To solve the fuel leakage issue when disconnecting, simply flip the fuel bottle when you are ready to finish cooking. The suction tube will now be up in the pressurized air. This will stop pumping fuel to the stove and the fuel left in the tube will be pushed out and burned. This will also depressurize the fuel bottle too. Give it a try.
I also tried grabbing the bottle, hang the hot stove off the ground and unplug it. This way white gas will go into already hot stove and will evaporate without spilling.
Rarely works with the MSR stoves. The fittings are too tight and not designed for flipping the bottle. I collect MSR stoves and have most every older version made. Many Whisperlites in and out of the bunch. Currently have the original golf tee jet, rubber fuel line, a 600 International, a canister Rapidfire, and a 600 modified with an extra waffle plate in the burner head. These along with about 20 other MSR stoves. An accurate and well done review!
I have an original Whisperlite, A shaker jet Whisperlite, and the Whisperlite Universal. Flipping the bottle works great with all 3. Several UA-cam videos demonstrate it and it works well for every single one of them as well. Sorry to hear you aren’t getting the same results. Just in these comments, there are several people with the same recommendation. I guess everyone is automatically wrong no matter what their results are because you own 20 stoves though.🤷♂️
Couple tips from a former REI Repair Counter guy who has rebuilt hundreds of these. SAFETY TIP: If you have or see a Whisperlite with a fabric covering on the fuel line - DO NOT USE IT!!. The line is a rubber hose that cracks and if it does, its going to crack under use creating an uncontrollable inferno. That fuel line was recalled and for decades they were giving away free replacements. Not sure what the are doing now. You can see one of these lines in the advertising pix at the beginning of the video. USAGE TIP: Carry a small bottle of denatured alcohol to prime the stove with. Using the white gas per the instructions and seen in the video covers your stove with soot. Using DA keeps your stove clean.
Hi! Sounds like you have a lot of experience with these stoves. I have one question, have a MSR whisperlite universal and it burns with yellow flames on both kerosene and white gas. The flames are clear blue out of the small holes in the burner head but then yellow above that level. Is that normal? I have tried all cleaning and maintenance advised by MSR but still flames are yellow. I've heard that is not good and an indication that it produces a lot of carbon monoxide. I see in some videos on youtube on this burner that flames are yellow but mostly blue.
My dad selected the original Whisperlite for his bicycle touring and after they stopped, he passed it to me. It had always served my mom and him well while out for long tours. It now needs a rebuild on the pump (possibly a new pump, which one?), but the stove works well enough before the pressure is lost. Only complaint, it is heavy compared to my Pocket Rocket and AOTU backup...weighing in at more than both the smaller stoves combined, then you add in the 22 or 33 ounce fuel bottles and whoa! For that, it is the most stable stove I have, able to balance a 10" skillet! We use it still for our car camping and all day outings. It is neat to think of all the meals that have been cooked on it over its near 30 year career and it still has another 30 left in it! Thank you for making the video. The older stoves just hold a place in so many our hearts.
Hi guys from the uk. 25 years ago I bought the this stove, yep I'm still using it today. It's definitely built to last, worth every penny. A quality bit of kit
I have one I bought off eBay a few years ago. Don't use it a whole lot but is great for melting snow in the winter. I use the Trillium stove base so it doesn't melt down into the snow and spill the water. I also use alcohol (heat) to prime it so it doesn't get so much soot on it. Keeps it cleaner. Great video. Thanks!
Thanks for the review. I bought a version of it that comes with nozzles for white gas and kerosene for motorcycle tours. In a pinch the fuel for the vehicle can be used for the stove. The trick for emptying the fuel line is to turn the fuel bottle into the right position. That turns the fuel intake above the fuel level and allows the pressurized air to clear the line. I usually manage to disconnect without a spill. After more than 20 years I still like that stove. For me the weight is not a real issue.
I always love getting out my first backpacking stove (Coleman Feather 400) once in a while to make sure it is still operating "just in case". Always fun to crank it up and hear the roar!
