[pct-l] Cooking System and Fuel

[David Money Harris]

I’ve tried the Jetboil, Jetboil Sol Titanium, and MSR Pocket Rocket.

I love the Jetboil and use it car camping all the time.  It cooks faster than anything else out there, and uses less fuel.  However, it is too heavy for ultralight backpacking.

I tried and returned the Jetboil Sol.  It was a few ounces lighter but the light-weight pot didn’t distribute heat very evenly, making it too easy to burn the food.  It was also still heavier than I wanted for the PCT.  I see it is no longer on the market.

I carry the MSR Pocket Rocket on the PCT.  It takes a little bit more time and fuel than the Jetboil, but is extremely light and convenient.  I’ve been very satisfied with it.  I can do a 5-day leg between resupplies on the lightest fuel canister boiling water for each dinner and some breakfasts. I don’t think there’s a lighter solution available that is legal for use under California fire restrictions.

David

Message: 6
Date: Sun, 27 Mar 2016 07:56:36 -0700
From: Stephen Adams <reddirt23 at att.net <mailto:reddirt23 at att.net>>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net <mailto:pct-l at backcountry.net>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Cooking System and Fuel
Message-ID: <D56312DF-4462-4A1E-A62A-7702B87A7C23 at att.net <mailto:D56312DF-4462-4A1E-A62A-7702B87A7C23 at att.net>>
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Friend of mine swears by his JEt Boil.  I'd get one if I didn't already have three stoves.  The way the Jet boil is designed probabaly much more efficient than an open ultra light like my SnowPeak which sucks in wind, elevation and very cold weather.  Combine those and the fuel goes a lot quicker.  I haven't heard any complaints like that about the JetBoil.