MSR Camping Cookware — Australian Review Hub
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Mountain Safety Research (MSR) has been designing expedition-grade outdoor cooking gear since 1969. The PocketRocket 2 is arguably the world's most popular ultralight backpacking stove — it weighs just 73g, boils a litre in 3.5 minutes, and costs a fraction of integrated systems like Jetboil. MSR's strength lies in engineering simplicity: the PocketRocket 2 has four folding legs, a pot support, and a burner head. Nothing to break, nothing to complicate. MSR also produces the legendary WhisperLite white-gas stove for extreme conditions and large-group cooking, and the WindBurner integrated system for high-altitude and cold-weather performance. In Australia, MSR is distributed nationally through Snowys, Paddy Pallin, and Macpac.
MSR Camping Cookware Review
MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove
At a Glance
- Insanely light at just 73g — barely know it's in your pack
- Works with any pot, cup or cookset you already own
- Simple, reliable design with very few parts to break
- Excellent flame control for a stove this size and price
- Compact folding design fits in a coat pocket
- Half the price of the Jetboil Flash for comparable cooking performance
- No integrated windscreen — you'll need a separate one in exposed conditions
- Pot supports can feel a bit wobbly with larger, heavier pots
- No piezo igniter — you'll need a lighter or matches
The PocketRocket 2 is the benchmark budget backpacking stove for good reason — it's stupid light, dead reliable, and works with whatever cookware you've already got. At $80, it's hard to argue against; you get a proper flame control dial and a proven design trusted by hikers worldwide. Pair it with an MSR Titan pot and you've got a killer ultralight kitchen for well under $150.
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Frequently Asked Questions
+ What is the difference between the MSR PocketRocket 2 and PocketRocket Deluxe?
The PocketRocket 2 is the ultralight base model (73g) with a manual piezo igniter — simple and bombproof. The PocketRocket Deluxe adds a pressure regulator for more consistent output in cold weather and at low fuel levels, plus a slightly more refined pot support. The Deluxe weighs about 10g more and costs around $30–$40 extra. For most Australian conditions, the standard PocketRocket 2 is all you need. If you do a lot of winter alpine hiking in the Snowy Mountains or Victorian Alps, the Deluxe's pressure regulator is worth the premium.
+ Is the MSR PocketRocket 2 good for simmering?
The PocketRocket 2 is primarily a boiling stove — it is excellent at bringing water to a boil quickly, but low simmer control is limited compared to integrated systems with heat regulators. You can simmer if you are patient, but for cooking actual meals (pasta, stir-fries, sauces), the MSR WindBurner or Jetboil Minimo offer better flame control. For boil-only camping (freeze-dried meals, coffee), the PocketRocket 2 is perfect.
+ What is the MSR warranty in Australia?
MSR offers a limited lifetime warranty on their stoves covering manufacturing defects. In Australia, warranty is processed through the Australian distributor. MSR is well-known for excellent customer service and will often repair or replace defective products. Retain your proof of purchase and register your product on the MSR website. Snowys Outdoors and Paddy Pallin are the two main authorised MSR service points in Australia.
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