Jetboil Flash vs MSR PocketRocket 2 — Best Backpacking Stove?
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In This Guide
When it comes to backpacking stoves in Australia, two names dominate every camping forum and gear list: the Jetboil Flash and the MSR PocketRocket 2. They’re both excellent at what they do — but they do very different things.
The Jetboil Flash is an integrated cooking system built around one goal: boiling water as fast as possible, as efficiently as possible. The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a 73-gram stove burner that screws onto any canister and works with any pot you choose.
Which one belongs in your pack depends entirely on how you camp. We’ve broken down every key factor to help you decide.
Key Takeaways
- Jetboil Flash boils 500mL in about 100 seconds — significantly faster than the PocketRocket 2
- MSR PocketRocket 2 weighs just 73g — the Jetboil Flash system weighs 371g
- Jetboil Flash is more fuel-efficient thanks to the FluxRing integrated cup
- MSR PocketRocket 2 offers proper simmer control — better for cooking real meals
- PocketRocket 2 is around $100 cheaper and works with any pot
- Jetboil Flash is the better choice for hikers who mainly boil water; PocketRocket for everyone else
Head-to-Head Specs
| Feature | Jetboil Flash | MSR PocketRocket 2 |
|---|---|---|
| System Weight | 371g (system) | 73g (stove only) |
| Boil Time (500mL) | ~100 seconds | ~3.5 minutes |
| Water per 100g fuel | ~12L | ~7L |
| Simmer Control | Limited | Excellent |
| Built-in Igniter | Yes | No |
| Pot Required | Integrated | Separate (any pot) |
| Price (AUD) | ~$180 | ~$75 |
| Integrated Cup | 1L FluxRing cup included | No |
Boil Time: Jetboil Flash Wins
This isn’t close. The Jetboil Flash boils 500mL in around 100 seconds under controlled conditions — roughly 2.5x faster than the MSR PocketRocket 2 with a conventional pot. The reason is the FluxRing technology: the corrugated heat exchanger on the bottom of the cup traps and transfers heat far more efficiently than an open pot sitting above an exposed burner.
In the field — with a bit of wind and a cold canister — the Flash might take 2–3 minutes rather than 100 seconds, but it still consistently beats conventional stoves. For anyone who values getting food on the go quickly, this matters.
Winner: Jetboil Flash
Weight & Packability: MSR PocketRocket 2 Wins (With Caveats)
The raw numbers look very different depending on how you measure. The MSR PocketRocket 2 stove weighs 73g. The Jetboil Flash system (stove, cup, lid, cosy) weighs 371g. On paper, that’s a massive difference.
But the PocketRocket 2 needs a pot. A quality ultralight option like the Sea to Summit Alpha Pot (1.1L) weighs 145g. So the MSR system is 218g stove + pot, versus 371g for the Jetboil — the Jetboil Flash is heavier by about 150g.
Over a week-long trip, 150g isn’t a dealbreaker for most hikers. But for gram-counting ultralight backpackers, the PocketRocket system wins on weight.
The PocketRocket 2 also packs smaller — the burner fits in the palm of your hand. The Jetboil Flash, while reasonably compact, is a larger package.
Winner: MSR PocketRocket 2
Versatility: MSR PocketRocket 2 Wins
This is where the MSR PocketRocket 2 really separates itself. Because it works with any standard pot, you can:
- Use a lightweight titanium pot for hiking
- Use a larger aluminium pot for cooking group meals
- Use a frypan for eggs and pancakes
- Swap to different pot sizes depending on the trip
The Jetboil Flash is essentially locked into the 1L FluxRing cup. You can buy a Jetboil pot support accessory to use other pots, but you lose most of the efficiency advantages that justify its price in the first place.
The Jetboil’s cup is designed for eating directly from, which is convenient. But if you want to cook a proper stir-fry, make porridge for two, or fry eggs — the MSR PocketRocket 2 with a frypan is the better tool.
Winner: MSR PocketRocket 2
Wind Performance: Close Call
Both stoves can struggle in strong wind. The Jetboil Flash benefits from the cup surrounding the burner somewhat, providing a degree of natural wind protection. The MSR PocketRocket 2 has an exposed burner that can be affected by side wind — though the four-arm design is reasonably wind-resistant for its class.
For both stoves, finding a sheltered spot to cook is the real-world solution. A DIY foil windscreen around the stove (not wrapped around the canister) helps with the PocketRocket.
Winner: Draw
Value for Money: MSR PocketRocket 2 Wins
At ~$75, the MSR PocketRocket 2 is one of the best value backpacking purchases you can make. It does what it claims, it lasts for years, and you can pick it up at BCF or Anaconda without going to a specialty store.
The Jetboil Flash at ~$180 costs more than twice as much. You’re paying for the FluxRing efficiency, the integrated system convenience, and the push-button igniter. For hikers who boil a lot of water, the fuel savings over multiple trips can offset the cost difference. But for casual hikers, it’s a hard premium to justify.
