MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove Review

The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is one of the most popular and reliable canister stoves available for backpackers and hikers. Compact, lightweight, and powerful, it has become a go-to choice for anyone seeking a dependable stove that doesn’t occupy much pack space.

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• Type: Canister stove
• Weight: 2.5 oz (71g)
• BTU Output: 8,200 BTU
• Pot Supports: 3 folding supports
• Wind Screen: No
• Piezo Igniter: No
• Burn Time (8 oz canister): ~60 minutes at maximum flame
• Regulator: No
• Case: Comes with a small plastic protective case
• Pros: Simmer control, lightweight and compact, reasonable price, should last forever.
• Cons: No built-in igniter, not very wind resistant

Design and Build

The Pocket Rocket 2 is an updated version of the original MSR Pocket Rocket, which was already a favorite among backpackers and campers. The new model is even lighter and packs down smaller. The three integrated pot supports fold inward along the stem, making it easy to store the stove inside many small cook pots, even alongside an 8-oz fuel canister. This kind of compactness is ideal for hikers looking to save space in their pack.

Despite its minimal weight (2.6 oz), the Pocket Rocket 2 is sturdy when set up. The metal construction is durable and well-finished. The pot supports have a wide enough span to accommodate various pot sizes. The folding supports lock firmly into place and don’t feel flimsy, even when supporting heavier pots. The stove includes a small hard plastic carrying case, adding about 0.1 oz. I discarded mine so I could pack the stove in my cook pot.

Ease of Use

Setting up the Pocket Rocket 2 is simple: unfold the supports, screw the stove onto a compatible isobutane canister, and you’re ready to cook. There’s no built-in igniter, so you’ll need to bring matches, a lighter, or a fire steel. Many users prefer this design because integrated piezo igniters often fail over time. Using a spark tool like the Light My Fire fire steel works reliably in all conditions and never runs out of fuel.

The flame is easily adjustable using a wire control attached to the stove stem. You can dial in a low simmer or crank it up to boil water quickly, making it suitable for both boiling and cooking more complex meals. The control wire folds away when packing up.

Performance

With an output of 8,200 BTU, the Pocket Rocket 2 can boil two cups of water in about 3.5 minutes under standard conditions. This is on par with other top canister stoves in its class. It’s powerful enough for most backpacking needs, whether you’re making coffee in the morning or cooking dinner at camp.

While the stove does not have a built-in windscreen, its burner head design offers reasonable wind resistance for short boils. In strong wind, however, performance suffers noticeably. To achieve the best results in breezy conditions, select a sheltered cooking area.

One of the key advantages of this stove is its simmer control. Unlike many ultralight stoves that are only suitable for boiling water, the Pocket Rocket 2 allows you to fine-tune the flame for simmering. This is helpful if you prefer cooking real food over just rehydrating freeze-dried meals.

Compatibility and Fuel

The Pocket Rocket 2 is designed for use with the standard screw-on isobutane/propane fuel canisters popular in the United States. These are widely available in North America from brands like MSR, Jetboil, Snow Peak, and Primus. The stove works perfectly with any of these canisters.

It’s important to note that in some regions outside North America (like parts of Europe), gas canisters use different bayonet-style connectors, which are not compatible with this stove model intended for the US market.

Packability

Weighing just 2.5 ounces, this stove fits easily into many cook pots alongside an 8 oz gas canister. For example, it stows inside my Evernew Titanium Pasta Pot (0.9L) with room to spare. The small form factor is one of its best features for those looking to cut weight and bulk.

Value

The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 delivers excellent value for its price. It’s comparable to other well-regarded stoves like the Soto Amicus in terms of function and price point, but with MSR’s reputation for durability..

If you want a stove that can do more than just boil water—like simmering for real cooking—the Pocket Rocket 2 is a solid choice over all-in-one systems like the Jetboil Flash 1.0L, which are heavier and less versatile.

Backpacking Stove Comparison

The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is on our list of the best backpacking stoves.

Recommendation

The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is an ideal stove for solo hikers, minimalist backpackers, and anyone who values reliability and ease of use. It’s small enough to fit anywhere in your pack yet powerful enough for nearly any backcountry meal. The ability to simmer sets it apart from many ultralight options. Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile, packable stove that won’t let you down on the trail, the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 should be high on your shortlist.

Disclosure: MSR donated a stove for review