MSR Reactor, Jetboil Flash, and Primus EtaSolo

This article originally published in the September 2010 issue of Adventure Insider Magazine. In recent years there has been a definite trend towards the use of integrated cook systems. These all-in-one systems combine the stove, windscreen, heat exchanger, and cook pot, and their efficiency and ease of use makes them extremely popular for backpackers moving to a lighter cook system as well as high altitude mountaineers looking for lightweight hangable kits. We compare three of these systems below.
Both the Jetboil Flash and MSR Reactor have been around for a couple years. The Primus EtaSolo is brand new to the market and with that comes the obvious advantage of learning from other mistakes. We conducted a series of tests on all three systems side-by-side to eliminate as many variables as possible. Test 1: Each system was filled with 2 cups of water at 81° F. Time was recorded at rolling boil. Test 2: Each system was filled with 2 cups water at 34° F. Time was recorded at rolling boil. Test 3: Each system was filled with boiling water. Temperature was recorded in ten minute intervals for 30 minutes. Bonus test: The MSR reactor was filled with 1 L of 34° ice water. Time was recorded at rolling boil. Note: Air temperature for all tests was 74° F.

Conclusions

What stove you ultimately decide on will be a matter of your circumstances. Here’s our feeling. Groups: If you’re traveling with more than three people there is no comparison to the MSR Reactor. The Reactor boils water at a shockingly fast speed and the larger capacity will enable everyone to get a nice hot cup of tea. Solo or couples: Either the Jetboil Flash or Primus EtaSolo are great choices. If you plan to hang your stove often the sting of the Jetboil Flash hanging kit will be minimized and if you hang rarely the included Primus hanging kit is a welcome addition. Both stoves also offer lids used to drink from the pot and insulation to keep the contents warm. The ability to use other pots with the Primus EtaSolo may give it an edge for most people, however. [table id=4 /] ¹ Includes stove, pot, and burner ² Max fill is half of listed capacity