Backpacking

MSR PocketRocket Stove – Test

/ Backpacking, Camping, Outdoor Gear, Photography, Walking / , , ,

Today’s “photo of the day” is testing the MSR stove.

When Jeremy and I got in we decided to test the MSR Pocket Rocket stove in the backgarden.

The assembly of the stove was very easy, the large knurled bottom of the stove helped with this and assisted with keeping the stove straight on the canister as it was screwed in. Then we tried out the stability of our MSR titanium mug and Titan kettle which we found very good, due to the angled pot stand arms.

20120423-175319.jpg

As per the instructions we did not use a windshield and depended on the “Wind Clip™ wind shield”, these are the three small metal fins on the burner.

20120423-175438.jpg

The stove was set up in an exposed position and there was a strong breeze. The burner lit easily even in the breeze – and we put 300ml of water on to boil, in the MSR titanium mug with lid. The Wind Clip worked as from time to time as the breeze picked up we could hear the flame stutter but it did not go out.

In this exposed position it took 2mins 30secs to bring the water to a rolling boil. When camping it would be possible to give the stove some shelter behind the tent so decreasing this boil time.

Following this test it only took a couple of minutes for the stove to cool sufficiently for it to be handled and packed away.

This was a garden test, which showed this is a good stove – we’ll test it some more when we go backpacking next.

20120423-175614.jpg

MSR PocketRocket Stove – Test Read More »

MSR Pocket Rocket Stove

/ Backpacking, Camping, Outdoor Gear, Walking / , ,

20120423-131741.jpg

20120423-131800.jpg

Diana has bought me an MSR Pocket Rocket stove to supplement my Ti meths stove when backpacking in bad weather.

I could not buy a 100g gas bottle, in Lincoln this morning, so I got a 220g one so I can use/test the stove today. For my lightweight trips I’d prefer the smaller/lighter gas canister – but as the canisters are removable, I can have both styles on the go at the same time.

My MSR Titanium mug sits securely on the pot stand as does my MSR Titan kettle.

The red plastic carry box is useful to protect the stove and to protect my other kit from it’s sharp points when the stove is packed in my rucksack.

Jeremy and I are planing an overnight trip in two weeks time and we will try this stove out then – he is going to carry it!

MSR Pocket Rocket Stove Read More »

Trying new backpacking food

/ Backpacking, Camping, Outdoor Gear, Walking / , ,

Richard bought some different backpacking food to try out – we did not take it with us this weekend, just in case we didn’t like it. So I tried it for tea this evening.

20120415-182825.jpg

The food comes in a sturdy pouch, that will stand up and has notches for easy opening. You can cook it in a pot or in the bag and, if you pack a microwave you could use that.

I cooked mine in the microwave. Both Jeremy and I liked it. It was a good taste without being spicy.

20120415-200347.jpg

There was a good balance of lentils and beans to sauce. The 300g portion is a good size serving after a day’s walking, some crackers would soak up the sauce, or depending on your appetite noodles or rice.

Following this test we are planing to use these in future.

20120415-201402.jpg

20120415-202428.jpg

Trying new backpacking food Read More »

Walking to Woodhall Spa from Coningsby pt1

/ Backpacking, Camping, Lincolnshire, Outdoor Gear, Photography, Technology, Walking / , , , , , , , , ,

This weekend I have a short walk planned with a couple of friends – it is a gear try out before we go wild camping next month.

Following the trip a couple of week ago, I spent last night making a better job of packing my rucksack and I have got my sleeping mat packed inside the Golite Jam, rather than hanging on the outside. The new compression sack and making a better job of fold/rolling my tent made this possible.

I have a new bit of gear for this weekend. Diana bought me a case to protect my iPhone from the elements as the Watatait Case failed on me whilst away in Scotland in January. I contacted Haglofs, who took the faulty case back and then quickly replaced it – however they did not have my model in stock and so supplied me with a larger pouch which does not have the transparent back panel so I cannot use the camera whilst in the case. However it is a good waterproof case and I will find a use for it in the future.

20120414-103235.jpg

The new case is less “hi-tech” than the previous cases I have used, but it is lighter and smaller. It has a velcro roll top and a padded interior to give a little more protection to the iPhone and has that vital transparent back so I can use the camera in the rain. However, contrary to the instructions I do not think it is 100% waterproof – but 100% weather proof – I would not submerse this case but I would carry it in my pocket and use it in the rain.

20120414-103254.jpg

I added the paracord and cord grip for security.

Walking to Woodhall Spa from Coningsby pt1 Read More »