Outdoor
MSR PocketRocket 2 — Ultralight Backpacking Canister Stove
Product description
The PocketRocket 2 is a folding canister-style stove designed for backpacking, trekking, and international travel where a compact, dependable heat source is essential. It ships with a lightweight protective carrying case and collapses to a very small footprint to slip into a pack or cookware nest. The burner features serrated, folding pot supports that grip cookware and fold flat for storage. The unit uses a threaded, self-sealing isobutane–propane canister (fuel sold separately) and connects directly—no external fuel lines or pumps are required.
Performance is centered on fast boil times and straightforward operation. With the burner adjusted to high, the manufacturer states roughly a 3.5-minute boil for one liter; flame control allows dialing back to a low simmer for more precise cooking. Setup is simple: unfold the supports, thread the canister, and open the valve—no priming, preheating, or pressurizing steps are needed. The compact design and efficient burner make it well suited to single-person meals and quick hot drinks on the trail.
Two configurations are available. The standard PR2 weighs 2.6 ounces and comes with a hard protective case that brings the packed weight to about 4.2 ounces. When open it measures roughly 4.8 x 4.8 x 3.6 inches and it packs to about 2 x 2 x 3 inches. The PR Deluxe variant adds a Piezo igniter, weighs about 2.9 ounces (3.4 ounces in its included stuff sack), and measures approximately 1.5 x 2.2 x 3.3 inches open. The construction is metal-based with a compact burner head and serrated supports for stability across different pot sizes.
Because it relies on threaded, self-sealing canisters, it’s convenient for international travel where compatible canisters are commonly found. Users should carry spare canisters and consider a simple windscreen in gusty conditions to preserve fuel efficiency. The stove is backed by a limited three-year warranty from the maker, reflecting its design for frequent outdoor use.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and packs very small
- Rapid boil times and good flame control
- Simple, tool-free setup and direct canister hookup
Cons
- Fuel canisters are required and sold separately
- Performance can suffer in strong wind without shielding
- PR2 lacks a built-in igniter (Deluxe includes Piezo)
VerdictA reliable, no-fuss stove for minimalist backpacking and travel. It heats water quickly, packs down tiny, and is simple to operate—no priming or pumping. Expect to carry separate fuel canisters and consider wind protection in exposed conditions; the Deluxe adds a built-in igniter.
Reader reviews
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Neil 5/5
Handy and well made
Solid build and very compact. Bought it for travel and power outages—nice to have a quick way to heat a meal or coffee.
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Cheryl Hilton 5/5
Dependable performer
Worked flawlessly every time I used it.
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Axel 5/5
Boils fast — remember the fuel
Stove works great but gas canister is not included. The image differs from what arrives, and you must buy the cartridge separately. Other outlets sell compatible canisters for less.
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LizNYC 5/5
Won't leave home without it
Game-changer for coffee and hot meals. Extremely packable and straightforward to use. Had trouble lighting on a windy beach—be prepared to shield the flame.
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Mohammad 3/5
Small, sturdy, missing igniter
Excellent build and comes with a case. Very compact and durable, though it would be nicer if it included a built-in lighter—Deluxe version has one.
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Scott C. 5/5
Compact and reliable
Great small stove. With a finned pot I get about 2.5 minutes per quart. Consistently dependable and very packable.
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Dustin Schimke 5/5
Ideal for hikes and hunts
Small, lightweight, and well-built. A must-have for backpack hunters and long day hikes.
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Whitcraftw 5/5
Perfect Jetboil replacement
Replaced a bulky unit and love the weight savings. Durable feel, packs tight, and the burner design helps resist wind. Flame goes from very low to high for rapid boils.
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Pablo O 5/5
Solid quality
Performs well, compact, and the materials feel durable. It is a bit noisy but brings water to a boil quickly.
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Kevin 5/5
Worried about heat transfer at the thread
Stove is light and effective, but the threaded area near the canister gets very hot while running. It made me uneasy enough to stop after a few minutes. Otherwise good stove, but that heating is a concern.
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Chance Margheim 5/5
Incredible boil power
I’d owned slower stoves before. Two tests: two cups boiled in ~2.5 minutes; 8 oz reached rolling boil in about 75 seconds. The lightweight build and carrying case are perfect for backpack trips.
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Ryan 5/5
Great for first-timers — fast and easy
I was nervous switching from campfires but glad I did. Bought small threaded canisters and practiced at home—first try at boiling water took about five minutes in wind. The stove stayed lit and the flame is easy to adjust. Very happy with the purchase.
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Joshua Smith 4/5
Changes midday meals on trail
Boils a liter in under five minutes for me. Much quicker than my old stove and seems to use less fuel, so I actually stop for hot lunches now.
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