MSR PocketRocket

I finally bought a backpacking stove. I've been trying to figure out what I want for almost a year. With the closing of Phillip Galls, I thought I'd better go on and make a decision and buy one...right now! Not to mention I've got like 5 trips planned over the next month and a half. I think it warrants actually buying a stove.

I've had a really hard time deciding between a multi-fuel and a white gas stove. Alcohol stoves sure are tempting too but for some reason I just don't think I want to go that route just yet.

I really wanted a white gas stove but I'm a little turned off by the potential for maintenance, weight...and then the expense. The MSR PocketRocket has been catching my eye but I was pretty turned off by the non-refillable fuel canister. But today I was told that some centers do recycle them and refilling is possible just a pain in the butt. The real kicker for me was the measly 3 ounces and super easy use. AND then I learned that it's only like $40!! Whoa. That helped me make my decision. That's cheap enough that I can buy it and use and then consider something else if, for some reason, I really don't like it.

I went to J&H this afternoon and bought a MSR PocketRocket, 2 fuel canisters, a little bottle for powdered milk, and colored headlamp colors so I can stop blinding myself and others in camp all for less than it would have cost me to purchase ONE white gas or multi-fuel stove.

Sweet. It's a place to start anyway. And I'm looking forward to having something to cook with instead of ALWAYS eating jerky for every meal because I can't seem to make a decision.