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To keep up with globetrotting adventurers who want to get around unencumbered, MSR made a multi-fuel burning version of the WhisperLite International Stove. Go ahead, use white gas, kerosene, or unleaded auto fuel—this stove burns all. MSR added a large-diameter fuel line just in case poor quality fuel is your only option. Shaker Jet technology ensures that the stove jet cleans easily with a simple shake. The 15.5oz WhisperLite International Stove fits into a 1.5L MSR pot, so you'll hardly know it's in your pack.
Bottom Line: Pack MSR's WhisperLite International Stove on your extreme backpacking, mountaineering, or adventure racing expeditions.
This little stove is not afraid to light up quick and cook/boil/get after it fast. I've had to re-light a few times in not so severe wind - but I'll overlook it. Stoked on this stove.
Put your dry stove in a plastic, zip lock bag & seal it up. Make sure your empty fuel bottle is thoroughly cleaned & dried. I leave the top off but that might not make any difference. Put your fuel bottle in a separate zip lock bag & seal it up. Make sure they are both in your checked luggage, not carry on.
*Remove the fuel line cable to help the drying out process, then replace before using.
If you have a thing for spending your backcountry evenings hovering over your stove simmering up something delicious and exotic, you probably shouldn't buy this stove. If you would rather boil the hell out of your freeze dried pasta so you can go climb a mountain while the sun sets, buy this stove and get it done.
This is one the stoves I've been using for winter activities since 2003. It is as reliable as the sun rising every morning. It is hot, lightweight, has multi-fuel capabilities, & now with the new MSR fuel pump, simmers even better. Also WhisperLite is appropriate for the name. It's almost as quiet as a canister stove. (As it is with all stoves, remember to burn/field test & check all rubber O-rings prior to leaving on your trip!)
Most outdoor stores sell this in a package with a small sack, fuel pump, and an aluminum heat shield. Are these included with this package? Campmor has the same set for the same price, but it comes with a sack and a heat shield. Why doesn't this one include those?
Web sites are sometimes incorrect, bc.com is no exception. It's always best to call ahead & speak with someone in sales/customer service to address your concerns.
It states in the description that there is a windscreen and all the accesories desctibed. Not sure why others state diffrent. The accesories come with the stove from MSR. Its a great buy!
I still bought from backcountry. This item came with a windshield, heat reflector, and a stuff sack. I'm not sure why it is listed incorrectly. The package even says, "This package Includes: Fuel pump, windscreen, heat reflectore, small parts kit, and stuff sack.
it appears this item on Backcountry.com does not come with the accesories you mentioned. A quick search on google proves this stove does indeed come with said accesories, for the same price! i would buy elsewhere for this item considering this stove is useless without the wind/heat deflector.
I've had this stove for several years now and have been very pleased with it. It is very light and packs up small in the included sack. The MSR fuel bottles are bomb proof and come in a large variety of sizes. I don't feel comfortable, however, giving it 5 stars for a few reasons. The first is the fact that it takes a considerable amount of time to prime the stove, and after a long hike in the dark it can be frustrating. The other reason is that in my experience it needs to stay very clean to function properly, and I've had to replace several parts for this reason. Like I said this is a good stove, but not a great one. If you are in the market for a new stove, go with the best and buy the Jetboil PCS for only $10 more,
Great stove, though to simmer but with time you'll get it, just don't over pump it. You can pretty much burn anything with this stove, which is great when you are far away or just lazy about finding a camping store to get canisters. Be ultra careful if using it inside your tent, this thing is a torch and you are playing with liquid fuel. Have in mind this stove is a no-no for TSA agents, you must clean them really good before getting on a plane, and sometimes even if it is clean they'll just take it. Also some crazy lady from Aloha Airlines may think you are some kind of a terrorist(it happened).
Make sure that you are properly maintaing the stove and pump through routine cleaning by taking the stove apart and keeping the rubber rings lubricated in the pump itself. MSR would be happy to send a replacement as it sounds like a manufacture error as the pump shouldnt give you that much trouble.
It's noisy, cantankerous, borderline obnoxious, and miraculous, all at the same time. With this stove you'll almost never be able to simmer stew or have fondue in the shade of Mount Hood, but you will get a blow torch on a tripod that will boil concrete in about 15 minutes. I've had this stove for for years, and it has never disappointed, failed to cook a meal, quickly melt snow, or make cool baby jet engine noises. Its easy to clean, packs small and light, and sets up on uneven surfaces. The MSR stove works, always, and without fail, no matter how poorly I treat it. Truly, the best stove running.
