The Best And Worst Stoves For Backpacking!

[@BackcountryExposure]

What has been your favorite stove from this year?

[@stevecypher9213]

Jetboil Zip. Ha ha! I love it for the same reasons you love the Windburner and it uses a lot less fuel than burner/pot combos. You mentioned cheaper setups than the Zip that work as well but didn't specify. Anything I'm seeing in $75-$85 range is gonna use a lot more fuel and not heat as quickly. I'll probably get a Windburner when my Zip dies, but it's 10 yrs old and still going strong.

[@211teitake]

Soto Windmaster.

[@remosito]

Jetboil Flash/Sumo depending on group size

[@RonMTube]

Soto Windmaster

[@FlowJunkie65]

MSR Windburner and Soto Amicus stove for bicycling touring. If I were backpacking, then maybe I'd prefer just using my Soto Amicus for weight saving or an alcohol stove.

[@unsung4189]

I dont know Dude... the MSR is a great system but the 2 main factors for most to consider before making a purchase like this is what you left out, COST and WEIGHT. The MSR is almost 5 times heavier and 6 times more expensive. I can easily tolerate a little noise and interrupt campfire conversation for 3 min and save $140 bucks and 20 oz of weight. I do however respect and appreciate the time and effort you asserted for this demonstration, Thanks, good job !

[@xr6turbo82]

everything he reckons was bad for the jetboil, this MSR does even worse

[@leonpalnau6839]

​@@xr6turbo82 guy clearly provides a biased review. The second product is a $60 burner with a $50 pot on it. No mention of cost, but only that it basically doesn't work, yet is better than an $88. (cheaper!) Jetboil. Wow.

[@jamieb.7095]

@@xr6turbo82 LOL I was thinking the same thing.

[@undefeatedgaul3201]

yeh this whole video is a joke unfortunately@@leonpalnau6839

[@Quavkattack]

BRS with a toaks is the absolute cheapest and lightest. But you also get the longest burn time to boil. So if you have a spot where you can block the wind, and you let it rip while you change clothes prep food, then the time thing doesn’t matter. Multi-task. If you want BOIL RIGHT NOW, go with a bigger heavier bulkier more expensive system.

[@leonpalnau6839]

Video shows an $88 jetboil system and complains that it is too expensive and then moves onto a $60 rickety little burner with a $40-$50 pot. Per the description, the $110 setup that doesnt even work is somehow better than an $88 jetboil. MSR is the winner even though it weighs as much as a brick and costs almost $200. Thanks for your clearly unbiased review /s.

[@jstockwell73]

My jet oil has a piezo igniter and adjustment knob. Did they eliminate those features? I’ve had mine for like 15 years and has worked great.

[@leonpalnau6839]

@@jstockwell73 His review is for the flash which is the cheapest, most basic version. I use a minimo and it also has adjustable flame and piezo. I think what got me though is that he put the flash below a burner that he demonstrates doesn't even light fully and burners without wind protection. He also says the flash is too heavy and too expensive, but then his #1 is the heaviest and most expensive option on the market. Too many self contradictions to take anything as an honest opinion.

[@upnorthwithbrian5700]

Leonpalnau, I couldn’t agree more. As I watched this video it felt like it was very illogical, and or biased. Even if it was an advertisement for MSR, there wasn’t any strong reasoning to show why the Jetboil was the worst and the MSR was the best. I will do some more research to see if I can find any support for these conclusions.

[@reddottx]

@@leonpalnau6839I am genuinely confused by this video. I’m not a jet boil user but the list of complaints on it and then have a winner that is as heavy and twice as expensive literally makes no sense at all. Bizarre

[@nickyb1635]

I’ve had the same jet boil for almost 15 years and it works fine. For cooking I just throw on the stand adapter and I can put pretty much any size camping pan I want onto it. I can also adjust it down to a simmer very carefully by just cracking the fuel open. Thanks for your insight though, good vid.

[@DrJohn493]

I'm liking my Jetboil Stash which I chose over the MSR Windburner.

[@arnoldestrada8583]

I have the Jetboil MiniMo. I tried replacing it just to save on space but it's just convenient to have and cook with. I'm more about comfort and I use it all the time. For day hikes I just carry my esbit stove and titanium cup for a hot drink.

[@BigDawgCAM]

It’s SO convenient, easy to use, and boils water crazy fast, even working at altitude. Love mine

[@wr1120]

Same here. The MiniMo is wider than the Zip and thus more practical to cook a meal when weight is not a consideration on a short trip or a stationary camp. When I'm out in the wild for days in a row I get myself an alcohol stove or a regular gas tank burner. There's a time and a place for everything.

[@wellseasonedhiker]

Pocket Rocket being loud? You're too young my friend. Try lighting up an Optimus 80 or Svea. LOL!

