Packing for my next adventure and I've paired down to two stoves and trying to decide which to take and use. What are you using on your backcountry hunts and why?
I use an MSR XGK EX stove. The thing will burn just about anything. I use Coleman Fuel. When you really pump it up, it sounds like an F-16 but man it does put out the heat and is very durable. Some say it will not simmer very well but just pump it up less and it will do that job well. On high, it boils water very quickly. Great piece of gear.
I really like my Optimus Crux Weekend HE Cook System. It boils water crazy fast with 10k btu's. I broke my coleman camp stove last weekend and I ended up cooking backstraps on the Optimus Crux - I was very impressed with how well it did.
Do you want yours for boiling or cooking? Or maybe both?
I didnt watch your vid, but i have the MSR Reactor and like it very much. I think it boils water very fast. I bought it because of the good reviews, they support hunting (or so ive heard) and it was on sale.
I've had the pocket rocket for about 15 years. I like it a lot. It was inexpensive, works every time, light weight, small (tiny, actually) and heats water fast. When I have looked at some other stoves, the price and larger size keeps my wallet in my pocket.
I also have used a Pocket Rocket for a loooooong time (20 years?). Still works as well as the day I bought it. I migrated from a MSR stove using coleman fuel and having to ignite the "smudge pot" beneath the burner.
Friends have used a JetBoil on hunts with me. They have advantages of: 1) the pot is marked so you can accurately measure your water - who wants freeze dried soup!, 2) The JetBoil can be picked up by hand because the cup is insulated; 3) A small fuel cannister packs inside the JetBoil (actually a non-advantage IMO because I'm not wasting weight on a small fuel can!); 4) heats water quickly in windy conditions; 5) has a spark ignitor.
On a Gritty Bowmen podcast, they talked about durability of a JetBoil vs the MSR Reactor. After throwing them down cliffs, etc, the Reactor won hands down as being much more durable.
All that being said, I carry and use my Pocket Rocket! Its super compact, super light weight, it isn't always windy and I like it!
Surprisingly, most other gear has been replaced with newer, better, LIGHTER stuff without any looking back. However, I'm reluctant to change away from my trusty Pocket Rocket....
Reactor did great this past 8 days on Kodiak Is., Alaska hunt. Left the Pocket Rocket at home and the Reactor did great. Not any better but worked wonderfully. Help knock the chill out the tent too with the larger heat source.