MSR Whisperlite International Tutorial // Backpacking Stove

MSR Whisperlite International by Mountain Safety Research how to use! MSR has done it again with a superb, lightweight and versatile camp stove!
This stove can be found here: amzn.to/1V2TmHk
The Bottle can be found here: amzn.to/1RGZ77G
MSR Whisperlite International is NOT compatible with Alcohol or any alcohol based fuels.
Features include:
- Multiple fuel types including White Gas, Gasoline, Kerosene, and Dentaured alcohol!
- Lightweight and easily packable
- Includes windscreen for harsher weather
Big fan of this stove, I would recommend it to anyone into backpacking looking for a very versatile stove!
Feel welcomed to comment Below if you have any questions or comments!
If you like what you see please Subscribe!

[@damienmidanik9680]

This was a good video. 1 very large problem with it though. MSR stoves ARE NOT compatible with denatured alcohol. Alcohol will damage them. It’s says this in the instruction manual and also right in the FAQ on their website. You can use several types of fuels depending on which version of the whisperlite you have, however alcohol is not one of them. Other than this bit of false information, this was a very good demonstration.

[@techguy9023]

You can use a small dropper of alcohol on the primer pan and you don’t soot it up as bad as using white gas for priming. Put the white gas only in the tank.

[@sennategger]

I just bought this and wasn't sure how it worked. Thanks for the vid - you explained how to use it extremely well!

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Victor Chiang You're Welcome! happy to help :)

[@70marc46]

Got the Whisperlight for Xmas a long time ago. Love it. Bought the international for each of my boys for Xmas. This will last me the rest of my life. I've been leaving the pump and stove attached, and the tank pressurized as I've been just using it on short hikes and whatnot.

[@torybrydges8853]

Two quick suggestions... If you reverse the orientation of the hose, by moving the bottle to the other side, it will take the "kink" out of the hose and the stove will lay flat. When turning the stove off, invert the fuel bottle so the pump hose raises out of the liquid fuel. This will both clear the fuel line (preventing fuel from spilling from the hose) and de-pressurize the fuel bottle. Awesome video!

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Tory Brydges learning from the best! Thank you Tory I will for sure implement this!

[@jerzydean]

Bushwhack Jack i

[@EverettWilson]

If you turn the bottle 180 degrees at the end of all of your cooking, you'll get about a minute or so of flame as the stove dies down while depressurizing the bottle and clearing the fuel line of liquid fuel. Once the flame dies on its own, break everything down as normal and you'll end up with much less leaking and spraying fuel.

[@bushwhackjack1978]

great addition!

[@chrischungy]

upside down?

[@5USgRWFH]

@@chrischungy valve open and pointed down. This leaves the filter straw out of the liquid inside the fuel bottle. Once the pressurized air is exhausted, close the valve and disassemble the stove.

[@alihamzaprojects9569]

Oh you mean to stand the container straight up

[@techguy9023]

@@alihamzaprojects9569 rotate the bottle 180 degrees is what I think they mean. This gets the pickup tube out of the fuel and into the air pocket in the bottle

[@Grooveygrover]

Thank you for demonstrating how to depressurize the fuel can safely, with an enthuses on being aware of fuel vapor danger ( vapor expansion and area coverage ) i have seen people dong that with another stove that is operating with in a couple of feet and lol well there was a nice poof to say the least. Also for smokers ( don't depressurize/open fuel can while smoking ). it's easy for people to forget.

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Grooveygrover sure thing!

[@hamwhacker]

Thanks. Really useful showing how to pack it away, since others videos don’t show that. Happy hiking!

[@bushwhackjack1978]

Thank you!! Yes it is a great stove 😁

[@steveh100]

Ive had mine for about 4 years now, watched this as just checking im using it correctly now I use liquid more often, good tip with the stone, thank you.

[@stuartmastroianna5642]

I used to pump the bottle up like that, but found that I only had one setting no matter how much I opened up or closed down the valve, high. Now, if I want to have a little more control for say, simmering, I only pump it up 4 or 5 strokes.

[@20Hikecdt23]

I still have mine from 1996. Works like a charm. AND, Not many stoves come with reflectors.