Nostalgic for me. Four of us rode bicycles cross country back in the eighties. One fuel bottle for our MSR stove lasted about 3 days. Gas station fill up with premium gas 12 cents! Cheap cooking!
@@cinichol Probably the 20 ounce one. It was the original multi fuel stove that sounds like a jet taking off! Still have that stove. Still works fine. The Whisperlite was definitely an upgrade based on sound alone. Use to carry it in a butt pack with the Marines with cold weather training. Canteen cup, snow, hot chocolate in no time! Nice and light
For what it's worth Premium gas is one of the worst things you can put in the stove. It contains more automotive additives that end up as deposits in the fuel system and has less heat output than Regular. Soto and Trangia (Primus) specifically tell you not to use it on their multi-fuel stoves.
@@natea1042 Very interesting. I did not know that. Do you know if the same additives were used in 1980? The stove did get a bit dirtier but ran fine all summer with some cleaning. Thanks for letting everyone know. It was much handier for bicycle traveling. Harder to find Coleman fuel on the road back then and then you were stuck carrying the rest of that gallon.
@@TimM762 Comparative to modern fuel probably not. Premium is simply a higher octane rating although more recently certain brands advertise additional cleaning properties, which means more additives, to help market it given the additional cost. I can understand why you would use it and would think it was better. The branding of "Premium" implies that its superior in quality, perhaps even more pure. The reality is the opposite. As the octane rating is increased the less volatile it becomes which means less energy so you end up with more deposits since a stove isnt optimized to burn it like vehicle engines are. In short you're paying more for a dirtier fuel that burns a bit cooler in a stove or lantern. For comparison white gas has an octane rating of around 50.
Back in 1996, I was torn between an MSR stove and a Colman Feather 410. Decided to get the Coleman after using one daily on a 7-week SCA trip. I'm glad I did! 25 years later I'm still using it on family and Scouting camping trips.
When I first got into backpacking in the 80’s, the Whisperlite was my one and only stove and absolutely loved it. Lost it in a move somewhere. Now I have the Whisperlite International. A true gem.
My first backpacking stove was an MSR whisperlite. Mine didn't come with the shaker jet at the time. Was always a great stove, always worked. I travelled in the air force and that stove went on trips me with all around the world allowing me to cook inside my hotel rooms. I always just tossed mine in a gallon ziplock bag for travel.
I heard all the horror stories about not using a liquid fuel stove indoors, So being a cantankerous cuss(but not stupid) I bought a CO(Carbon mon oxide) meter with a display that read PPM. I have stopped using electric for cooking because of the huge price hike(mine doubled overnight) and are now using my various camp stoves for all my cooking and kettle use, and the meter is telling me that it is perfectly safe CO wise. Having said that, I NEVER leave my stoves unattended while they are lit, I always leave the window open for ventilation and I never leave anything flammable within reach of it. All common sense precautions. And I must admit I prefer using a liquid fuel stove, something about it that makes me think of camping but without the discomfort.
@@iamrocketray That meter would be interesting. I have a friend whose parents were in a caravan with LPG heater or stove, one parent died the other has brain damage I cooked my evening meal tonight with the whisperlite and opened the outside door a couple of times, but would be interesting to know just how things are. I will look into a meter.
To stop the fuel spillage when disconnecting the fuel line, flip the bottle over like the Primus stoves whilst it is running. The pick up tube will go to the top side of the bottle and start drawing air into the fuel line and the stove will extinguish, when this is done, turn the tap off on the pump and disconnect the fuel line from the pump and there should be no spillage.
I would also add to turn the fuel pick up tube so it aims away from the control valve on the pump. That way it will be touching the sidewall of the fuel bottle.
Great Video Ernie,,,, Great to have you back on Utube,,, I’ve had my whisperlite for over 35+ years. I started Backpacking,, not in bushcraft . White gas ruled,, and it also was great fire starter 🔥. The XGK stove is a great higher altitude stove. And I’ve never had any problems simmering with the Whisperlite , when cooking. You are always,, the “Undisputed Stove Guy”,,,!!!!!! Blessings to You and Your Family,,,,,, Joshua
I still have my pre-shaker jet whisperlite from the late 80s. I last used it in August 2020 on a 7-person canoe trip in the Boundary Waters. I once used it to cook pasta for 20+ people--try that with an isobutane canister stove.
I haven’t used mine in a while. But the Best way to clear out the fuel is to flip the whole bottle/valve over while burning and it will burn out. Than shut off the valve and slowly open. You will still potentially get some fuel on you but it clears out the line really well. I recommend bringing spare gloves or disposables just to keep the gas smell off me. Other than that only stove I have or want to use.
I have owned one since 1992. Still works like new w/just minimal maintenance. While I now mostly use a diy fancy feast stove, this classic still comes out during the winter when snow is my primary water source.
I bought my MSR Dragonfly International before it was a "classic". It still works flawlessly. If you're using it for several days in a row, you don't need to depressurize it between uses. Otherwise, shut the fuel off at the pump first and let the fuel between the pump and the stove burn off. After that, slowly twist the fuel bottle to let the pressure escape. White gas stoves like the Whisperlite and Dragonfly have enough power to boil lots of water rapidly. They're also adjustable enough to let a stew made from fresh ingredients cook and simmer for an entire group. They are overkill for a dehydrated meal and a cup of coffee. However, I've had a line of cold campers waiting for their pots of water in the winter time when they're alcohol and canister stoves could barely keep up. My Dragonfly would boil a two quart pot at a time which was enough to take care of four people. It also kept a pot of coffee hot for quite a while.
Some of the comments make me smile and some make me shake my head! Some make me me feel like I have a kindred spirit out there because they know what they are talking about! 👍🏻
Got a RapidFire (same stove but for canister fuel only) in 94. Whisper lite in 92. I Just recently replaced the o-rings and cleaned the jets with the original wire tool on the Rapid Fire. Works better than any of the other stoves I own. Simmers amazingly. Again same exact stove build as the whisper lite just different fuel bail. Love them both!
One thing this stove is excellent for. Is motorcycle camping. A lot of folks already carry the large MSR fuel bottles for emergency fuel. So having a stove that’s already compatible is ideal. Also not having to carry or find additional fuel like the butane canisters.
@@lorengrimes5293 I ended up with the Optimus Polaris. It’s multi fuel without having to mess with changing jets. Plus it will simmer/low in all fuels.
You are going to have to start a stove museum 🤠. Thanks for the vid, Ernie. When my son was going to be Sr in High School he and I rode our bycicles up from TX to KS and the west to OR. Used this stove all the way. It worked great. You brought back some wonderful memories. Neat wishes to you.
Great video Ernie. 🙂 I've had my MSR Whisperlite Internationale for decades and love it even though I have other stoves like many do. As you said, the Whisperlite is a good choice for higher altitudes and colder climates. It's definitely a good solo or 2 person stove. Pair up that stove with say the MSR Flex 2 cook kit and Flex 2 skillet, and you have a good setup for 2 folks. If someone is shopping for a good quality solo or 2 person white gas stove, they can't go wrong with the Whisperlite Internationale. Thanks for the videos Ernie and keep it up. Stay safe and Cool Runnings everyone. 😁😎
I love the MSR stoves, have the Dragonfly, Whisperlite Universal, Pocket Rocket 2 and Deluxe and Windburner. I am also a bit of a stove collector and your channel is fast becoming one of my favourites as I can relate to your passion. Keep up the great content. Thank you.
I've owned mine since the mid 1990's. Same stove (but many parts kits later). When you absolutely positively need beast mode to melt snow right now to boil some water for your morning coffee. Awesome stove.