Instead of pumping the crap out of it, give it one or two (pushing it) quick pumps and you will get a simmer. The only downfall is that you have to keep checking up on it and occasionally give it another pump for the simmer.
I typically take the 22oz size. This seems to do for a week long trip for 2 people. The key is conservation. Only use the stove when boiling water and be careful while priming. Most of the fuel is used during this process. I would practice getting it down before heading out. One secret to conserving fuel is priming with denatured alcohol or fuel gel. However, I agree with Agnus, that when in doubt, bring extra.
I have used this stove on the base camp on Mt. Adams in whiteout conditions and worked like a dream. My stove has been on countless campouts and multiples week long backpacking trips all over the inland northwest. Have never had a complaint. In very windy conditions the windshield should be used especially while priming the stove. Would recomend to anyone who wants a reliable fast boiling stove.
I took this on a weeklong backpacking trip but couldn't get a good flame at all. So after the trip was over I took it apart to figure out what was wrong. The problem: the silly white filter that MSR put at the bottom of the pump tube. I removed it and all of the problems went away. Now the stove is like the MSR WhisperLite we all know and love: reliable, lightweight, and hot. Remove the filter before your first trip and you'll be satisfied; leave it on, and you'll probably have the same problem I did.
I've been using mine for years without complaint. Simmers well once you use up some fuel, just keep the pressure low. The lid from a coffee or tuna can helps a lot. From the Long Trail, to the Nicolet National Forest, to that really cool quarry outside North Andover, this stove has never let me down. I don't think it ever will.
Really depends on how many people you're cooking for and what you make. Go for the big bottle, it's better to have leftover than to run out.------------------I typically take the 22oz size. This seems to do for a week long trip for 2 people. The key is conservation. Only use the stove when boiling water and be careful while priming. Most of the fuel is used during this process. I would practice getting it down before heading out. One secret to conserving fuel is priming with denatured alcohol or fuel gel. However, I agree with Angus, that when in doubt, bring extra.
This stove is badass! it will burn just about anything, has a hot flame that doesn't sound like a 747 engine and is reliable. It's easily maintainable, trustworthy, and seems to be pretty damn durable too. It may not be the smallest or lightest stove out there but it gets the job done and it looks like i'll be having it as my camping companion for some time to come
This stove is awesome. It really is great, and after using it, it's obvious why it's such a popular model. Great for novice users, lifetime users, field maintenance, pretty much everything. Great product.
I have had my whisperlite for almost ten years now and it's still going strong. It burns super hot and simmers fairly well. My favorite feature is how easily you can maintain it in the field. The 'Shaker Jet' will usually clear out any gunk that is messing with the stove, but in case that doesn't work the whole thing can be stripped down, cleaned, re-assembled and lit in 15 minutes. I have had good success with this stove in the winter as well. Never had issues with the fuel line clogging.
It's still sold separately. This'll come with stove, hose, and pump, but no bottle. The bottles are pretty cheap, fortunately. Here.http://www.backcountry.com/store/CAS0553/MSR-Fuel-Bottles.html?RSC_ID=WR_CAS0553
I have owned my stove for 4 years. I have had it deep in the woods and even used it in my back yard. I have had no problem getting it going in the weather from -15 to 90 degrees. Even on rainy days. I like that I can break it down completely to clean or service it. It also packs very light and small.
Can't go wrong with this one. Field maintenable and burns just about anything. I just swing by a gas station and put regular unleaded gasoline in it. You can't beat that for convenience. Wish it was easier to cook with low heat. But with some practice it isn't a big deal. It has never let me down. About 10 years old.
I have had this stove for 7 years, and it is awesome. The only thing to keep in mind is, though you can run anything liquid and flammable through it, you have to clean the fuel line, not so easy in the field if you dont have the tool they give you (which is great). The pump is quality, but i dropped mine and cracked the handle and had to replace it, but again, my fault. Top quality gear. Highest recommendations.
