Advice on MSR Pocket Rocket

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Advice on MSR Pocket Rocket

Postby Moondog55 » Mon 15 Jul, 2013 3:43 pm

Having just bought the one from Nifty nomad and not having used a gas stove since the old CampingGaz days I am after advice on windshields, bases and maximum pot size from people who have experience in the model.
I'll stop at MD tomorrow and get a couple of gas cylinders as I think they are on sale ( I need to stop in and pay for socks and jocks anyway) for emergency /back-up use is there a better choice between the can sizes
Ve are too soon old und too late schmart
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Re: Advice on MSR Pocket Rocket

Postby corvus » Mon 15 Jul, 2013 8:57 pm

G'day Moondog55,
Have some experience with the Pocket Rocket ,it was my first of many cannister top stoves and I can pass on these observations.
A 230gm cannister will give you a more stable base.
It is fast , noisy and has the capability of bringing 2 cups 500ml of water to a fierce boil in less than 2 mins in ideal conditions.
I would not use a pot with a base any smaller than 11cm as the heat will come up the side.
As a back up it will be good however bear in mind that if you intend using it on you Winter walk the heat capacity will drop unless you keep the cannister warm beforehand and stand it in a bowl of water when in use.
Was not badly affected by wind and windshields are not recommended for this type of stove from memory.
None of this is scientific just my memory of when I used it some years back.
Hope this helps in some way.
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Re: Advice on MSR Pocket Rocket

Postby stry » Mon 15 Jul, 2013 9:50 pm

What Corvus said, plus:

I use 227 gm MSR canisters with the Pocket Rocket. Got 7days brekky and dinner for one plus two cups of tea from180 gm of gas on the OLT. Used in sheltered conditions.

When tenting I use a windshield. The instructions warn AGAINST using a windshield, apparently because of the risk of overheating the canister. I use the windshield with care and part of the benefit of the shield is that it can get some heat into the canister in very cold conditions.

I am no chemist but there are different blends of gas and the MSR blend (which is no doubt available under other labels) is allegedly superior in very cold conditions.

Had a hiccup with a MIcro Rocket (yep- the new one) cutting out on a cold, but above freezing, night. I was using a low flame, and it came good when I cracked the seal and reseated the stove. It happened twice, and all I can think of is that the very low flame/heat was allowing the gas feed to ice up somewhere along the way. (expanding gas cools - science 101)

Love the light weight and the convenience. Don't like the consumable canisters.
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Re: Advice on MSR Pocket Rocket

Postby Moondog55 » Mon 15 Jul, 2013 9:57 pm

Thanx Corvus & Stry
I just wanted something light and reliable for my day pack just in case.
Same as I always pack a shelter and / or bivvy bag and the MSR was a little too heavy and bulky for that. I'll buy the small gas bottles then. My spare pot is 200 wide so that's OK
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Re: Advice on MSR Pocket Rocket

Postby Strider » Mon 15 Jul, 2013 10:10 pm

stry wrote:Don't like the consumable canisters.

Have you considered refilling them?
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Re: Advice on MSR Pocket Rocket

Postby stry » Mon 15 Jul, 2013 10:29 pm

Not sure that my usage is high enough to make it worthwhile (I also use a shellite fuelled stove)

Please enlighten me about how though. Is it blindingly simple, or is the outcome likely to be suitable for "MythBusters" ?
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Re: Advice on MSR Pocket Rocket

Postby Strider » Mon 15 Jul, 2013 10:53 pm

stry wrote:Not sure that my usage is high enough to make it worthwhile (I also use a shellite fuelled stove)

Please enlighten me about how though. Is it blindingly simple, or is the outcome likely to be suitable for "MythBusters" ?

Some good info below.
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=13145&p=173835&hilit=refilling#p173835

Doesn't completely get around the consumable issue, but could definitely lessen the load on the wallet. I saw 12 x 220g isobutane "long canisters" at Big W the other day for $13.
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Re: Advice on MSR Pocket Rocket

Postby stry » Tue 16 Jul, 2013 8:35 am

Thanks Strider
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Re: Advice on MSR Pocket Rocket

Postby Moondog55 » Tue 16 Jul, 2013 9:00 am

I'm looking at those items on eBay now, I'll keep my eyes open as my local Safeway often has the long cartridges for sale at half price.
I have some plywood and flashing so when the stove arrives I'll make a base to stop it sinking into the snow while boiling water.
On my way into MD now to spend the last of my returns voucher on socks and jocks ( and a gas cylinder)
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Re: Advice on MSR Pocket Rocket

Postby Moondog55 » Tue 16 Jul, 2013 10:58 am

OUCH!!
MSR small canister wasn't on sale, cost me $14.99
Fiona at Geelong MD also sold me the Elemental large canister for $9.99 and reckons it is better gas in the cold because of the 20% propane in the mix.
Looks like I will be buying and trying that refill adapter very soon.
WOW My first "lightweight" stove, although in it's day the MSR was considered that too being a third of the weight of the 111B
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