This is an in-depth review of the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Canister Stove from Brad McCartney at BikeHikeSafari.
The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe is one of the lightest and most efficient canister stoves on the market in 2022. Weighing in at only 2.9 oz / 83 grams it is not only lightweight but works well in wind and does a very good job at simmering. So if you are looking for a canister stove to actually cook food rather than just boil water, this could be for you.
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Backpacking Stove Review
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Review
Weight: 2.9 oz / 83 grams
Power: 11000 BTU
Boil Time 1L: 3 mins 20 secs
Pros:
> Lightweight
> Works well in the wind
> Quick Boil Time
> Good simmer control
Cons:
> Piezo Ignitor can fail
Think of this pocket as the slightly heavier but much more efficient version of the standard Pocket Rocket 2.
It is more efficient and much better in the wind than almost any stand-alone stove. You need to look at the integrated MSR Windburner to get the best performance in the wind.
It has an integrated Piezo Ignitor which is a good upgrade. But in my experience with Piezo Ignitors, it is not a question of if they fail but when. Although I have had no issue with this model there have been many others who have had issues with the piezo ignitor.
Overall, this is a very well-made lightweight canister stove for backpacking and hiking that works well in windy conditions.
Ease of Use
You can’t get too much easier than unfolding the pot stays, screwing on a gas canister, and igniting the stove with the built-in ignitor.
Weight
At only 2.9 oz / 83 grams this falls into the lightweight category of canister stoves. While there may be some that are a little lighter in weight there are few that will be as efficient and work as well when the weather turns windy.
Performance
The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe will boil 1L of water in 3.30 minutes. A standard 8 oz gas canister will burn for around 60 minutes and boil a total of about 17 liters of water.
Wind
The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe is one of the best stand-alone canister stoves for performance in the wind. The flame burns clean and although the burn time is slowed it still works well.
This stove is not quite as good as the all-in-one MSR Windburner Stove or any of the Jetboils when it comes to performance in the wind it is certainly very good.
Simmer
The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe excels as a canister stove turn down the heat and simmer your food. Whether you are simmering rice or pasta it works well. However, it does simmer a little on the hot side. Certainly not as good as your stove at home. But it is one of the best in class.
Value
The MSR Pocket Rocket comes in at the higher end of the canister stove price range. You are paying for the very high quality that MSR is known for and one of the best warranties in the business.
Pocket Rocket vs the Rest
The only canister stove that comes close to the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe when it comes to quality, efficiency, and ability to work well in the wind is the Soto Windmaster and the original Pocket Rocket.
The Pocket Rocket works just as well as the Deluxe and is a little lighter and cheaper. But it does not work as well when there is a little bit of wind. In my opinion, the Deluxe is a better option in almost every way.
The Soto Windmaster has almost exactly the same specs as the Deluxe in almost every way. They even look similar. They are so closely matched that I am unable to find any point that would make either a clear winner or better than the other. The MSR is easier to obtain as there are more retailers selling them and they have the best in the business warranty. And the Soto is a couple of dollars cheaper.
Conclusion
Overall, the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe is one of my favorite canister stoves. There are so many things to like about this stove such as the lightweight, fuel efficiency, performance, and compact size. It is reasonably priced and easily fits inside any lightweight titanium backpacking pot.
Frequently Asked Question
The Pocket Rocket Deluxe has better performance in the wind, is a little more expensive, and is slightly heavier than the Pocket Rocket 2. Overall, the Pocket Rocket Deluxe is a better option.
The Pocket Rocket Deluxe will boil about 17 liters of water with a standard 8 ounce / 223 gram gas canister. Which is about 60 minutes of burn time.