If you are talking about the Coleman Fuel (White Gas) then yes it would work just fine. If you want the cleanest fuel use the MSR White Gas. A quart will cost you about 7 bucks while a gallon of Coleman Fuel cost about the same
The only thing I forgot to mention was the multi fuel part. Although you can use anything to make it work most people that use other fuels than regular IsoPro fuel complain that it clogs up and doesnt lite very well after using other fuels for long but it is great in the chance that you cant find the IsoPro close by on the trail
This is a great overall stove. Its good for weekend long campouts but to me its not a great backpacking stove and not a group stove. It works very well except in high wind but all u need is a windscreen and it works better than you could ever ask
Before I purchased the WhisperLite International, I was using the MSR Pocket Rocket. It had a lot of the features I liked, but I found that my backpacking trips lead me to higher, and colder destinations. The Pocket Rocket just didn't quite perform in those conditions. After a LOT of research and reading, I chose to go with the MSR WhisperLite International. Mostly because of the flexibility of fuel. Who knows when you might be stranded and need to use auto fuel? At least you would have the option with this stove.
I must admit there were a couple things that almost made me give 4 start instead of 5. The first being that it is a little cumbersome to get primed, and lit. Practice at home first before you go out in the wilderness. The second thing was that there is not really a simmer function, but as other people mentioned, back off on the pumps a little and there will be just the right amount of pressure to make it happen.
The things that convinced me to give it 5 stars were just a few of the following. MSR makes good products, hands down. This one is no different, and I think the number of positive comments are a reflection of that. You can boil water in just a couple minutes. It really took me by surprise how fast it got that water moving! Temperature and Altitude are not an issue with this stove. When combining it with some good quality White Gas, it can go with you anywhere. The bottom line is that this thing will work anywhere, and with proper maintenance, you may never need another one.
I'm doing the GR20 (15 days backpacking) in June '09, the only fuel available in Corsica is methylated spirits. Does this stove burn methylated spirits?
This'll burn essentially anything. I'm pretty sure you could get gasoline and kerosene in Corsica as well, which it'll burn better, but methylated spirits should do fine. The only risk is that alcohol flames are nearly invisible, so if you're cooking in the day you won't be able to see them. You should probably test it before you go just in case, but if there's any stove that will run on it, this is it.EDIT: This stove burns gasoline perfectly, I used it up in the German Alps and walked by a gas station before hand, it cost about 1 euro to fill the canester up and you're good to go.
I used the whisper lite for over ten years, and I have many a fond memory of the old fireball. Especially comical was the time we were forced to use aviation fuel from the wing sump. But progress has moved forward, my eyebrows have grown back, and the whisperlite collects dust. I've moved on to canister stoves. No more filling, no more pumping, no more spilling. Yes the multifuel whisperlite has a place in my heart, but it no longer has a place in my pack.
Lol, I don't understand why they call this "whisperlite" cuz it is freaking loud. But oddly enough, the jet engine sound was quite warming on my first solo winter hike because it told me that soon my belly would have a warm meal inside it. I've only used white gas so far and I haven't had a single problem, it does get a little sooty but that is expected. If I was forced to name a negative it would be that there isn't much control over the flame, it could be that I just haven't used this enough but turning the gas control doesn't change much. I left this setup outside over a -10 degree night, I woke up in the morning to see it covered in frost, I turned the gas on, lit it, and a few moments later I was melting snow. This thing is rock solid and i love it.
This is a great stove for all sorts of backpacking trips. It is a step up from its brother, that only burns white gas. This stove will burn multiple fuel types. It is easy to use, easy to repair/maintence, and boils water pretty quickly. It is also nice because you can adjust the size of your flame so you are not scorching your dinner! The main drawpack to this stove is that you must carry a bottle of white gas with you. This adds weight and often times makes a mess. Oh yeah, it takes some time to light too because you have to prime it, light it, let it heat up, and then light the flame. This stove's best feature is that it is extremely reliable.
Yes, but it also won't go as hot, so things will take longer.----------------There are several ways to simmer with the Whisperlite Stoves. The new pump has made it easier, but also reducing the amount of pressure in the stove also makes it possible to cook more gourmet meals. Some folks who have used their Whisperlite Stove for many years have gotten very adept at simmering with it. It's a skill that many are proud of and have worked at. It's really a wonderful stove once you understand it's nuances. It's one that will last for many years and be as reliable as any piece of gear you've owned.