[@georgesheffield1580]

Still have a svea ,have had to replace ( home made of money metal ) the top plate and burner cone . 35 yrs old .

[@farmermark2067]

Soto Windmaster and a Toaks 1100ml pot with long handles and bail handle. Love both and the 1100 pot with the longer handles is really nice for a little extra capacity for water, ramen sides etc. and less chance for handles to get too hot. Actually use the combo in my house as well to heat water super fast for tea, coffee etc. Enjoy your videos, keep em coming!

[@azclaimjumper]

My stove/pot system consists of a Soto Windmaster & Toaks Titanium 750ml pot & 450ml pot. The stove & canister nest inside the 750ml pot which I use to boil enough water for coffee that is drunk out of the 450ml pot while I'm waiting for my Peak Refuel Meal to rehydrate in the 750ml pot. I've made Koozies out of reflectix for both pots so my coffee & meals stay hot hot right down to the last sporkful. There is so much food in Peak Refuel meals that I open the foil pouch at home, weight out two equal portions & put them in ziplok baggies. When ready to eat a meal I pour the freeze dried meal into my pot with hot water & it rehydrates in my Koozie covered pot. I don't pour boiling water into the Peak Refuel foil pouch because too much heat is lost while waiting for the meal to rehydrate. Incidentally, I use the GWorks fuel transfer valve & always begin all trips with a FULL 4oz canister. I had to smile each time I noticed a Peak Refuel foil pouch near one of the stoves throughout this video. Incidentally, Peak Refuel has become my freeze-dried meal of choice because they are so tasty, enough food for 2 meals, & so little water is required to rehydrate the meal. I confess, I do add pre-cooked bacon to most meals. Warm Regards from bone dry Reno, Nevada.

[@benwilkinson45]

Soto Windmaster w/the Evernew titanium .9L pot. This combo is hard to beat IMO.

[@johngould7548]

If I am concerned about weight I’ll take my Soto Windmaster (3 arm) with a Toaks titanium pot. If I want to conserve fuel I’ll take the Stash. It is large enough to boil ramen easily. If it is going to be very windy I take my MSR Windburner which is heavier but which of course works great in high winds.

[@BeedeeEx]

Always appreciate your videos! Quick and to the point without needless filler. Long time viewer here. One thing I'm struggling to understand here...I don't fully get your love for the Windburner vs the Jetboil. Clearly the windburner is superior stove for performance, as you noted. I don't disagree there at all. But it weighs 4oz more, costs 2x as much, it's larger, and requires you to light it with a lighter or external source. I'm not saying it isn't a great stove, I just don't understand why the jetboild is at the bottom of your list and the windburner is at the top when you consider the prior. I recently moved from a Jetboil to the MSR pocket rocket deluxe...though I'm yet to use it in the field.

[@BackcountryExposure]

thanks for the comment and supporting the channel. Sometimes I don't do an awesome job at explaining things in a short timeline. The Zip while a good stove/pot system, doesn't have a regulator, the Windburner does. A piezo ignitor is not critical for me, and neither of them have one, so that's a wash. The efficiency of the Windburner over the Zip is huge, and the extra weight is worth it for that aspect. The flame adjustment dial on the Zip is tiny, and hard to adjust with gloves on, the windburner has a bigger wire adjustment point. The Zip is as basic as it comes, and for the cost of it vs other options, even then Amicus paired with a 550ml toaks, I'd take the toaks/amicus combo over the Zip. The Windburner is more different than any of the others because of its design. Performance wise, it's just a better stove/pot system than the Zip. That's why I choose it.

[@BeedeeEx]

@@BackcountryExposure Thank you for the quick reply! One of the reasons I love your channel. The extra content certainly helps me understand a bit better! I was thinking about the 'Flash' and not the 'Zip' when it comes the igniter. Good call out there. Keep up the great work! I always look forward to it!

[@wilkinson6212]

I’ve used a pocket rocket 2 for about 8 years, with a titanium wind screen. I just custom cut the wind screen to work with my needed size. Never failed, except in very cold weather. Yes, it is very loud. I’ve recently upgraded to the deluxe. Can’t wait to try it!

[@dengueberries]

How do we know it's [the last item] actually more efficient ? How long to boil for each? How long does a whole can of gas last?

[@neemancallender9092]

The Fire Maple remote Stove FMS-117T I have about 2 1/2 months use in the field for 2022 I cook real food like lentils It has an almost zero simmer Excellent The Snow Peak is excellent with a titanium foil windshield For years it was my go to stove

[@rannxerox3970]

IDK, I like the Jetboil. I have the french press option plus the burner adapter that allows you to use any pot with it. For the most part, I am just boiling water anyway. Plus mine has the auto starter.

