Why I no longer recommend the basic Whisperlite backpacking stove

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 พ.ย. 2024

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  • @joemama22
    @joemama22 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I use Whisperlite stoves exclusively, and I experience none of the difficulties this gentleman is describing. The International model uses gasoline, which is so much cheaper than white gas or canisters. To eliminate soot, preheat using denatured alcohol. And for high altitudes and cold conditions, nothing beats a Whisperlite. You just have to know what you are doing. My original Whisperlite is over 30 years old, and it works like new.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      So, carry alcohol just to pre heat, carry a parts kit, rebuild it periodically, endure a steep learning curve… why?
      There are modern options that work just as well with none of those drawbacks. In fact, they absolutely beat the old whisperlite.

    • @SAArch82
      @SAArch82 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      One doesn't "need" to carry alcohol, but if desired then a tiny bottle could be easily taken. I just warm up the brass tube with my lighter.
      Parts kit doesn't go with me on a trip. It's really easy to maintain, in fact I just took mine out tonight after not giving it any maintenance for several years. It fired up, without issue. Just to feel a bit better, I pulled the steel cable out of the braided gas line and cleaned off the carbon, replaced the pumps rubber o-ring, and oiled the pumps rubber cup. Probably the first time I touched any of that in 10 years.
      I own a couple jetboils, a MSR pocket rocket 2, an old Optimus 8r. For a multi-day backpacking trip - I am taking the whisperlite everytime. I like filling a gas bottle and knowing it's full at the start of a trip, rather than starting out with a 80 percent full canister.

    • @ashab1
      @ashab1 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I have always used a Coleman 533 or alcohol stove and occasionally gas, I have never had issues with the Coleman it’s been super reliable and convenient. I am now looking at getting one of these as a lighter option, priming with alcohol is not an issue I’m used to it, I got in the habit while using a brass Primus paraffin stove, I see the ability to strip it down and service in the field a bonus. Sometimes these things just need a little know how, for a fair weather weekend hiker who makes a boil in the bag yeah a jetboil will be fine, but if you cook a lot outdoors you need to make real food and gas gets expensive and is unreliable in colder weather.

    • @techguy9023
      @techguy9023 21 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@CampingGearReportbecause it works when it’s below freezing and you can clean it and service it in the field.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  18 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@techguy9023 isobutane is used on Everest expeditions. The myth that iso isn’t good in cold is based on old fuel formulations from decades ago.
      Make up your mind. Are whisperlite bomb proof or you fix them when they break? I’ve used iso stoves for years and never had one fail. I’ve seen liquid fuel stoves fail with significant frequency across a wide range of user experience levels. There is no contest here. The classic whisperlite is past its prime. Use it for nostalgia reasons, but be honest about it. It is no longer the best option for most people, most if the time.

  • @mistermac4118
    @mistermac4118 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Yes a canister stove is simple and convenient but when winter arrives their performance greatly declines. Yes, the WhisperLite requires maintenance and education but if I could have only one stove, this would be it. It burns various types of fuel so if you travel the world, canisters may not be available, diesel or regular car gas is. This stove will run in extreme conditions and at high altitude many other types will not that’s why the WhisperLite is still the expedition stove of choice.

    • @jeffcress4562
      @jeffcress4562 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Altitude issues with iso stoves is a myth. They use iso on Everest expeditions. :)
      And the model shown is the old version that only uses white gas.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Well said

  • @kennethcarter5720
    @kennethcarter5720 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Did I miss something. Why are you not recommending it. What are you recommending?

    • @jeffcress4562
      @jeffcress4562 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Yes you did.
      Did you watch the video?
      - Learning curve
      - pumps that are not repairable in the field
      - maintenance requirements
      - burn danger due to pre-heat process
      - soot from pre- heat process
      - fuel spills
      And not listed but - fuel contamination

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Well said.

  • @aidanvasquez995
    @aidanvasquez995 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    These liquid fuel stoves, in any brand, are basically designed to melt snow at elevations above treeline. They're mountaineering stoves, not thru-hike systems. Need reliablility, powerful burners. I live in Alaska and use both liquid and butane systems in the same season. There is a place for all things and reasons for each. Before you misinform people, take one of your butane stoves, hike to 6000m and try and melt a pot full of snow for water. Pro tip: liquid fuel works both below and above 6000m.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You care to explain why Everest expeditions use iso-butane stoves, if they don’t work at altitude or low temps?
      Sometimes the reason things exist is that people are too stubborn to switch to better options.