Had mine for 20 years, love it. Not a UL hiking option, but great for everything else, and keeping it fed on white gas keeps it clean (I'm looking at you Indian kerosine)
I have an Whisperlite International for 26 years now, which I use for bike touring + camping, before the MSR I used a Coleman Feather 400A which I still own. It never failed me and works like a charm, I mainly use white gas. As an addition I use always use a MSR Trillium Base which is intended for use on snow or sand, I never used it on snow but the burner is much more stable with it with any pot. Some folks say you can't simmer with it but I disagree. You can simmer with a Whisperlite as well with a little trick, when the water/food boils, put the pot aside, shut the valve off blow out the flame if neccesary, pick up the bottle (carefully!) release the pressure from the bottle, with just two or three pump strokes you can reignite the burner w/o preheating because the generator loop is still hot and burner runs with a low simmer flame, if you need more power again just put some more pump strokes into the bottle. Worked always for me and I prefer real simple cooking while bike touring and camping instead those expensive + crappy freeze dried camping meals.
The stove was first produced in 82. I purchased one at that time. I had used a single burner Coleman since I was maybe 14. It was heavy. I used a sterno pot and lid on it. I purchased a GSI pot for the whisper light. I have three bottles today. two small and one large. The two small are about the same as one medium. It has never failed to run when I needed it. It can boil a big pot if needed and can simmer if you use lower pressure. I have replaced certain parts over the years. I also have alcohol and canister stoves. So I don’t use it all the time. But if you need to melt snow or want a quick cup of tea it is fast. The one bad part is you can’t carry the tank on a plane. The stove you can.
I bought my Whisperlite stove in 1967, no shaker jet & paid the princely sum of $35.00 for the stove. I don't remember how much I paid for the 22oz MSR fuel bottle. It still works, same as when new. Yes, I know how to disassemble & clean it once a year. Yes, the jet orifice needs to be cleaned out with the cat's whisker that came with the stove from time to time, depending on how much fuel you burn. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
I love my whisperlite International. Bought an old stove on ebay and used it for several years in the Boundary waters and motorcycle camping. But be careful. Priming is an uncontrolled fire. I also was burned when the pump developed a small crack and sprayed fuel on my hand. New pump but now I’m trying other stoves thanks to you channel. But I do miss it.
Good description on when to use an MSR Whisperlite. I can't remember when I bought mine, probably in 1984 or 5, definitely before I was married in 1987. I do remember that I bought it to use instead of my Svea 123R because the Whisperlite was lighter weight and cleaner burning, as well as having better heat control. And it worked in all conditions up on the mountain, even at the summit. I still have and use both stoves, although I use a Pocket Rocket in the summers. Empty the fuel hose by turning up the burn rate and upending the fuel bottle until the flame is extinguished and close the valve afterwards. That should fix the drip. Sorry to hear you there out the heat reflector, it was also a pretty good windscreen once a pot was settled on top and helped melt large quantities of snow without scorching or showing down-almost as good as the XGK.
I still use my Coleman 533 and MSR WhisperLite regularly. I have one or the other in my car and find myself preferring them to using an isobutane canister stove whenever I make the choice to make a cup of coffee. I admit it's a comfort zone thing for me. I've been doing it for so long it's what feels right. One thing I added to my WhisperLite kit is a grill that sits on top of the stove so I can use small pots and cups with it.
The original MSR whisperlite did not have a shaker jet cleaner but rather the wire cleaner like the Svea 123. I still have it and it still works. I too love stoves and have a sizable collection. Like your channel and I hope you enjoy your much needed break, Thanks!
If memory serves, the whisper light was preceded by a model called Firefly. One feature of that stove was that it was made to be suspended by 3 wires which inspired me to create a suspension system for my little stove using a frisbee. I have used that system many times to cook inside my tent which I don’t recommend for beginners. The wires stabilize the cook set by capturing the pot or pan and if it gets bumped nothing spills, it just swings. Love your channel. Thanks for sharing.
I have a whisprlite international...love it..had it for long long time ..still performs flawlessly...but my first white gas stove was an Optimus 8R...c lose to forty years I bet ...still have it...still works
I love mine. I have had my WhisperLite International since 2010. It's been through hell and back again in both extremes and I've used pretty much every liquid fuel imaginable over the years. I haven't had a need to replace seals or really any parts yet and it still runs like the first day I bought it.
Got mine in 87-88 winter. Went to Yellowstone to spend 23 days in the snow in the cold 27 below weather. never failed. Used it to glaze the snow cave inside and boil water and doing anything we needed it to I still got the same stove today I bought a repair kit and I found a deal on a new one and bought it about 5 or 6 years ago and still haven't had to open it. If you want to bet your life on a stove that's what you need to use.
MSR Whisperlite International for boiling/melting snow(quiet morning coffee) and MSR Dragonfly for cooking/simmering. I own 2 Internationals and 3 Dragonflys, all bought used. I also own a non-International Whisperlite just like the one in this video(white gas only).
I take mine camping all the time. Love it. Since I use zippo hand warmers and zippo lighters. I can use the white gas for all of these items. That size bottle will last me a week.
Thank you for the tips! I had not used my stove in 8 years. Recently started it up outside based on this video. It would have been a disaster to have started this inside!!!
I am retired military and have one I have had one of the multi fuel msr’s for 20 years always used it with jet fuel and it has made probably thousands of cups of coffee
Great Video, i had a Whisperlite was out winter camping at -25c ?F. The pump froze up, the fuel blow up all over the stove.Few weeks later they brought out a new pump for the deepest winters. But by then i moved onto a canaster and know i use a blow torch canaster 344grs which is 100% Propane and i use my Fire-Mapla Blade 2 or my Kover Spider, works great in cold temp -30c ?F in Labrador, thanks again brought back merise good and bad!
I always kept my stove attached to the fuel bottle in a side pocket of my pack. No wasted fuel. Mine doesn't (yes, I still have it and crank it up once a year to make sure it's still in working order). I use a Supercat homemade alcohol stove 95% of the time. My Whisperlite doesn't have the shaker jet (pre-1986). I learned to blow out the little yellow flame at the jet after turning off the fuel. This prevents the buildup of soot in the jet. P.S. Ernie, I think that you were supposed to weigh the stove WITH the pump.
looking at this as a potential stove to take with me when i go bluegill fishing because i love fish and i love the idea of catch and cooking. my gramps did it when he was a kid with his brother and they lived during the great depression! so, i think i would enjoy the idea. now with that being said, id be much more keen on stuff that is reliable, with multiple fuel sources, that gave you a ton of different options, and saves you big money in the long run. from what you said, i think that this stove could be perfect for me, and hell, maybe if the whole world goes up, a stove like this in a backpack or slingbag would boost your morale!
I have all three Whisperlite stoves and use them in / for different locations / camping areas. My original Whisperlite is still noisy as ever as is the International and Universal stoves. Still have my original 2 piece stainless cook set as well. I also have a couple of alcohol stoves and a wood burning Solo stove. ALL are enjoyed at different times and places. The Whisperlite stoves serve a particular area if you don't mind the weight now days in the "go lite" movement of backpacking camping yet they're simple to use and will stand the test of time.
It doesn't scream like some other stoves do. These stoves have to mix fuel with air, and if you introduce turbulence like some does it can make a lot of noise. The whisperlite gives more time and space for this so there's not so much need for turbulence. So there's only the boiling of the fuel and the burning process, which is more like a hiss. And actually quite a lot more silent to my ear. If you want silent, try alcohol. But is it fast? Naah.
I bought mine in 95, still have it still use it. Carry it snowmobiling, it's secondary use is to be startup fuel on cold days when the machine doesn't want to start. I bring a squirt bottle with oil.