[@UnlikelyHiker]

I love my MSR Windburner. I wish it was a bit more compact. You said you plan on using it in the winter, will that be for just cooking or boiling snow for water? I’m interested in hearing how it works. I use a MSR universal for winter trips in the Adirondacks, the brutal cold tends to render canister stoves relatively useless unless it’s inverted. Even then it’s still more inefficient than liquid fuel but the weight and bulk are annoying. Let us know how it does!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks! Yeah I'd like to see how it does in the winter. I've used a reactor in the winter a bit, so I'd like to see how the Windburner does. Melting snow and just boiling water as I don't tend to cook much these days. All about those Peak meals!

[@azclaimjumper]

Is your stove the MSR Whisperlite? Good choice for really cold/windy weather & for the reason you mentioned.

[@UnlikelyHiker]

@@azclaimjumper Yes, I have the whisper light universal. Solid stove for years of use with the added benefit of being able to burn any fuel with the correct adapters included.

[@johnhilton2327]

Trangia 27, cant beat it. cheap, would never break, simple and cheap, does the job in all senario's.

[@andreasweber7828]

Takes years to boil a litre of water. Gets worse in stormy or freezing conditions

[@techguy9023]

Works fine with denatured alcohol. Avoid the isopropyl especially the 70%. My Jetboil wouldn’t vaporize below freezing. I had a diy Caldera cone that saved the day. I had left the Trangia at home that trip but always take the cone.

[@brentwinkelman1990]

Can a pan be used on the msr windburner?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yes, and I'd recommend only using the Windburner specific pan that MSR makes. It's a ceramic pan that has the attachment on the bottom to keep it stable since there is not a stand on the burner.

[@kevinmclaughlin9161]

MSR GK from the early 80's, the best!

[@memathews]

Pocket Rocket original is my go-to. But my Whisperlite original is my winter favorite. Sometimes I'll pull out the Svea 123 knockoff on a day hike for fun, it amazes most newer hikers until they pick it up and find it weighs a ton! lol

[@techguy9023]

On last spring hike my Jetboil Mighty Mo burner (their version of a Pocket rocket) wouldn’t vaporize the fuel even though I kept the canister in my sleeping bag at night. My diy Caldera cone alcohol stove saved the day. It’s not as fast but it worked. I still have a Whisperlight that really has no competition during winter. It’s some work to put in the pump and pump up the bottle but it puts out the heat no matter the weather. My old Coleman single burner is too heavy now but I used it in the past very well.

[@JavierBonillaC]

About lightmax… can you use some rocks or snow to block the wind?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah you could do that.

[@billpetersen298]

Does the windburner do a low simmer? That’s a must for home made dried foods.

[@shanepeavler3582]

Still rocking the original pocket rocket since unified studies has never failed me and makes a great lightweight system to make coffee on the mountain while out hunting been my favorite for ever nearly 20 years that’s quality

[@BackcountryExposure]

Dude I remember when you got that thing! That’s rad you’ve still got it!

[@shawnr6117]

Haven't had a chance to use it yet but picked up a used Coleman single burner white gas stove for winter camping

[@kelseywinter-troutwine1928]

What’s the table you’re using sir!

[@davt8615]

Never saw the point in the jetboil zip, the Flash 2 is still the daddy of the jetboil range love mine used it at work nearly everyday for 3 years and hasnt skipped a beat!! Love the windburner aswell MSR have done well with this 1. Love my pocket rocket 2 also! Jetboil mighty mo should be on this list the regulator is sweet, its way better than the soto units by far!!

[@appalachianwanderseeker]

I find it highly ironic you ding the jetboil and cost and weight and then your favorite is heavier and twice the price...

[@BackcountryExposure]

Sometimes I don't do an awesome job at explaining things in a short timeline. The Zip while a good stove/pot system, doesn't have a regulator, the Windburner does. A piezo ignitor is not critical for me, and neither of them have one, so that's a wash. The efficiency of the Windburner over the Zip is huge, and the extra weight is worth it for that aspect. The flame adjustment dial on the Zip is tiny, and hard to adjust with gloves on, the windburner has a bigger wire adjustment point. The Zip is as basic as it comes, and for the cost of it vs other options, even then Amicus paired with a 550ml toaks, I'd take the toaks/amicus combo over the Zip. The Windburner is more different than any of the others because of its design. Performance wise, it's just a better stove/pot system than the Zip. That's why I choose it.

[@PokerMuppet]

@@BackcountryExposure If you cut out the bullshit you'd have plenty of time in a 10 min video. This video was absolute nonsense BS.

[@kruiseorbruise]

What fuel do you use for the msr wind burner may I ask

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I use the loud Pocket Rocket too. Thinking of switching to the BRS. Have you seen the electric stove out there? Interesting concept...

[@BackcountryExposure]

I’ve seen those electric things but not sure how they would be out on a trip. Are you using one?

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@BackcountryExposure no, I haven't. It's too new to spend money on but it is intriguing!

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Missed 2 of the best all around stoves out there ,,, the Pocket rocket Deluxe and the Soto Windmaster .... and at altitude and low temperatures , the MSR Whisperlite any liquid fuel version ...

[@joemama22]

My cook set includes a 1.5 liter pot, spoon, fork, sierra cup and matches. I stopped using fancy stoves decades ago.

[@possumtrapper]

my fav stove is still the MSR whisperlite, cheap to run easy to maintain, downsides its bulky doesn't nest in a pot, doesn't have heat exchange pots available (though you can modify the pot stand to accept a generic heat exchange pot and reduce the boil time by 25%) as im only boiling water often at altitude and in cold, snow and wind im currently looking at the MSR reactor, the downside of it being the price and that it uses the non refillable canisters which cost 20x as much as the same fuel weight in petrol.

[@aaalllen]

The Soto Windmaster is still a staple with me. Like with a wide Evernew .9L pot. I did get a Sterno Inferno w/ a FlatCatGear Cheetah plate for a Pocket Rocket Deluxe (ala DIY JetBoil Stash). That's been an interesting system. Volume was an issue once when I saw that the meal I brought wanted 19oz of water.

[@26parma]

So you don't like the Zip because it can only boil water and is expensive...yet you love the MSR one that can only boil water and costs double the price? FYI, you can get a pot tray for the zip for your cooking needs, and I'd be willing to bet they both boil water in the same time and use the same fuel.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I shared this same explanation on a different comment or two, so hear me out. Sometimes I don't do an awesome job at explaining things in a short timeline. The Zip while a good stove/pot system, doesn't have a regulator, the Windburner does. A piezo ignitor is not critical for me, and neither of them have one, so that's a wash. The efficiency of the Windburner over the Zip is huge, and the extra weight is worth it for that aspect. The flame adjustment dial on the Zip is tiny, and hard to adjust with gloves on, the windburner has a bigger wire adjustment point. The Zip is as basic as it comes, and for the cost of it vs other options, even then Amicus paired with a 550ml toaks, I'd take the toaks/amicus combo over the Zip. The Windburner is more different than any of the others because of its design. Performance wise, it's just a better stove/pot system than the Zip. That's why I choose it. The Zip just doesn’t check the boxes for me. The WindBurner does, it’s just a significantly better, more feature rich stove system.

[@26parma]

@@BackcountryExposure I use a pocket rocket 2 the most, and 2nd is the Zip. I've never wished I had a wind screen for the Zip, nor had it blow out while boiling water. And I've never wished it would boil water faster. If the MSR is faster it's gotta be nominal. 20-30 seconds max diff. for 2 cups? And saying the pocket rocket is loud is common...but distracting for conversation? That's a big stretch. Again...never once has been an issue.If anything I like it because I can hear it's working.

[@ek8652]

@@BackcountryExposureI bought the Jetboil flash new for the same price as what the zip costs. $88. I think it has many more features that make it nicer than the zip. Cup capacity, piezo igniter, boil indicator, easy to grip control knob, double the btu’s, a nicer lid, and super fast boil time. Yes it’s loud but it’s for like 60 seconds to boil. I’ve never seen anything so fast.

[@ryds1000]

Nice rewiew. have you ever tested the Primus lite +. I use it and its very nice 450 g back pacing stowe . With the 3 small pins its possible use bigger pots and to adjust the flame precisely. best regards preben from Denmark

[@BackcountryExposure]

I have been using a Lite but I’ve not been very happy with it. The piezo broke after just a couple uses.

[@ryds1000]

Yes the same here broken piezo.I hope the spare part piezo i ordered will last longer than the original.

[@bihlygoat]

The Soto Windmaster is better than the Amicus because of the pressure regulator. I don’t like the detachable pot supports though (one more thing to lose), so my main stove is the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe - same stove but with folding supports.

[@woodchip2782]

I still use my Trangia Triangle alcohol stove…. Because of the noise those rockets make!😏

[@sethwheeler3531]

Soto Windmaster for the win!!!

[@markbenedict3279]

I have the windburner (MSR) I've been using it everyday for 3 years for my morning coffee to see how long before it fails ( I have another one I use for backpacking). I've tried a bunch of others and not that impressed. The next one I want to try is the MSR Reactor I've heard that it might be even better. If you get your hands on one please do a review.

[@naps3386]

Wow, you should make a video showing your results. That is excellent!

[@High_Desert_Tanner]

I just picked up a new Minimo for $86! Can't beat that!

[@ar110sp]

my Soto windmaster works well for yeas...

[@azclaimjumper]

Mine too.