I worked for 10 years in a wilderness program and this is the only stove that we used for any length of time. Super durable and field repairable, the stove is a reliable performer. We tested several other stoves but always returned to the ease and performance of the Whisperlite. I would spend the extra money and get the international version. In all the years that I used the stove I never used a fuel other than white gas, but we found that the "white gas" only versions clogged easier and required more maintenance. The only issue with the stove is it melts into snow if you're using it in the winter, while slightly amusing to watching your cook pot sink into the snow, a stove board or shovel blade fixes the problem quickly enough.
Great stove, I have had the same stove for about 6 years now and it has never let me down. Make sure you clean your stove and take good care of it. Perfect for overseas trips- easy to find fuel! Great stove for winter and high altitude use. A little bulky with all of the components (pump, stove, windscreen, stuff sack, maintenance kit, fuel bottle, etc) but definitely reliable. Not for use for fastpackers or solo hikes. Highly recommend!
I have had this stove for a couple of years. It has worked great every time I have used it. This thing works best as a blow torch on a tripod but it can be adjusted for a lower flame with practice. We have had power grid blackouts a couple of times and I was the only one in the family that could eat hot food at home!
Try the Evernew .9 Liter Titanium Pot. Super reliable, lightweight and all you need- dont get fooled into buying large pots and pan sets. The Evernew will hold everything nicely.
depends how many ae traveling with you that you have to cook for. i use the snow peak ti 600 and the stove slips right in. but the fuel you'll have to pack seperate
Well, I use it now more then 8 years! In a long day trip and on a multi days trip and mountaineering. and it's just work, and work, and work! last month I had the first problem (after 8 years!). I have a leak from the tap. and the dealer fix it! great stove, and great service! Buy it and buy it now!
A fuel bottle of 22oz. can last a week of cooking for three time a day for 15 minutes at a time.
Love the stove... had an older model 10 yrs back and just picked up a new one since I have gotten back into backpacking... Anyway, the Q is: is there a trick to adjusting the flame? seems like it is an all out blast or nothing... Anyone have any tricks for me?
The Whisperlite is kind of infamous for its on/off setting. You can get it to be a slightly lower flame, it just takes a delicate touch and simmer is never really going to happen.---------The new pump will help a little bit. The way it works is, unlike the old pump that gave you only a quarter of a turn before it was completely on, the new pump allows the user a full rotation of the on/off valve before it's fully on. However, it's got a huge lag in how it reacts to the valve. You can simmer quite well with this stove with some practice. Not pumping the fuel bottle fully is another way of keeping the flame low. With practice you can get really good at getting the flame low enough to simmer, cook pancakes, etc. It's important, however, that you use the windscreen in order to keep the flame from blowing out. The beveled burner helps to maintain the flame, but you have to keep your eye on it if it's windy (although you do have to prime the stove initially, if the flame does blow out, you can immediately re-light it without having to prime it again).
even with all the new options out there (like jetboil etc.) I will always own one of these stoves as it is the most versital stove I have seen and put to use. I have had mine for over 10 years of regular use and have not even needed to rebuild the stove yet. It's a little finiky to get started to fires up every time and you need to adjust the control knob very slowly when you adjust the flame. Even after years of use, I dont see a need to buy a new stove. The new jetboils are tempting, but I do not like the newer disposable fuel cells littering up my pack on multi day trips... plus you can never tell how much fuel is left in those things. 1 large MSR Fuel bottle is all you need for most 2-3 day trips with the wisperlite!
I have no complaints with this stove. It's easy to set up, very durable, and cooks efficiently. I do like the fact that you can use multiple fuel types with this stove too. Overall, another great product from MSR.
This stove is compact, reliable and easy to use. It's also pretty darn fuel efficient if you only need to boil water. Forget simmering anything unless you want to hold your pan about 3-4 inches above the flames while your food cooks (hugely inefficient on fuel). This is a trade-off I'm fine with as I bought it for cooking freeze-dried meals,. I'm still able to cook anything I need to on this stove albeit with a little extra work. I've even cooked venison on this stove and it turned out great. An added bonus, the refillable bottles mean you're not having to recycle canisters after every camping trip.
