This is an in-depth review of the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Canister Stove 2023.
The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe is one of the lightest and most efficient backpacking canister stoves on the market in 2023. Weighing in at only 2.9 oz / 83 grams it is not only lightweight but works well in wind and does a very good job at simmering.
I’ve been using and testing backpacking stoves for several years. So when I started to use and test the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe I was impressed with several features. If you are looking for a canister stove to actually cook food rather than just boil water, then keep reading to find out of this is for you.
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Backpacking Stove Review
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Review 2023
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.
The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe 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 MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe review is a very well-made lightweight canister stove for backpacking and hiking that works well in windy conditions.
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Compare the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe to all the Best Backpacking Stoves 2023
Ease of Use
For a backpacking stove, you can’t get too much easier than the Pocket Rocket 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, this 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 Pocket Rocket 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.
This backpacking stove is not quite as good as the all-in-one MSR Windburner Stove or any of the Jetboils when it comes to performance in the wind it is certainly very good.
Simmer
The MSR Pocket Rocket 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.
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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 is 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 exactly 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 there are more retailers selling them and they have the best in the business warranty. And the Soto is a couple of dollars cheaper.
Compare the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe to all the Best Backpacking Stoves in 2023
Conclusion
Overall, the MSR Pocket Rocket 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.
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Frequently Asked Question
The Pocket Rocket Deluxe canister stove has better performance in the wind, is a little more expensive, and is slightly heavier than the Pocket Rocket 2. Overall, the Pocket Rocket Deluxe is a better option.
The Pocket Rocket Deluxe will boil about 17 liters of water with a standard 8 ounce / 223 gram gas canister. Which is about 60 minutes of burn time.