[@LostAgainwithJim]

Are your feelings about the JetBoil limited to the Zip? It seems like a really stripped down version of the Mini Mo.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yes, I also have the MiniMo and it’s far more versatile than the Zip and I enjoy it a lot.

[@santamulligan676]

use the bottom of the jet boil flash with a pot stand ,can be difficult to disconnect the pot when hot.Original pocketrocket in reserve Swiss army volcano comes along as use the water storage bottle,Vaseline cotton wool for its starter

[@euniceeichler5798]

Material, design, engineering and fire, packing stoves are awesome. I don't do any life or death mountaineering so any warm meals & drinks are luxury. The crazy ultralight hikers don't use [anything]. I acquired my dad's jetboil sol ti which is perfect for morning oatmeal when skiing. Liquid fuel stoves are super cool but a complete hassle. I'm using a pocket rocket deluxe kit this summer that I got on a 70% off sale in January.

[@chili1593]

Soto amicus works great for me. REI has had combo kits with pots that are really good deals.

[@GTFBITK]

I bought a second one when Rei had the stove pot combo last year. What a bargain.

[@wingmanhoy3999]

Awesome great review, I really like my Stanley camp cook set and MSR Pocket Rocket, served me well for a few years now, all the very best.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I only wish the Stanley pot was a little wider at the base. That thing is tippy!

[@wingmanhoy3999]

@@BackcountryExposure Ok you just sold me on The Toaks, order going in now, all the very best.

[@marcmonnerat4850]

What about fuel efficiency? Nothing beats the JetBoil (except the.. Trangia). So if you want to go far away, melt snow or have to cook in your tent, the Jetboil is nice because you will carry one or two canisters less. And unless you refill your canisters, they are expensive in the long term.

[@aaalllen]

Just curious, but what had you going toward the WindBurner system over the Reactor? 3 season the WindBurner is lighter for sure, but you have winter needs, too.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I've always looked at the Reactor as a winter/alpine stove, which is where MSR designed the Reactor to be most effective. The Windburner I feel is more applicable to 3 season use where 90% of my backpacking is taking place. Because I am not a mountaineer who spends my time in extreme alpine environments, the Reactor doesn't make sense to me. I kind of view it like, I don't need a Twin Turbo V12 engine in my truck to get to the trailhead.

[@aaalllen]

@@BackcountryExposure That makes sense. I picked up a Whisperlite on sale and hope to be more fuel efficient this winter. The Reactor's price just seemed steep overall.

[@dustoff499]

JetBoil fan here. They perform well and do not take up any more space than a friends Pocket Rocket stove kit. To each their own I guess.

[@cerillium]

Have you not tried the JetBoil MiniMo??? It’s the same concept as the MSR… I would love to see a video comparing the two to see which is the most efficient and easiest to carry (minimo nests up v small).

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yes, I have a MiniMo and I like it. It's much better than the Zip for the fact of it having a regulator and just a more versatile stove than the Zip.

[@cerillium]

@@BackcountryExposure ah great 👍 I have the MiniMo but not the MSR windguardian… what are the biggest differences, if any? Would be great to do a vid comparing the two? They definitely seem comparable in specs, but which is the better of the two, is it the MSR? Or would Jetboil take the crown with the added ecosystem of pans etc? Anyway thanks for the reply, keep up the great work 👍

[@sveinottoaar2543]

@@cerillium kzbin.info/www/bejne/apvcoa2qjM6KqaM

[@aapottaone]

jet boil and the french press cannot be beat

[@rodoutdoors]

Lately I've been using the Soto Windmaster and Olicamp XTS 1 liter pot. Waiting to use the Firebox Titanium Nano when fire restrictions are lifted.

[@Ronald8Christianson]

I have to agree. The efficiency of the Windburner along with its predictable performance even in the wind lets me pack fuel with confidence. For fast and light the Amicus is great especially on shorter trips. I have a Windpro in reserve for Group and car camping plus being invertible it can handle MN winter conditions. Thanks for the report.

[@peterbennett4783]

Thanks mate! excellent review, kind regards from Peter , Victoria, Australia

[@jackdkakk4801]

Prefer the jetboil over the msr. I might go for a titanium cup ~750ml and a amicus for the non alpine hikes

[@chadbrow]

My anxiety level went up when you were setting up the Windburner with a toddler right next to you!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Ha! My wife was right there out of frame keeping a close eye on him.

[@jonsanford2515]

I have a Pocket Rocket 2. At some point in the near future, my son is going to be ready for a stove of his own. Curious if you would go for a second Pocket Rocket, or an Amicus?

[@BackcountryExposure]

I'd get a second amicus before I'd get a second pocket rocket. I LOVE the amicus!

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Pocket Rocket Deluxe .. can't go wrong for 98% seasonal use ...

