MSR Whisperlite International Liquid-Fuel Stove

19 years now and only problem was when the o rings failed (after 15 years) and the jet clogged once. I had it repaired on a trip within 10 miuntes. Learn to field strip before you use. Be sure primer cup can be removed w/o a tool (hand tighten. I carry spare rings now and soon fuel line just in case because I go solo and or in 20 miles. 12000 ft no problem, 22-26 degrees no problem. Never tried other fuels but have read vodka can be used. If 100 proof ?? Always use the heat deflector not shown for safety. A metal base option (3oz) is great for uneven surfaces. Daily use I figure on 2-3 oz''s fuel per day with breakfast 10 minutes and dinner 25. Adjustable flame can simmer real low. Primes nicely. Avoid cheap fuel. I use Coleman for best results.

This stove has been around for years i.e. time tested in the most extreme and unforgiving conditions. Needless to say, this stove is still around and is still the best.

Pros:

*Weight: everything included (empty fuel bottle) it come to a little over 1lb.

*Size: very compact, the stove and fuel pump will easily fit inside a set of camping pots for example. I would say that if you keep the stove, heat shield, and pump in the stuff sack it will still fit in a camping pot thats about 6 inches in diameter by 6 inches deep. Otherwise, if you split the parts up, the stove is super small, essentially no bigger than a 1&1/2 tennis ball''s.

*Reliability: This is a time tested workhorse. I have had this thing wet, muddy, frozen, hot (all conditions) and it will start every time. (when it was muddy i did have to clean it a bit, but then it worked like new). This stove will boil water when and where you need it.

* Simmering: Despite what others have said, i have had no problem getting my stove to simmer pasta, rice, and really anything else.

Cons:

Really, none, but keep in mind the following:

* Know how to work and clean the stove before you stick it in your pack. If you do this this stove will provide you with years of loyal service. And as with any stove or piece of equipment, take care of it and keep it as clean as you can.

Maintenance:

Usually a self cleaning can be done by just shaking the stove (shaker jet technology), every now and then you may have to do a bit more extensive cleaning by removing the fuel cable and scrubbing it. This all can be done in the field with only the little tool provided in the kit. Also, the only other thing may be replacing an o-ring every year or so. Again, no problem in the field.

* buy a repair/parts kit... its always nice to have some spare o rings to stop leaking.

Soot:

If you run this stove cold, or don''t let it heat up enough with the primer, you can get some orange flames which in turn will depot some soot on your pans. If you let it warm up (using the primer) there should be no problem getting the blue flame.

Also, if you are buying the "international version," which i did, it will burn just about anything (remember to change out the jet when using different fuels other that white gas of unleaded). I would still recommend white gas or the MSR Superfuel as it is just the cleanest for your stove and burns the hot (the jet fuel you can use with it may be hotter,,,).

I would recommend this stove to anyone who was serious about backpacking/camping. I have had this stove for over 5 years and would buy another one but have had no reason to do so.

Extras: I would suggest buying the following as well.

Repair/maintenance kit MSR WhisperLite and Whisper Lite Int. Expedition Stove Service Kit

MSR Trillium Stove BaseMSR Trillium Stove Base

Buy MSR Whisperlite International Liquid-Fuel Stove Now

Never had the least bit of problem with this... packs up nice and small (and inside my MSR Alpine pots to save more space) and has never failed to light for me. ask 100 hikers what they prefer, and you''ll get at least 90 different answers. Myself, I prefer liquid fuel... I only have to carry one bottle in, and one bottle out (as opposed to some butane stoves) and I find it easier to control the flame (especially in trying to simmer). I understand that butane may be the way to go in exceptionally high wind, or in extreme cold... wind hasn''t yet been an issue for me, and as I mentioned in a recent sleeping bag review, if it''s THAT cold, I won''t be in a tent, I''ll be in a cabin. I also like that I have options on what fuel to use... with the jet it ships with, I can either burn camp fuel (aka: "white gas") or regular unleaded gasoline... change the jet (which is included) and I can burn kerosene or A-1 jet fuel... handy if you''re camping at JFK International I guess LOL. mainly the unleaded gas and kerosene options mean you''ll pretty much never be at a loss for fuel.

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I got my stove today and couldn''t be happier with it. There was no flare up or leakage to speak of and simmering is easy as pie. Just turn off the stove, depressurize the bottle, pump three times and relight. To keep it going just give it a pump every four minutes or so. My one complaint is the fuel that leaks out when you disconnect the fuel line or depressurize the bottle. I wish it had come with a pressure release valve.

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I''ve owned it over 10 years so this is a long-term review. First of all, this stove is extremely reliable. Period. I personally haven''t had any issues whatsoever. It has never failed to perform its task. It''s light but amazingly rugged and yes this stove would make an excellent backpacking stove. I''ve used it above 10,000 feet level on more than several occasions and it always performed like a champ. I''ve used it with regular unleaded gas and had no issues. Initially, you might need to get a hang of priming it properly, as I kind of had to, but that''s actually a part of growing your long-term relationship with this stove. Of course it''s not that difficult at all unless you had never used white gas stove anywhere before. Once the stove is ON, it boils water really fast... especially if you use the included windshield. I use it with MSR''s 33oz fuel bottle and I know I have roughly 3 hours of cooking time. What can I say! My only complain(?) is that I personally like the burner to be a bit LOUDER... like the roaring of SVEA 123 (my other unit). So people at MSR, PLEASE consider developing "Roaringlite" in the future.