I still have & use the Whisperlite stove I bought in 1967 when MSR originally began to produce 'em, paid the princely sum of $35.00 for the stove. Don't remember how much I paid for the 22oz MSR fuel bottle. No shaker jet. No problem, however the jet orifice does need to be cleaned out with the cats whisker that came with the stove from time to time. The trick is to only moisten the fuel cap, turn the stove upside down to pour out any puddle of fuel. Then light it. This reduces the otherwise notorious flame up. The just moist cup is all that is necessary to heat fuel in the generator to turn it to gas for the stove's burner. My Whisperlite replaced a Sterno stove I've been using from my Boy Scout days - I happily tossed that Sterno Stove in a trash can outside the Sporting Goods store I bought my Whisperlite stove from. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
Liquid fuel stoves have one other significant advantage: traveling. Depending on where you're headed, you may not be able to easily find an isobutane canister, but gasoline (or kerosene/diesel for some stoves) is readily available worldwide. I personally bring my Soto Stormbreaker with me when I'm unsure what's going to be available. If I can easily find an isopro canister, that's my first choice. For liquid, white gas is ideal, but pump gasoline also works just fine. When I'm *really* headed back and beyond, I bring my MSR XGK-EX. It'll burn nail polish if that's all I can find.
We use this as a motorcycle camping stove. It uses the same gasoline as the engine, so we ALWAYS have fuel to cook, and the 20oz bottle itself serves as a backup fuel source if we were to accidentally drain the tank or something similar. The spilling issue is easily solved by turning it upside down (rotating the canister, not flipping it end to end) and releasing the vapor in the tube. It will burn off the leftover in the hose, and a minute or so later you're good to go, no droplets. It's too heavy and unwieldy for a backpacking stove, and too small for a car camping stove if you're cooking for more than a couple people, but it's my favorite bit of kit on adventure moto rides. Nothing better than knowing you can have as much hot water/coffee/tea etc when wet and tired after a couple days of riding in a storm!
Its easy to convert the Whisperlite international to canister gas. no need to change jets- use white gas jet. Parts- 2" of 1/4" black rubber fuel hose-two hose clamps- "Campingmoon Z21-25" canister fuel hose and valve (amazon $20). Remove the male threaded Nindal fitting from the new fuel line with a wrench. insert the remaining nipple into the 1/4" rubber hose and secure with hose clamp. Push the rubber fuel hose onto the stove fuel line and clamp. Can still convert back to white gas
I bought the first Whisperlite when it came to market in 80s. It came with a yellow body pump with a rubber air hose.Rubber air hose aged and broke away but the pump was still usable, I bent the fuel line for compact storage but that killed the fuel line. It broke. Now I have a piece of history in storage now.
... Have the Whisperlite International , since mid '70's ,, never let me down ,, have a trunk full of backpacking stoves ,mostly because they're cool ... for alt./colder temps this stove can't be beat ... canister stoves work well for day hikes and shorter overnight trips ,, and also carry a Nano Firebox stove as backup when wood source is readily available ...but if only limited to one ,, the Whisperlite is it ... the windscreen works well as designed and have a few different bases for different terrain surfaces .. hard soil ,, snow ,, sand and rock ...
I have a canister stove as well as a white gas one. The Isobutane canisters get used for spring, summer, and fall, but not winter because of their lack of pressurization in 10 degrees or below. The white gas is king when it comes to winter, being that it’s self pressurized by the pumps, though, it’s much tankier than regular isobutane Stoves.
