We purchased our MSR pocket rocket in an outdoor store in Palm Springs, California. We were kind of forced to do this because of the Alaska Airlines policy of no-stoves, not even brand new ones on flights. So, for a 6 night trip through Joshua Tree and Death Valley we decided that buying a cheap stove was still more economical than driving out to diners or restaurants. The cost was very reasonable; including a couple of fuel canisters it only put us back about $8.50 a night between us. Apart from cost, the main attraction of the pocket rocket is that it come in a tiny ‘toblerone’ shaped plastic container. Without fuel, it is so light and compact that it no longer resembles a stove. Great news for us. We managed to fly it back to Vancouver on Alaska Airlines and then through LA back to Melbourne a few weeks later.
The size and compactness, are the greatest assets of the pocket-rocket. Not that it under-performs. It extremely easy to use. It boils and simmer well. The pot-stand is fairly small and copes okay with a small pot that is moderately full, but pot full to the brim for two people that have been walking hard all day is a little ‘tippy’ and requires constant attention. It copes okay with wind, but really you should use a shield for better fuel economy.
Having said how great it is I don’t think we have used it since that trip, reverting instead to our MSR Whisperlite. Whilst the Pocket Rocket is light and small, it takes canisters. I find it hard to gauge how many canisters I will need for a trip and canisters are one time use only. Yes, I know Shellite (Naptha/petroleum ether/white gas) also comes in a disposable bottle, but we can buy a huge bottle and thus save on the wastage. If funds are limited, if you are traveling solo with only a small pot or if you need take it on board an airplane, then I would choose the Pocket Rocket. Otherwise, it might be better to upgrade to the Whisperlite or Simmerlite.