Backpacking Stoves... Jetboil?

[hillbillyhunting]

Is there a thread about this yet?

I have been using a standard backpacking stove that uses the Camping Gaz blue canisters.  Cant really complain about it.  It had a problem one time and I fixed it in the field.  I have been using it for about 15 years.  The past 7 years it has seen a lot of use. 

I am looking at ways to cut weight, and I thought about my stove.  I am thinking that the weight loss is not necessarily going to come from the stove, but in fuel.  I am looking at the Jetboil systems.  They seem like they would be very efficient, and I only boil water when backpacking anyways.  Does anyone have experience with any of the Jetboil systems or other ideas for efficient cooking systems?

Also, I really have no idea how much fuel my stove burns.  Its ridiculous that I have not documented stove use over the years so that I can know.  I would like a system that I can rely on as far as knowing exactly how much fuel I will need to bring (I usually bring too much).

Thanks for the input.

[Marcoramius]

I love my jetboil...I even bring it when I go car camping. You wont find a faster way to boil water (about 1 minute for 1 cup of water) but the weight savings is one of its best features. You may get some responses about the MSR pocket rocket or some of those other pack stoves but you have to remember that their users also need to bring a pot to actually cook in and cups to drink out of, so the weight and size of the pots and cups have to be considered with those other systems. With a jetboil, you only need to bring your utensils. Everything fits in the jetboil cup, including the fuel. Oh, and if you like coffee, consider getting the french press for it as well. Makes a great cup of coffee...

[suga]

I love my jetboil...I even bring it when I go car camping. You wont find a faster way to boil water (about 1 minute for 1 cup of water) but the weight savings is one of its best features. You may get some responses about the MSR pocket rocket or some of those other pack stoves but you have to remember that their users also need to bring a pot to actually cook in and cups to drink out of, so the weight and size of the pots and cups have to be considered with those other systems. With a jetboil, you only need to bring your utensils. Everything fits in the jetboil cup, including the fuel. Oh, and if you like coffee, consider getting the french press for it as well. Makes a great cup of coffee...

X2

[whacker1]

I love my jetboil...I even bring it when I go car camping. You wont find a faster way to boil water (about 1 minute for 1 cup of water) but the weight savings is one of its best features. You may get some responses about the MSR pocket rocket or some of those other pack stoves but you have to remember that their users also need to bring a pot to actually cook in and cups to drink out of, so the weight and size of the pots and cups have to be considered with those other systems. With a jetboil, you only need to bring your utensils. Everything fits in the jetboil cup, including the fuel. Oh, and if you like coffee, consider getting the french press for it as well. Makes a great cup of coffee...

X2

x3

[mountainman]

Started with a Svea, went to a Whisperlite, then a Coleman XPG, now a Jetboil, been using one for the last 4 years. Many solo trips into the Alpine Lake and the good old Pasayten..never let me down!!

[HawkCreek]

More info here: http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,129185.0.html

[j_h_nimrod]

MSR Reactor, hands down.  Jetboil is a close second depending on circumstances. The MSR is more efficient, faster, and actually has the ability to boil useful amounts (1 or 1.7 liter) of water. Have you ever tried to feed multiple people 1 cup (actually think it will do 16oz) at a time?   With the Jetboil you can only fit the small fuels in the cup, not the larger canisters that nest nicely in the Reactor. The Reactor will boil (rolling boil) 19 liters (~40 degree water, ~50 degree ambient) per large (8oz) canister.

The Jetboil is good for personnal use or shorter trips. For larger groups and extended trips the Reactor takes it.

[briancorneal]

The only thing a jetboil can do is boil water!  I've owned jetboil products over the years and although there are people who've said they can cook and simmer food with it, there's always a burn spot in the center of the pan/cup/pot.  I absolutely love my optimus nova (all fuel type stove) and optimus crux lite.  The crux is perfect for backcountry hunts and can simmer like a 5-star chef.  It can also fold neatly into a tiny stuff sack.  It's super durable and I've owned it for years.  I'm a highly satisfied buyer!

