WhisperLite Stove
4.7
5
15
15
The Backpackers Liquid Fuel Stove Standard
This is my second Whisperlite. I gave the first to my daughter after nearly 20 years of use with only a pump replacement; it is still working fine for her. For boiling and simple meal preparation it's hard to beat this stove. Don't expect simmering though, it burns hot and fast but it is very fuel efficient. One 11oz MSR fuel bottle will last me for three days of soups, noodles, tea and coffee on winter trips. Besides fuel efficiency the Whisperlite ,as with most liquid fuel stoves, is an excellent cold weather stove. I've awoken to 0-10F temps and made coffee without any trouble priming the stove (except holding the match steady :). Gas cannister stoves don't operate well at freezing temps without warming but I do use one from late spring to early fall just to keep things lite and convenient. When hiking with a partner we will bring a Whisperlite and a cannister stove so we can get the best of both worlds -simmering and fast boilng time. The stove weight with a full 11oz fuel bottle is ~21oz.
A hint about Whisperlite priming: I take a 2oz bottle of denatured alcohol for priming. It won't soot up your stove and doesn't stink when burning. Just be careful because it's hard to see lit alcohol.
Another thing to do regularly is clean the stove fuel tube by pushing the cable back and forth then flushing with raw fuel. The manual will have this procedure. Once or twice per season will suffice. Since the fuel pump is mostly plastic the fuel eventually breaks it down. On my first Whisperlite the pump became kinda soft and small bits of plastic were always in the valve seat but this was after nearly 20 years. It might help to make sure the pump isn't stored in a filled fuel bottle for extended periods.
Some might consider owning this stove a bit fussy but with reasonable care it will never let you down and last a lifetime.
I was also pleased to see it is still Made in the USA.
Have fun out there!
April 3, 2011
Can't wait to take to Hawaii
I bought this for several reasons: Im planning a trip to Hawaii and I don't have a backpacking stove, I live in an area that always gets snow and this is great for a winter stove, its lightweight, simple design, and durable. It takes liquid gas which is ideal for cold temperatures and is simple in cleaning.
It is a little difficult to figure out at first use but this is my first stove I have experienced with so I'm sure it will be easy to get the hang of.
December 26, 2010
Works great!
Very nice stove. Works well and boils water fast! Very efficient on fuel too.
The legs could be a little easier to use but they work.
October 13, 2010
Packs nicely
This stove is very easy to use, ignite and cook on. You can avoid the initial flare up by using Heet to prime it! Otherwise, it is light weight and the 22oz white gas canister I use, easily lasts through a week of cooking. From what I have read, I can expect this stove to last a long time due to it's extreme durability.
September 28, 2010
Fine stove, lights easily and burns hot but quietly.
Altrec went out of their way to get me this stove in time for my trip. Thanks for the great customer service.
September 10, 2010
packs extremely light and preforms exceptionally!
the summer before last i lived at a cottage that had a re-occurring gas leak and i relied on this little stove for over a months worth of regular cooking. it served me very well. takes a little getting used to but after that easy as pie. i even cooked lobster dinner for four on this stove (all four at once!)! i would recommend this stove to anyone.
December 29, 2009
top of the line ITS GREAT
just the thing i need . Its Great
December 2, 2009
Bomb Proof Backcountry Stove @ a Competitive Price.
The MSR Whisperlite aided myself and two others through a 200 mile trek in the Bridger National Forest. Worked well in every condition thrown at us. It's efficient enough to provide hot breakfast and dinner to three for 10 days with the 30oz. fuel bottle. Rugged and simple design sets up and packs easily when crucial alpine daylight is burning. Altrec has got a sweet price on them especially with the free shipping. Saved at least $20.00.
November 13, 2009
good stove
I like the stove it is vary small and great to cook with
September 8, 2009
MSR sets the standards
Just bought stove number 2, I already own the whisperlite internationale but could not pass up the deal on this one. I hike and camp with the wife and kids so having 2 stoves is a welcome option. Overall you cannot beat an msr stove, hands down!
November 16, 2008
Fantastic, same stove for 19 yrs, still works great
For those of you who find the wisperlight throttle a bit digital, you are probobly overpressurizing the fuel bottle, I have found as little as 3 pumps gives good temp control as wells as blazing heat, longer term cooking might require an extra pump or two as fuel pressure drops off, but for one or two I have not found it needed. All in all a true long term value for your pack.
May 18, 2008
Great Stove, Lots of heat
Cooked BIG pot (10 quart) of chili for camping program. Very hot, need to constantly stir and scrape bottom of pot. Small, light, easy to clean. Tricky to start sometimes, but one gets used to its quirks.
April 15, 2008
great stove can be testy to start
First the stove is great. Only two items of concern...it takes a little practice to get the burner heated so that it cooks properly. A large flame that starts the stove must preheat the burner prior to cooking and may cause you to panic if you don't expect it and have not closed the fuel off just after lighting it. Second small concern is the in ablity for the stove to simmer. Any food must be stirred/watched at all times or it will burn. All in all a great stove. Hint: I recommend 3oz of fuel/perday/person. DO NOT USE INDOORS.
August 30, 2007
Mountain Safety Research: WhisperLite Stove
Well it finally happened my whisperLite stove kicked the bucket. I bought it in 1990 or 91 and never had a problem until the feed line formed a crack while camping last weekend. Funny it still cooked its last diner and breakfast shooting an orange flame out the side. My new one just arrived today hopefully I'll get another 15 years out of this one. They look identical I guess you don't fix what ain't broke is the motto hear.It is a little testy in heavy winds but I built a wind screen that I always use with it. Never failed to light, cook or blow out. Why can't they build tents to last this long?
May 20, 2006
Best Stove Ever
Not just the best but it has proven itself time and time again. Never once have i ever had a problem. i've gone on long trips with this thing and used a reasonable size bottle, the mid size, and didnt run out of fuel tell the last day, it was a 7 day adventure. Also its lightwieght and adapts well for those who want to put big pots on it, great for group hiking. Its one of the must have stoves i will encourage people to buy.
May 6, 2005
