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Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#10 on this list
Base Camp Kettle
Kelly Kettle
Chimney-effect volcano kettle — boils water on twigs in minutes. Bulky, unmatched for group tea.
- Price
- $230 MSRP
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#1 on this list
PocketRocket 2
MSR
Cheap, tiny, reliable canister burner. The default 'first stove' for backpackers.
- Price
- $230 MSRP
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Base Camp Kettle | PocketRocket 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 54 fl. oz (1.6 liters) | — |
| Boil Time | 3-5 mins (with dry fuel) | — |
| Fuel Type | Twigs, pinecones, biomass | Isobutane-propane canister |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless steel, brass, aluminum |
| Packed Size | Approx. 10.5 in tall, 6 in diameter | 4.6 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches |
| Weight | — | 2.6 oz (73 g) |
| Boil Time (1L) | — | Approx. 3.5 minutes |
| Ignition | — | Manual (lighter/match) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Base Camp Kettle
- Boils water incredibly fast with found fuel
- Completely fuel-independent and self-sufficient
- Highly durable stainless steel construction
- Excellent for group boiling capacity
- Connects to traditional fire-making
- Heavy and bulky for backpacking
- Limited to boiling water; not for precision cooking
- Produces smoke, especially when starting
- Requires foraging for dry fuel
PocketRocket 2
- Extremely lightweight and compact
- Bombproof reliability, simple design
- Fast boil times for water
- Excellent value for performance
- Durable all-metal construction
- Lacks integrated igniter
- Simmering requires practice and patience
- Not ideal for larger pots or group cooking
- Performance in high winds benefits from a windscreen
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.