Mt. San Jacinto Outdoor Recreation

Stove of the Week: MSR Simmerlite

HJ

I've been using the Simmerlite since 2004. It's the only stove I've ever owned. It works when I need it and I can turn it down pretty low so I guess mine really does simmer. I've used it on Aconcagua, Denali, Orizaba, and throughout the Sierras. I'm not too careful when I light it up so I usually get the typical big fireball. Thus I've never attempted to use it in a tent (vestibule only). A few times the center nut that holds the whole thing together came off. DON'T LOSE IT! It's easy to screw back on but if you lose it the stove is useless. For any serious stuff I strongly recommend you get and bring the MSR maintenance kit in case you need to field service it. It's not a bad stove but it's not perfect either. I give it a "B".

Rick Kent wrote:I've been using the Simmerlite since 2004. It's the only stove I've ever owned. It works when I need it and I can turn it down pretty low so I guess mine really does simmer. I've used it on Aconcagua, Denali, Orizaba, and throughout the Sierras. I'm not too careful when I light it up so I usually get the typical big fireball. Thus I've never attempted to use it in a tent (vestibule only). A few times the center nut that holds the whole thing together came off. DON'T LOSE IT! It's easy to screw back on but if you lose it the stove is useless. For any serious stuff I strongly recommend you get and bring the MSR maintenance kit in case you need to field service it. It's not a bad stove but it's not perfect either. I give it a "B".

Hi, Rick,

Thanks for your input.

Nice that yours can be turned down pretty low. Do you have the newer "seahorse" pump with the big curve at the bottom of the pump or do you have he older style like the one shown in my blog?


Pretty interesting that you've used it in Mexico and S. America. Did you have any trouble finding gasolina blanca? (white gasoline)

HJ