Have you ever found yourself in the great outdoors with a rumbling stomach and a hankering for a hot meal? If so, you know the importance of having a reliable camping stove. The MSR Pocket Rocket has been a favourite among backpackers and campers for years, but recently, MSR released an upgraded version: the Pocket Rocket Deluxe. So, what's the difference between these two models, and which one is right for you? Let's take a closer look.
MSR, or Mountain Safety Research, is a well-respected outdoor gear company that specialises in creating high-quality and innovative equipment for adventurers and explorers. Founded in 1969, MSR began as a small company that focused on creating reliable mountaineering equipment, but has since expanded to offer a wide range of products for backpackers, hikers, campers, and anyone else who loves spending time in the great outdoors.
Some of MSR's most popular products include camping stoves, water filters, tents, and snowshoes, all of which are designed to be lightweight, durable, and highly functional in challenging environments. MSR's commitment to quality and innovation has made them a trusted name among outdoor enthusiasts, and their products are used by adventurers all over the world.
Burner Head
The Pocket Rocket Deluxe has a wider burner head than the original Pocket Rocket, which allows for more even heat distribution and better performance in windy conditions.
The wider burner head of the Pocket Rocket Deluxe spreads the heat out over a larger area, which can help to prevent hot spots and ensure that your food is cooked evenly. It also helps to protect the flame from wind gusts, which can cause the flame to flicker or go out altogether.
The original Pocket Rocket, while still an effective camping stove, has a narrower burner head that can be more susceptible to wind interference and may not provide as even of a heat distribution. This can make it more challenging to cook more complex meals or to use larger cookware. Pressure Regulator
Another key difference between the MSR Pocket Rocket and Pocket Rocket Deluxe camping stoves is the presence of a built-in pressure regulator in the Pocket Rocket Deluxe, which is absent in the original Pocket Rocket.
A pressure regulator is a device that helps to maintain a consistent flame by regulating the flow of fuel to the burner. Without a pressure regulator, the flame on a camping stove can fluctuate or even go out, particularly as the fuel canister begins to run low.
The Pocket Rocket Deluxe's pressure regulator helps to ensure that the flame remains steady and consistent, even as the fuel canister gets low. This can improve fuel efficiency and reduce the amount of fuel needed to cook a meal. It can also help to prevent food from burning or boiling over due to sudden changes in heat output.
The original Pocket Rocket, on the other hand, does not have a pressure regulator. While it is still a reliable and effective camping stove, it may require more frequent adjustments to maintain a consistent flame, particularly as the fuel canister gets low.
The pressure regulator on the Pocket Rocket Deluxe is a valuable feature for those who prioritise fuel efficiency and consistency in their camping stove.
Ignition
The Pocket Rocket Deluxe comes with a push-start ignition, while the original Pocket Rocket requires manual ignition.
The push-start ignition on the Pocket Rocket Deluxe allows you to light the stove without the need for matches or a lighter. This can be a convenient feature, particularly in windy or wet conditions where matches or lighters may be difficult to use. Simply turn on the gas and press the ignition button, and the stove will light up.
The original Pocket Rocket, on the other hand, requires manual ignition using a lighter or matches. While this is a tried-and-true method that has been used for decades, it can be more challenging to use in adverse weather conditions or when you're trying to conserve matches or lighter fuel.
The push-start ignition on the Pocket Rocket Deluxe is a convenient feature that can save time and effort, particularly for those who frequently camp in challenging conditions. However, some campers may prefer the simplicity and reliability of manual ignition.
Construction
The Pocket Rocket Deluxe has a more robust and durable construction than the original Pocket Rocket. It features a stainless steel pot support, which is more durable and resistant to warping than the aluminium pot support on the original Pocket Rocket. This makes the Pocket Rocket Deluxe better suited for heavier or larger pots and pans, which can put more stress on the stove.
In addition, the Pocket Rocket Deluxe has a wider and more stable base than the original Pocket Rocket, which can help to prevent it from tipping over during use. This is particularly important when using larger or heavier cookware, which can be more unstable on a narrower base.
The construction of the Pocket Rocket Deluxe is an improvement over the original Pocket Rocket, particularly for those who plan to use larger or heavier cookware. The stainless steel pot support and wider base help to increase stability and durability, which can be important factors for those who frequently camp in rugged or challenging environments.
Weight
The Pocket Rocket Deluxe is slightly heavier than the original Pocket Rocket. The Pocket Rocket Deluxe weighs in at 83 grams, while the original Pocket Rocket weighs just 73 grams.
While the difference in weight is relatively small, it can be a consideration for those who are looking to minimise the weight of their camping gear. For backpackers, hikers, or anyone else who needs to carry their gear over long distances, shaving off grams wherever you can can make a significant difference in overall pack weight.
However, it's worth noting that the weight difference is largely due to the differences in construction and features between the two stoves. The Pocket Rocket Deluxe's wider base, stainless steel pot support, and built-in pressure regulator all add weight, but they also contribute to the stove's increased stability, durability, and performance in challenging conditions.
Overall, the weight difference between the two stoves is relatively minor, and may not be a major consideration for all users. It's important to weigh the benefits of each stove's features against your own needs and priorities when deciding which stove is right for you.
Boiling Time
The boiling time for the MSR Pocket Rocket and Pocket Rocket Deluxe stoves is very similar, with only a small difference between them. Both stoves are designed to boil water quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for backpackers, hikers, and campers who need a stove that can quickly heat up water for hot drinks, dehydrated meals, or other camping meals.
According to MSR's specifications, the Pocket Rocket can boil 1 liter of water in 3.5 minutes, while the Pocket Rocket Deluxe can boil 1 liter of water in 3 minutes and 30 seconds. This means that the Pocket Rocket Deluxe is slightly faster at boiling water than the original Pocket Rocket, but the difference is relatively small.
It's worth noting that the actual boiling time can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the altitude, weather conditions, and the size and shape of the pot or pan being used. However, both stoves are designed to provide fast and efficient performance, and the small difference in boiling time between the two stoves may not be a significant factor for most campers.
Specs
MSR Pocket Rocket:
Weight: 73 grams
Dimensions: 104 mm x 57 mm x 57 mm
Boil time: 3.5 minutes for 1 liter of water
Burn time: Up to 60 minutes on a 227g canister
Output: 8,200 BTUs
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe:
Weight: 83 grams
Dimensions: 121 mm x 56 mm x 56 mm
Boil time: 3 minutes and 30 seconds for 1 liter of water
Burn time: Up to 60 minutes on a 227g canister
Output: 10,000 BTUs
Note that the BTU output measures the heat output of the stoves, and can be used to compare the heating performance of different stoves. The Pocket Rocket Deluxe has a higher BTU output than the Pocket Rocket, which contributes to its slightly faster boiling time and more powerful heating capacity. However, both stoves are designed to provide fast and efficient performance in a compact and lightweight package.
Overall, the MSR Pocket Rocket and Pocket Rocket Deluxe are two great choices for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a small stove. The Pocket Rocket Deluxe offers greater versatility because to its ability to use white gas, as well as its built-in piezo igniter and heat reflector, while the Pocket Rocket is smaller and lighter. The choice between the two will ultimately come down to taste and intended use.
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