Choosing the right backpacking stove and cookset can significantly impact your outdoor experience. This review compares three leading contenders: the Jetboil Stash, Soto WindMaster with cookset, and MSR Titan Kettle with PocketRocket Deluxe. Each system offers a unique blend of features, performance, and price points, catering to different backpacking styles and priorities. We’ll delve into the specifics of each, examining their build quality, ease of use, wind resistance, and overall cooking efficiency to help you determine which best suits your needs.This comparative analysis considers key factors such as capacity, weight, ease of packing, and simmer control. We'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each system's design, highlighting standout features like regulated burners, piezo igniters, and innovative pot designs. Ultimately, this review aims to equip you with the information needed to make an informed decision, ensuring your next backpacking trip is fueled by a reliable and efficient cooking solution.
Pros And Cons
- Special flux ring improves burner efficiency and performance in windy conditions.
- Good at spreading heat to prevent hot spotting.
- Rubberized handle is sturdy.
- Nests canister on the lid.
- Nice and wide, compatible with Jet Boil Summit skillet.
- No igniter.
- Not regulated.
- Some space between pot bottom and burner.
- Versatile with three pots (350ml, 400ml, 750ml).
- Insulated pot cover.
- Main pot has a sip bit and strainer.
- Regulated stove with igniter.
- Good performance in wind.
- Comes with pot supports (small and large).
- Heavier than other options.
- Some may find it fiddly to assemble.
- Ultralight.
- Well-designed with good handles and lid.
- 900ml capacity, suitable for cooking and boiling water.
- Has a spout and a hole on the lid.
- Regulated stove with igniter.
- Pot support may be too small.
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Price and Capacity Comparison
The three backpacking stove and cookset combos reviewed – Jetboil Stash, Soto WindMaster with cookset, and MSR Titan Kettle with PocketRocket Deluxe – offer similar features but vary in price and capacity.
The Jetboil Stash retails at £155, the MSR at £145, and the Soto at £137. The price difference is negligible, but discounts may be available online.
Capacity-wise, the Jetboil offers 800ml, the MSR 900ml, while the Soto provides a 350ml mug, a 400ml mug, and a 750ml pot (totaling 1500ml). The Soto's modularity is a key differentiator.
Jetboil Stash Review
The Jetboil Stash features a unique flux ring that enhances burner efficiency and performance in windy conditions, preventing hot spots.
Its rubberized handle is sturdy and well-designed; the plastic lid includes a sip-bit but lacks a strainer. The compact design cleverly nests the gas canister on the lid.
While the stove is well-made and fits the pot perfectly, it lacks a piezo igniter and isn't regulated. It does include a pot support, making it versatile for use with additional cookware.
Soto WindMaster Cookset Review
The Soto WindMaster is a modular system, offering an insulated pot cover, a 750ml main pot with a sip bit and strainer, a 400ml pot with a sip bit, and a 350ml pot.
The superbly made stove is regulated and includes a piezo igniter, performing exceptionally well in windy conditions.
Two pot supports are available: a small, lightweight one and a larger, more stable four-pronged support, enhancing versatility. While some may find it slightly fiddly, its usability improves with practice.
MSR Titan Kettle & PocketRocket Deluxe Review
The MSR Titan Kettle (900ml) is an ultralight and well-designed cookset. Its pull-out, rubberized handles prevent burns, and the lid has hooks for convenient side storage.
It nests with the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe stove, a regulated stove with a piezo igniter and fixed pot supports. While compact, the pot supports might be considered slightly small by some users.
The Titan Kettle’s spout and hole in the lid add functionality, making it suitable for both boiling water and cooking simple meals. Its simplicity and lightweight design are key advantages.
Stove Performance and Flame Comparison
All three stoves ignited easily and provided consistent flames. The Jetboil, while not regulated, allowed for good simmer control. The Soto and MSR, being regulated, offered superior flame control, especially in challenging conditions.
The Soto’s burner design performed particularly well in the wind, while the MSR and Soto's violent flames indicated efficient heating. All three showed impressive speed and consistency in boiling water.
Conclusion: The Best Backpacking Stove Combo?
Choosing the best backpacking stove combo depends on individual priorities. The Soto offers unmatched versatility with its three-pot system, excellent value, and regulated stove, but it's heavier.
The MSR Titan Kettle and PocketRocket Deluxe combination prioritizes ultralight performance with superior pot design, but its pot supports could be improved. The Jetboil offers a good balance of performance and features but lacks regulation and a piezo igniter.
For ultralight backpacking, the MSR combination is the winner. However, for versatility and value, the Soto is hard to beat. The Jetboil is a solid option if its limitations are acceptable.