MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Review

Since MSR first came out with the PocketRocket over 20 years ago, they've been refining and extending the PocketRocket line. This version of the classic small canister stove offers a great blend of packability and performance for backpackers wanting versatility.

Fuel Efficiency

Across objective and real-world field testing, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe did fairly well in the fuel efficiency metric. It wasn't our top-scorer, but many campers will be happy with the relatively modest fuel consumption.

In our baseline fuel efficiency testing, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe landed at an average of .24 ounces per boil. This put it in the middle of the pack, however, it performed even better when slow-cooking meals. Throughout our testing season, we were able to make our iso-propane last throughout every trip, whether boiling water for basic noodle or freeze-dried meals or going for a more complex dish that required a pan.

Weight

This is one of the best metrics for the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe. It doesn't include a pot, so to capitalize on its lower weight, you'll need to hunt around for cookware that's as “gram mindful” as MSR.

The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe weighs 3.3 ounces for the stove and stovebag. If you're really trying to shave weight, however, you can trim it down to 2.9 ounces if you leave the stove bag at home. We utilized the same 3 ounce pot/lid from Toaks for all testing, putting the entire cook system at an impressive 6.3 ounces.

Simmering Ability

This was another high-scoring metric for the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, featuring an improved burner head that's larger than other iterations of the PocketRocket, heating more of the pan for real meals. This came in at the front of the pack.

We were huge fans of the cooking capabilities of the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe. Sauteeing onions and bell peppers was a breeze, and we were able to sear pre-cooked sausages without burning anything.

For mac and cheese nights, we also didn't have any issues with water overflowing inside the pot, easily feathering the valve from higher to lower output as the water came to a boil. As previously mentioned, one of the nicer aspects of the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe was its larger burner head, helping distribute heat more evenly across cookware.

Wind Resistance

Overall, this is a stove that can combat the wind quite well. While there are other models better suited for high elevation camping, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe holds its own in gusty camps.

The larger burner head improved the wind resistance of the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe compared to previous versions, though it still is exposed to the elements without an integrated pot. We did need to occasionally shelter this model as gusts came through, but it otherwise did a decent job of staying lit.

Ease Of Use

Amongst the other top-scoring small canister stoves, we found the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe to be one of our favorites. Thanks to large pot support and a generously sized valve, this was a confidence-inspiring model when making more complex meals, though its built-in igniter took a few more clicks to get the stove going.

The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe features well sized pot supports that lock securely in place or can be easily retracted. Some of the closest competition to the PocketRocket has similarly sized cookware supports, but the legs are removable, causing some of our team to lean towards the PocketRocket, with permanent supports inspiring a bit more confidence.

The piezo igniter was overall useful, although it did take a few more clicks to get things started compared to some of the competition. The spark button was also a bit easier to push than other stoves, and we even were able to use it with thinner gloves on.

We also greatly appreciated the valve adjuster size, despite the low weight of the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe. When needing to feather the heat, the larger adjuster made it nice to simmer the stove until we got the output just right.

Boil Time

This is a fairly quick boiling stove, though other integrated canister models were a bit faster.

We measured the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe at an average time of 3 minutes 24 seconds for a half liter of water at our baseline elevation of 7,800 feet. In windier locations and at higher altitudes, expect somewhere around a 10-20% slower time.

Should You Buy the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe?

If you're wanting great cookability and low weight, look no further than the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe. At a minimum weight of 2.9 ounces, this is a stove that punches way above its numbers on the scale, and is a dependable part of any camping setup.

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