Winner: MSR PocketRocket 2
Pros and Cons
Jetboil Flash
- Fastest boil time in its class — 100 seconds for 500mL
- Most fuel-efficient system available — ~12L per 100g of fuel
- Push-button igniter built in — no lighter needed
- Drink-through lid and insulated cosy for easy on-trail eating
- Integrated fuel gauge on the base
- Packs down with canister stored inside the cup
- Significantly more expensive than conventional stoves (~$180)
- Limited simmer control — not ideal for cooking real meals
- Locked into the integrated cup system for best efficiency
- Wider base is less stable on uneven ground
- Heavier total system weight than a PocketRocket + ultralight pot
MSR PocketRocket 2
- Incredibly lightweight — just 73g for the stove head
- Works with any pot or pan — total flexibility
- Excellent simmer control for actual cooking
- Very affordable — under $80 at most retailers
- Compact enough to fit in a pocket or pot
- MSR build quality is excellent — the stove lasts years
- Requires a separate pot — not a complete cooking system
- No built-in igniter — need a lighter or matches
- Less fuel-efficient than integrated systems (heat escapes around pot)
- Slower boil time (~3.5 min vs 100 sec)
- Can wobble on heavy or large-diameter pots
The Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Jetboil Flash if: You primarily hike solo or with a partner, your camp cooking is mostly boiling water for freeze-dried meals, hot drinks, and instant oats, and you want the fastest, most fuel-efficient system without thinking about it. It’s a premium tool for a specific job, and it does that job better than anything else.
Buy the MSR PocketRocket 2 if: You want versatility — the ability to cook real meals, use different pot sizes, travel with a lighter pack, and save $100+. For most backpackers and hikers, the PocketRocket 2 paired with a quality pot is the more practical and affordable system.
The bottom line: The Jetboil Flash is a specialist tool; the MSR PocketRocket 2 is an all-rounder. If you’re not sure which camp you’re in, start with the PocketRocket 2 and a good pot — you can always upgrade to an integrated system later.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Is the Jetboil Flash worth the extra money over the MSR PocketRocket 2?
It depends on your priorities. If you mainly boil water for freeze-dried meals and hot drinks on the trail, the Jetboil Flash's speed and fuel efficiency make it worth the premium. If you want to cook actual meals, use different pots, or keep weight and cost down, the MSR PocketRocket 2 paired with a quality titanium pot is the better choice at a fraction of the price.
+ Which is lighter — the Jetboil Flash or MSR PocketRocket 2?
The MSR PocketRocket 2 stove head weighs just 73g, making it significantly lighter than the Jetboil Flash system at 371g. However, the PocketRocket still needs a separate pot, which adds weight. A PocketRocket 2 plus a Sea to Summit Alpha Pot (1.1L, 145g) comes to around 218g without the canister — lighter than the Jetboil Flash system. For true ultralight hiking, the PocketRocket wins.
+ Can I use an MSR canister with a Jetboil stove?
Yes — Jetboil, MSR, Primus, and most other isobutane canisters use the universal Lindal valve standard. They are interchangeable. An MSR IsoPro canister works on a Jetboil Flash, and a Jetboil canister works on an MSR PocketRocket 2. Buy whatever brand is available and cheapest at the time.
+ Does the Jetboil Flash work in windy conditions?
The Jetboil Flash performs reasonably well in light wind thanks to the FluxRing cup which protects the burner somewhat. In strong wind, however, the exposed burner can struggle. For exposed conditions, consider the Jetboil MiniMo (which has a slightly more sheltered burner) or a stove with a dedicated windscreen. The MSR PocketRocket 2 can use a foil windscreen — though never place a windscreen directly around a canister stove as it can cause dangerous pressure build-up.
+ Which stove is better for winter camping in Australia?
Both use isobutane/propane canisters which perform better in cold than regular butane. In genuinely cold conditions (alpine areas, Tasmanian winter), isobutane pressure can still drop. A useful trick is to keep your canister in your sleeping bag overnight to maintain pressure. For extreme cold, a pressure-regulated stove (like the Primus Lite Plus) or liquid fuel stove handles cold better than either of these options.
+ Where can I buy the Jetboil Flash and MSR PocketRocket 2 in Australia?
Both are widely available at BCF, Anaconda, Snowys Outdoors, Paddy Pallin, Mountain Designs, and Amazon AU. The MSR PocketRocket 2 is often stocked at more stores due to its lower price point. Snowys typically has the most competitive pricing and the best stock levels on both brands.
More Camping Stove Comparisons
- Jetboil Flash vs Jetboil MiniMo — Which Jetboil is right for you?
- Best Camping Stoves Australia — Our full roundup of the best stoves for all camping styles.
- How to Choose a Camping Stove — Canister vs butane vs multi-fuel explained.
Written by Rhys
A Brisbane-based 4WD tourer who's spent too many weekends testing gear in the bush. Every product on this site is researched and rated based on real-world use, not spec sheets.