Multi-fuel stove recommendation

I figured I'd post here for folks curious about/and or looking for a multi-fuel stove.

My cousin in law is a JTAC Marine that pretty much lives outside the wire and was looking for something to use while deployed.

I bought him an MSR Dragonfly, a medium sized fuel bottle and a repair kit for his recent deployment. He comes back soon but when I had the chance to BS with him I asked how it well it worked he said that it was a great stove, ran well and to my knowledge didnt break.

just a friendly recommendation, has anyone else used one?

I got a whsper lite instead. I havn't decided if I made the right choice, yet.

I've been using the Dragonfly for a while now. The only complaints I have about the stove is that's kind of loud and doesn't fold up into a nice neat little package. Other than that, the dragonfly is a very nice stove. It's very sturdy with the large pot supports and cranks out some heat!

My cousin has one and has noted the same complaints as you have. It is indeed a nice stove, but I'll stick with Whisperlite and Pocket Rocket.

Primus Omnilite TI if he has unlimited funds, but it is the best stove out there right now by a long shot. This is my go-to stove right now.

Primus Omnifuel if he funds restricted (same as Omnilite TI, just heavier.)

Stay away from MSR as they suck for flame / simmer control. People that recommend them, never use them.

Stay away from any new Optimus stoves. After the company was bought out their quality really went down hill. Any older Optimus stove (before the byout) is good to go. It says alot when an older used stove before the buyout will go for nearly 2 times the price of the new stoves on Ebay. An older Optimus Nova is an automatic bidding war.

So, basically don't buy anything other than Primus then?

Yes.

Omnilite TI if you can afford.

Omnifuel if you can't.

I currently own:

MSR Whisperlight Internationale (multi-fuel)
USGI M-1951 Stove (all gasoline types, and presumably coleman fuel)
Optimus 199 Ranger (all gasoline types, Kero, Diesel, and Alcohol)

All stoves have every possible bell-and-whistle, as I believe in buying buying accessories at time of purchase.

Each has its quirks; strong points and weak points.

If I had to choose but one, it would be the 199. Sadly, no longer made, and judging from e-bay INSANE prices, I might sell it off and buy two of the Ti stoves mentioned above. Mebbe not. Maybe I'll sell off the USGI stove as an antique and buy one of 'em. Nice to have choices.

My advice to you is to go to various sites that cater to backpackers and read their reviews.

Keep in mind that you should consider how long a mfr has been in business, how long the stove has been made, and the availability of spare parts. When you buy a stove, automatically buy a couple of repair kits.

Don't kid yourself that this will be the last stove of this type that you buy.

msr dragonfly is the standard by which other simmer capable stoves are measured against....

Horrible standard.

I have one. It sucks. It is only considered the standard because they throw tons of money at Backpacker and Outside magazines in advertising. Like I said earlier, those that say get a MSR have never used their stoves Backpacking. Do a little research. Everyone that has owned one gets rid of it or buys something else. When people convert to alcohol stoves because they work better and more reliable, you make a shitty stove because alcohol stoves blow out all the time.

Primus (a Swedish Company) the now Top dog in Multi-fuel stoves doesn't hardly advertise in the states. They don't have to, word of mouth sells their stuff. Optimus used to be the best, but they got bought out and their quality went to shit. So bad that optimus had to recall the Nova stove because it would leak fuel after a couple of uses.

The Old Optimus stoves were the best. Shame that they got bought out and the quality went off the Cliff.

A Used Optimus 111T commands a hefty price on the Bay. I have one, It's the most bulletproof stove ever made. Old Optimus stoves were heavy, but is still the number 1 stove ever used on Himalayan expeditions, because it always worked no matter the conditions. Since Optimus went to crap, you are now seeing alot of Primus stoves. MSR is not seen, because your stove is your lifeline there. People are not going to risk their lives on an unreliable piece of equipment when you can die so easily there.

Now if you want what Optimus used to be, you have to buy a Primus stove. They are both Swedish companies, just one threw quality out the window to maximize profits.

BTW:
I would keep the Optimus stove. The only reason I use the Primus Omnilite TI now instead of the Old Optimus is that I am getting up their in age and I had to lighten up my pack a bit. That old Optimus weighed like a brick.

