Jetboil vs Pocket Rocket

O

Oregon Knife Guy

Joined
Mar 27, 2009
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What are your thoughts on the Jetboil system vs. the Pocket Rocket? I would like to hear some thoughts from you all.
Thanks
 
I own a pocket rocket and it boils water wicked fast, even with a breeze blowing. Can't speak to the Jetboil, sorry.
 
Don't compare the two alone, compare the pocket rocket + pot + mug + bowl + storage container to a Jetboil. Or you could just get a Jetboil:thumbup:
 
I don't own the pocket rocket and have never used one, but I do have the jetboil. I own the single person one and find it to be excellent. I'm looking into the group pot for it as I like the lower profile.
 
I own the single person and the group pot. Love it - but it is not that micro-adjustable. If you are looking for a boiler - get a Jet Boil - if you want to cook - you may need to go elsewhere.

It is nearly impossible to simmer - for instance.


TF
 
yea, stoves like the JetBoil and the MSR Reactor are full on nuclear reactor water boilers. Boil water, remove form stove, drop yer freeze dried food in and stir for a few minutes. The Jetboil(and MSR Reactor ) excels for rapid water treatment.
 
Very nice guys! Thanks for your words of wisdom. Looks Like I will be going for one of those for this camping season. Probably go for the multi person one.
 
If you want to boil water, then the MSR Reactor is a pretty nice setup. Amazingly fast and efficient.

If you want to simmer, then consider the MSR Windpro - so that you have the option of using a windscreen, which makes a huge difference even in a light breeze.
 
Try looking at the Snow Peak Giga Power (with or without the Piezo ignitor). Also, if you do get it, look into the windscreen for the Giga Power. It will increase its efficiency dramatically enough to make anyone happy.

The reason I prefer the Giga Power over the Pocket Rocket is that it has 4 prongs to hold even the smallest diameter mug. The prongs are also level versus the angled prongs of the Pocket Rocket. The flame on the Giga Power is more dispersed than the focused flame on the Pocket Rocket. I hate burning my food. The Giga Power sits lower than the Pocket Rocket. This makes it more stable. If you ever get a chance to see the Giga Power in its small package you won't be disappointed.

I had the JetBoil PCS at one time and gave it away. I'll agree that it is very efficient. But, I am gearing my equipment to be more compact and light weight.

I hope this is helpful.
 
I've used both systems while backpacking andk kayaking and for my money you can't beat the pocket rocket just becasue while it does boil water slightly slower than the jetboil you just have more versitlity with the rocket. Hope this helps
 
One must also keep in mind resupply and more importantly.... temperature when dealing with little propane bottles. When it drops below freezing the pressure drops like a rock and can even prevent the use of said stoves. Many hike with the canisters inside the jackets to prevent this. I have a dozen stoves, Jetboils, a few cruxs, dragonfly, whisperlite, a hunter, others and my most recent addition the omni fuel by primus. I have since replaced the jetboil PCS in my GHB in my car with another omni fuel. the omnifuels work with the same propane bottles, but also allow one to use the included pump with a MSR or similar bulk fuel bottle and pressurize your own fuel... so be it white gas (coleman fuel), diesel, kerosene, av gas, ect. It weights a bit more, has a little more control (still not a great simmer stove), but the fact that it can take dam near anything for burning, makes it great in my uses. More so that in winter the bulk fuels can be hand pumped and used below freezing. The stove is like a carburetor with interchangeable jets for differnt gas and to help tune it, however with bulk fuels, it has to be primed first (like other bulk fuel stoves), but it is a great stove. Recommend looking into them..


Also if going the jet boil route, look into freezer bag cooking. Basically, pre mix your dried meal in a freezer bag, buy or make a cozy, boil water, add measured amount to bag, let it sit to reconstitute, and eat. No dishes to wash. Collect bags and dispose of properly. There are youtube videos for free, and cookbooks/ cozies are various sights. I bought mine from freezer bag cooking direct. Great little setups, little weight, but not really flexible. You must also plan you meals this way.... and I recommend a food dehydrator and the knowledge to use it to its fullest.
 
Another vote for the Snow Peak Gigapower. I have the titanium model with auto igniter. It's incredibly light and actually simmers pretty well. A friend had a Jetboil that worked fine for boiling but was heavier.

DancesWithKnives
 
Fortunately I had my wife pack my Jetboil on our last backpacking trip. I'm always the anal one about equipment maintenance and the pump seal-cup was "boots-up" and I couldn't get my Nova stove to work. The Jetboil is excellent for fast, hot water...cooking in it sucks! We had mostly dehydrated/instant food, but we were trying some pasta noodles and it was made a mess that wasn't easy to clean.

It is a little big and you can't use the mug as a solo (such as cooking over a fire), but it works for what it is. My wife now has the diminutive Crux and a fuel cartridge in her pack as a back up.

With any butane cartridge stoves, you really need to avoid the cold temperatures and make sure you have a good wind screen.

I also have the Snow Peak Giga Ti stove, which is in the same category as the Pocket Rocket (as is the Crux). If you're going to actually cook, these a much better as you can use different pots or a frying pan...a lot more culinary versatility :D

Don't discount a solid liquid fuel stove either. It seems a little more complicated, but they are not. I too prefer the Primus stoves (Nova and Omni-fuel) and they are quite robust (with a little maintenance).


ROCK6
 
Pocket Rocket all the way:
1. I purchased three for the outing club about 5 years ago. They are still in service. You want to see abuse? Try drunk college backpacking kids spilling mac n cheese, chili, barf, and oatmeal all over those things, and they still work.

2. Temperature. I haven't had a problem here in NC with them. I put the coleman multi fuel in a -20 for nine hours and it also worked just fine with the pocket rocket. A tin wind shield is nice for 'em, but for the price and simplicity, you can't beat these stoves.
 
I have both the Jetboil and the Pocket Rocket. I, at some point have had almost every stove on the market currently. I have bought and sold so many I have lost count. The Jetboil is great if you want to boil water. It is made to conserve fuel and boil fast. It is not so great for cooking more complex things. It is also relatively heavy The pocket rocket will boil fast if it isn't terribly cold outside. The wind can be a factor, but I always carry a windscreen. I currently carry a Primus ULT Titanium stove with me every time I go out. It has a similar burner type to the Pocket Rocket and has never failed me. My brother uses a Pocket Rocket and has never had a problem. Hope this helps.

Andy
 
Take a look at the Brunton Flex also. Looks to be the business. It folds and goes in a pocket that fits the concavity on the bottom of a fuel canister and will pack into your Brunton IB pot set. Looks to simmer or boil just fine
 
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