MSR Reactor
Average Rating: ![]()
Reviewed by 3 Trailspace users
Description
MSR is claiming the second revolution in stoves with the Reactor, which they’re calling “the fastest-boiling, most fuel-efficient windproof stove system available.”
The Reactor stove system’s burner utilizes both convective and radiant heat, for greater heat output. The integrated heat exchanger is fused right into the 1.7-liter pot and completely encloses and locks in the radiant burner to provide total wind protection.
An internal regulator equalizes fuel pressure for consistent flame output in all temperatures, meaning you’ll be boiling that last liter of water nearly as fast as the first. The Reactor boils its first liter of water off a full canister in less than three minutes and its last liter from the end of a canister at three and a half minutes, a marginal performance difference. And since it burns 22 liters of water per 8-ounce canister, you’ll be carrying less fuel overall.
The whole stove system fits inside the pot with its locking Lexan lid and handle for easy packing and no rattling in your pack.
Minimum weight: 21 ounces/595 grams
Packaged weight: 21.6 ounces/612 grams
Fuel type: MSR IsoPro/MSR Canister Fuel (Europe)
Boil time: 3 minutes per liter
Suggested retail price: $139.95
MSRP: $139.95
Here's what other sites are saying:
From Oregon Mountain Community:
"The revolutionary new Reactor is the fastest-boiling, most fuel-efficient all-condition stove system ever made. It offers unprecedented performance in challenging conditions, including superior wind protection and consistent flame output at all temperatures, elevations, and fuel levels. It's also compact and easy to use, comprising a patent-pending canister stove and a high-efficiency 1.7-liter pot that makes it great for everything from solo trips to cooking for groups of up to three people. Unrivaled Boil Time: Outperforms the competition in lab tests—boiling 1 liter of water in just 3 minutes—with an even greater advantage in challenging conditions. Multi-Fuel: Reliably burns more liquid fuels than any other stove. Maximum Efficiency: Patent-pending radiant burner and heat exchanger make the Reactor the most efficient all-condition stove system, so you carry less fuel. Unmatched Wind Protection: Radiant burner head is enclosed by heat exchanger for total protection in even the windiest conditions. Integrated System: State-of-the-art stove and high-efficiency pot are combined into one compact, easy-to-use system. Consistent Flame Output: Internal regulator equalizes fuel pressure for optimal performance in all conditions and at all fuel levels. Specifications: Minimum Weight: 21 oz. (595 g)Packaged Weight: 21.6 oz. (612 g)"
From CampSaver.com:
"The new MSR Reactor Stove is the fastest boiling, most fuel efficient windproof stove available.1 liter of water takes less 3 minutes to boil! The stove combines a state-of-the-art stove and high efficiency 1.7 liter pot with heat exchanger into one compact, easy-to-use unit.The Reactor is also the canister stove to use an internal pressure regulator that ensures consistent flame output in all conditions.The radiant burner is enclosed by heat the heat exchanger for total wind protection, making the Reactor the perfect stove for windy and cold conditions.The Reactor is also great at high altitudes.Youd expect a stove like this to be pretty heavy and not great for backpacking, but the Reactor"
From Campmor:
"State-of-the-art cookware and revolutionary stove design combine to create the fastest, most fuel efficient system ever. The MSR Reactor's radiant burner is enclosed by a unique heat exchanger for unmatched performance in windy conditions while an advanced pressure regulator provides optimal heat output over the life of each fuel canister. Stove and fuel canister stow inside of the high efficiency 1.7 liter pot that's great for everything from solo trips to cooking for groups of up to three people. A collapsible handle locks the unique see-thru lid in place for safe and easy transport. Unrivaled boil time: Out-performs the competition in lab tests - boiling 1 liter of water in just 3 minutes, with an even greater advantage in challenging conditions. Maximum Efficiency: Patent pending radiant burner and heat exchanger make the Reactor the most efficient all-condition stove system, so you carry less fuel. Unmatched wind protection: Radiant burner head is enclosed by heat exchanger for total protection in even the windiest conditions. Integrated System: State-of-the-art stove and high efficiency pot are combined into one compact, easy to use system. Includes one 1.7 liter pot Fuel: Uses one 8 oz. isobutane canister (sold separately). Size: 7 in. x 5.5 in. Weight: 20.5 oz."
From Backcountry.com:
"MSR combined their fast-boiling stove with a high-efficiency pot to give you a windproof, fuel-efficient stove system. The Reactor Stove boils one liter of water in under three minutes, so you can enjoy a quick, hot cup of tea in the morning before your ascent. MSR's heat exchanger encloses the radiant burner, providing super-efficient fuel burn, and the Reactor Stove's internal regulator puts out a consistent flame throughout the life of the canister and regardless of gusty winds. The 1.7-liter pot's lid and handle lock in place, and the fuel canister (sold separately) and stove fit inside. *Fuel and fuel bottles sold separately."
User Reviews
Reactor
Reviewed by Bart, Mar 12, 2008
Reactor
Reviewed by GearSlave, Feb 15, 2008
Reactor
Reviewed by Cgoheen, Feb 05, 2008
The biggest drawback to the Reactor is that it is a one pot stove and practically a one stove pot. The pot will fit on a Dragonfly, but my pot I use with the Dragonfly won't fit on the Reactor."
Have you owned or used a MSR Reactor? Share your thoughts with other hikers and backpackers.
Where to Buy
Buy Online We found the Reactor at 15 online stores:
| Store | Product Description | Price |
CampSaver.com | MSR Reactor Stove System | $111.96 | Buy Now |
Oregon Mountain Community | Reactor Stove System | $124.95 | Buy Now |
Campmor | Reactor Stove System | $159.95 | Buy Now |
Backcountry.com | Reactor Stove | $127.96 | Buy Now |
Altrec Outdoors | Reactor Stove System Backpacking Stove | $139.95 | Buy Now |
Moosejaw | Reactor Stove System | $159.95 | Buy Now |
REI | Reactor Stove System | $159.95 | Buy Now |
Ramsey Outdoor | Reactor® Stove System | $139.95 | Buy Now |
Mountain Hideaway | Reactor Stove | $139.95 | Buy Now |
Tahoe Mountain Sports | Reactor Stove | $139.95 | Buy Now |
RockCreek | Reactor Stove | $159.95 | Buy Now |
Massey's | MSR Reactor Stove System | $99.95 | Buy Now |
Gear for Adventure | Reactor Stove | $139.00 | Buy Now |
EMS | Reactor Cook System | $159.95 | Buy Now |
US Outdoor Store | Reactor Stove System | $139.95 | Buy Now |
