Back in 2020 I rekindled my love of the backcountry after a 10 year hiatus. That Christmas my wife bought me a Jetboil Flash which took me by surprise because until that point I'd been perfectly happy with my existing stove, an MSR Pocket Rocket. But I cheerfully accepted the Flash and haven't looked back since. I've been super happy with it. It's since accompanied me on multiple backcountry trips, including three hikes on the West Coast Trail, once on the North Coast Trail, plus too-numerous-to-count shorter trips as well.For backcountry enthusiasts, like me, who only need to boil water for freeze dried meals the Flash will fill your needs perfectly. It boils two cups of water so fast that, in many cases, by the time I've started the boil, pulled out my cutlery, ... MoreBack in 2020 I rekindled my love of the backcountry after a 10 year hiatus. That Christmas my wife bought me a Jetboil Flash which took me by surprise because until that point I'd been perfectly happy with my existing stove, an MSR Pocket Rocket. But I cheerfully accepted the Flash and haven't looked back since. I've been super happy with it. It's since accompanied me on multiple backcountry trips, including three hikes on the West Coast Trail, once on the North Coast Trail, plus too-numerous-to-count shorter trips as well.For backcountry enthusiasts, like me, who only need to boil water for freeze dried meals the Flash will fill your needs perfectly. It boils two cups of water so fast that, in many cases, by the time I've started the boil, pulled out my cutlery, torn off the top of the pouch and looked back at the pot the water is pretty much already boiling.For more conventional cooking I'd suggest looking elsewhere. The Flash has two settings: off and full blast. There's little to no simmer control. It's really good for boiling water only, which suits my needs perfectly. Highly recommend!

I love my jetboil and how versatile and compatible it is. I've had it for over 5 years now and it still functions as intended. I've only had to replace my jetboil due to the reasons listed in the next paragraph (because I abused it). I bought it for backpacking but I also use it for day hikes in snow or high elevation because I like to have a cup of noodles or coffee when it's cold and this jetboil is so quick with boiling water.Warning: #1 - I do not recommend cooking anything in the jetboil canister as it can stick or ruin the canister. I tried making chili in my first jetboil and it stuck and I couldn't wash it off. (I DO recommend, buying the pot holder - it's a small metal piece that you attach onto the igniter unit and I bought sea-to-summit pot set to use ... MoreI love my jetboil and how versatile and compatible it is. I've had it for over 5 years now and it still functions as intended. I've only had to replace my jetboil due to the reasons listed in the next paragraph (because I abused it). I bought it for backpacking but I also use it for day hikes in snow or high elevation because I like to have a cup of noodles or coffee when it's cold and this jetboil is so quick with boiling water.Warning: #1 - I do not recommend cooking anything in the jetboil canister as it can stick or ruin the canister. I tried making chili in my first jetboil and it stuck and I couldn't wash it off. (I DO recommend, buying the pot holder - it's a small metal piece that you attach onto the igniter unit and I bought sea-to-summit pot set to use to cook with) #2 - make sure to dry the inside of the jetboil canister completely as it can easily rust. Also, make sure all items you store into your jetboil canister is also dry. When at home, I recommend to take all components out of the canister)Reasons to get the jetboil:1. lightweight (though not the MOST lightweight; when I got into backpacking, I didn't have tons of money to spend, so this was great for the price)2. reasonable price3. compact (I like that you can pack everything inside the canister)4. versatile (boil water with canister, originally when I started camping, I used freeze dried meals like mountain house; but now I do more tent/car camping, so I can easily place the pot holder on top and use it like a stove-top)5. The gas canisters are affordable

This is a great beginner stove for folks who don't want to mess with slightly more complicated options or don't want to wait a trivial extra amount of time for their water to boil. It's very heavy and expensive though, so much so that I don't think it's worth it. REI sells MUCH better stove options from MSR, Snow Peak, etc. and there are a lot of titanium pot options from any number of companies. If you want to switch from a taller water/drink system (like this) to a wider pot that is easier for trail meals like ye olde ramen bomb then you're not stuck with one pot and can more easily do that. Same with thinner/lighter titanium pot options. If you really are into efficiency then either stack rocks around your stove/pot to block the wind, buy an ultralight wind ... MoreThis is a great beginner stove for folks who don't want to mess with slightly more complicated options or don't want to wait a trivial extra amount of time for their water to boil. It's very heavy and expensive though, so much so that I don't think it's worth it. REI sells MUCH better stove options from MSR, Snow Peak, etc. and there are a lot of titanium pot options from any number of companies. If you want to switch from a taller water/drink system (like this) to a wider pot that is easier for trail meals like ye olde ramen bomb then you're not stuck with one pot and can more easily do that. Same with thinner/lighter titanium pot options. If you really are into efficiency then either stack rocks around your stove/pot to block the wind, buy an ultralight wind guard, or build one out of foil. I'm not going to say it's a one star dud because this is good for some people: I'd recommend this for are those who don't backpack much, don't cook more than water/drinks, and/or just want a small option for car camping. But for most people, I'd say move along.