MSR PocketRocket vs Jetboil Flash: Camp Stove Comparison

MSR PocketRocket vs Jetboil Flash: Which Camp Stove Is Better?

Two of the most popular backpacking stoves. One weighs 2.6 oz, the other 13.1 oz. One boils water in 4 minutes, the other in 2.5 minutes. Here’s which is right for you.

Side-by-side comparison

Feature	MSR PocketRocket 2	Jetboil Flash
Price	$50	$100
Weight	2.6 oz	13.1 oz
Boil time (1L)	3.5 min	2.5 min
Fuel efficiency	Good	Excellent (insulated)
Pot included	No	Yes (1L)
Wind resistance	Poor (no windshield)	Good (built-in)
Simmer control	Yes	Limited
Best for	Backpacking, light meals	Boil-only meals, hot drinks

MSR PocketRocket pros

• Lightweight (2.6 oz — barely feel it)
• Cheaper ($50 vs $100)
• True simmer control (cook real food)
• Works with any pot

MSR PocketRocket cons

• No wind protection (struggles in wind)
• No pot included
• Burns more fuel in wind

Jetboil Flash pros

• Fast boil (2.5 min)
• Excellent fuel efficiency (lasts longer)
• Wind-resistant (built-in)
• All-in-one system (pot + stove)

Jetboil cons

• Heavy (13.1 oz — 5x MSR)
• Limited simmer control (boil-only)
• Bigger pack size
• $100 vs $50

My pick

For serious backpackers: MSR PocketRocket (weight + simmer control). For casual campers or hot-drink-focused: Jetboil Flash (faster, easier). Most people should start with MSR — it’s more versatile and 1/3 the price.

For car camping where weight doesn’t matter, a $25 two-burner propane stove from Coleman is more useful than either.