    • @martinerhard8447
      @martinerhard8447 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Gas also works at high elevation especially if you use a inverted canister stove

  • @osu895
    @osu895 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    This stove is routinely tested on Everest. It just works. If you can't stand the soot, prime it with alcohol.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Are you sure. I’d be shocked to see proof that any Everest expedition is using liquid fuel stoves, let alone any this old. How do you think they would manage filling the fuel and installing the pump if sub-freezing temps with thick gloves on. Hint: they aren’t.
      They use canister stoves in extreme low temps and have done so for a LONG time.

  • @martin1940m
    @martin1940m 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    This is not a fair review of this stove. You forgot to evaluate one important thing: this is a multifuel stove, no only gas and white gasoline. Stoves without preheating are dependent on white gasoline. This Whisperlight is able to burn everything except alkohol (can be fixed to burn alcohol, but alcohol damadges the pump)The construction is easy, and there are not too many things that could be broken.The truth is that - the weakness point is the pump i have third in 14 years. I purchased this stove in 2009 because I had been working in 2009,2010, and 2012 in a very hard environment - 2200 - 3300m altitude. Far from civilization and low logistic support. This stove was a perfect solution that fulfiled all my needs. I used white gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and a car gasoline, just changing the nozzles. I broke one pump during the maintenance, and second was damaged by alcohol when I used it as fuel. It is always good to know what you need and where it will be used. When I'm camping with family, we use Trangia with a gas burner or an alcohol burner. But I still use this old, durable MSR.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Only the newer multi fuel whisperlite stoves can use a variety of fuels. The original model, as shown in the video, only is rated for white gas. I understand that you have had good luck with yours and I’m happy for you. But that doesn’t make this an unfair review. I was happy with mine for years too. But now there are lighter, easier, safer, cheaper, lower maintenance options that have fewer failure points. If the ability to used a range of fuels is important to you, then use a multi- fuel stove. It is not that important for a philmont trek, which is the main topic of this video. And philmont has white gas supply issues that make clogs a big issue with wg stoves.

    • @martinerhard8447
      @martinerhard8447 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Second weak point is the fuel line which is a spill mess which is very bad in very cold temps and the third weak point is the valve seal

  • @bruiser6479
    @bruiser6479 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I own a few hiking stoves, including the MSR Whisperlite. The first hiking stove I bought was a Trangia. I also have a small butane stove. I think the MSR is ok. To be honest the Trangia is my preferred stove. It is a complete system and incredibly reliable. If I am using a hiking stove I am on holidays and don’t care that my Trangia is slow to boil water. My ranking is Trangia, the Whisperlite and finally my butane stove. I prefer not using the disposable canisters of the butane stoves.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@bruiser6479 can’t argue with the trangia.

  • @Saltfly
    @Saltfly 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I’ve been through many stoves. The whisperlite universal is still my favorite.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The Universal is a better stove than the Classic that this video is about.

    • @GospodinJean
      @GospodinJean 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Whats the diffebetween the classic, universal and international?

    • @tysonjez
      @tysonjez 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@GospodinJean classic is white gas only. International is white gas, kerosene or gasoline. Universal is same as international but can also run on isobutane canisters

  • @JarrettDorough
    @JarrettDorough 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Lost me at "worship at the alter". Dude, my Wisperlite has earned my trust over a solid 30 years of use. No need to worship it or troll people just because they may enjoy using a different stove than you.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Sounds like you were looking for a reason to complain that I don't love your choice of stove.