[@kimpriessloft371]

Honestly - I think the comparison between MSR WB and JB Flash is unfair. Flash costs $110 and WB $190. I think you should compare WB with JB MicroMo or Minimo. They both have the Piezo igniter and gasregulator - and on top of that $40 cheaper than the WB! Am I right or wrong? 😜

[@markbailey15]

I really don't know why you're hating on the Zip?! It's not bulky or heavy and you CAN use it for cooking and frying if you add the pot support. BTW piezo igniters do actually break and you should always have with you some means of lighter

[@ChrisQHuntsAZ]

For Bivy style Elk hunts the jet boil would actually be the best for freeze dried meals.

[@mtadams2009]

Summer months I use BRS, fall I go to my Soto and come winter I use a MSR multi fuel and a big 1.3 L pot to melt snow. A canister stove in the Whites of NH in the winter is a no go. I don’t like sleeping with my fuel and white gas just kicks ass. I like having a larger diameter pot to melt snow with. I have a general dislike for heavy canister stoves like Jet Boils, useless.

[@aceace3100]

i dont know i had great results from the jetboil. i uesed it during NTC and YTC in the winter with no problems.

[@53nd4k]

This year I acquired an MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe (PRD). I do a lot of hiking in the west, mostly in the Sierra Nevadas and wind is always a concern, but I don't want to deal with a lot of weight or bulk so I shy away from the integrated systems. Some of my hiking buddies swear by the integrated systems, but I'm not yet a convert. MSR blatantly copied the Soto Windmaster burner design and I can see why - the burner is large and effective, even in wind. Piezo is nice, but not a big issue either way for me. Yes, it is non-light at 80+ grams and yes, it makes a lot of noise. But it is easy to throttle so I can actually cook with it, not just boil water.

[@billweberx]

You should provide how long each stove takes to boil a cup of water.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Boil times are so conditional that I believe it’s not a metric on whether a stove is better than another. Features that enhance performance, like regulators, built in wind screens, burner size, btu output is more important than how long it takes to boil in perfect conditions.

[@billweberx]

@@BackcountryExposure That is the only reason I use a stove. To boil water. So, the length of time it takes is the most important parameter to me. I also care about wind shielding and weight. That's it. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone on this.

[@alanrichert8252]

I love my primus classic .it's a little big and doesn't fold up. But it fool proof. And has one of the largest burners on the market. It's not just good for boiling water. It will heat up a 8 inch frying pan fairly evenly not like many other stoves that will heat up a quarter size spot in the middle of the pan so hot that it burns the coating off. You can actually cook on this this. Plus it has a cross shaped pot stand they a Stanley cooking system will safely rest on. For 24 bucks. Plus any pot you want to put on it no brainier.

[@evanhammond7305]

Soto windmaster with soto navigator pot set. I camp with wife and kids so the extra pot is awsome

[@scottbutler1561]

Interesting selection limited to canister stoves with nice feature and detail reviews. The subjective views on canister stoves in the context of boiling water may have been better supported with some consistent boil times under matching conditions. I have one canister stove, a SOTO Windmaster, that I seldom use. I primarily use small wood and alcohol stoves for backpacking in all four seasons. I did buy a SOTO ST-320 butane notebook stove this year. I'm looking forward to testing the SOTO when the weather is warmer, it's not lighter or smaller, but it is way cooler.

[@tiemen88]

Thanks for your unbiased review. (MSR sponsored)

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@tiemen88 🙄🙄 not sponsored

[@tiemen88]

​@@BackcountryExposureOke, I believe you.

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@tiemen88 it’s illegal to take payment from any brand and not disclose it. The FTC doesn’t take it lightly. And, I purchased that MSR stove with my own money.

[@guitarhiker4449]

I personally started with the original pocket rocket stove. Great stove and nice seal onto the cannister. But a few years back i wanted something more compact and lightweight so i bought a BRS stove. Wow!! It does live up to the hype. For the money its a great little stove. A little small but never had any trouble with it. So i decided to upgrade again a few years ago to the pocket rocket 2 mini stove kit. I was super stoked about that stove and it fell short in my opinion. Yes the stove boils water ok but mine sprayed fuel bad everytime i screwed onto the cannister and removed. Very loud and the pot dont sit that flat on top. Also the rubber around the cook pot slides down alot and doesnt protect your hand very well from heat. Not impressed! I preferred my BRS over it go figure! The original pocket rocket was better aswell imo.. So now im moving on once more and trying to decide between the Soto windmaster and soto double stacked pot kit and the jetboil stash stove kit..? I just want quality, compact, igniter built in preferred, flat top for pot or pan cooking stability, semi fuel efficient, good in wind. Soto may win out i think?! Most stoves are good enough though. Personal prefference. Hope this helps some people. Hike on!

