MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove Review for Backpacking

Have you ever heard of the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove?

When backpacking, choosing the right stove is important. If you choose one that doesn’t work well, that might stop you from eating your meal. Not getting a meal cooked can really hinder your ability to enjoy your overnight outdoor adventure.

The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove is a popular choice among backpackers, and it’s also really lightweight.

I’ll break down the stove specs and provide a comprehensive review in this post. Please note that I use affiliate links throughout this content. They will not impact your price, but I’ll earn a commission from sales.

MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove at a Glance

Here are the basics for the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove.

The stove alone weighs 2.9 ounces and measures approximately 3.3 x 2.2 x 1.8 inches in size. It takes around 3 1/2 minutes for water to come to a full boil. There is an auto-ignition feature, and the stove takes canisters of Isobutane-propane for fuel.

The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stoves cost around $90 on REI and Amazon.

This stove is ultralightweight and easy to pack. This would be an ideal choice for backpackers, thru-hikers, and weekend campers.

Key Features of the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove

The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove boasts numerous excellent features that make it a worthwhile consideration.

The system features an integrated pressure regulator for consistent performance. You can decide how large the flames need to be and determine whether to cook faster or slower. This is ideal for different things you wish to cook.

The push-button ignition makes creating the flame simple, efficient, and safer for the operator.

There is a broad burner head. This is good for simmer control. It can also be used with various cookware if needed.

Most of all, this stove is extremely lightweight and very compact, making it easy to pack and use.

Performance in the Field

When using the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove while backpacking, I noticed the following benefits.

To boil around 1 liter of water, it took me roughly 3 minutes and 30 seconds’ total. I used it to boil creek water for cooking and to fill one of my drinking water bottles.

Wind resistance isn’t really present unless you put some sort of guard up around the stove.

There is definitely simmer control on this stove. You can adjust the size of your flame with the regulator. This is ideal when cooking food that needs a lower or higher flame.

I’ve been using the same can of fuel for the past five or six backpacking trips and haven’t had to purchase a new one yet.

Build Quality and Durability

The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove is well-built and has proven to be very durable.

The material used to construct the stove is mostly metal. It feels durable, and everything is in place. It also holds up well after multiple uses without feeling like it’s burning up.

I’ve been using this stove for a few years now, and it feels as new as it did when I first got it.

It comes with a lightweight carrying bag that is easy to pack. You can use a tightening cord to secure the stove in the bag. The bag is small enough to fit the stove in, and that’s about it, making it very packable.

Weight and Size for Backpacking

The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove is really the perfect stove for backpackers who care about weight.

The stove weighs under 3 ounces. If you add it to the bag, the total weight will be approximately 3 ounces. It is really packable and shouldn’t be very noticeable in your pack.

I’ve used other pocket rocket-type stoves in the past, and while I find this one to be more durable-feeling, it compares to just about any other related stove.

This stove is ideal for use on almost any overnight adventure. Use it when you’re backpacking, thru-hiking, or even going on a weekend camping trip. This stove would be ideal for ultralight hikers who are concerned about weight and the size of their gear.

Pros and Cons of the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove

The following are the Pros and Cons of the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove.

Pros:

• Ultralight weight and compact design
• Fast boil (a little over 3 minutes)
• Great simmer control
• Easy ignition

Cons:

• Fuel canister dependency
• Poor performance in extreme cold/wind
• Higher cost compared to other related stoves

Comparison with Other Popular Backpacking Stoves

This is how the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove compares to other backpacking stoves on the market.

The MSR PocketRocket 2 is slightly less in weight than the deluxe stove. However, it doesn’t offer simmer control or the built-in ignition feature. If you don’t need those features, the PocketRocket 2 will shed a slight additional weight for your kit.

The JetBoil equivalent of the PocketRocket Deluxe is heavier than the MSR stove. It also costs around $100 more. This stove may be a little overkill for those concerned about weight.

If weight and packability are your concerns, the MSR stoves are likely your best option. However, if you need basic features like simmer control and a built-in ignition, then you’ll want to go with the Deluxe Stove by MSR.

Best Use Cases for the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove

The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove is suitable for use by various types of backpacking and outdoor groups.

The stove is perfect for solo backpacking, camping, and bikepacking. The stove can also be useful for small groups and couples. It’s perfect for section hiking, thru hiking, and ultralight hiking where weight reduction is a priority.

This stove would be perfect for most backpacking, bikepacking, and camping applications.

Final Thoughts About the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove

I’ve been using the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove for a few years now.

I’ve found it to be very durable and long-lasting. It’s easy to pack and even easier to use. I mainly use it to boil water for filtering or for use in cooking freeze-dried backpacking meals.

If you need a lightweight, simple stove, this is a great option. If you need a full stove to cook multiple meals on, you shouldn’t get this.

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