Well I'm finding this 2.5 years after you posted, as I'm researching the Windburner. This is an outstanding review and video! I had almost decided against the Windburner having read several forums and comments on YT videos concerning the thermal reset-all claiming that it had to be sent back to MSR to reset! This is the first and (so far) only video I've seen (of about 5 or 6 I've watched so far) that addresses field resetting of it. Thank you and I'll reiterate that this was a great overview!
The funny part is it gives you a cartoon and large print instructions telling you how to do that. I just purchased one after watching this review and I love it, I especially love how quite it is compared to a jetboil or pocket rocket. You can barely hear that it's on.
Thanks for putting in the effort to make such great reviews,they are the best on RUclips. You talked me into buying one of these and it's perfect for me. Judging by it's fuel consumption and how much hot food I eat I can probably do a 5-6day trip on a 4oz canister, I'll probably bring a backup on the first trip just in case though.
Thanks Justin! That sounds about right, I was able to use a 3.5oz canister for enough drinking water and dinner (by melting snow) for my 2-day mountaineering trips. Once you test and confirm your own needs, you’ll have the confidence to skip the backup the next time around
Great review, thank you for that! I´ve got one for about 4 years and I´m very happy. Unfortunately I lost the o-ring. The customer service sent me one for free but now I´m not sure, where it belongs. Do you know if the o-ring sits behind the srewed in thread?
This is fantastic, very fair tests and such. May I ask why you chose this Soto stove of all alternatives? If there is any reason, just curious about that one. I would really like to know, though, why people don't compare with a windshield? Instead or as well. I get wind shields vary, and the point is to show how naked flame stoves work in the wind, but those are surely to be used with a shield? I don't know, I'd just love to see both with and without at least a simple shield. I do indeed benefit from these reviews mate and I will subscribe! Last question: how well does this do in low temperatures, in more detail please? Namely, what's its temperature limit? The draw back to canister stoves is their pressure change in altitudes and more precisely perhaps, lower temperatures which especially without regulators, stops the canister from working sometimes. How reliable, or how extreme can this work? :)
Lots of good questions and likely something that needs further discussion than is appropriate here. It’s feasible to use simple wind shields on an open flame burner like the Soto Amicus, but I find that with irregular wind gusts (or really strong winds), it’s a huge headache and still does not perform as well as a stove like the Windburner which doesn’t have an open flame. Could this be quantified? Yes - and I think it then becomes a test for which wind shield is best. Ironically, as I pointed out, it’s hard to light the Windburner in really windy conditions because you have to expose the burner (no built-in ignition). The merit of the Windburner is that, once you get it lit (e.g. inside your tent), you can then stick it outside in the wind without much degradation to performance. I’ve used canister stoves down to -20C or -5F but there are additional steps/skills necessary to do this consistently. It’s hard to put a single lower limit temp on canister stoves because it’s really dependent on how and who is using it. Vague answer, I know. This is where “experience” comes into play.
The problem with built-in igniters is that they can only do one thing and don't last forever, then you're stuck with dead weight. Almost everyone already carries a lighter or fire steel anyway, which are multi-use items, so I would say no to the built-in igniter - unless it was user-replaceable. Good review all-around, but I wouldn't use the Windburner in cold environments. Ours has always had trouble unless the canister was pre-heated and almost full. The new remote version might fare better, but MSR missed a big chance by not making it able to run in liquid-feed mode. I immediately switch to the MSR Windpro II when temperatures drop and being able to invert the canister makes it truly winter-worthy in my book.
How cold are we talking? I’ve used canisters in vapor mode down to 20C/-5F. Built-in igniters can be designed to be easily replaced, but more importantly would enable the Windburner to function end to end in fierce winds. When you’re surrounded by snow and no natural fuel, a lighter doesn’t do much for you other than light your stove, so I only carry emergency matches in addition to whatever will light my stove.
@@HikingNerd I didn't say you can't use an upright canister stove in the cold. Liquid-feed mode is simply more reliable and the stove's output is less impacted by ambient temperature. Cold fuel also lowers the stove output which means longer boil times. I have not seen stove manufacturers advertise their built-in igniters being user-replaceable nor offer spare parts. I've just now read two small reviews and both said the MSR Windburner doesn't even light up with a piezo igniter. Can you confirm this? MSR's website also states this about their handheld Piezo igniter: "Not compatible with the Reactor® and WindBurner® stoves, or other radiant burners." I'd be surprised if this was true.
@@HikingNerd 20/80 canisters can work well below -20C for a short time, but if you use a canister for a long time below -10C, the fractionation effect will cause low pressure. Windburner is not good at warm up a canister compare to normal canister stoves, that will makes things even worse.
@@cu35468 Depends how you manage your canister. I've done 5 consecutive nights/mornings at -20C using only an 8oz/225g canister in vapor mode. So long as you continue to obey the laws of physics and thermodynamics, you can make things work to a point. I wouldn't recommend this to beginners though.
@@HikingNerd Of course you can use a gear in the situation it isn't good at, but you need to pay more effort to deal with or bear the weakness. Just like using a open flame stove in winds >30mph.
Good review. But I would add a couple of additional points made after I used and (liked this stove) for a few years on hikes in some remote places. In my experience, it came up short in two important areas: First is a that plastic cup at the bottom regularly jammed onto the heat exchanger (this has been noted by a number of other MSR stove uses I met). In a tightly packed rucksack, this easily happens. It is then a devil to prise off (even with a pen knife) and the stove cannot be used until it is removed. The second is that, on my stove (after 50 boils) the safety valve tripped to 'off' - rendering the stove inoperable. Not a happy situation in the middle of the wilderness. To their credit, MSR refunded the purchase. And I will replace it. But I will also carry a Pocket Rocket as a back up
Cool. Is this a good budget mountaineering tent, and is it spacious enough for two people? Also, how durable is this tent? Does it stand up well in high winds? Blizzards? Thanks for answering the questions.
I think it's a good value because it's discontinued and you can get it on sale. There are some compromises for sure though, mainly in the ease of setup and weight. Tent stands up well in bad conditions when anchored properly. Tight for two people as are most mountaineering tents. Durability is good - fabric is a little thicker than I want to be honest.
if you intend to cook with the winburner you will need to invest in ether windburners skillet and sauce pot Then it will simmer perfectly these posts exstends the capability of the windburner
I really like that you shared the stove's BTU, I have not found that information elsewhere. Can you review the MSR Reactor in the same style as you did the Windburner? I can't decide which one to get.
The Windburner is a newer design than the Reactor. I think the pot sleeve is a big deal. Unless you are melting snow for a big group and every minute counts, I’d recommend the Windburner.
It does help and can be sufficient in most conditions. However, in winds >30mph there is a ton of turbulence in the air even when you use a windscreen and it ends up being more finicky. You can still make it work, but a burner that draws in air without an open flame will end up performing better. That's why this stove tends to be reserved for my mountaineering trips rather than 3-season backpacking trips.
Valid point, but then again open flame stoves behave differently from each other so this can get out of hand. The point was to show that an open flame gets impacted by air turbulence while the Windburner is not. Up to the viewer if they want to optimize with their own testing.
Well I'm finding this 2.5 years after you posted, as I'm researching the Windburner. This is an outstanding review and video! I had almost decided against the Windburner having read several forums and comments on YT videos concerning the thermal reset-all claiming that it had to be sent back to MSR to reset! This is the first and (so far) only video I've seen (of about 5 or 6 I've watched so far) that addresses field resetting of it. Thank you and I'll reiterate that this was a great overview!
The funny part is it gives you a cartoon and large print instructions telling you how to do that. I just purchased one after watching this review and I love it, I especially love how quite it is compared to a jetboil or pocket rocket. You can barely hear that it's on.
The only review i have seen that mentions the thermal reset. Thanks for the great insight.
Tip: If you want to use non-MSR pots & pans for the windburner, you'll find that the "Trangia Triangel" fits perfectly ontop / around the gasburner.
