This is the stove to buy.....period. It takes MSR and other companies' fuel cartridges.No more hassles from the TSA or airlines when you travel. Just pack the stove, and buy fuel when you land. No worries about finding a specific brand. I use MSR or GAZ cartridges most of the time. GAZ cartridges are even available overseas, if you travel a lot. The larger 470 gram/1 pound GAZ cartridge makes the base of the stove more stable than a smaller cannister. It is more economical to pay about $1-$2 more for the larger fuel cannister than it is to pay double for 2 smaller cartridges. I seldom buy an 8 ounce cartridege for the stove.
The stove is simple to light, great heat control, and nests inside my GSI double pot cook kit. A fuel cartridge also fits inside this kit if you store the stove elsewhere. I bought my son this stove as well. We just used both of the stoves on a rainy weekend trip to the Presidential Range here in NH. I strongly urged my nephews and brother-in-law to also consider purchasing this stove. They are new to backpacking, and are just starting to buy their own gear. Great performance, simple to operate, good price, lightweight and compact, and no problem finding fuel wherever you go. That should meet the needs of over 75% of the people who need an outdoor stove for cooking. Also good to use in an emergency at home...hurricane, power outages, etc.

[4 of 5 customers found this review helpful]

By The Sleeping Coyote from NY on 10/15/2006

This is a great stove. Yea its a little heaver than the pocket rocket and a little more bulky but it is more stable and cooks faster. Even in the winter it lights up like a pro. This is a perfect stove if your a back-country chef. I have had it 6yrs now and the auto ignite still works. Only down side is that its a bit bulky; I have a hard time fitting it in to tiny places that will keep it safe.