I've used the WhisperLite International frequently for over a decade (the same stove). Even the plastic pump has held up well over the years (which is something considering it spends its life in gasoline). Recently, it started sputtering, but a quick refurb with the maintenance kit (o-rings, needle, and wick) and it was as good as new. The shaker jet keeps the nozzle nice and clean while you hike, and the steel-braided wick pulls out for a quick field-cleaning of the fuel-line. Even the design is reliable. I never have to wonder if a canister is running low or if it will be too cold to use a canister at all. It is a little tough to learn all the intricacies of getting it started, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. The only bummer is that it doesn't simmer. It's just not designed for it. You can try double boiling, using a thicker pan, or raising the pot, but that's just inefficient. Just keep stirring.
I have used this stove since my very first child hood camping experience and have owned two of them myself. This is the most reliable stove I have ever used, lights up quick, boils fast. The versatility of cooking with this baby is excellent, much better than jetboils and the rest that I have tried before. The best thing about it for me is the ease of cleaning. You can take apart the entire stove (dont break the needle) and clean all the various parts to keep this puppy cooking up trail delights for a long time!
I've had my WhisperLite International for a year now and I've used every fuel that I can think of in it and it burns it all just the same. Not a single problem has arose. I've used it to cook food, sterilize water, melt snow, and warm my cold tootsies on those frigid nights. I recently gave it to my brother so that I can upgrade to the XGK EX. The only gripes that I have are that you can't control the flame intensity, making it interesting when you just want to make something warm instead of blisteringly hot, and you absolutely need the wind screen or it will blow out.
Im in the white moutains right now, and it works great! Ive done most of my backpacking here, and there is hardly anything that could go wrong with this stove. Mine is around 20 years old, and it works great. burn gasoline, white gas, pretty much anything that you can find. solid piece of equipment. also learrned how to bake with it on a NOLS trip... pick up a NOLS cookery (book) to find some good tricks like a twiggy fire and having only half of a pan on the stove and the other half on a rock. frying is probably the easiest way to cook on this stove.
The Whisperlite is a true classic. Works well all over. I have been in some darn cold locals with my reactor stove and canister fuel..no issues.I don't know anything about the White Mountains but this stove works great for winter usage & cold temperatures. The Pocket Rocket performance drops off significantly below 25 degrees F.To add just a few ideas...Really the best stove would be a liquid fuel when experiencing the extremes you'll find in the White Mtns. The benefit to a liquid stove is that YOU control the pressure in the bottle (this is the biggest disadvantage to a canister stove). By allowing the user pressure control, these liquid fuel stoves can operate in any temperature. The Whisperlite is a tried and true classic that will work when you need it to. One of the best innovations is the shaker jet which makes cleaning the stove as simple as simply shaking it. It's also totally field maintainable and will be around for the next 20 years. Even those who have bought the first generation of Whisperlites can still contact Cascade Design for parts. It's super quiet and very reliable. NOLS and Outward Bound still use these as their main stove for all their crews.
I've used this stove for over 5 years now and I love it! It's light and easy to pack. It allows you to control the heat and is easy to make repairs if needed. The multi-fuel option is important for international trips.
The whisperlite international is a solid stove. Its a must bring for all my trips whether its the mountains or camping out of the truck. The stove is quite efficient with fuel usage, but takes some practice to perfect your simmer skills. Ive cooked everything from pancakes to brats on this stove and its been super reliable. Its easy to take apart, and just as easy to put back together. I usually break it down once a year for a good cleaning. Have recommended to many buddies and will continue to in the future.
I have now had this stove on many trips with me and it is extremely reliable. It primes pretty quick and can boil water extremely fast. Have not had any problems with the wind or running out of fuel and it packs up relatively small. Fairly easy to maintain and keep clean as long as you take care of your gear. Would not trade it for anything!
Thanks for such a quick answer Angus! I actually meant how do you deal with the fuel line, not the bottle, ie, the gold hose that runs from bottle to stove. Do you mean run vinegar through the line (prime it with vinegar for travelling?) Thanks heaps!!
Yes to that too. The line isn't actually sealed at both ends, the end that goes into the pump is open and easy to drain most of the fuel through that, so pressurization shouldn't be an issue, but the fuel smell problem will still be taken care of by the vinegar. Obviously make sure that if you fill the bottle with vinegar and pressurize it to get vinegar through the line that you depressurize the bottle afterwards, lest you spray a TSA agent in the eye with vinegar when they inspect it. Methinks that would be frowned upon. Also, you're going to have to waste a bit of fuel to rinse the vinegar out of the line when you use it again. Sorry for the misinterpretation, I thought you meant the fill line on the bottle for some reason.
