Gear Review – MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove

MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove

Since I started backpacking in 2010, I have always used MSR canister stoves. I have owned three different MSR stoves over the twelve years I’ve been backpacking. None have ever given me the slightest problem, and all are still working flawlessly today. I could certainly still be using my original stove, but weight reductions, design improvements, and REI 20% off sales have enticed me to do a couple of upgrades over time. I recently upgraded to the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe. It is so near-perfect that it may be the last stove I ever purchase.

Two new features led me to buy PocketRocket Deluxe

Two new features of the PocketRocket Deluxe PocketRocket Deluxe convinced me to purchase it in March 2021: (1) A built-in ignitor that received great reviews for functionality and durability, and (2) a wind-screen located around the main burner. The ignitor seemed like a nice convenience feature, but the windscreen is what attracted me. I had one minor complaint with my two older MSR stoves. The flame could get ‘blown around’ in really windy conditions on those stoves. This would cause longer heating times and wasted fuel. Yes, probably more of a nuisance than a flaw. But if I could address it with the new MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, I decided to go ahead and get it. A 20% off coupon at REI sealed the deal!

Stowing the PocketRocket Deluxe

The PocketRocket Deluxe has three folding, rotating legs and a folding flame adjustment lever like my other MSR canister stoves. The stove is compact enough to be stored inside my MSR titanium cup when folded up. I place the cup inside my MSR 0.9 Titan titanium kettle for a complete, compact cookware package. I wrap the stove in a paper towel and place a couple of paper towels around the cup before putting everything inside the kettle. This prevents any metal-on-metal rattling noise when I’m hiking (which can get on your nerves after a while!).

Weight and cost

Field experience with MSR PocketRocket Deluxe

I have been impressed with the two new features that attracted me to the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe. Both live fully up to expectations and all the positive reviews in field use. I’ve used the stove on multiple trips over the last year+, with a few very windy cooking sessions. The windscreen works great to keep the flame organized and efficient. The windscreen is small and seems unlikely to help much, but it does. That alone is worth the purchase price. The ignitor has worked perfectly, always lighting the stove on the first click. It even bailed me out on an October 2021 trip. On that trip I found my lighter out of fuel when trying to light the fire. MSR PocketRocket ignitor to the rescue!

Conclusion – MSR PocketRocket Deluxe

Similar stoves to the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe are excellent alternatives and worth consideration – specifically the Soto Windmaster. The Windmaster is heavier than the PocketRocket Deluxe (87 grams vs. 83 grams for PocketRocket Deluxe), but it is cheaper (Windmaster lists for $64.95). On our March 2022 Smoky Mountains trip, Carl used the Soto Windmaster and loved it. I was impressed by the Windmaster’s larger foldable legs, which would be more stable when cooking with a frying pan (for bacon or Spam). 

But in the end, I’ve always used MSR stoves, and they have served me well over many years, proving reliable and efficient. The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe is the current pinnacle of MSR’s canister stoves, and I have found it near-perfect in the field. I highly recommend the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe stove, but I also feel compelled to mention that the Soto Windmaster is undoubtedly worthy of consideration as an alternative.