[ICEMAN]

The only thing a jetboil can do is boil water!  I've owned jetboil products over the years and although there are people who've said they can cook and simmer food with it, there's always a burn spot in the center of the pan/cup/pot.  I absolutely love my optimus nova (all fuel type stove) and optimus crux lite.  The crux is perfect for backcountry hunts and can simmer like a 5-star chef.  It can also fold neatly into a tiny stuff sack.  It's super durable and I've owned it for years.  I'm a highly satisfied buyer!

Agree. I also have the optimus Nova and love it.

But to stay closer to the point of the thread, how do you jet boil guys cook for more than one, or something irregular like a trout during a no camp fire time?

[syoungs]

seemave been looking at jetboils now for done time, I'll be purchasing one for quick meals and hot drinks in the duck blind and onthe boat during winter steelhead, as well as backpacking trips, andplanaccordingly. ie, mountain those meals etc.

they seem to have a great build quality, and are a good compromise for the solo hiker/hunter.

[coachcw]

I have two jet boil cups and have my kid throw a cup and fuel in his pack , they work great for a quick meal but i'm not cooking pasta .

[acnewman55]

I've had a jetboil flash for a few years. Was very happy with it.

I plan on picking up a more efficient and slightly lighter MSR Reactor now that they make the lighter 1 liter version.

If you want to go ultralight it's hard to beat the combo of the MSR Pocket Rocket paired with a Titanium kettle.  This is my current setup for backpacking/ search and rescue.  You're looking at about 8 oz for the pair, but you're losing a little efficiency and looking at longer times to boil.  I would mostly recommend this system for one person.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those three systems. 

Of course, those are all canister stoves.  You have to make sure you can find fuel for it.  If you plan to travel abroad then consider going white gas.  It's heavier and more complex system but you can find fuel just about anywhere.

[300rum]

Pocket Rocket, a Stoic Titanium Kettle (sounds big but isn't) and a small can of fuel is all you need for a week out in the sticks.  It doesn't get any lighter or more compact unless you build a fire every time.   

[elkpack]

I have used the jetboil on many trips and it's a very convenient and reliable system but is a bit heavier than some other setups but I have the original jetboil vs. the new smaller version.  I may invest in one of the new Jetboil Solo Titanium which shaves some weight but still plenty of capacity for my needs.

For solo light weight trips I prefer the MSR pocket rocket with a Snow Peak 2C Titanium cup.  I used this set-up for an 11 day backpack elk hunt last year and made it through the entire trip on 1 of the larger canisters shown in the picture.  I made a lid for the titanium cup out of a soup can top which speeds up the boiling to save on fuel.  This set-up doesn't all nest into a nice tidy package like the jetboil but I actually like seperating the pot, small stove and fuel canister in my pack as it gives me more options to distribute the gear.  Lots of good choices out there depending on your needs......you can never have too many stoves or tents to debate over when packing for a trip.

[MLHSN]

So here's my take on it. 

The jetboil flash weighs 14 oz. without fuel.  My stove (Snowpeak Litemax Ti) and my $20 Ti pot weigh 6 oz. together.  That's an 8 oz difference.  You have to have 8 oz. of fuel savings to cover the difference.  The total weight of my fuel canister for 4 days weighs less then that.  Ya it boils faster,  but I like to have my litemax, so I can sauté on shorter, less demanding trips. 

Another craze, which I fell prey to, is the Ti pot.  The difference between my Ti pot and my aluminum pot is 2.5 oz.  Titanium does not transfer heat as well.  So if you plan on staying for 4 day or more, you loose the same weight in fuel as you save in the pot.  Just my two cents.

Here is an interesting thread.  Scroll down to see HitTheTrail's post.  He took the same stove as mine and attached it to a stripped down jetboil pot.  It's the best of both worlds.  You have a 2 oz. stove with the heat exchanger from the Jetboil setup.

http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8003373&highlight=stove