Thanks for putting in the effort to make such great reviews,they are the best on RUclips. You talked me into buying one of these and it's perfect for me. Judging by it's fuel consumption and how much hot food I eat I can probably do a 5-6day trip on a 4oz canister, I'll probably bring a backup on the first trip just in case though.
Thanks Justin! That sounds about right, I was able to use a 3.5oz canister for enough drinking water and dinner (by melting snow) for my 2-day mountaineering trips. Once you test and confirm your own needs, you’ll have the confidence to skip the backup the next time around
Great timing as I was starting to look into a stove for winter camping. Excellent and concise review. Thank you!
That is exactly how gear reviews should be done. I'm amazed that you haven't got more subscribers! thank you 🙏
Thanks for showing the reset ... my God that saved me a lot of troubles lol
Yes. You sorted someone else's question about it cutting off.
Thanks! Very convincing. Deciding exactly between those 2 burners :)
nice review. I just bought one and am looking up more info. thank you
Looks great.. have been using the MSR pocket rocket and titan kettle for 13 years, they’re great but a real pain when it’s windy.. thanks…
Thank you! I need to get a stove for hiking Mt. Shasta and this one looks ideal.
It gets pretty windy and cold on Shasta so it's nice to have a stove that is wind resistant and keeps the hot water locked in with a cozy.
Great review, thank you for that! I´ve got one for about 4 years and I´m very happy. Unfortunately I lost the o-ring. The customer service sent me one for free but now I´m not sure, where it belongs. Do you know if the o-ring sits behind the srewed in thread?
This is fantastic, very fair tests and such. May I ask why you chose this Soto stove of all alternatives? If there is any reason, just curious about that one. I would really like to know, though, why people don't compare with a windshield? Instead or as well. I get wind shields vary, and the point is to show how naked flame stoves work in the wind, but those are surely to be used with a shield? I don't know, I'd just love to see both with and without at least a simple shield. I do indeed benefit from these reviews mate and I will subscribe! Last question: how well does this do in low temperatures, in more detail please? Namely, what's its temperature limit? The draw back to canister stoves is their pressure change in altitudes and more precisely perhaps, lower temperatures which especially without regulators, stops the canister from working sometimes. How reliable, or how extreme can this work? :)
Lots of good questions and likely something that needs further discussion than is appropriate here. It’s feasible to use simple wind shields on an open flame burner like the Soto Amicus, but I find that with irregular wind gusts (or really strong winds), it’s a huge headache and still does not perform as well as a stove like the Windburner which doesn’t have an open flame. Could this be quantified? Yes - and I think it then becomes a test for which wind shield is best.
Ironically, as I pointed out, it’s hard to light the Windburner in really windy conditions because you have to expose the burner (no built-in ignition). The merit of the Windburner is that, once you get it lit (e.g. inside your tent), you can then stick it outside in the wind without much degradation to performance.
I’ve used canister stoves down to -20C or -5F but there are additional steps/skills necessary to do this consistently. It’s hard to put a single lower limit temp on canister stoves because it’s really dependent on how and who is using it. Vague answer, I know. This is where “experience” comes into play.
The problem with built-in igniters is that they can only do one thing and don't last forever, then you're stuck with dead weight. Almost everyone already carries a lighter or fire steel anyway, which are multi-use items, so I would say no to the built-in igniter - unless it was user-replaceable.
Good review all-around, but I wouldn't use the Windburner in cold environments. Ours has always had trouble unless the canister was pre-heated and almost full. The new remote version might fare better, but MSR missed a big chance by not making it able to run in liquid-feed mode. I immediately switch to the MSR Windpro II when temperatures drop and being able to invert the canister makes it truly winter-worthy in my book.
How cold are we talking? I’ve used canisters in vapor mode down to 20C/-5F.
Built-in igniters can be designed to be easily replaced, but more importantly would enable the Windburner to function end to end in fierce winds. When you’re surrounded by snow and no natural fuel, a lighter doesn’t do much for you other than light your stove, so I only carry emergency matches in addition to whatever will light my stove.
@@HikingNerd I didn't say you can't use an upright canister stove in the cold. Liquid-feed mode is simply more reliable and the stove's output is less impacted by ambient temperature. Cold fuel also lowers the stove output which means longer boil times.