[@stevenhorwood1300]

BushBuddy mini and toaks alcohol stove. Carry the alcohol you want for the trip length and use twigs when I want or when just relaxing and alcohol when I want a quicker boil. No fuel entirety and the mini works as a windscreen for the toaks. I have a BRS too but it is loud and I hate carrying these little fuel bottles

[@hoser7706]

I cannot believe the Zip is worse than the LiteMax! The LiteMax is just a titanium version of the old Giga Power stove they made minus the smart 4-prong stand lol. My Zip is great, reliable and quick. Was cheap too. Windburners may be better but the Zip deserves better than last place. 😂😂

[@KaneDoesOutdoors]

Good video Devin, straight to the point on each stove. Did you test the JB Stash? I'm blown away by how expensive that setup is when all you really get is a simple canister burner and a pot with a heat transfer ring.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks! I’ve not used the Stash yet. It doesn’t tickle my gear strings all that much, so I haven’t spent the money to get one.

[@KaneDoesOutdoors]

@@BackcountryExposure 100% agree - There was a lot of marketing hype on that one but that's basically it. Curious about the MSR WindBurner in cold weather, below -10C or even -20C.

[@isawthelight]

Soto Windmaster for me.

[@georgesheffield1580]

Whats this about loud stoves ? Not revelant . Try ear plugs .

[@DaveOffGrid]

Great round up Devin! I've enjoyed my Soto Windmaster and Toaks Siphon Burner (alcohol stove with Caldera Cone) this year. It's hard to beat the efficiency of both systems. Looking forward to your Fire Maple testing. I'll be testing out a new alcohol system next year as well. Btw I think there's a spammer on your comments. Look below.

[@chrispeters8555]

We've tried numerous different stoves over the years and always go back to the jet boil.... Only bringing one stove for 5-6 of us its very convenient to be able to boil the water so quickly compared to the others! I'm also confused your so pro MSR and hate jet boil... sounds like someone is very biased here!

[@danielparsons2859]

I've got a Pocket Rocket and it's noisy. I definitely feel embarrassed using it as it makes camping dinner conversation impossible. However it cooks well.

[@georgesheffield1580]

Still prefer the MSR XGK , burn almost anything well .

[@georgesheffield1580]

Works in any weather down to - 42 ° F.

[@chrissteevens442]

Dude you say the yetboil is to expensive with 88 dollars but the one you say is better is 170?? You getting sponsored??

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@chrissteevens442 🙄🙄 the features and what you get from the MSR is far better than what the Jetboil provides. Oh and yeah, I got paid big bucks. 5000 high fives and fist bumps. No it’s not sponsored!

[@CosgroveNotts]

Jet boil flash with cooking adapter or OEX Hiero any day. Stoves are useless without wind shield

[@basedbro2578]

10$ and you have the extension on the jetboil zip and can use any pot

[@basedbro2578]

or skillet

[@amycancel1254]

I regret purchasing the jetboil zip , I hated it ! Didn't like that stupid handle , the steam would always burn me trying to remove the cover, and that pot cover didn't sit well on it. The bottom cup could not protect me from the heat of my coffee I had to add a coffee cup to my gear horrible !Just wasn't a happy experience. I tossed it .

[@PrybarCommando]

Go lightest possible with the brs. Nothing else matters- it’s not going to tip over unless you’re an idiot good. You don’t need to preserve a gram of gas. You’re not going to be cooking in a snow storm. So just go lightest

[@Andy-x3i8y]

It will be a cold day in hell when I bring a 1 lb MSR wind burner stove with me backpacking.

[@BackcountryExposure]

😂

[@Chris66able]

Oh , is it because you are really, very, unfit.

[@brandonwilliams2431]

Well I that cold day in hell you will be happy to have that msr windburner

[@Andy-x3i8y]

@@brandonwilliams2431 nope

[@spacecoyote6646]

"The year of 2022"

[@ollydearden]

It’s bizarre how many you tubers say how expensive jet boil is and then show some really basic Chinese burners, that need extras that are more expensive than jet boil. Weird. I bought the minimo. It’s not much money and does everything.

[@TennesseeSlim]

Always great reviews! 👍 I've been playing around with fire maple stoves they seem to copy other companies with little improvements. The Polaris stove by itself is my favorite so far cause of its regulator at the weight of the msr pocket rocket 2. They are also cheaper than major brands and boast a 3 year warranty.

[@bihlygoat]

I have a feeling FireMaple doesn’t copy other stoves, but actually makes them for other companies. Then they have to make design changes to also sell them under their own name.

[@sqd8r]

The jetboil, I need to justify my boogey purchase, crowd are coming for you, lol. Sad but very true what you are saying here, jetboil isn't the be-all end-all. No idea why the apologists are going on about comparable product, price and weight, he was specifically talking about the best stove he USED this yr. Not a direct comparison nor about weight or price.