I have used mine for around 18 years and have only had to add some lubricant to the pump and replace the 0 rings on the fuel bottles. I purchased the repair kit with it; stored the kit with the stove and have not had to use it a single time.
If you are unfamiliar with how to light it, be careful or you will have a little bonfire going. Remember to open the valve a little so that fuel gathers in the little receptacle at the base of the stove. Turn off the valve, light the fuel and after that fuel from the receptacle burns for a while and heats up the stove, open up the valve again.
I would strongly recommend that new owners practice lighting with the stove situated on dirt or some other porous surface as opposed to concrete as your bonfire will spread or asphalt which can (and when I first tried lighting the stove, did) catch on fire.
I recently bought one of these, along with the 22 oz. MSR fuel bottle and I have to say, it's really easy to use, and super easy to switch the jets, if you're going to be using another type of fuel. I personally use kerosene, it works just as well as any other fuel, the only offset being that there is some black smoke(not much and usually the first or second time). at times that comes from the burner. Also, expect on the first few uses to get your hands dirty, as it kind of burns the exterior, and you'll get some soot or something on your hands when you try to pack it up. This problem doesn't last very long, and it's not exactly something bad. After a few uses, the soot kind of peels off, or you could probably clean it with a sponge or maybe steel wool, although I haven't tried. I used this type of stove for two weeks in the wilderness in Alaska and it never let our group down (11 people), and I bought one for myself, and so far it's working wonderfully. I'd recommend this stove to anyone that is a practical person and likes things to work, and that doesn't mind getting their hands dirty a little bit.
This is a solid stove that has cooked and melted snow tirelessly for me in sub zero temps in Alaska. The weight listed is correct. It is reliable and any problems can usually be fixed in the field. Some people think it doesn't simmer well: That is because they pump it up too much. Climbers have used these stoves for years in adverse conditions with success. If it is a gasoline or multi fuel stove you want, this is a time tested, fast cooking good one. Weight is the trade off, other stoves weigh less nowadays.
Angus pointed out a long bit about using vinegar to wash out the system, and leave notes for TSA. I agree whole heartedly with him and didn't realize a "tweak" was going to remove his comment. (Sorry man.)The vinegar seems like a good idea. I've also had good success in taking about 3 plastic bags (from the grocery store), some packaging tape and making a seal around the bottle. Step one: put bottle (and anything else with fuel smell) into bag. Step 2: completely encase plastic bag in packaging tape so no part of the bag isn't covered with tape. Step 3: Leave note for TSA. Step 4: Put 2 more plastic bags around it.This may not be the most "approved" version. But it's worked on 5 international and domestic flights. Your mileage may vary.
I have had this stove for about 6 years and have no need to replace it yet. The only lacking feature is not being able to simmer easily. But then I only eat rehydrated food and coffee when hiking so don't need to simmer anyway. It boils water really fast. I have found that 100ml/person/day is about right for white gas. Don't be put off by the ignition process. Just let out enough fluid to soak the wick, no more. Then angle the stove so the flame directly heats the fuel tube and your good to go. I found it didn't work with diesel. Fits inside the MSR 1.5L pot.
This stove is great... light weight, easy to use, and clean up is simple...the only thing that I don't like is it's either on or off, no adjusting the amount of heat without lifting pan on or off of the stove itself. Other than that it's a great product.
I've been using this stove for almost 10 years and have never been disappointed. I've used white gas and gasoline with and its always worked from sea level to 10,000+ feet of elevation. It requires some occasional maintenance, but thats the price you pay if you use the same piece of equipment frequently. I hope to use it for another 10 years.
I used this on my NOLS trip and it worked great. Very durable, rarely has a problem,if it does have a problem hitting it on a rock usually fixes it and if that does not work taking it a part to clean is easy and relatively quick. Practice using it though otherwise you may get a nice little fire ball or flame tower. This piece will last.
I bought it because I figured i would go traveling with it and would need a stove that could run on pretty much everything. At I have been using white gas because it seemed the most reliable. Worked very well for me, i have used it in decent winds and cold weather and it has held up right. Fit perfect into the pot pan collection. solid buy, tough stove. Harder than other stoves to prime most of the time. Sometimes flames up pretty good, but stays in control. You will get comfortable with it a couple of uses.
