User Review: MSR SimmerLite

MSR SimmerLite
Above: The current SimmerLite, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed August 2, 2005 by Luke

Rating:
Price Paid: $90

I'm a long-term two-stove backpacker. I like having a second stove to run my backpack oven (though I usually get a buddy to carry the second stove). I purchased this stove to replace my Coleman Apex I stove which had finally died. It is a second stove to my main stove, a MSR Dragonfly.

In comparison to the Dragonfly, the SimmerLite has been a disappointment. Priming usually comes with a fireball and scorched earth underneath. Although much quieter than the Dragonfly, it doesn't simmer nearly as well. In fact, I haven't dared to try baking with the SimmerLite--I still only trust the Dragonfly for that perfect simmer required to bake. When you include the fuel and bottle, the weight savings of the SimmerLite over the Dragonfly is marginal. If you're choosing between the two, pick the Dragonfly.