice will enable you to estimate your fuel requirements for future backpacking excursions.
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Frequently asked questions
The MSR Pocket Rocket stove is compatible with isobutane-propane fuel canisters.
Isobutane-propane fuel canisters can be purchased at most outdoor stores, including 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.
Yes, alternative fuels such as denatured alcohol, Esbit tabs, or wood can be used. However, these methods may be less efficient and are sometimes banned in certain areas during fire season.
The MSR brand of isobutane-propane fuel is recommended for the best performance. However, other brands such as Snow Peak, Jetboil, and Primus can also be used with good results. Cheaper brands may use regular butane instead of isobutane, which may not perform as well in cold weather.
