Jetboil vs MSR PocketRocket: Which Camp Stove?
Head-to-head comparison of two ultralight backpacking stoves. Real specs, prices, and when to pick each one.
The Jetboil heats water faster and comes as a complete system. The MSR PocketRocket costs less and weighs less. Choose Jetboil if you want speed and convenience; pick MSR PocketRocket if you want the lightest option and already own a pot.
The Quick Breakdown
| Spec | Jetboil Flash | MSR PocketRocket 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 13 oz (368g) | 2.6 oz (73g) |
| Boil time (1L) | 100 seconds | 4-5 minutes |
| Fuel type | Canister (isobutane) | Canister (isobutane) |
| Type | Integrated system | Burner only |
| Price (MSRP) | $119 | $39 |
| Best for | Car camping, base camps | Ultralight backpacking |
Where Jetboil Wins
Speed matters on longer trips. The Jetboil Flash boils 1 liter in 100 seconds. That's hot coffee in the time it takes to set up your tent. The integrated pot and burner design with a full heat exchanger make it the fastest camp stove in this category by a significant margin.
It's a complete system. You get the burner, pot, lid, and heat reflector. No need to hunt down a separate cookpot. The 1-liter capacity is reasonable for 1-2 people, and the neoprene sleeve keeps your hands safe.
Reliable cold-weather performance. The integrated fuel cartridge sits inside the pot, which provides some insulation. Jetboil canisters perform better below freezing than a bare burner sitting outside your pot.
Where MSR PocketRocket Wins
Weight discipline. At 2.6 ounces, the PocketRocket cuts 10.4 ounces off a Jetboil system. On multiday backpacking trips, that compounds. Multiply 10 ounces by 6 days and you're looking at 375 ounces (23.4 lbs) of unnecessary pack weight over a week.
Price and simplicity. The PocketRocket costs $39 at retail. No integrated pot means no locked-in capacity, no nonstick coating to damage, and total flexibility. Use it with a titanium mug, aluminum cup, or whatever cookware you already own.
Compatibility matters. If you're bringing your own pot anyway (for freeze-dried meals, instant oatmeal, coffee), the PocketRocket makes sense. You're not paying for features you won't use.
The Real Tradeoff
The Jetboil trades weight for speed and convenience. You get faster water and a self-contained package. The MSR trades speed for freedom—freedom to use any pot, freedom from the weight penalty, and the option to skip hot meals entirely on ultralight trips.
On a weekend trip where coffee and dehydrated meals matter, Jetboil wins. On a 10-day alpine crossing where weight is counted in grams, MSR PocketRocket wins.
The Verdict
Pick Jetboil Flash if: You camp 3+ nights per season, value quick meals, camp car-accessible sites, or prefer a sealed integrated system. The speed and convenience justify the weight for casual to moderate campers.
Pick MSR PocketRocket 2 if: Weight matters to every ounce, you already own a cookpot, or you're ultralight backpacking. The simplicity and price are unbeatable for minimalist trips.
Skip both if: You're car camping and convenience is the priority. A Coleman dual-fuel stove ($50-80) offers more heat output and larger pot support for base camp cooking. Or if weight truly doesn't matter to you—you're cooking for four people and weight isn't your constraint.
Fuel Costs and Availability
Both run on the same isobutane canisters (100-110g standard size). Expect 45-50 minutes of burn time per canister on medium output. The Jetboil's efficiency means you'll use slightly less fuel overall due to faster heating, but the cost difference is negligible.
Worth the Money
The Jetboil at $119 is worth it if you're cooking frequently and want the system sorted. The PocketRocket at $39 is worth it if you want a backup burner or you're already buying cookware anyway. There's no bad choice here—only different priorities.