[@charlesvalenzuela34]

MSR says NOT to put alcohol in their fuel bottles, because alcohol will corrode the aluminum that the bottle is made from. ALSO, MSR says the stove will NOT burn alcohol or denatured alcohol.

[@mscir]

Great review, comprehensive and nicely done.

[@chapinburgess3220]

Not to take away from anything you have said but to add a little more.... I have owned the whisperlite since it first came out and I also have the whisperlite international. Mine came with the foil windscreen folded and not rolled and I have always kept it folded. It is still in great condition after 35 years. I once even thought I would break off a small piece by bending it back and forth many times and it was difficult to break off. My stoves were not only used for weekend adventures but many 1 and 2 month long backcountry expedditions. Great Products. You don't need to fill the bottom bowl full of fuel to start it up as that leaves soot on the bottom of the burner that gets your hands and gear dirty. Think of the wick of an oil lamp it is only damp and likewise the wick in the bottom only needs to be damp to liquify the fuel. On a side note. If your vehicle runs out of gas in the middle of nowhere (which is a great place to be) the white gas in the fuel bottle will burn in a vehicle and get you to a gas station. :)

[@bushwhackjack1978]

Thank you for this thorough addition!! I love the wick portion in particular!

[@jamesp.mcquoid1639]

Yeah way to much fuel. It's usually warm enough to run pretty quick. Waste not want not. Great to see the ol' workhorse msr still in use!

[@user-nn9hp8dm6z]

Thank you very much. Great video.

[@midi510]

No need to take the pump out of the fuel bottle. I've been using an MSR X-GK for 35 years and always keep the pump in the bottle. Do relieve the pressure, though, when not using the stove.

[@user-qv5vr5rw2q]

Great job on that video!

[@beadoheny8680]

Awesome vid bro!

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+B Doh Thank you!

[@Jhender3908]

Super helpful. Thanks so much!

[@bushwhackjack1978]

You got it!

[@naz654]

Very clear vid, thanks!

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+naz654 thank you!

[@alihamzaprojects9569]

Excellent review

[@vanwhalen3719]

This has to best the best instructional video on the international . I had no idea you can use isopropyl alcohol with this stove .

[@bushwhackjack1978]

O sorry! You cannot use alcohol! My mistake!

[@vanwhalen3719]

Bushwhack Jack Awww Dangit ! It was still a very good demonstration and all . Thanks for the reply

[@bushwhackjack1978]

@@vanwhalen3719 You got it!

[@Hashpotato]

excellent stuff man

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Hashpotato thanks!

[@boiitsmeandrew8388]

Great vid! Thanks!

[@bushwhackjack1978]

Thank you!!!

[@mhee2b]

Thanks for the video. The wind screen is also for the priming phase. If the wind is blowing your primer flame around, the vaporizer tube may not get hot enough. We had this problem on a recent trip. (I actually didn't get the screen out. I chased the wind around the stove with a pot lid to block it.) Make sure the yellow priming flame is engulfing and heating the curved tube. Otherwise, you won't get the blue flame.

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Jeff Starr thanks!

[@arrowworks-uk]

Thanks Jack

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Nice vid, subbed!

[@bushwhackjack1978]

Thank you!

[@johnsmith-xh6je]

I've used mine for 30 years ! Even at high altitudes can't do that with butane/ propane, plus no empty canisters to lug around

[@BradinManheim]

Old video, but a couple comments. First, this stove will not burn alcohol of any type. White gas, kerosene are good with jet change. Might burn diesel but you will regret burning that dirty fuel. Next, some comments about flipping the bottle to shut down. Nope, the International hose has a rigid fitting and does not rotate. The Universal does. My copy actually is very controllable from simmer to hot, but that is rare. Most users have to resort to pressure management tricks to control the output. However, mine does not shut down well and sometimes leaks all over everything after the flame goes out.

[@rogerbeckner6419]

I always leave the pump in the bottle, except for refueling. I have an older model which has a thumbwheel for gas adjustment and I did not get a bottom reflector and my regular heat reflector has no cutout for the fuel line. Pot base arms are flat metal; not serrated. But works just like you demonstrated. This replaced my Primus 71 L that I carried for years. When I need fine flame control, I go back to the Primus. Can't kill the old Swedish stoves.

