Review: the Ultralight MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Canister Stove

You love to camp, trek, and hike, but you hate the hassle of bringing bulky camp stoves with you. Many camp stoves on the market are big clunky things, making them difficult to carry and taking up far too much pack room. Thankfully, the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 canister stove is super lightweight and compact, making it a pleasure to carry around.

But is the hype behind the Pocket Rocket 2 real? Read on to see our full review and thoughts to find out.

Perfect for: The MSR PocketRocket® 2 is a high-performance, compact, ultra-lightweight camp stove that’s perfect for backpackers, hikers, campers, and short or long road trips.

Specs

Who the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Is For

If you are a pack weight-conscious hiker, then the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is the canister stove for you. Weighing in at just 2.6oz., it is one of the lightest camp stoves currently on the market. It’s super compact, portable, and can be folded and tucked away in its convenient carry case, ready to be easily transported with you wherever your next adventure takes you.

Alongside the MSR Pocket Rocket 2’s lightweight and compact design, it has a ton of outstanding features that are sure to be appreciated while out exploring the backcountry.

Pressure Regulator

An integrated pressure regulator controls the pressure of the canister fuel as it is released from the cylinder. It does this by reducing or increasing the size of the opening of the gas nozzle as pressure increases. 

The pressure regulator also allows for precision flame control, allowing the burner to go from simmer to boil in no time. Precise flame adjustment means no more overcooked food and, in the long run, will save burning off unnecessary amounts of canister fuel.

Focused Burner

The MSR Pocket Rocket 2’s focused burner is the heart and soul of this backpacking stove. With three direction wind-blocking burner lip, the focused burner offers great wind resistance and protection from gusts that threaten to reduce heat distribution or completely put the burner out. 

Impressively, the focused burner can boil 1 liter of water in just 3.5 minutes. The secret lies in the burner’s unique “tunnel-shaped” design. The burner’s tapered shape concentrates the flame’s heat in a way that makes for better heat distribution, efficient fuel use, and peak performance.

New Folding Pot Supports

An upgrade from its predecessor, the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 canister stove now also comes equipped with new folding pot supports. The new folding pot supports fold downwards, resting alongside the stove’s main body. Once the folding pot supports are tucked away, the pressure regulator can also be folded upwards to create a compact package that saves a ton of room and weight in your hiking pack.

Warranty Info

Mountain Safety Research (MSR) offers a 3-year limited warranty for all of its products. As long as your MSR product was purchased from an authorized dealer, MSR will repair or replace the product free of charge if the product proves defective because of poor workmanship or materials.

What fuel canisters work with MSR Pocket Rocket 2?

MSR themselves recommend that the Pocket Rocket 2 be used with their MSR IsoPro Fuel. Although, the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 works fine with any isobutane canisters that have a screw-on Lindal valve. Canisters that are compatible with the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 include Jetboil JetPower, Gas One, KOVEA, Primus, Snow Peak, and many more.

How to use MSR Pocket Rocket 2?

To use the MSR Pocket Rocket 2, simply screw the unit onto an isobutane fuel canister, unfold the unit’s folding pot supports, use the stove’s pressure regulator to turn on the gas, and then quickly use a lighter to light the burner so any gas wastage is kept to a minimum. Once you’re done cooking, simply turn the gas back off using the pressure regulator, fold up the folding pot supports, and pack it back in its carry case, ready for next time.

The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is a compact stove that is about the size of a soda can. This little workhorse can simmer, boil, and fry. It is also extremely light, weighing just 2.6 ounces, making it perfect for ultralight backpacking. But the Pocket Rocket is not just a stove that performs well, it is also one that is easy to use. Plus, the stove is made from stainless steel, making it very easy to clean.

Honestly, we wouldn’t know what we’d do without our MSR Pocket Rocket 2s. We use them on all our outdoor activities, trips, and tours. And without them, we’d be forced to carry more weight and have less room in our packs for extra satchels of hot chocolate and energy replenishing snacks.