MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Review

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This is an in-depth review of the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Canister Stove in 2025.

The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe is among the lightest and most efficient backpacking canister stoves. Weighing only 2.9 oz / 83 grams it is not only lightweight but also works well in wind and does a very good job simmering.

I’ve been using and testing backpacking stoves for more than years. When I started to use and test the MSR Pocketrocket Deluxe I was impressed with several features. If you are looking for a canister stove to cook food rather than just boil water, then keep reading to find out if this is for you.

How We Tested

The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe in this review has been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has more than 30 years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. He also spent several years managing a hiking retail store and is regarded as an expert in this field. It was supplied by the manufacturer for this review. It has been rigorously tested by the author in all kinds of weather on multiple backpacking trips. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to present this honest and unbiased review. Read the Review Policy for further details.

MSR Pocketrocket Deluxe Backpacking Stove Review

MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Review 2025

Weight: 2.9 oz / 83 grams
Power: 11000 BTU
Boil Time 1L: 3 mins 20 secs
Pros:
> Lightweight
> Works well in the wind
> Quick Boil Time
> Good simmer control
Cons:
> Piezo Igniter can fail

Think of the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe as the slightly heavier but much more efficient version of the standard Pocket Rocket 2.

This MSR backpacking stove is more efficient and much better in the wind than almost any stand-alone canister stove. You need to look at the integrated MSR Windburner to get the best performance in the wind or even the popular Jetboil range.

It has an integrated Piezo Igniter which is a good upgrade. But in my experience with Piezo Igniters, it is not a question of if they fail but when. Although I have had no issue with this model there have been many others who have had issues with the piezo igniter.

Overall, while conducting the Pocket Rocket Deluxe review is a very well-made lightweight canister stove for backpacking and hiking that works well in windy conditions.

Ease of Use

For a backpacking stove, you can’t get too much easier than the MSR Pocketrocket Deluxe. Just unfold the pot supports, screw the fuel canister onto the burner head, and light the stove with the built-in igniter.

Weight

At only 2.9 oz / 83 grams in weight, the stove unit falls into the lightweight category of canister stoves. While there may be some that are a little lighter in weight there are few that will be as efficient and work as well when the weather turns windy. Overall, if you are ultralight backpacking just add a lightweight cooking pot or whatever lightweight pots and pans that you normally take, and you are set to go.

Performance

The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe will boil 1 Liter of water in 3.30 minutes. A standard 8 oz fuel canister will burn for around 60 minutes and boil a total of about 17 liters of water. It also has a pressure regulator to ensure there is a constant flow of fuel and good fuel efficiency to boil water, even when the canister fuel is getting low.

Wind

The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe is one of the best stand-alone canister stoves for performance in the wind. The flame burns clean even in cold weather and still provides a fast boil time for boiling water. The burner head has a built-in wind cover that slows the effect of the wind. Although the burn time is slowed it still works well and is fuel efficient.

This backpacking stove is not quite as good as integrated canister stoves such as the MSR Windburner Stove or any of the Jetboils when it comes to performance in the wind it is certainly very good.

Simmer

The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe excels as a fuel canister stove when you use the simmer control. Just turn down the heat and start cooking your food. It will also use a lot less fuel. Whether you are simmering a pot of rice or pasta it works well. However, it does simmer a little on the hot side. Certainly not as good as your stove at home. But it is one of the best in class.

Value

The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe comes in at the higher end of the fuel canister stove price range. You are paying for the very high quality that MSR is known for and one of the best warranties in the business.

Pocket Rocket vs the Rest

The only canister stove that comes close to the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe when it comes to quality, efficiency, and ability to work well in the wind are the Soto Windmaster and the original Pocket Rocket.

The Pocket Rocket works just as well as the Deluxe and is a little lighter and cheaper. But it does not work as well when there is a little bit of wind. In my opinion, the Deluxe is a better option in almost every way.

The Soto Windmaster has almost the same specs as the Deluxe in almost every way. They even look similar. They are so closely matched that I am unable to find any point that would make either a clear winner or better than the other. The MSR is easier to obtain as more retailers are selling them and they have the best in the business warranty. Overall, this makes it up there as the best ultralight backpacking stove.

Conclusion

Overall, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe is one of my favorite canister stoves. There are so many things to like about this backpacking stove such as its lightweight, fuel efficiency, performance, and compact size.

It is reasonably priced and easily fits inside any lightweight titanium backpacking pot. It is the current canister stove that I use when hiking and backpacking.

Disclosure: The author owns, uses, and has tested this product.

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