I own both a Pocketrocket and Wisperlite International. Both are great and I use both, but both have their place. As for the Wisperlite, It just performs every time. Hot weather, cold weather, rainy weather, it just performs. You should practice a few times with the stove before you actually use it on the trail. The initial flame at priming and startup will take practice, but after a few times, you will have it down. The Pocketrocket works great and is VERY easy to use, no priming etc......unless you are faced with very cold weather and not so cold weather if the canister is about out of fuel. When I get ready for a weekend trip, and I have to try to decide which stove to take. I shake the gas canister and say to myself, Is the weather going to be bad? cold? Is there enough gas in this to make it? Hmmmmmm. Better not risk it. Wisperlite International.
I've used this stove from the southern tip of South America to northern Alaska. It works well with all sorts of fuel - from petrol to kerosene to white gas (best).
It can get finicky sometimes, but all you have to do is clean it out - which you can do in the field - or even just shaking it can do the trick.
It boils water fast and works best when you need a lot of heat - it doesn't simmer very well in my experience.
Get this stove if you're going to be at high altitudes, cold temperatures, or where you'll be using different types of fuel.
Ok, I have had this stove now for 5 years and I LOVE IT! First of it is an extremely easy stove to use compared to almost every other stove out there. The WhisperLite stove gives you more then just a great reliable stove. Do not listen to the WHY SETTLE FOR LESS. This user had no idea what he was doing when he bought the stove.
Ok Reasons why the WhisperLite is one of the BEST stoves out there: 1) Extremely easy to use and to get started. 2) Extremely reliable! 3) Uses universal fuel. --Yes, you can go to a gas station and get the gas out of the pump and run this stove (has run on just hair spray as well). 4) Packable, this stove is on the larger side for stoves but it still isn't huge. When Im out hiking, I actually keep this stove inside my pots to save space. 5) Oh yeah, Freakin reliable. -Yup, I have been using this stove now for 5 years and only replaced 2 o-rings in the process. Now if you are wondering often I actually use this stove. I would easily say between 90-140 days a year depending on weather and work and yes ... The best damn stove I have ever used.
Cons: It is a bit on the heavier side for stoves. It does use a little bit more fuel. It does ........ Yup 2 cons. Can't beat that.
Yes, the Dragonfly is another great stove. Not as reliable. I have had the Dragonfly for 2 years and I have had to replace the 0-ring 8 times. I have also had it just not work on me. No reason, even after a Good cleaning. No workie. Oh yeah, its also $40 bucks more for a stove that is only uhhhh.... 1 OZ heavier! Yup, Dragonfly also weights more.
I hope that I could help you out on the stove you are going to pick up. This really is one of the best stoves out there. If you are tired of EXTREMELY load stoves, unreliable stoves, Jetboil stoves pick this puppy up and never buy another stove for the rest of your life .... :)
Far superior to my old Svea, but still more trouble than a canister stove. Gasoline is scary, nasty stuff and my Whisperlite hasn't seen much use in recent years.
I like the option of using different fuels and having the reusable canisters and you can choose how much fuel you want to bring if you have different size bottles. Pretty easy to get started once you read the directions. Don't get too discouraged priming it after your first few flame throwers you will get the hang of it. Just don't try to light it in your tent or sleeping bag.
I have used this stove with Coleman Fuel only so far. Good points: It boils water quicker than I expected, even at 2000m altitude. It is very light and packs inside a pot easily. Not so good points: It is difficult to set a good flow for simmering without the flame going out. You have to explain to your camp-mates how to use it, even if they say they know how. You can get pretty big flames if you don't prime it right.
I have had this stove for several years now. It was given to me as a hand-me-down from my brother who said that the jet wasn't working. I cleaned it out and then noticed the shaker-jet and have had no problems with it since. I have used this stove for years in the High sandy desert of Southern Utah, and the high mountains in all 4 seasons. Not only is it light and packable, it's more efficient than canister stoves and you don't have to throw away your fuel container at the end. It also boils like a champ! So, if you're boiling water, in any condition, don't waste money now or later in fuel costs, buy this stove!
A decent stove, but in my opinion is a less reliable, slower to boil, fuel guzzeling, albeit quieter companion to the Dragonfly.
If might be out on trial for more than a night or two, cook on uneven terrain, have to melt/purify water on your stove for drinking, or cant live with a breakdown in the field. Get the dragonfly. If not, feel free to use the whisperlight, but you probably don't need the international.
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