It’s not the fastest to boil, it doesn’t have a regulator, and it doesn’t even come with a companion pot. What MSR’s Pocket Rocket does have is an almost spotless track record of dependability and durability in the field, not to mention an unmatched compendium of wilderness memories that few pieces of gear can emulate.
And now, the little stove that could is all new. Again.
The Pocket Rocket II replaces MSR’s venerable – and much loved – stove, but brings a lot to be excited about as well. For instance, it’s slightly lighter than its predecessor at 2.6 ounces, and packs down even smaller thanks to double-jointed stainless steel pot supports that collapse tightly against the stove’s body. Better yet, hikers can now use larger pots with this new iteration and expect stability as well as a steady simmer despite its incredibly small size and weight. Boil times have been clocked at 3.5 minutes for a liter.
The built-in WindClip™ crossed over the burner helps protect the flame when afternoon breezes threaten to slow dinner prep. This should improve efficiency nicely when backpacking or climbing in windy conditions, potentially making this a stove that you’ll want to have with you on all of your backcountry excursions.
It’s best feature? The price. The Pocket Rocket II is retailing for under $45, a price point that makes sense for every level of outdoor enthusiast. Sure, you’ll still have to purchase a cooking pot, but MSR has been able to deliver a stove with an impeccable pedigree for a surprisingly low cost of entry.
We’ve gotten our hands on the new Pocket Rocket II and are putting it through its paces now. We hope to have some thoughts to share with readers in the near future. Hopefully it will live up to the high expectations set by the original model, which has set a high bar for the new kid on the block to aspire to. We’ll know more soon.
