Anybody have any opinions, pro or con, about the Pocket Rocket as a thru-hike stove?
I know a lot of folks prefer the alcohol stoves, but the Pocket Rocket at least seems to have gotten more positive feedback than the much-maligned Whisperlite.
Dingo
I have used an MSR XGK on one thru hike of the AT, a whisperlite on another hike of the AT, and a pocket rocket on the PCT. I prefer the pocket rocket. It runs better, never messes up, is lighter, etc. The only problem is that it tends to poke holes in things if you are not careful how you pack it. I worried that getting fuel would be tough but it was not. All the gear stores seem to have it. Of course, you can go lighter … but I manage to keep my pack under 20 lbs most of the time even with the rocket.
Old Man
Hey Dingo, we got a Superfly half way through our thru-hike and loved it. It fits all the brands of canister gas and has a little larger burner for bigger pots and come either in match light or with a push button sparker that works ever time. About $59. It also simmers down to nothing for just toasting bagels right on the flame.
Bushwhack and Bramble
As best I can tell, the Superfly and Pocket Rocket are about the same, except that Superfly is a bit more stable and just a bit heavier. The burners don’t quite look the same, but I tried them both and the boil water at the same rate. Bushwhack and Bramble - how many dinners per canister?
old man
Dingo, I used a Trangia for my thru hike last year.
A few weeks ago I used the Pocket Rocket for a shorter hike and loved it. Sure it’s noisier, but it’s definitely more efficient, and so small! In freezing weather alcohol stoves can be impossible to light, but I had no such problems with the Pocket Rocket.
I also really liked the plastic container it’s sold in. I’ve had no problems storing or carrying it.
If I was to thruhike again, I’d go with the Pocket Rocket.
She-Ra Princess of Power
Happy Feet and Hatman are looking for you. Thier e-mail is
Bill & Diana Ristom [ristoms@usa.net] Later.
Bushwhack