This time, we compared MSR PocketRocket 2 vs Jetboil Flash and would like to share the key differences between them. If you are wondering the most notable difference between the PocketRocket 2 and the Flash, it is their design intent. The PocketRocket 2 is suitable for both boiling water and cooking, and also it does not have an integrated pot. On the other hand, the Jetboil Flash is for boiling water only and comes with its own pot.
In addition, there are some other factors that may help you to prefer one over the other. We will go through them one by one.
Here is the table we have put together to help you better understand the side-by-side comparison of MSR PocketRocket 2 vs Jetboil Flash:
| Comparison of# | MSR Pocket Rocket 2 | Jetboil Flash |
|---|---|---|
| Out Selection for | Ultra-light backpacking stove (no integrated pot) | Lightning-fast water boiling for 1-2 People |
| Price Tag | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
| Volume | 1-liter Tall | 1-liter Tall |
| Ignition Type | No Ignition button | Push Button |
| Boil Time | 120 seconds per .5 liter | 100 seconds per .5 liter |
| Water Boiled | 10 liters per 100 grams fuel canister | 10 liters per 100 grams fuel canister |
| Fuel Regulator | Yes | No |
| Thermochromatic Color Change Indicator | No Heat Indicator | Yes |
| Weight | 2.6 ounces (73 g) | 13.9 ounces (393 grams) |
Key Differences Between the MSR PocketRocket 2 and the Jetboil Flash
To begin with, both PocketRocket 2 and Flash are integrated stove system that comes with a fuel stabilizer, cooking pot and stove. Here we have listed the key differences between MSR PocketRocket 2 and the Jetboil Flash:
- The Flash is narrow but tall. On the other hand, the PocketRocket 2 is wider but short. The most important point, there is no integrated pot in the PocketRocket 2. But it is compatible with almost all of the pots that is being sold by the MSR.
- The MSR PocketRocket 2 is lighter than the Jetboil Flash. Because the Pocket Rocket does not have any integrated pots on it. But it is compatible with almost all.
- The Jetboil Flash is considerably faster than the MSR PocketRocket 2
- The Jetboil Flash is clearly more fuel efficient than the MSR PocketRocket 2
- The MSR PocketRocket 2 is for both boiling water and cooking food. On the other hand, the Jetboil Flash is for only boiling water.
- It is easy to control the flame with the MSR PocketRocket 2, since it has a fuel regulator on it. However, the Jetboil Flash lacks this feature.
- The PocketRocket 2 doesn’t have any igniter. You need a match or lighter. But the Flash comes with its push button ignitor.
- The Jetboil Flash has a heat indicator that notifies the water boils. On the other hand, you need to check it manually with the MSR PocketRocket 2.
So, let’s go through these key differences one by one:
Size & Weight for PocketRocket 2 vs Jetboil Flash
The shape of the cooking pot is not the same for MSR PocketRocket 2 and Jetboil Flash. While the PocketRocket 2 has short but wider pot, the Flash has a tall but narrow cooking pot. However, both of them have the capacity of 1-liter water.
Considering the packability, the PocketRocket 2 is way better than the Flash since the PocketRocket 2 does not come with an integrated pot. Again due to the same reason, the PocketRocket 2 is an ultra-light stove system and it is lighter than the Flash.
Here is useful video of Jetboil Flash which tells you how to pack an integrated backpacking-stove system:
Boiling Time for PocketRocket 2 vs Flash
When we tested the boiling times, we found very remarkable results. The Jetboil Flash boils 1- liter of water in 100 seconds, whereas the PocketRocket 2 boils the same amount of water almost in 120 seconds. So, we can clearly say that the Jetboil Flash is better than the MSR PocketRocket 2. If the fast-boiling time is a must for you, then you should absolutely choose the Jetboil Flash peace of mind.
You should note that the time to boil water is dependable, especially outside temperature, elevation and the amount of wind. So, considering the boiling time, you may see better or worse results than the given numbers above.
Fuel Type: MSR PocketRocket 2 vs Jetboil Flash
When it comes to the Fuel types, they are using the same fuel mix type and fuel rates. The compose of fuels are %80 isobutanes and %20 propane which is very efficient and premium quality. The isobutane is a very efficient fuel that maintains a consistent gas pressure for a longer time scale and in colder temperatures.
The good thing is that whether you pick the MSR PocketRocket 2 or the Jetboil Flash, the fuel will be the same for both.
Fuel Types:
- Check MSR Fuel Types Compatible with MSR PocketRocket 2.
- Check Jetboil Fuel Types Compatible with Jetboil Flash.
Fuel Efficiency: MSR PocketRocket 2 vs Jetboil Flash
The Jetboil isn’t only has a faster boiling time but also it is great in fuel efficiency. The Jetboil Flash can boil approximately 10-12 liters water per 100-gram canister whereas the PocketRocket 2 can boil 7-8-litres of water per 100-gram canister fuel.