[@ziruk-king4466]

Pocket rocket -- to loud. 😂😂girly-- other conversation 😂😂

[@dustincoy243]

Good gear video. Jet boil is a great, reliable stove that I used for years, but I finally traded it in for a Soto Amicus and an aluminum GSI cup. Liked the cuzzie and the plastic lid that came with it. Easy to drink hot liquids without burning your hands or lips like you do with titanium cups. Cut my stove weight in half and takes up half the space in my pack. Really like the stability of the 4 prong pot support, the super adjustable regulator and works great in windy conditions. The Jetboil is now my loaner stove.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks! I’ve got a MiniMo as well that I actually like a lot. Far more versatile than the Zip. Yeah the Amicus is excellent!

[@asecretturning]

this is absolutely invaluable, thank you

[@Bean._.768]

Fire maple

[@victorwillhuber]

The difference on weight and space between one and the other is how many extra tanks of fuel do you need for your trip. So let me know when you make a video about it. Is not the same to take one small and light stove but 5 fuel tanks, or one big heavy jetboil but one tank, that's why its important the efficiency of the device. Then you need to make the choice for every trip, if you are travelling one night then one tank and the smallest and less heavy device is enough if you are gonna be carrying 5 tanks in a long trip try to reduce the amount of tanks taking a more efficient device like a jetboil. I want to see that, I want to see if the efficiency of a jetboil or any other like it is worth it on space and wiehgt. I want DATA I want to see how many litters of water can I boil with one or the other and based on that decide whats the best one for my trip. You have all of them just there just put them to boil water and show me that please. I will know what food am I gonna cook, how many days I'm gonna travel so how many meals I need to cook and that' show I'm gonna decide which one I need based on DATA.

[@jbenn4379]

Complains about the $80 Jetboil price but praises the $170 MSR windburner. Hmm.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I shared this same explanation on a different comment, so hear me out. Sometimes I don't do an awesome job at explaining things in a short timeline. The Zip while a good stove/pot system, doesn't have a regulator, the Windburner does. A piezo ignitor is not critical for me, and neither of them have one, so that's a wash. The efficiency of the Windburner over the Zip is huge, and the extra weight is worth it for that aspect. The flame adjustment dial on the Zip is tiny, and hard to adjust with gloves on, the windburner has a bigger wire adjustment point. The Zip is as basic as it comes, and for the cost of it vs other options, even then Amicus paired with a 550ml toaks, I'd take the toaks/amicus combo over the Zip. The Windburner is more different than any of the others because of its design. Performance wise, it's just a better stove/pot system than the Zip. That's why I choose it. The Zip just doesn’t check the boxes for me. The WindBurner does, it’s just a significantly better, more feature rich stove system.

[@jbenn4379]

@@BackcountryExposure Thank you for your response. Love the replay and a huge fan of the channel. Thanks for the clarification.

[@sdericmonty]

The zip isn’t made for lightweight backpacking and car camping. Not sure how it’s the worst 🙄

[@Swearengen1980]

3 or 4 whole minutes without conversation because the pocket rocket is too loud, the horror! I'd relish the quiet to shut someone up for a minute, only I don't find the noise that obtrusive. No experience with the Windburner, but that would be nice when you have others with you to take some of the bulk away. I'd never take something that large and bulky solo unless I knew I was going into a less than ideal environment and conditions.

[@L2theWcarscoffeelife]

Your kidding right?? You obviously favor msr. You put a cheaper Jetboil in the mix complain about it not having and ignitor or regulator for a price but your number one stove is 169-189 Seriously?? The zip is around 90 dollars which is half the price a fair comparison would be the mini mo which has the ignitor and regulator for 165 about the same price to cheaper than that msr and nobody is backpacking with that monster its way too big. Even the minimo is a bit large so for my thru hike I have the toaks titanium and a soto windmaster but the Jetboil is way more efficient and my favorite.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yikes…

[@ChrisHazinski]

4500 btu is so low can you even cook with that thing? Edit: buy any of the 10,000 BTU ones put some tinfoil around it And you literally made something twice as strong as that JetBlue or Jetboil whatever it’s called that’s a waste of money 😂

[@royphair9676]

You start of the video saying the jet boil is to expensive it's big and bulky you can get better for less money at 80 dollars and you finish on a 170 dollar stove which is basically the same as the jet boil and it seems to be rather Hippocratical

[@brandonwilliams2431]

The msr windburner is not even close to being the same as a jetboil. I have a jet boil , msr windburner duo, and msr reactor. Each have there place. Jet boil stach for when it's just me in good weather. Msr windburner duo when is me and the wife or i know the weather is going to be less than desirable. And the reactor when I'm hammock camping in winter.