Here’s a really neat camp stove concept from MSR. The Whisperlite Universal Stove changes the game for backpackers of all kinds. This unit is compatible with all sorts of fuel including white gas, canister fuel, kerosene and even unleaded gasoline. You can cook with just about anything with this bad boy!
If you’re an international backpacker who finds themselves in various corners of the world looking to cook a back country meal, this is the stove for you. You’ll never be without fuel with the Whisperlite, and it’s pretty dam compact and light weight as well.
There’s definitely more portable and light weight options available if packability is the one and only factor you’re shopping for (see the Jetboil Flash and PocketRocket 2), but as far as portability goes this unit is still quite capable as a backpacking or travel stove. The aluminum mixer tube, stainless steel support legs and inherent design of the Whisperlite keep it highly packable at just 15 ounces.
MSR includes all the necessary adapters for operating this stove with various fuel types. There’s three different “jets” for use with white gas and auto gas, kerosene and for canister fuel. Along with the stove itself MSR includes the required fuel pump, a small parts kit, stuff sack and also a windscreen and heat reflector for use in the field.
This is a more intensive camp stove than the others listed here — it’s no toy. There’s a bit more involved with operating and maintaining the Whisperlite than with other simpler units, but it’s crafted with precision and durability in mind in order to be a stove you’ll use for years and years of backpacking use. Good news is that although there’s many moving parts and mechanical components to this stove, it comes with a parts kit and instruction manual so you can maintenance this unit at home or in the field.
Once you learn the ins and outs of the Whisperlite you’ll feel empowered and ready to take on the role of camp chef anywhere, anytime. The self-cleaning “Shaker Jet” technology makes this stove easy to clean in the back country and the assembly and breakdown is a breeze with a little practice. This is a camp stove for the big boys and girls so be prepared to learn if you’re not already experienced with this type of gear.
MSR has designed this stove to be exceptionally fuel efficient on top of being able to operate on various fuel types. 20 ounces of white gas will keep this bad boy burning for up to 155 minutes. Considering you can boil a liter of water in three and a half minutes, (using white gas) that’s a lot of camp meals and coffee off of one fuel bottle.
MSR does NOT include the required fuel bottle for this stove — you’ll have to buy the specially crafted unit separately if you want to utilize the Whisperlite’s ability to burn multiple fuel types. It might seem a bit frustrating at first, but upon further consideration MSR’s fuel bottles are airtight and crafted from a single piece of tough as nails aluminum. The fuel bottle design is meant to keep any potential air leaks out so the life of your fuel is extended.
It’s a really neat system that gives you the freedom to fill up on whatever kind of juice is available and on hand.
High quality parts and construction, a brilliant and versatile design, the ability to be effectively maintained in the field while all the while retaining a low weight and profile, the Whisperlite by MSR is one bad ass stove. If you’re a serious backpacker or camp cook of any kind, you won’t want to miss out on this unit — make sure to check out this video for a run through of the Whisperlite’s and other MSR stove’s operation protocols and capabilities.
Bottom Line: A highly versatile stove that can cook with just about any type of fuel — perfect for backpackers who travel the world and might benefit from a unit that can cook with an array of different fuel types. A bit more complicated to operate than most camp stoves, but with a little practice you can do everything from simmer to saute with this one.