Backpacking Stove Battle: MSR PocketRocket Deluxe vs. Soto WindMaster vs. FireMaple GreenPeak II
When you’re deciding on gear for backpacking, choosing a stove can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of lightweight backpacking stoves on the market. Two of the most popular options are the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe and the Soto WindMaster, both of which are pressure-regulating canister stoves. However, these stoves can be pricey, so how does a budget option like the FireMaple GreenPeak II compare?
We tested all three side by side at 8,500 ft in Colorado to see how they perform in real-world conditions. Our focus was on the factors that matter most to backpackers: weight, price, boil time, fuel efficiency, stability, and packability.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. This supports the site and helps us keep creating honest gear reviews.
The Backpacking Stoves We Tested:
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe
Weight: 2.9 oz
MSRP: $84.95
Highlights: Lightest stove of the three, consistently fast boil times, great for ultralight setups.
Soto WindMaster
Weight: 3.1 oz
MSRP: $69.95
Highlights: Excellent pot stability with 4-arm support, very fuel-efficient, slightly bulkier design.
FireMaple GreenPeak II
Weight: 3.3 oz
MSRP: $32.95
Highlights: Most affordable option, compact, impressive performance when paired with its matching pot.
For 10% off sitewide use code: Justin&Anna10
All three stoves are pressure-regulated canister stoves, which means they deliver steady output regardless of how full your fuel canister is or how cold the temperature gets. That’s a huge advantage over cheaper, non-regulated stoves like the BRS-3000T, which can struggle in cold weather or when fuel is running low. On top of that, all three of these stoves feature a piezo igniter and a raised lip for wind protection.
Boil Time and Fuel Efficiency
We boiled 2 cups of water in the same 750 ml pot (no lid) with brand new fuel canisters. The most efficient way to boil water is to open the regulator to about 30%, but our objective was to get to a boil as fast as possible. For this test, the regulator was all the way open. We did this at around 8,500 feet of elevation during a mildly breezy day. Are these ideal conditions for boiling water? No. But they are real world conditions. Here are the results:
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe – 4:33 min | 21 g fuel
Soto WindMaster – 5:42 min | 17 g fuel
FireMaple GreenPeak II – 6:09 min | 21 g fuel
At first glance, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe was the fastest, while the Soto WindMaster used the least fuel. The FireMaple came in slower, using the same amount of fuel as the PocketRocket.
But then we tested the FireMaple GreenPeak II with its matching FireMaple 750 ml pot (with a heat-exchanger base). The difference was dramatic:
FireMaple Stove + Pot Combo – 2:39 min | 10 g fuel
This setup cut the boil time in half and used less than half the fuel, outperforming even the PocketRocket Deluxe.
Pot Stability & Packability
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe – 3-prong support, stable enough for most pots, fits neatly inside compact cook kits.
Soto WindMaster – 4-prong design offers the best tilt stability, but it’s bulkier with a detachable pot support. This does not nest into a 750 mL titanium pot with a fuel canister.
FireMaple GreenPeak II – More slippery with generic pots, but rock-solid when paired with the FireMaple pot thanks to its locking grooves. Packs down small and easily fits inside the pot with a canister.
Price Breakdown
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe – $84.95 (premium option)
Soto WindMaster – $69.95 (premium option)
FireMaple GreenPeak II – $32.95 (budget option)
FireMaple Pot – ~$22-28 (recommended add-on for max efficiency)
If you’re new to backpacking, spending nearly $100 on a stove may not be realistic. That’s where the FireMaple shines—its stove plus pot combo delivers high performance for about half the price of just the MSR stove alone.
Final Recommendation
So, which stove is best?
If you want the fastest boil time and lightest weight with a traditional pot, go with the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe. It’s pricey, but reliable and ultralight.
If fuel efficiency and pot stability matter most, the Soto WindMaster is a solid choice—just know it’s bulkier to pack.
If you’re a beginner or budget-conscious backpacker, the FireMaple GreenPeak II + FireMaple pot is hands-down the best value. It’s affordable, compact, efficient, and beginner friendly.
For 10% off use code: Justin&Anna10
No matter which stove you choose, all three will get the job done. But for those just starting out, the FireMaple combo is tough to beat—it saves money up front and fuel on the trail.
👉 You can find the FireMaple GreenPeak II and pot at firemaplegear.com, and if you use code JustinAndAnna10, you’ll get 10% off sitewide.
Check out the full video review below:
