R.I.P. Whisperlite

“On a BP trip this last weekend my MSR Whisperlite died. I had with me (and used), my field repair kit, I cleaned, replaced the jet, etc., etc. I did all the things I was supposed to do, but, nonetheless, it died. Sniff sniff.

So, I decided I needed a new stove. My guess was that I had lit my MSR Whisperlite no less than 700 times, probably closer to 1,000+ times. BUT, I had lost confidence in that particular stove. Even if I got it working again, I would forever question its' reliability whenever I took it out.


SO.... I went to REI, and I looked at STOVES. EVERY stove imaginable. I read the BP magreviews. The "Backpacker Mag Editor's Choice" was $155.00. A new Whisperlite was $52.00. Hmmmm....

Anyway, to make a long story short, I read all the reviews, talked to as many as I could this past week, but.... ended up buying another MSR Whisperlite. In the final analysis, money did not enter into my decision at all.

Here's my reasoning...It's a good stove, I can use it in all seasons, no fuel cannister problems to contend with, and, perhaps most importantly, it's a PROVEN product, I KNOW it works.”

“I have mine for almost 7 years!

I love mine!!!!

8)”

“Lights first time, everytime. From blowtorch to baking oven. Whisperlight. Stingy on fuel too.”

“Blowtorch is a understatement!!!

But hey I love a good flamethrower!!!!!!

8)”

“Mine is alive and well!”

“An actual backpacking related thread, how refreshing!”

“The other stove I have is the pocket rocket and I love it.

8)”

“I have to admit, I have upgraded every piece of backpacking gear I own except for my heavy hiking boots, my whisperlite and candle lantern.”

“I have never carried a candle lantern. Bacpac, what do you usually use your for? I ask because I'm thinking of getting one for winter camping--for warming the tent. I'm wondering what other uses there are that I haven't thought of.”

“My whisperlite's been working fine for 17 years. I thought it was dead once but it got better.”

“Hmmmmm...ever heard of Johnni Black's Sensual Hot Wax?...

"it's more than just candles! Be the burning star of your own fetish fantasy!"

Well sweety, ya' did ask! :^)”

“I will get you for this! You just wait until Mother's Day weekend!


Ummm....so where can that particular product be purchase, anyway??? Just curious.”

“my pepsi stove died under my size 13foot once,but it came back as a turbo v8.”

“My Esbit never needs cleaning or a repair kit. Much cheaper than a gas stove too.”

“my whisperlight has survived being blown up lots...i even take it camping without fuel...it likes the scenery. I'm planning on going esbit soon.”

“skully, a candle lantern is great for warming up a tent. I don't use mine much, but when the temps are in the teens it makes all the difference. It not only warms the tent, but reduces the humidity which makes it feel warmer.

Plus it provides a little light and can be tied to a rope and pulled up a tree to signal lost hikers.”

“Yah!Yah!even my big foot wouldn't hurt the Esbit.I broke a hole in my hydrogen peroxide bottle I use for alcohol.dry Ramon--YUK.I can use my wind screen--I'll order some Esbits”

“Esbit tabs lowest price here ”

“again
here ”

“Thank you bacpac. That's exactly the type of info I was looking for.”

“I've found that my candle lantern prevents condensation forming on the inside of my tent fly as well as saving battery power in my headtorch. Just gotta figure out how to stop banging into it.

My Coleman Apex II buggered up again. Bloody nuisance piece of crap. First the control knob stoppped working, Coleman fixed(?) it and the control knob works in reverse!
Now it wont keep pressure, new "O" rings, new leather pump seal everything.

It might be time to go for an MSR aswell or maybe a Primus Himalaya, anybody here got one or used one continuous for at least a week.”

“The best part about using a candle lantern in the winter is that it warms you psychologically as well. Nothing like a warm light when darkness comes at 4:30. I also sometimes crack a lightstick so that when I wake up for that inevitable midnight relief urge, I can see without feeling for a flashlight, plus the tent glows eerie green when I'm outside, like something from outer space.”