Don't wait for breakfast

By Matthew Johnson Ranked #130 - Canister Stoves September 6, 2009

Got my reactor recently and used it last weekend in Shenandoah. This thing is an absolute ROCKET. As promised I had a liter of water ready for dinner in about 3 minutes (I didn't bother to time it, but it was fast) and was soon enjoying(?) my unseasoned chicken, corn, and rice. Water for coffee in the morning came quickly as well - so no complaints here. Turn on the stove and it lights easily with a lighter or match. It just takes a few seconds to heat up before it's ready to rock. I've read complaints about it not having an auto ignition feature, but I've never had much luck with those systems. Just make sure you have a windproof lighter/sparker/etc. if you're spending time at exposed sites. I'll add something about cold weather performance once winter rolls around.

The Reactor packs nicely into the pot along with a lighter and fuel canister (but the 8 oz isopro makes for a tight fit if you insist on keeping the cap on it). The whole system fits nicely into a pack as long as you've got enough room for a 1.5 L pot.

It's not the most versatile stove and it's not for gourmet cooking. It is what it is... an 18 oz. stove system for people who like to get up and go without burning through too much fuel. If you want to play gourmet chef in the backcounrty go with the Dragonfly. The pot is a little small for more than 2 or 3 people, but a larger pot is coming soon.

View Details: MSR Reactor Stove

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