It is clear that the Jetboil is better than the PocketRocket 2 considering the fuel efficiency.
MSR PocketRocket 2 Review
MSR PocketRocket Review: The main thing we need to focus on is our usage. PocketRocket 2 is a better choice for cooking main solid foods. It does not come with an integrated pot but it is compatible with almost all. It is very useful for cooking, simmering, and boiling. You can easily use a pan, pot, teapot etc. other than a small cooking pot that is combined with a cooking system.
The PocketRocket 2 offers a significant advantage over the Jetboil Flash and that is a flat and balanced surface for the pan we placed on it. Also, the PocketRocket 2 is not very safe for cooking in the forest because it can splash and start a fire.
Similar Article: MSR Reactor vs WindBurner
Here is a useful video about the MSR PocketRocket 2:
Pros for MSR PocketRocket 2
- PocketRocket 2 can both cook and simmer meals and it can boil water.
- It offers a flat and balanced surface for pan, pot and teapot etc.
- Flame control is very easy. You can turn it up full or turn it down for a nice simmer.
- It can be packed so small therefore great for campers and hikers looking for an ultra-light stove system.
- You can control the amount of fire with a fuel stabilizer.
- It comes with a measuring cup in a full package.
Cons for MSR PocketRocket 2
- PocketRocket 2 doesn’t have any igniter. You need a match or lighter.
- It boils just 7-8 liters of water per 100-gram canister fuel.
- It boils 1- liter water two times slower than the Jetboil Flash.
- It doesn’t have a tripod that protects from snow and water on the ground.
- It boils 1-liter in 180 seconds which is considerably slow in comparison to the other integrated backpacking stove systems in the market.
Jetboil Flash Review:
Jetboil Flash Review: It is a very fuel-efficient and very fast boiling stove. It boils 1-liter water just in 100 seconds which is an incredible score compared to its contenders in the market place. In addition, it comes with a tripod under fuel canister which is a great feature for campers.
The Jetboil Flash has a windshield for windy and even blizzard snowy days which is very useful for the campers or hikers in the forest or rough windy terrains.
One of the most practical features of the Jetboil Flash is an igniter that does great usage on windy days and times when campers forget to bring an igniter.
The Jetboil Flash also has a cloth wrapping around the cooking pot. Also, this cloth wrap has a heat indicator that notifies the boiling water.
Related Article: Jetboil Flash vs Zip
Here is a useful video about the Jetboil Flash:
Pros for Jetboil Flash
- The Jetboil Flash has a push-button type igniter.
- It boils 10-12-liter water per 100-gram canister.
- The Jetboil Flash boils 1-liter water in 100 seconds which is great compared to its contenders.
- It has a tripod that protects from snow and water on the ground.
- It has a windshield on the fireplace so that it’s best for three-season backpacking.
- It can pack into its own pot which is very useful for backpacking.
- It comes with a handle on the cooking pot.
- It can be locked up with a cooking pot and stove.
- It has a heat indicator that notifies the water boils.
Cons for Jetboil Flash
- Using the other pot types are a little bit hard because of the structure of the stove.
- It isn’t proper for simmering and cooking solid foods.
- It hasn’t a fuel regulator. You can’t control the amount of flame with a fuel stabilizer.
- It takes up more space in backpackers.
- Sometimes push-button igniter can be unreliable.
Which is the right stove for you: The MSR PocketRocket 2 or the Jetboil Flash?
So, you might be wondering which stove system worth buying: the PocketRocket 2 or the Flash. We would recommend the Jetboil Flash over the PocketRocket 2 since it does very well in overall. However, the PocketRocket 2 is an ultra-light option. If the weight is the key factor for you, then you can consider the PocketRocket 2 over the Jetboil Flash.
You can re-check the key differences header in this article to see how the Flash does in comparison to the PocketRocket 2.
Bottom-line for MSR PocketRocket 2 vs Jetboil Flash Comparison
Finally, in the bottom line for these two stoves, they are doing a great job, but the Jetboil Flash is better than the PocketRocket 2 in general.
But if you are going for long trips, and planning to bring your own pot, you may consider the PocketRocket 2. If you don’t have enough space in your backpack and therefore looking for a smaller but highly efficient backpacking stove, PocketRocket 2 fits your need properly.
However, considering the overall performance, we think that the Jetboil Flash may meet your need the best. Because, it boils water faster, more fuel efficient. Also, it has a push-button ignitor (very useful and easy to use) and heat indicator that lets you know when the water is boiling. This indicator is both a time and fuel saver.
If you still couldn’t decide but looking for any other integrated backpacking stove system, you may want to check out the following post we have prepared for you: