MSR Reactor 2.5L Stove System

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The MSR Reactor 2.5L Stove System is all about putting out the greatest level of heat in the shortest time. It is designed for for use in alpine environments but boils enough for five freeze dried meals at once, or can be an expedition snow-melting powerhouse for 2-3 people.

MSR says

The fastest backcountry water-boiling and snow-melting powerhouses on the planet, Reactor Stove systems delivery in challenging alpine conditions, where wind and cold can wreak havoc on a stove’s reliability.

Not only is the Reactor Stove System the fastest and most fuel efficient stove ever made, it’s the only one that delivers that level of performance in the cold and wind of the real world. Simply put, you’ll burn less fuel, carry less fuel, and move faster than with any other stove available. And with MSR’s proven quality and durability, you can be assured of that performance to pull you through when you need it most.

Our Verdict

MSR’s Reactor 2.5L Stove System is a top of the range gas stove system. The aim of the Reactor series is to produce a set up that is the fastest, most fuel efficient stove for the most challenging conditions. Designed to perform at its peak in alpine environments the Reactor is super lightweight and packable. The design and level of detail in the manufacturing of the Reactor system is unique and arguably, as good as it gets.

The burner head is massive and immediately shows the aim of the stove. Emit loads of heat as quickly as possible. It has a flame adjuster on the side for basic heat control. It is exceptionally powerful and boils water much faster than you’d expect. However, the pot simply balances on the stove and it lacks some stability to make me feel safe when it’s full of boiling water. The two and a half litre pot has a solid, reliable handle that locks into place when in use and for storage. It works really well when the pot is full and when it’s being stored the handleclips across the top keeping the lid on and everything inside safe.

The Reactor is often compared to the Windburner range but they are aimed at different end users where the Reactor is aimed as a tool for alpinists and the Windburner focused on convenience for backpackers. MSR have obviously had to clear this up too so they have a blog article explaining the two stove systems on ‘Windburner v Reactor: What’s the Difference?’

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Integrated System: State-of-the-art stove and high-efficiency cookware are combined into a compact, self-contained and easy-to-use system.
• Unrivaled Boil Time: Outperforms the competition in head-to-head lab tests—boiling .5 liter of water in just 1.5 minutes—with an even greater advantage out in the real world.
• Unmatched Wind Protection: Heat exchanger completely encloses radiant burner head, virtually eliminating the effects of wind to maintain outstanding boil times and save fuel.
• Maximum Efficiency: Patent-pending radiant burner, heat exchanger and internal pressure regulator produce best-in-class, fuel-sipping efficiency in all conditions.
• Compact: All systems are self-contained, fitting the stove and fuel inside the pot.

Specifications

• Complete set weighs: 594g
• Pot + lid weighs: 410g
• Radiant burner weighs: 176g
• Small pack towel weighs: 8g

• Burn time (MSR IsoPro) per 227-g / 8-oz. canister: Appx. 80 minutes
• Water boiled (MSR IsoPro) per 227-g canister: 22 liters
• Water boiled (MSR IsoPro) per 1 oz. of fuel: 2.8 liters
• Boil time (MSR IsoPro), 1 liter: 3 minutes
• Packed Size: 18.54 x 13.97 cm

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to MSR Cookware Materials
• The Ultimate Guide to Ultralight Stoves
• About MSR