MSR Whisperlite Universal -- Completed Review

[Hikin_Jim]

I've been working on a review of the new MSR Whisperlite Universal.

The big news is that the new Whisperlite Universal will run on gas as well as liquid fuel.

Running on canister gas. NICE big flames.

My review of the new MSR Whisperlite Universal is complete and now available: MSR Whisperlite Universal Review.

By the way, Seattle Backpackers Magazine is a worthwhile read even if you're not interested in my particular article.

Configuring the stove for different fuels (You tube video):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD9yoYazJ2o

More photos:

Running on white gasoline (Coleman fuel).


Putting out some heat!


The new Whisperlite (left) and the old Whisperlite (right).


Running on kerosene.


Stove testing at First Water on the Mt. Wilson Trail.

It's a really nice stove and a really nice job by MSR.

HJ

[Dave G]

Does Santa Claus read your blog? I've been real good this year...seriously

[Hikin_Jim]

Does Santa Claus read your blog? I've been real good this year...seriously

Dude,

You ain't been that good.

Seriously though, it's a pretty nice stove, particularly for someone who does winter mountaineering or early spring stuff. It'll run on canister gas at much lower temperatures than a standard upright gas stove (like a Pocket Rocket). You can take the Whisperlite Universal on gas down to about 0F/-18C without too much trouble -- even lower if you keep the canister warm.

And if you occasionally go even lower then that, then put up with priming and all that and bring white gasoline or kerosene.

HJ

[Hikin_Jim]

I just saw the Whisperlite Universal for sale (but not in stock) on MEC's site for $131.00 CAD (about $128.00 USD). Assuming the price doesn't change when the stoves actually hit the shelves in January, I think it's a smart move by MSR. I think MSR was reaching a bit with their original MSRP of $140.

For those who don't know, MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) is a large, outdoors-oriented Canadian retailer. They're vaguely similar to REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated), the US retailer.

HJ

Review of the MSR Whisperlite Universal

[bluerail]

Jeeeezus Jim, I am sooo stove-confused at this point....is this the one ?..just tell me what stove to get. pleaseeee.

[Hikin_Jim]

Jeeeezus Jim, I am sooo stove-confused at this point....is this the one ?..just tell me what stove to get. pleaseeee.

Wow, it took stoves to help you find religion?

What do you want? A little ultralight stove to boil water? A winter stove for snow melting? If you give me an idea of what you want, I can probably make a couple of suggestions.

HJ

[neverwashasbeen]

HJ, it's really simple. Blue wants a stove that is ultra lightweight, extremely durable, highly reliable in sub zero temperatures and hurricane winds, super efficient and very economically priced.

[Hikin_Jim]

Oh, is that all? Why didn't you just say so?

And would you like the version that runs on perpetual motion and never needs fuel?

HJ

[bluerail]

No Jim, the perpetual motion thing is not important, but pretty much all the other stuff that Cameron mentioned would be nice...ultralight and good in winter.

[Hikin_Jim]

No Jim, the perpetual motion thing is not important, but pretty much all the other stuff that Cameron mentioned would be nice...ultralight and good in winter.

Gas or liquid fuel?

If gas, I have an immediate recommendation: [url=adventuresinstoving.blogspot.com/2011/02/stove-of-week-msr-windpro.html]The MSR Windpro[/url]. It's good down to about 0F/-18C. Stable, reasonably windproof as the name might imply. It's a stove that can go into cold, windy conditions and still perform well.

If liquid fuel, which will go as low in terms of temperature as you can stand it, I've got a couple of other recommendations.

HJ