MSR Whisperlite International Liquid-Fuel Stove

I have had the Whisperlite for over a year and carry it on all my tours. After talking with several individuals about what and what not to buy I settled on the MSR. Best choice I good of made for my needs. It's small and light and fits perfectly in to my saddle bags. I usually take two fuel tanks and that will normally last me up to four days, depending on how much I cook and for how many. Used for everything from below sea level to about the 9000 foot level and it hasn't failed me yet. I have rode with several people with various brands of stoves who wound up using my stove for one reason or another. They have all been seemingly pleased with the unit.

The only negative comment I have to say about it is the single burner, but that is a give and take thing. Two burners mean a larger unit.

For the Harley riders out there, that camp, this is a near perfect choice and almost as tough as our bikes. I am finding more and more camp sites that don't allow open fires and this has meant the diffence between having cold water and a cup of coffee at the end of a day of riding.

19 years now and only problem was when the o rings failed (after 15 years) and the jet clogged once. I had it repaired on a trip within 10 miuntes. Learn to field strip before you use. Be sure primer cup can be removed w/o a tool (hand tighten. I carry spare rings now and soon fuel line just in case because I go solo and or in 20 miles. 12000 ft no problem, 22-26 degrees no problem. Never tried other fuels but have read vodka can be used. If 100 proof ?? Always use the heat deflector not shown for safety. A metal base option (3oz) is great for uneven surfaces. Daily use - I figure on 2-3 oz's fuel per day with breakfast 10 minutes and dinner 25. Adjustable flame can simmer real low. Primes nicely. Avoid cheap fuel. I use Coleman for best results.

Never had the least bit of problem with this... packs up nice and small (and inside my MSR Alpine pots to save more space) and has never failed to light for me. ask 100 hikers what they prefer, and you'll get at least 90 different answers. Myself, I prefer liquid fuel... I only have to carry one bottle in, and one bottle out (as opposed to some butane stoves) and I find it easier to control the flame (especially in trying to simmer). I understand that butane may be the way to go in exceptionally high wind, or in extreme cold... wind hasn't yet been an issue for me, and as I mentioned in a recent sleeping bag review, if it's THAT cold, I won't be in a tent, I'll be in a cabin. I also like that I have options on what fuel to use... with the jet it ships with, I can either burn camp fuel (aka: "white gas") or regular unleaded gasoline... change the jet (which is included) and I can burn kerosene or A-1 jet fuel... handy if you're camping at JFK International I guess LOL. mainly the unleaded gas and kerosene options mean you'll pretty much never be at a loss for fuel.

I've owned it over 10 years so this is a long-term review. First of all, this stove is extremely reliable. Period. I personally haven't had any issues whatsoever. It has never failed to perform its task. It's light but amazingly rugged and yes this stove would make an excellent backpacking stove. I've used it above 10,000 feet level on more than several occasions and it always performed like a champ. I've used it with regular unleaded gas and had no issues. Initially, you might need to get a hang of priming it properly, as I kind of had to, but that's actually a part of growing your long-term relationship with this stove. Of course it's not that difficult at all unless you had never used white gas stove anywhere before. Once the stove is ON, it boils water really fast... especially if you use the included windshield. I use it with MSR's 33oz fuel bottle and I know I have roughly 3 hours of cooking time. What can I say! My only complain(?) is that I personally like the burner to be a bit LOUDER... like the roaring of SVEA 123 (my other unit). So people at MSR, PLEASE consider developing "Roaringlite" in the future.

This is a very nice stove and extremely easy to use. I've never had any problems with it backing up or anything. That being said, I wish I would have considered the cheaper alternatives available before I shelled out big $ for this stove.

First, a few of my friends have the cheaper canister stoves. I didn't buy one because I don't like the idea of not being able to refuel my tank manually. Though the people I've met that have canisters all seem happy with them. Besides cost, other possible pros of a cannister stove include faster boil time and lighter weight, but that cannister reliance really bugs me.

I recently made my very first pepsi can stove - my new favorite option for stoves. Total cost? About 20 cents - the cost of a soda can. Plus, there's the added benefit of making the equipment yourself. Never underestimate the value of elbow grease.

My can stove is extremely light weight (> 1 ounce, which is why I bothered to make it) and burns denatured alcohol for fuel. If you want a good backpacking stove without spending a lot of money, google or wikipedia pepsi can stove for more info.

I take my can stove on all my trips now because I'm simply not willing to carry the extra weight of the MSR. The convenience of the MSR does not justify the extra 12 ounces of weight. I'm strongly considering hawking it on craigslist, not because of any specific problems, but because I've found a better alternative.

If you think us ultralight backpackers are nuts, that's fine. After all, the whisperlite is, in in my opinion, the best white-gas stove available. But for me, I'll take my can stove and a lighter pack.