I actually went through posts to see if I had written about this item yet and *gasp* I hadn’t. One of my favorite items ever, a recommendation to so many people….the Jet Boil!

There are a lot of ‘container’ or ‘canister’ stoves on the market now. But Jet Boil was kinda the OG. I remember many years ago when they first hit the market, the MSR Pocket Rocket was already a thing-so at first to me it seemed bulky and redundant. And considering the affordable price of the Pocket Rocket, the Jet Boil didn’t seem worth the expense.

Fortunately, I was gifted a Jet Boil early on my in outdoor career and it quickly became a favorite and frequently used item. It came with me on countless climbing and camping trips and chilly day adventures too.

It was my lightweight stove on my first backpacking trips, it came with me to Connecticut for a season of Guiding and then stayed with us for the first several years of Brandon and I’s relationship, even joining us on our first 2 trips to Mount Rainier, Mt. Whitney, Mt. Adams and each BWCA trip.

A few years ago, after a solid decade of service, we noticed it was pretty slow at heating water-and the flame just wasn’t that Jet engine roar anymore and it was time to replace. I looked at the other models and brands, but in the end we continued with the standby and replaced it with the Flash model from Jet Boil.

Above: The original Jet Boil melts water at Camp Muir-Mount Rainier 2013

What is the Jet Boil? The Jet Boil is a canister stove, meaning the pot is designed to be used with the stove mechanism vs something like a Pocket Rocket where you just buy the stove and you can use it with whatever pot you want. The Jet Boil is 2 separate parts. The bottom ‘stove’ part can act like a Pocket Rocket with the (sold separate) pot support. This way you can use the stove with a pan or a larger pot for a bigger group. The Jet Boil also uses canister fuel, meaning compressed gas. Gas must be purchased in pressurized cans of different sizes and once they are empty they are punctured and recycled. That means you can’t fly with this fuel.

Why is it great? The Jet Boil does what it says in the name….boils….mostly water….at extremely high speeds….. like 2 cups of water in about 1-2 mins in our at home tests. Part of why it is so special is the design that helps to block wind and distribute heat directing to the all surfaces on the bottom of the pot to boil water super fast-FluxRing technology. Because it uses compressed fuel, there is some considerations to be taken when using in situations of varying pressure; like altitude and cold weather. We have used the Jet Boil with no issue in both situations. At about 10,000 water does take a little longer to boil, but not enough that we considered using a different stove the next time, and not slow enough to need to add additional fuel. In extreme cold, as long as the fuel can be kept out of the snow, and warmed before (in a jacket or a sleeping bag) it works great.

Melting snow in January on Mount Whitney, around 9,000 ft.

With my first Jet Boil, I put everything in there. Coffee, ramen, Velveeta Shells and Cheese….don’t judge me. But basically after that first ramen, everything tastes just like it even your coffee. And it only took me ‘simmering’ ie burning one batch of red beans and rice to the bottom to come up with a different way to do it.

Only water goes in our Jet Boil. We put water in, get boiling water back in minutes and we’ve never been happier. Do I want to take the time to set up and prime a Whisperlite for my morning coffee, or start a fire to perk a pot? No, no I don’t. Do I want to be pouring my first cup 3 minutes after stepping out of my tent? Yes, yes I do. We still make ramen, we just pour it into a Fair Share mug, add hot water and wait. The Jet Boil comes with on nearly every trip for this reason. Because in the wilderness, hot water FAST is one of the greatest luxuries.

Melting snow on Mount Adams.

Who is it for? Everyone. I have recommended a Jet Boil to almost everyone. Who doesn’t love coffee, tea hot chocolate, warm dish or shower water, cooking almost anything at the fraction of the speed, all stored in a perfect Nalgene sized container? It boils water lightning fast and super easy which means you are drinking coffee or eating food that much faster-with zero hassle.

Are there drawbacks? Sure, there are some. Okay 1. I’ve said it like 10 times…the Jet Boil boils water really well. That means it doesn’t really cook large amounts of pasta without spilling over, simmer rice without burning etc. That said-user experience says liquids left unattended will boil up and over the lid (and the small hole meant for sipping hot liquid) and if the nob for turning off the stove is directly under that hole-it can be a dangerous endeavor….do yourself a favor and position the nob adjacent to the pour spout.

Bottom line? The Jet Boil is awesome, we love it, we think you would too. It comes in handy in so many ways-my Dad takes his to the duck blind….it’s a little like the Field of Dreams of outdoor gear….if you bring it, you will use it (and love it)!

Thanks for read folks-thats all for today. As always like, comment and follow if you enjoy! Hope you have some time to get out and enjoy some Days Off!