Jet boil vs. msr windburner

[untilthelastbeat]

Just wondering what experiences anybody has with these two products for sheep hunting. Being a newbie to this I have no idea but the guy at Valhalla pure was telling me with the jet boil you don't need/can't use a windscreen because it will heat the fuel canister. He recommended the windburner for alpine hunting because it doesn't use an open flame. What do you think?

[Good Old Outdoors]

I like my jetboil, never used the MSR. Can't go wrong with either from what I've heard.

[Trekker]

Go with the msr windburner or reactor. The radiant burner is far more effective than the traditional open flame of the jetboil. The wind has very little effect on the stove, and there for is much more fuel efficient. I use the 1L reactor and love it.

[untilthelastbeat]

About how much fuel do you use on a 12-14 day trip trekker?

[nicktrehearne]

I have no experience with the Windburner, but have used a JetBoil for several years with no issues. I've always just sat on the upwind side of it and never had issues with the flame blowing out...

[untilthelastbeat]

Do you guys use wind screens on either stoves or no?

[Trekker]

About how much fuel do you use on a 12-14 day trip trekker?

That would depend on how many boils per day, people etc. Best to pick a stove and test it out. No wind screens needed on those stoves either.

[BiG Boar]

Have the reactor and love it. Had a jetboil before, sold it.

[Blainer]

Have the reactor and love it. Had a jetboil before, sold it.Well at least you gave me a fair deal. lol
Worked like a charm.

[Stresd]

Reactor is excellent. No need to wait for water to boil as boils a litre in less than three minutes. 3 of us usually are starting on a third canister after 14 days of sheep hunting.
from MSR Reactor page


Burns for about 80 minutes and boils 22L of water with a 227g canister.

[untilthelastbeat]

Wow thats awesome. So il be good with 1 450 gram canister for 12 days No problem. I'm going to go with the reactor I like the sounds of it better

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Wow thats awesome. So il be good with 1 450 gram canister for 12 days No problem. I'm going to go with the reactor I like the sounds of it better

A 450gm canister with my Brunton Raptor lasts two of us 14 days plus....and it's a lot less efficient than the newer stoves being discussed.

[untilthelastbeat]

Do you guys bring two stoves for two people just incase? Or is one good enough. Were planning on bringing two stoves and one canister per stove just to be sure

[Trekker]

The reactor is a good call, the 1L model is lighter than the windboiler and shorter so is less tippy. Ive only ever brought 1 stove on extended trips and never had an issue. If you dont mind the extra weight it couldent hurt to have a spare.

[untilthelastbeat]

With the reactor when you take it apart the burner and fuel can fit together inside the 1L cup correct?

[kurtl]

Not to highjack this thread, but I thought these homemade alcohol stoves are pretty cool. Cheap to make, cheap on fuel and super light! https://www.youtube.com/user/tetkoba

[The Hermit]

With the reactor when you take it apart the burner and fuel can fit together inside the 1L cup correct?

I read a review on the MEC website where people were complaining that the canister fit too tightly, then someone else said to get the newly designed canister that was made for the stove. I am going to check out both the WindBoiler and the Reactor this weekend. I am a little concerned about the bulk of the Reactor compared to the smaller WindBoiler?

[Trekker]

I read a review on the MEC website where people were complaining that the canister fit too tightly, then someone else said to get the newly designed canister that was made for the stove. I am going to check out both the WindBoiler and the Reactor this weekend. I am a little concerned about the bulk of the Reactor compared to the smaller WindBoiler?

With my 1L reactor the MSR 3.9 oz fuel can and the stove fit in the pot nicely. The reactor is actually more compact, its a few inches shorter than the windboiler and much more solid. Its also an ounce lighter.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5584/14624305174_b17f444bfc_b.jpg

[The Hermit]

Excellent thanks for posting that! Is the question then value for money the Reactor is about $50 more...

[untilthelastbeat]

I was at wholesale sports today and they have the reactor for 60 bucks.

[NorBC]

If anyone on here is interested I have a new reactor for sale. I only did a test run to boil water in my house once. Selling for 130$ shipped. ( I know this isn't the proper thread, just throwing it out there because of the peaked interest )

[Spitzer]

I really like my Windboiler, it works great. I just got the coffee press for it, can't wait to use it. It all fits together neatly. So far the small fuel canister has boiled six pots of water and counting. The windboiler supposedly simmers better than the Reactor.