Your Thoughts On: Jet Boil Stove System

wait for the new 2011 versions … they get lighter or cheaper depending which you buy

jetboils are convenient … you can light it, dont need to deal with pots, walk with it, canoe with it, cook with it on a small ledge, etc …

idiot proof more or less … and no fuss

they arent the lightest thing out there … nor are tents for that matter ;)

Hi Dug,

Most of the stoves I see on the trail are still Jetboils. The difference between the new and old models are not very significant. I have owned both models, I sold the one I had originally and recently bought the new model after missing it. That being said, I never take it backpacking because I personally think it is a bit too heavy. It is very convenient for day hikes and car camping though. For that reason, I prefer the compactness of it over the MSR Reactor. The new version of the Jetboil has a slightly upgraded burner and thinner plastic. The insulation sleeve/cozy now includes a color-change heat indicator which tells you when your water is boiling.

It is a bit heavier than the alternatives for just boiling water. It is a bit difficult to cook meals directly in the Jetboil pot due to the size and design. You might be just as well off with a titanium pot and a light canister stove. Although if you have a high value on convenience and quick meals then it is worth considering.

The majority of my cooking (99%) will be freezer bag style, so I'll just be adding the hot water from the pot, never really cooking in the pot.

Dug
http://thf2.wordpress.com

If I can just make a suggestion. My brother-in-law and regular hiking partner Dave tested a Primus Eta Express for BGT and I used it with him on every trip. I was so blown away by how fast it boiled water and how little fuel it took doing so that I told him I would buy it from him when he was done testing if he did not want to keep it. (He is a UL guy and doesn't even cook half the time.)

Since that test we have taken it on many shared hikes and family hikes. Once we used it as the only stove for seven people, boiling water for drinks and rehydrated meals only. It boils fast enough to do so.

They just came out with a smaller version I believe but I have not seen it yet.

http://tinyurl.com/2ar2hcf

I have used it for the last two years and I like it. I too just use freeze dried meals and just need it to boil water. Yes, it's a bit heavy for a UL packer (15oz or so) but I think it's worth it. Backpacking isn't always about the competition on who has the lightest pack. I have been seeing that more and more over the last couple of years.

Yes a pack partner of mine pack weight came in at 20 lbs and mine was three pounds heavier, but late that night with the rain and wind my Jetboil did the job. His SUL homemade stove took a bit more time and frustration.

If you are counting the ounces to the cut the minuscule weight off, then no Jetboil's probably not your bag. But if that isn't the driving force of your existence, then Hell Yes, it's convenient, pretty light weight, and idiot proof.

Hope this helps

"If you are counting the ounces to the cut the minuscule weight off, then no Jetboil's probably not your bag. But if that isn't the driving force of your existence, then Hell Yes, it's convenient, pretty light weight, and idiot proof. "

That says it very well; I would add add that Jetboil is also as reliable a stove as I have ever used. I can go lighter with a Primus Powercook (no longer made) and a titanium pot, but why, when Jetboil is so easy to pack and use? By the way, at the last OR Show Jetboil displayed a new model with a slightly smaller cook pot that is available in titanium, which I believe knocked off several ounces.

Jetboils are easy and convenient, just too heavy for me when all I do is boil water. I can't wait to check out the new lighter ones when they become available.

I bought a JetBoil this summer and ended up not using it. I ended up saving 8 ounces and having something just as easy to pack with the combination of a Brunton Raptor (4 oz, more bombproof than a Pocket Rocket) and Backcountry 700 mL titanium pot. The fuel can fits perfectly in the pot, and the Raptor goes right above it inside of the nylon case it comes with.

I'm not anti-JetBoil, I just happened upon a combo which is just as easy to pack and almost as convenient to use- pot and stove don't mate, obviously- as a JetBoil. Having never used the JB, I've been debating whether or not I should pass on the good deal, but it does seem like it'd be a very good thing to have around for car camping with a toddler. :D

I love it and I just wanted to say that by leaving the lid, coozy, measuring cup, and tri-pod at home, you can save several ounces for trips that you don't need those parts.

I agree with all that's been said. I have gone from a Jetboil, to a caldera cone / snowpeak 700. To a BB Ultra and Snowpeak 900 / and other homemade can stoves. All good and have their uses. But the more miles I log, the more I long for that Jetboil simplicity. Even for the heavier weight. All self contained, in seconds boiling water…. Yeah, gonna carry it some again. It's good product. I could lose 5 pounds of gut and more than make up for an ounce here or there.

YMMV

Ed

I agree with the pro-Jetboil sentiment. I have other canisters and Al stoves but keep finding myself opting for the Jetboil and its simplicity. Can't wait for the new ones.

-Which is cool to say 'cause after seeing the Flash last year I was thinking that they were going to cheese out!

It is a great stove system. I got one for X-mas and honestly didn't think it was that good of a gift. I have been proven wrong. Anytime I go BPing with my wife, or am out for an extended time, it is my stove of choice.

In 2011 Jetboil is putting out several new stove systems. I would wait to get the Jetboil Sol if you are looking for a stove to use for yourself. The titanium version comes in at 9 oz and the aluminum one comes in at 10.5 oz.

http://www.trailspace.com/blog/2010/08/06/outdoor-retailer-jetboil.html

The Jetboil has been well-reviewed here at BPL.
Summary:
* Originally made by Primus, then Jetboil went to China (with immediate quality problems).
* Not fast – the design was deliberately underpowered.
* Emits more CO than I like at high power
* Very heavy.
* Almost impossible to design a use-pattern which takes enough advantage of the small improvement in fuel efficiency to compensate for the much greater weight.

But, some people ignore all the deficiencies and love them.

Cheers

there's a reason why so many climbers use jetboils and reactors …

maybe its all that high altitude killing out brain cells

;)

maybe its all that high altitude killing out brain cells

…or the CO