MSR Pocket Rocket 2 - Review 2023

Features:

• Precision flame control
• Serrated supports prevent pots or pans from sliding
• WindClip™ wind protection ensures a solid flame
• So compact it can fit inside your pocket
• Easy to use, no priming required
• Compatible with most brands of canister fuel
• Hard shell carry case protects the stove when traveling

Fits in your Pocket, burns like a Rocket

Fuel Source & Efficiency

The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 includes all the same impressive features of the original model, though MSR has made this version even smaller, lighter, and more efficient.

The Pocket Rocket 2 is a canister stove that runs on a mix of Isobutane and Propane. The stove is compatible with most self-sealing canisters on the market, not just the MSR branded ones. This means you can shop around for the best price, but keep in mind each brand has a slightly different mix of Isobutane and Propane, meaning some will work better in colder temperatures than others.

What has made this backpacking stove so successful is its quality, packability, and efficiency. Some of the cheaper canister stove options on the market like the BRS-3000T are easily affected by the wind. But the WindClip™ wind protection feature on the Pocket Rocket 2 helps to maintain a solid and direct flame, keeping its boil time down even in windy conditions.

The PR2 may not have the boil time of the Jetboil Flash, but it’s one of the most efficient canister stoves in its class. Sure, there are cheaper options out there, but for the extra $30, you can buy a stove from a brand that’s stood the test of time for more than fifty years.

Weight & Portability

The Pocket Rocket was one of the first canister stoves of its time to change the way people cook in the backcountry. Ultra-light backpackers who may not have traveled with a stove are now able to justify the additional 2.6 OZ.

Of course, you still need to factor in the fuel and cookware, but the great thing about the PR2 is you can choose the most minimalistic cookware and a small 4 OZ canister to keep the weight down.

MSR also led the field in portability with its clever folding design of this compact stove. The pot supports fold down and are so adjustable they’re able to wrap around the body of the stove so the entire thing fits within the palm of your hand.

Since the Pocket Rocket’s release in 2005, a number of other brands have released their own versions of canister stoves that are similar in size. The Soto Amicus and the Snow Peak Giga Power Stove are similar in size to the Pocket Rocket 2, while the BRS-3000T is almost half the size.

Despite the competition, however, the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 remains the most robust, high quality and efficient canister stove on the market.

Boils Like a Rocket

The Pocket Rocket is fractionally faster at boiling water than its Japanese competitor, the Soto Amicus. At 3 1/2 minutes, the PR2 was the fastest for boiling water in its class, miles ahead of some of its smaller competitors like the BRS-3000T, which took over five minutes in similar conditions.

The efficiency of the PR2 comes from its custom designed WindClip™ wind protection, which helps to maintain a direct and solid flame even in windy conditions.  Even though the Snow Peak Giga Power Stove is said to have a higher output of BTU’s (British Thermal Unit), which is a measurement of energy, the PR2 is able to boil a liter of water a minute faster in similar conditions.

Using the Pocket Rocket

The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is one of the most simple backpacking stoves to set up and use. You simply take it out of its case, unfold the three pot support arms and adjust them into position, screw the base onto the fuel canister, open the gas using the control valve, and ignite the burner using a lighter.

Although the PR2 is uber simple, the Soto Amicus has a built-in igniter, which can be helpful if you forget your lighter and also prevents you from burning your hand. The Pocket Rocket 2 saves a little weight by not having the igniter. But if you’re dead set on having one, and want to stick with MSR, the Pocket Rocket Deluxe has one built in.

A Versatile Backpacking Stove

What we love about this compact stove is how versatile it is. It’s a high-quality and high performing backpacking stove that not only fits in your pocket but can be used with practically any type of cookware. We tested it using a regular kitchen pot and pan and the stove performed exceptionally well.

Unlike integrated canister stoves like the Jetboil Flash that come with the cookware attached, MSR’s stove allows you to select whichever type of pot or pan you desire.

The Pocket Rocket can also be used in windy conditions and still performs well compared to most canister stoves. You can also use the PR2 at higher altitudes. Just be aware that canister fuel doesn’t burn as well at higher altitudes or in colder temperatures, which means it will take much longer and use more gas to boil water and cook food.

How the Pocket Rocket Stands

The PR2 has three serrated pot holder prongs designed to keep your pots and pans resting safely and securely on top. We believe the three-pronged design is sufficient in creating good stability while cooking. Others argue, however, that a four-pronged design like the Soto Amicus or the Snow Peak Giga Power Stove will make the stove more stable.

In regards to stability, the WindClip™ wind protection also creates a stable and solid flame, even in windy conditions. Compared side by side with a cheaper version like the  BRS-3000T, the PR2 is far superior and in windy conditions, boiling water twice as fast in adverse conditions.

Safety

This stove is a safe and reliable stove for all your outdoor adventures. It’s designed to be used with canisters of isobutane and propane, which are both safe and stable fuels widely used in backpacking stoves.

The PR2 stove has a number of built-in safety features, including a pressure regulator that helps to maintain a consistent gas flow and prevent overpressure. Additionally, the stove has a durable, high-quality construction and is designed to be used in a variety of outdoor conditions, including higher altitudes and windy conditions.

Pocket Rocket Value

The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 cost is in line with most of its competitors including the Soto Amicus and the Snow Peak Giga Power Stove. Each of these stoves cost between USD $60-70 depending on where you buy it.

Given this stove will last you many years with good care, we believe it’s a small investment for a high-performance stove that will outlast the quality of its competitors. MSR also offers great warranties and repairs on all their products.

Compared to the BRS-3000T, spending an extra $30 will provide you with a stove you can trust, that performs well in a variety of conditions, and will save you money on fuel in the long run because of its efficiency.

Do we recommend it?

In one word, yes. The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 has years of testing behind it. It’s one of the most recognized canister stoves in the world of backpacking, and because MSR is recognized for their quality, you get what you pay for.

The PR2 is an amazing stove to take on longer trips where you’re trying to save weight and space. It’s also the perfect option for a backup stove if you’re traveling remotely for multiple days.

Having used this stove on multiple backcountry trips over the years, we feel confident recommending it as a top pick for a lightweight, portable, fuel efficient, and quality backpacking stove.