  • @scottmcmullen6782
    @scottmcmullen6782 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Different tools for different situations. For a long thru hike or international trip, I'm using an isobutane canister stove. In deeply cold weather, the Whisperlite is a much better tool for the job. The white gas stoves have a "cost per use" benefit over canister stoves, also, for people that camp and backpack frequently, or when cooking for a meal for a large group of campers. A gallon of white gas will cook a lot of meals.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I hear ya on cooking on big camp stoves when feeding lots of people. I still prefer bulk propane tanks over wg for that used. No fuel spills, spilled pots while pumping, or fuel contamination. They are safer and easier. WG served us well, but is getting a bit long in the tooth. :)

  • @knuckle_dragger
    @knuckle_dragger ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That model doesnt come with a wick for pre-heating idk why MSR wouldnt put it on there like they did the other whisperlite model

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  ปีที่แล้ว

      Even if it did, preheating is an obsolete process given some of the other modern options that don't require pre-heating at all. :)

    • @knuckle_dragger
      @knuckle_dragger ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @CampingGearReport that is true, but I still like my MSR stoves, don't use them much but they're darn handy when I need them

  • @dave8456
    @dave8456 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Propane/ Butane stoves work at low altitudes, and warm weather all fine. Just don't expect great results up in the mountains. Also, it's not as easy knowing how much fuel is left in the supply. Also, pressure supply bottles can leak off its pressure. Show up at camp spots with no fuel supply. White gas stoves, one can top off a bottle before leaving each time. Nothing is under pressure until using the stove. You always know how much fuel is on hand at all times.
    I have a Coleman Peak Apex 2 stove. It is very much the same operating design. The Apex is not a heavy stove at all. But it is a little heavier than this MSR stove.
    Although, the Apex has a much better quality in the pump and valve system. (It's not plastic) It also doesn't have the fuel cup below to make everything black and sooted up. Apex is a very clean stove to handle and store. Sometimes wish the tank was mounted all in one unit. Might have to invest into a Coleman peak 550 or a 533. But probably not a backpacking stove. Would be good for a couple night hike, if your pack weight is low.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      The myth that iso-butane stoves don't work at the altitudes people hike at or in the colder temps people hike at needs to die. They use iso-butane stoves on Everest expeditions. I've never experienced an iso can leaking down. But I've seen many liquid fuel stoves lead in people's backpacks.
      By today's standards, those Peak 1 stoves are quite heavy.
      I used a variety of Peak 1 stoves in the 90s. They were clog-o-matics. And the ones with the built in fuel vessel under the burner were a pain to pump with a pot on top without spilling the pot.
      If you really want one, LMK. I"m pretty sure I still have a 550, or something similar hiding around here somewhere. I'm certainly never using it again.
      You only need to know that you have fuel available. How much is in a specific can isn't that relevant on the trail. Use it until empty, then swap in a new can in a matter of seconds.
      I use a connector valve to combine partial cans.
      WG stoves are past their prime. More hassle than they are worth.
      :)
      I have nostalgia from using them back in the day when they were the new cool thing. But beyond that, there are so many lighter, cheaper, easier, safer options today.

    • @dave8456
      @dave8456 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@CampingGearReport Well I don't know about the myths of other claims. But I personally know. With my little Butane stove. I couldn't get much of a flame out of it. Up high and cool temps. Down low it did fine. Also, in warmer weather different altitudes it did ok. I also had butane bottles leak off. Maybe they are better now. But in the past it happened, and I protect my equipment the best I can.
      I have never ever had a liquid fuel bottle leak yet. I have used my bottles for lots of different thing. Along with the Apex stove a bunch. My Apex has been completely trouble free for years and years. Never replaced parts or had anything clogging. I use Coleman fuel exclusively. Also, I take great care in making sure fuel supply is clean. Trouble Free!

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Modern iso-butate mixtures do great at altitude and low temps. They literally use iso on Everest expeditions.

    • @dave8456
      @dave8456 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@CampingGearReport I don't know! Maybe the problem is in certain stoves. I hear others with same problem. I know I cannot get heat out of mine in the high/cold. They are much quicker lighting. Which has never been a factor in my camping. Not like it takes that long with liquid fuel ones anyway. Not like I ever have an on-the-spot appointment to be too. After all, I do have time to kill out camping. But it only kills a minute or less. All depending on wind and temp. I guess if you find the right stove. It then comes down to preference. I will take either one maybe. Although! I believe I prefer liquid fuel ones. I can top them off before each trip. Then don't have to carry 1/2 empty canisters to finish out. Or go buy extra canisters at higher price. Coleman fuel is usually at any modern gas station.