[@jamesp.mcquoid1639]

I have the same one I bought in the late 80's. Just looking at some videos for maintenance. Replaced one o-ring last year to fix a leak. Now good as new. My reflector and wind shield are trashed.

[@tomshunpiker4554]

Suggest you do the pumping before connecting to stove. The braided fuel line can be formed or “bent” to keep the stove sitting properly. Also do more homework before using gasoline. Ethanol can be hard on the components so you want to find ethanol free gas if you can. I stick with white gas with unleaded gas as a back up. 15 pumps is adequate. Also, you can make diffusers so you don’t burn things to your pan as easily. Ive owned this stove since 1993 and I still love it.

[@jimbojet8728]

Thank you

[@shaqstudio]

Would you know, how long does a 20 or 30oz bottle last?

[@dukevonflankenheimer9430]

Good vid, thanks!! 9)

[@mrnobodieswildcampingadventure]

use the Jetboil 1.5L Ceramic FluxRing Cook Pot with the MSR Whisperlite International Stove. The pot sits correctly on the Whisperlite Stove. It boils water really quick even in sub zero conditions and the Whisperlite sits well inside the pot (with a soft cloth to protect the ceramic coating). As for the weight, not an issue! The combination is unchallenged in my humble opinion!

[@mat-ventures]

Thanks for the detailed tutorial!

[@bushwhackjack1978]

No problem!

[@paulkelm6550]

If you notice that the stove is standing on only two legs when you first set up the stove, you can bend the gas tube down (over-bend it). This will help put the stove on all three legs and eliminate the need to put a brick or stone on the leg that is not on the ground. Thank you for sharing this video with us. It's a good tutorial.

[@bushwhackjack1978]

Thank you! Yep you can bend the hose, it’s metal 👍🏻

[@prowland8471]

There is another way to depressurize that bottle the won't cause a spill. Flipthe bottle. Eventually, the flame will die out and the sound you hear will be the venting of air. I have done this and it seemed to work. I think there are videos out there in this method as well.

[@paulcurran7136]

Hiya again...thanks for getting back to me so quickly... After you close the valve right down you slowly open i up again to get the 'real' blue flame...? [ Thinking of buying one...live in Ireland...very windy...recommend it....? ] About How long would a 30oz. bottle last..[ assuming one meal and 3-4 cups of coffee per day ] Regards and thanks

[@bushwhackjack1978]

Sure thing! yes that's correct, you slowly close it without closing it all the way & then slowly open back up to adjust the flame I'd say with a 30oz bottle that will last you at least 4 days probably more

[@frankenberry9670]

Two points: 1. You can pump the pressure up in the fuel bottle before attaching it to the fuel line which is easier. 2. Its kind of hard to thread something on to something when there are no threads. You insert the fuel line into the orifice on the pump and secure it with the wire latch. All in all a good video except for mentioning alcohol as a possible fuel.

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Franken Berry yes thank you! I️ have added all over alcohol is not appropriate. Appreciate it!

[@maxmitchell2346]

you can twist the fuel pipe to stop the leg popping up

[@wildone2163]

nice video, what about gasoline smell when you unscrew the pump?

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Wild One not much you can do about the aromas unfortunately

[@AbedElkassih]

Jack what type of fuel is the most efficient, or best to use, which one do you like best? how many burning hours the canister lasts? and thanks for the video.

[@johnsmith-xh6je]

Without question white gas / Coleman. Despite what he says never alcohol !

[@johneckert1690]

I am wondering if the MSR Whisperlite International stove can operate on Butane, Propane, and/or ISO fuel canisters and what you need to do it. Thanks

[@bushwhackjack1978]

Yes they can! You just need the different coupler attachment for iso canisters and then a secondary adapter for butane/propoane

[@alzathoth]

can you use butane cannisters with this stove?