MSR's XGK EX Stove, burns regular gas, white gas, diesel, kerosene, and a host of other fuels. I have used mine on a 1000 mile pack horse trip, a 14 day solo backpack pack trip. NEVER an issue. Get one you will never regret it.

Deleted...

Opps.......I'm sorry...wrong thread...

Just a note:

When you come into a technical forum, and tout a particular brand as the "only" solution, you lose significant credibility.

I spend an average of 30 days per year in the woods, testing gear. Often for manufacturers, and for my own use.

I'm not saying you are wrong, but most of the time it's the trademark of an amateur who stumbled on something they like, and want to put down everything else.

You might consider testing some other gear, and get some pros and cons about them.

I can go on and on about various brands of everything, but I'm interested in hearing others' experiences.

Since you think I don't have a clue (amatuer) I suggest you inform us to what multifuel stove you use Mr. Expert. My advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

I knew better than to get into a equipment discussion, they always dissolve into a Glock versus 1911 argument.



Personally my most used stove is Alcohol due to the weight, and for the most hiking I do my stove is not my lifeline. My multifuel stoves only come out when I am hiking when the weather gets colder.

What about the multifuel stove he is issued or can get from Company supply? It bums JP 8 although it is sooty.

But having said that I know the JTAC combat load and I would be shocked if any want to carry a stove

I have the Dragonfly as well and concur that it does make some noise. My biggest issue with it would be the weight/compactness. I have found that it simmers quite well. I've been using the MSR products for years and don't fine them particularly durable though the Dragonfly seems better built than my previous whisperlight. If I need to go light weight and only boil water I take a snow peak stove. I haven't tried the models that others have spoke of to compare simmering ability.

That's a pretty bold thing to say. I've used my MSR stoves extensively for all manners of cooking in a wide variety of environments and conditions. They work, and do so very well. I have never had a problem simmering with either of mine. If someone can't manage that, then portable stoves are not their thing and they should stay away.

I think that the dragonfly replaced the XGK, at least I haven't seen the XGK in shops anymore.

ETA: It looks like it is still sold, just not stocked in my local stores.

my understanding is they dont have one/dont get issued one... I could be wrong on that but he was looking pretty damn hard for his own otherwise he was expecting it to be MREs and cold canned food. I sent it to him and last december and aside from the main FOB taking their sweet fucking time getting mail out to him and his guys it actually got there pretty quick. lol

he's been absolutely in love with the thing, I'll get some face to face info out of him about it when I see him (he gets home soon).

If he is a grunt that has been to JTAC school, he probably can't get one. I had a lot of people sending me soup (it was all I asked for) and I poured it into a canteen cup and heated it over a small fire. It worked for me for six months although sometimes wood would get scarce.

he's no shit JTAC... dunno MOS or anything like that (and am trying to limit info put out there about his unit etc.).


are these portable stoves that you can check out from the unit large or shitty?

I'm going to eventually get myself a multi-fuel stove, it's good to see more info put out about others.

A JTAC is an 8002, it is a secondary MOS and you can only be one though if you are a combat arms SNCO or officer or a 0861 Sgt or above. Many ANGLICANs are not true JTACs but 0861s and 0621s who assist the JTACs
New stove


Old stove

Team JP-8 sure looks a lot like a MSR XGK EX Stove

Doesn't hurt that it says so in the description.

What's the model of that Coleman stove pictured above? We used those extensively in the Scouts, and I kinda want one for the sake of nostalgia.

A Coleman Peak 1? They used to be on the surplus market... http://store.colemans.com/cart/gi-multi-fuel-portable-stove-p-2394.html

Unfortunately, that source is sold out though.

My peak one stove looks like the one in the picture but is white gas only. Not exactly light weight.

it's a coleman peak 1

Peak-1 with 2 generators, one for white gas and one for diesal/JP8.

It burns kind of sootee though with JP8. The Marine Corps bought close to 50,000. But most Marines don't even know to ask for them they just normally "show up" when they go to cold weather training

Thanks guys.

here's one

I have the MSR Whisper Lite International and like it a lot. It will burn almost anything and is small, compact and very lightweight. Another stove I have used for years and love is the SVEA. But it only burns Coleman fuel & similar dedicated stove fuels, but is bullet-proof and lightweight.

For what it's worth, I've had nothing but problems with every Coleman stove I've ever owned. Will never buy another Coleman.

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