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My first MSR Whisperlite was purchased around 25 years ago whilst on a bike-packing trip to Austria, where access to fuel canisters proved impossible outside of major towns. This hybrid-fuel stove has many familiar features to my original stove but with the added capability to connect a gas canister as well as burning white gas, Kerosene and unleaded fuel.

On my recent outing the temperature was struggling to get above freezing and the windchill from the fresh north-easterly wind coming in off the North Sea made it feel considerably colder. I had set the stove at home with the correct valve to take unleaded fuel, as I didn’t have any white gas which would normally be my preference as it burns cleaner.

I found a sheltered spot with an appropriately positioned rock as a stable base for the stove and set about making brew. Firstly, I attached the fuel bottle and pressurised the system with about 20 pumps of the plunger. I then set the stove on the ground and opened the fuel line to allow just enough fuel to build up in the lower reservoir. You need sufficient fuel that when you light it, it doesn’t create too much flare or overflow, yet enough to heat the expansion tube and subsequently allow the stove to ignite and burn – (you get a feel for this with a bit of practice, but I always use mine away from the tent if camping as it can have the potential to flare). As the flame starts to die down, open the fuel line again and the fuel will ignite and burn through the stove with a blue gas flame. I needed to give the plunger a few more strokes at this time, as the burn was a little lumpy due to not quite enough fuel getting through. Once ignited, the power is controlled by allowing more or less fuel through to the stove by turning the lever. The triple pan supports are broad and ridged which helps keep the pan in place.

By the time the Whisperlite stove was prepped and ignited, my kettle was filled and after placing the aluminium wind deflector around, the water was boiling in no time. I boiled enough water for a cup-a-soup and a coffee (probably around 750ml) and although I didn’t set a timer, it really was impressively quick.

By the time I’d finished my soup and coffee, the stove had cooled sufficiently to pack it away. I released the pressure in the fuel bottle and removed the plunger, giving it a quick wipe before putting it in the storage bag with the stove, which I also gave a quick clean, as there is quite a bit of soot build-up around the lower reservoir. I replaced the screw cap on the fuel bottle to prevent any fuel leakage in transit.

I love the versatility of the MSR Whiperlite stove, especially as it can now be used with a gas canister too. But for extended travels to remote places, or where the weather will be sub-zero this is a lightweight solution that, with a bit of TLC, will last for many years and many adventures to come.