[@buellboy007]

Hey where did you get your information for denatured alcohol or iso heat I can't find the any information in regards to jetting or what we're supposed to do for that in the whisper light because it would be awesome than I wouldn't have to take my alcohol stove I can have one stole with all the fuels

[@charlesvalenzuela34]

MSR says this stove does NOT burn alcohol, denatured or otherwise

[@Surfacefragments]

Thank you! One question: Which jet is fitted to the stove out of the box? In other words, how do I know which jet is IG for White Gas, and which jet is K for Kerosene? The instruction manual with my stove didn’t show.

[@luisgonzalez-kz6xf]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWK6hHp8d9ZgfKs this video will show which jet you need for different fuels

[@wobu5361]

Surfacefragments yes; “ig” - for white gas (coleman fuel) and regular gasoline. To burn kerosene, use “k”. Each jet has the letters inscribed right on the jet.

[@kfsports6869]

What kind of white gas do you use

[@justing.1868]

Great video man! I just bought a whisperlite for a trip in the canadian rockies, and I was wondering about fuel consumption. It'll be used for 2 of us, 3 cooking days, probably breakfast and dinner only. I think it'll be about even as far as actual cooking versus just boiling for dehydrated food, and was wondering how much fuel you'd recommend taking? I bought the 30oz tank to be safe, and it was on sale lower than the 20oz, and hoping that will be enough to last the whole trip?

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Justin G. Hi Justin! Thank you! I would recommend using white gas (or better known as regular MSR liquid fuel) for the most cook-time to fuel ratio. Fill your bottle to the max fill line (so the air can compress) & you should be set! Great call on the 30oz. I'd also recommend storing it inside your pack so it does not get too hot. The vapor from white gas is EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE, so be very careful about de-pressurizing or even opening around ANY source of flame. :) As long as you conserve your cooking & boiling to a minimum, you should be fine. If you do happen to run out of fuel (unlikely), you can always do it the old fashion way with good ol' embers from your campfire. Just be sure to use an all metal pot! I've got a video of the GSI Halulite dualist that is a good example for a versatile stove/campfire cooking system. Great question! Enjoy the trip!!

[@justingriggs688]

+Bushwhack Jack Thanks for the quick and informative reply! When you say store it in my pack, do you mean putting in my pack and feeding the fuel line out while cooking, or just having it in my pack to avoid the heat of the day building up pressure before I open it to cook? I'll go check out that video as I'm still looking for some good cookware, and I just subscribed! Great stuff man

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Justin Griggs wooo thank you! Haha not when cooking just when you're on the trail ;)

[@justing.1868]

Bushwhack Jack that's what I figured, just wanted to make sure haha

[@pappaclutch3266]

Roughly how long does that gas can last?

[@filmmakingmad]

A good review for a brilliant stove. My stove has a definite sooty look, this one looks brand new. In my opinion reviews with a well used piece of kit would just add some extra credence. Any thoughts anyone?

[@TOMinPDX]

Different fuels result in different soot levels. White gas is the cleanest & the soot is a result only of the liquid fuel burning when you are priming the stove, soot isn't created once you have primed & the liquid has vaporized to a gas. Its easy enough to wipe the soot off when the stove has cooled off.

[@karmatravelogue]

I just bought it one costs me AUD $313..why expensive? Thanks for your d

[@martinfretwell]

Soto petrol stoves seem so much better and very clean.

[@calone76]

What's the brand and model of your watch? I really like it, not as much as I like the video dough

[@bushwhackjack1978]

It’s a Nixon super tide!

[@paulcurran7136]

After the stov is heated you recommend turning the valve right down...?...are you sure

[@bushwhackjack1978]

Yep I typically simmer the heat

[@FarCaiTubGMbH]

How long does it usually take to cool down after you're done cooking?

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Pyro Sparkle about 10 minutes

[@asdfib]

i too always carry a brick while backpacking.

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+asdfib haha! on the trail I usually find a good ol' fasioned rock.

[@timf162]

It’s called a “backpacking brick.” REI has a great selection, but do read the reviews before you buy, as backpacking bricks are a highly personal choice...

[@JasonBoone]

Yeah that leg popping up is annoying. Hey I'm using unleaded fuel, and after I use the stove the legs and bottom of the stove are covered in soot. What am I doing wrong and what's the best way to clean the soot off? Thanks!

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Jason Boone Great question! Although Unleaded fuel (I'm assuming gasoline) is usually the easiest to find and absolutely safe to use with your Whisperlite International, it also tends to be the dirtiest burning fuel. You're not doing anything wrong, it's just the nature of the fuel type to have more soot with using it. If you want less soot I recommend using White Gas or even Kerosene (albeit it is also a less clean burn than white gas, but cleaner than Gasoline) In this video I am using White Gas if that is a helpful comparison. As far as best practice to clean the soot off, I usually pack a bandanna along in the rucksack to wipe off soot after it cools down. You can use it dry or get it a little wet with some water. I would not recommend using alcohol to clean it as that could cause an unwanted fire hazard. Hope that helps and feel free to let me know if you have any questions! - Jack

[@JasonBoone]

+Bushwhack Jack Ah okay that makes total sense. I'm assuming unleaded is probably the cheapest option as well? Dang thanks for the banana suggestion. I'm definitely going to do that. Thanks again! - Boone

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Jason Boone Yes, Unleaded Gasoline is usually the cheapest option. You can score White Gas for pretty good deals at any local outdoor retailer as well. MSR distributes their own fuel for it too.

[@JasonBoone]

Thanks again man!

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Jason Boone No Problem

[@TL-ps5qo]

I work prefer the fuel cannister to sit under the stand and still be detachable.

[@Mixima101]

More complicated than other stoves but you can't beat being able to burn gasoline in a pinch.

[@myfrequencies1912]

5:19 What fuel are you using here? I may be mistaken but I thought I heard you can run this thing on regular unleaded gasoline. (You confirm this in the description box I see). If you put a cigarette lighter to even a tiny amount of petrol/gasoline like that the vapour will explode! Have I misunderstood something here or is there a different procedure for gasoline/petrol? Great walk through, appreciate it!

[@paulopereira3261]

MSR doesn't recommend using denatured alcohol with this stove. Over time denatured alcohol may pit the bottle and weaken it, they are made of aluminum and have no lining.

[@someguydino6770]

call me stupid but....I've always wondered how and why these types of stoves clog up and stop working? Where in the hell do the fine particles that get past the filter screen and clog up these types of stoves actually come from... um..besides solids forming from deposits caused by chemical reactions in the liquid fuel itself? Wouldn't you want to be absolutely certain that you NEVER get dirt, dust or other contaminants on the body of the pump that gets inserted into the clean interior of the fuel bottle? It may be that MOST clogging could be avoided by insuring that the immersible parts of the pump are kept absolutely CLEAN by simply storing them more carefully. Perhaps just tossing them in the SAME dirty stuff bag with all of the parts that came in contact with the ground is a BAD practice? Does this make sense to anyone else?

[@benbowles8003]

If you prime with alcohol. You wont have soot😊

[@johnscythe6412]

Nice Video Jack, thanks. Just one comment, MSR recommends that you lubricate the end of the fuel line with either their lube or saliva before inserting it into the pump. If you don't the O rings will wear prematurely.

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+John Scythe that's a very good point! Certainly forgot to mention that. Thank you!

[@harveychapman3843]

Just make sure you don't get spit on the opening in (really) cold weather or it will freeze and block the fuel. Ask me how I know... :)

[@breannafunke8936]

Pro tip - watch this video BEFORE almost burning your house down.

[@bushwhackjack1978]

Haha good advice!!

[@breannafunke8936]

Also- this is my wife’s account. I would like to say that she warned me NOT to attempt this in the kitchen.

[@JimCCorn]

Do you carry the brick with you or do you try to find one in the woods?

[@paolobonolis7102]

Instructions incomplete... I burnt down the whole forest :c

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

you need to adjust the fuel line and stove. not set a rock on the stove. I guess my stove is older then you are.

[@bushwhackjack1978]

+Tim Barton agreed, the stove was relatively new at the time of the video

[@charlesvalenzuela34]

if that was true, then you you should know the difference between then and than

[@timmyburch9126]

Commiefornia you mean

[@druss.the.legend]

Полная херня. Столько возни.