Why it became the standard
The original PocketRocket launched in 1999. The PocketRocket 2 is a refinement, not a redesign: lighter, slightly more efficient, the same basic concept. It weighs 73 grams, collapses to a cylinder about the size of a thumb, and screws onto any standard isobutane/propane canister. Three pot supports fold out and it is ready to cook. The setup process takes under 30 seconds. This combination of weight, size, simplicity, and reliability is why it has remained the default recommendation for so long — because nothing simpler or lighter has come along that performs as well.
Canister compatibility and fuel
The PocketRocket 2 uses Lindal valve canisters — the standard type sold by MSR, Jetboil, Snow Peak, Primus, and most outdoor retailers. These contain a mix of isobutane and propane. You can use any brand of compatible canister with it. Canisters are available at outdoor shops, REI, and increasingly at camping-focused supermarkets. In cold temperatures (below 0°C), isobutane performs less well — if you are winter camping, the MSR IsoPro canister blend or a liquid-fuel stove is a better choice.
Boil time and wind
In good conditions, the PocketRocket 2 boils a litre of water in around 3.5 minutes. In wind, performance drops significantly — it has no windscreen, and the burner is open. MSR sells a folding WindScreen that helps, but even with it, performance in a stiff breeze is noticeably worse than the Windburner (which has an integrated, radiant burner that is nearly windproof). If you camp in exposed locations or above the treeline regularly, the Windburner is a better tool. For sheltered woodland camping or beach camping, the PocketRocket 2 is excellent.
The Windburner as the all-in-one alternative
The MSR Windburner integrates stove, pot, and lid into a system that is optimised for boiling water efficiently in any conditions. It is heavier and bulkier than the PocketRocket 2, but it is faster in wind, uses fuel more efficiently, and the pot nests inside the lid for storage. It is the right choice for people who primarily boil water for dehydrated meals and hot drinks, and camp in exposed conditions. For people who actually cook on their stove rather than just boiling water, the PocketRocket 2 with a regular lightweight pot gives more flexibility.