  • @mverschoor1320
    @mverschoor1320 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Disposable fuel canisters used by other camp stoves end up all over the wilderness, left at campsites, tossed in the garbage or in the ditch. The Whisperlite is by far the best product. Been using mine for 25 yrs with zero problems or maintenance. Products should be designed with zero waste - using a liquid fuel bottle accomplishes this.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      We refill/recycle iso cans. Old school whisperlite stoves were amazing innovations many decades ago. There are better options today.

  • @jarodutka2133
    @jarodutka2133 26 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Hi,,, 35 years experience with MSR stoves,,, never problems,,,read manual before using,,,😊😊😊

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  21 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I used them for decades too. They were great when they came out. Some of the best options available. However, today, there are plenty of stoves that you don't have to read the manual at all, or do maintenance, or carry a spare parts kit, or know how to field strip and rebuild them on the trail. I don't contest that they used to be a great option. Rather, they are no longer the best option. :)

  • @osu895
    @osu895 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Never had a problem. Use alcohol to prime. You mentioned getting burned, broken pump handle, I suspect the scouts were a little careless.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Why take a stove that requires an additional fuel type for priming when there are other stove options that require no priming at all?
      The pump handle broke because it was being pumped. There is no such risk of pump handle failure in stoves that do not need to be pumped. But we need to remember that many pumped stoves have metal pumps. This one is plastic. That is a failure point.

    • @martinerhard8447
      @martinerhard8447 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@CampingGearReport true…msr has the worst pump of the major brands. Soto, Primus, Optimus…all got better pumps

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@martinerhard8447 yep

  • @martinerhard8447
    @martinerhard8447 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Had so many issues with the whisperlite after a while.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@martinerhard8447 yep. Everyone does. That is why they sell maintenance kits. It’s rather use something that doesn’t require surgery on the trail.

  • @josh-bb9ht
    @josh-bb9ht 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    These stoves are great. Pay no attention to this fellow.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Feel free to point out anything said in the video that is factually false. :)

    • @josh-bb9ht
      @josh-bb9ht 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@@CampingGearReport It simply makes no sense. Why would you badmouth one of the most successful stove designs that thousands choose to use worldwide? Mine is over 30 years old and still working perfectly. You may not understand how to operate it properly.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@josh-bb9ht 30+ year old design. I said there are newer options that are easier to use and maintain. How does that imply that I don't know how to use one of these old stoves?

  • @MrCmyers1
    @MrCmyers1 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I didn't notice a true basis for your arguments against the stove and why you couldn't recommend it. More rudimentary complaints than anything. Soot should be the least of your concern while camping. Moreover, the stove isn't that complex to operate. Yes, butane style stoves are "quicker," but not as reliable in certain conditions compared to a whisperlite or equivalent stove. So it seems your analysis is based more on convenience than anything else. Which is fine, but I would state that.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      The opinions I expressed are based on real world use of a wide variety of stoves in a range of conditions and scenarios. However, this focused on use on a philmont trek or similar backpacking trip. If you have done similar, objective testing and come to different conclusions, then I look forward to your video so that I may learn from it.

    • @quietprofit5817
      @quietprofit5817 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      @@CampingGearReport I believe his question was why did you not give reasons for why you dont recommend this stove, it seems you just did a review/tutorial on it. i believe your title was misleading or clickbait is the point he was making and which im observing.

    • @CampingGearReport
      @CampingGearReport  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@quietprofit5817 Maybe you didn't really listen to the whole video. How about the recounting of the broken pump on the trail? You can't have a pump failure on an iso stove that has no pump. Or the accounting of various potential setup failure or part breakage failure points? Or the description of the pre-heat process that makes a mess and has to be taught....
      At 2:20 I literally say why I don't recommend this type vs some of the easier to operate iso stoves.
      I agree that I didn't dumb down the cons in a consise list to spoon feed everyone watching. I assumed that the viewers would evaluate each pro and con and weigh them against their needs to determine if what I called cons feel like cons to them, and are sufficient to warrant choosing a different type of stove.
      Is that confusing enough that I need to change the title? Maybe remove the "Why" at the beginning?