MSR WhisperLite Compact Camping and Backpacking Stove

I purchased this to replace my 30 year old International model after the fuel line started leaking (not a product flaw, more of a lack of use over several years). I knew the International was capable of multi fuel use, but I never used anything other than white gas anyway. Comparing prices between this whisperlite model and the current international model, I made the decision to go with the standard whisperlite model.Straight out of the box it boiled 3 cups of water in 4 minutes. This is a proven stove with no competitor on the market in its class. Price at $44.97 (prime exclusive), weight at less than 1 lb, efficiency is incredible, durability is out of this world.If you are looking for a reliable, lightweight backpacking stove, this is an awesome decision, even at a potentially higher price of $89-$99 range. Plus, with minor maintenance, it will provide you with solid performance 30 years down the trail. Thank you MSR for making such a wonderful product. A lot changes over 30 years. I'm so happy that this product has stayed true to service and reliability.UPDATE: I've seen a lot of reviews that criticize the "simmer" capabilities of the whisperlite stoves, both the standard and international models. I will say the control knob on the older model pumps allowed for more intuitive flame control, it just felt better rolling the knob as opposed to twisting the valve. Nuance, I know, but in the conversation... I have been able to fry an egg over easy with no problems. It does require a deft hand and watchful eye, but is certainly possible with little fidgeting other than managing the flame at its lowest burn point. I would not discourage anyone from purchasing this stove due to the simmer capabilities. It will simmer and cook on low flame as long as you watch it and monitor the amount of food in the pan/ pot. Stay vigilant.

I use this stove for any backpacking trip more than 2 days. It's more compact than my JetBoil, but takes more time to setup and heat water. I find the stove gets very very sooty on the legs, on the bottom of the burner, and on center of the stove. However, a leaf can be used to wipe off the soot so that it doesn't get on everything. The bottle supply sometimes causes the stove to tilt but once the pot/cookset goes on the stove it levels out. The supplied wind screen and undersheet are very useful. The undersheet keeps burning fuel from the start cup from going on the ground/table, and the wind screen keeps the heat in and around the cookset. Otherwise, things catch on fire from dripping fuel (if you don't start the stove well) and wind will blow the heat away from the cook set. I keep a small bottle filled with fuel with the pump attached to it, and carry a larger bottle with fuel for refilling the smaller bottle. All in all, this is a very nice stove.

Unless you're looking for a 1 oz alcohol stove for ultralight, this is a great stove. It puts out a lot of heat and boils that water in no time. It really sips fuel too. The base is nice and stable. Comes with a base heat shield and a tall wind shield that are essential to use with the stove. I've burned a picnic table even when using the base. And if you don't have the wind shield in place, you'll wait forever for the water to boil even in a small breeze. And you can overheat your fuel bottle without that wind screen in place - BOOM! Packs small. It's a little harder to use than a butane or propane stove because of the liquid fuel that needs to be vaporized by the heat of the stove. You light raw fuel in the fuel bowl at the base of the stove and heat it up with the open flame before turning on the fuel bottle. Just don't let the open flame burn out before turning the stove on or you'll have to wait 5-10 mins to relight safely. The open fuel soots up the bottom of the stove and the legs, but it cleans off easily with a rag or baby wipe before you store it in the pouch. Another great MSR product.

Took two of these stoves to Philmont. They worked well, for the most part, but they are tricky. You need to pre-heat the fuel in the tubes for them to work. The first time tried this (on by back porch), I was surprised by the amount of bright yellow frames coming from under the stove. This builds up carbon on the stove underside, which can be messy to deal with as well. Once the fuel line is hot, the stove works fine. It boils 4 to 5 quarts of water in 15 or so minutes at high altitude, with the windscreen up and a lid on the pot.The best part of it was that we could refill the fuel bottle on the trek, and not have to carry excess canisters of fuel in or out.

Purchased the MSR Whisperlite Liquid-Fuel Stove for backpacking and for emergency backup for camping. Takes up very little space since it folds up so small. This one burns white fuel only, since I dont travel outside the U.S. i didnt see the need for the tri fuel model.It was a bit tricky to light at first but after a couple of times of using it its as easy as any other stove. Have not used it in windy conditions as of yet so Im not sure how wind effects the flame. The Whisperlight does boil water quickly, just remember boil times very with alttitude from sea level.The only drawbacks I have with the Whisperlight is the flame is so intense at all levels of adjustment that simmering is difficult. I got around this by building a small tri-pod from deadfall and elevated the pot higher above the burner.Also the fact you have to buy the fuel bottles seperatly, this is an added extra expense to consider when buying. I prefer the 22 oz. bottles for all around use.

This is the classic white gas back packing stove. I took it to Philmont this summer. We had two Whisperlites on the trek so to have one as back up. We did have an issue with the fuel pump, but this was repaired at a ranger station. The stove is well known and parts are available at most full service camping stores. It is less effective at high altitude, but will burn any white gas. It served me well and I would recommend it for anyone who has to cook with large pots since the remote location of the fuel bottle allows for safe separation from the burner. It does take some practice so do not take it camping without trying it out at home.