I have not seen stove manufacturers advertise their built-in igniters being user-replaceable nor offer spare parts.
I've just now read two small reviews and both said the MSR Windburner doesn't even light up with a piezo igniter. Can you confirm this? MSR's website also states this about their handheld Piezo igniter: "Not compatible with the Reactor® and WindBurner® stoves, or other radiant burners." I'd be surprised if this was true.
@@HikingNerd 20/80 canisters can work well below -20C for a short time,
but if you use a canister for a long time below -10C, the fractionation effect will cause low pressure.
Windburner is not good at warm up a canister compare to normal canister stoves, that will makes things even worse.
@@cu35468 Depends how you manage your canister. I've done 5 consecutive nights/mornings at -20C using only an 8oz/225g canister in vapor mode. So long as you continue to obey the laws of physics and thermodynamics, you can make things work to a point. I wouldn't recommend this to beginners though.
@@HikingNerd Of course you can use a gear in the situation it isn't good at, but you need to pay more effort to deal with or bear the weakness.
Just like using a open flame stove in winds >30mph.
Good review. But I would add a couple of additional points made after I used and (liked this stove) for a few years on hikes in some remote places. In my experience, it came up short in two important areas: First is a that plastic cup at the bottom regularly jammed onto the heat exchanger (this has been noted by a number of other MSR stove uses I met). In a tightly packed rucksack, this easily happens. It is then a devil to prise off (even with a pen knife) and the stove cannot be used until it is removed. The second is that, on my stove (after 50 boils) the safety valve tripped to 'off' - rendering the stove inoperable. Not a happy situation in the middle of the wilderness. To their credit, MSR refunded the purchase. And I will replace it. But I will also carry a Pocket Rocket as a back up
These videos are sooo helpful. Could you possibly do one for your Marmot Hammer 2? Thanks.
Glad to hear it! I won't be reviewing the Hammer 2P because it's discontinued - but I can answer any questions that you have.
Cool. Is this a good budget mountaineering tent, and is it spacious enough for two people? Also, how durable is this tent? Does it stand up well in high winds? Blizzards? Thanks for answering the questions.
I think it's a good value because it's discontinued and you can get it on sale. There are some compromises for sure though, mainly in the ease of setup and weight. Tent stands up well in bad conditions when anchored properly. Tight for two people as are most mountaineering tents. Durability is good - fabric is a little thicker than I want to be honest.
Thank you so much, this is so helpful. I was looking to invest in a budget mountaineering tent and so far fits the bill! Good luck on Rainer!
if you intend to cook with the winburner you will need to invest in ether windburners skillet and sauce pot
Then it will simmer perfectly these posts exstends the capability of the windburner
I really like that you shared the stove's BTU, I have not found that information elsewhere. Can you review the MSR Reactor in the same style as you did the Windburner? I can't decide which one to get.
The Windburner is a newer design than the Reactor. I think the pot sleeve is a big deal. Unless you are melting snow for a big group and every minute counts, I’d recommend the Windburner.
Good review, thanks.
In fact, you can just use aluminum foil make a windscreen and make any stove almost not affected by the wind.
It does help and can be sufficient in most conditions. However, in winds >30mph there is a ton of turbulence in the air even when you use a windscreen and it ends up being more finicky. You can still make it work, but a burner that draws in air without an open flame will end up performing better. That's why this stove tends to be reserved for my mountaineering trips rather than 3-season backpacking trips.
@@HikingNerd I believe Windburner will do better in winds >30mph as well, but If you use a windscreen in the wind test will make it more sense.
Valid point, but then again open flame stoves behave differently from each other so this can get out of hand. The point was to show that an open flame gets impacted by air turbulence while the Windburner is not. Up to the viewer if they want to optimize with their own testing.
I have a question. How many boil ups do you get out of the little canisters?
Obviously there’s some variation but you can do 110g divided by the amount of fuel used per boil as listed in this video
I have got this stove it’s brill
Great editing - it takes some time to do these videos right
Thanks Hans!
Pretty much Bulletproof
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Of course you are under no obligation to do a review. No one is...