I actually remember the Whisperlite launch because I had just bought a XGX. I really like the idea of using the fuel bottle as the tank (most stoves had build in tanks at the time) saving weight and adding stability. The Whisperlite fixed my two main dislikes with the XGK, the stiff fuel line and the loudness in use, but too late for me. The first Whisperlite was white gas only and that was a plus for the multifuel XGK, but in practice I only use white gas even if kerosene is slightly more efficient. Years later I bought the Whisperlite International though and it really made packing the stove easier. The flexible fuel line allow it to fit inside a pot and it’s also lighter than the XGK. I’ve found the Whisperlite extremely reliable. Used it on two thruhikes and lots of other trips with hardly any maintenance necessary. You should not fire up an unknown stove inside, but as soon as you’ve checked that it works properly and you know what you’re doing you can use it almost anywhere. I’ve used mine in a tent many times and even in a motel room or two, but you have to be careful indoors so you don’t heat the surface you place the stove on too much. I've never had any problems with fuel spills. I always turn the stove off at the pump, let it burn out and never remove the pump from the bottle (or let out the pressure) except for refill or long term storage. You can get a couple of drops form the fuel line, but that's rare and it'll evaporate quickly. A gas canister stove is of course much lighter than a Whisperlite, but a soon as you go out for more than a couple of days (or need to melt snow) then the total weight including fuel evens out quickly. I really like canister stoves too, but there are something special with liquid fuel stoves. You know they’ll always work, regardless of altitude and temperature and you don’t need to worry about taking enough canisters - just grab a full fuel bottle and you’re good to go for a week or more. My favorite liquid fuel stove ever is the MSR Simmerlite. Sadly it’s discontinued now and I don’t think they ever made a multi fuel version, but it’s smaller, lighter and simmers much better than the Whisperlite. Not quite expedition quality like a XGK or Whisperlite, but a excellent tradeoff for lighter use. If I was going to buy one stove today for everything use then then newest Whisperlite Universal would be it. In addition to liquid fuel you can also use gas canister so it allows for the best of both worlds. Liquid fuel for hard core trips and the ease of canisters for weekend trips etc.
I have had the international since the mid 80's shortly after it came out. Flipping the bottle has always worked well for me. It was the stove of choice back then, up here in NH. With temps from the high 90's to 20 below zero, and with the mountains to up over 6000' with tons of snow and even colder temps, it was a great all arounder. If you can only have one stove, this would not be a bad one to consider. --den
Being out in nature to enjoy it. It just doesn't seem right to throw away fuel bottles. So I stick to liquid pump or alcohol stoves. Bring the one that suits my needs per trip. Love the channel, keep up the good work.
Awesome video. Very well edited, informative and captivating. I watched til the end cause this was educational, fun and well put together. Now I know for sure its the stove for me. You even mention REI. That's funny, that's where I saw this stove. Thank you so much. All the best on all your future endeavors. Stay safe.
In 76 I got the original multi fuel MSR for sub zero temperatures for melting snow It was superb But Simmer control Go to the Dragonfly The Whisperlite does NOT simmer
I have a button multi-fuel stove it says to flip the bottle over where the pickup tube is on the top and it will push the liquid out and you won't make a mess I've never found a problem with the liquid fuels I actually prefer them over the propane or butane.
If it's not it should be near the top. I have had mine for 20 years and have used it so many times I've lost count. To this day it is my go-to stove for winter/cold weather backpacking. I have taken the stove apart twice to clean the burner rings in all of those years and it still works as good as the day I bought it. My only complaint which is not new to those you have it is trying to get it to simmer. But that is a small price to pay when you look at how reliable it has been. It has never failed me.
If you bent the white filter stem, you can then tilt the bottle where there is airspace in the fuel bottle to vent out any fuel in the pump and lines. Then you won't have or in worse case really minimize any fuel spill.
@paleohikerMD great video. 👍 The main problem is lack of simmer. The MSR DRAGONFLY does simmer and boil and is awesome 👌. Its similar in most respects. WRT to fuel leakage when you disconnect bottle. The best solution alround to save fuel, weight and falff, is don't disconnect!, no need to. The smallest, lightest, easiest way to store and use is with the fuel pump in a fuel bottle. The smallest fuel bottle is 350ml. This is more than equivalent to medium sized isobutane in cooking power, and will do a long weekend of heavy use. It's also a good size to pack the wind guard around for storage and pack bottle stove guard and fuel in the provided stuff sack as one unit. For longer trips I bring an additional 650ml bottle, which allows the storage of 1lt combined. This is the minimum fill allowed as petrol/gas pumps. That gives alot off flexibility for international travel trips where isobutane canisters are limited, or not allowed on planes,yet carunleaded fuel is everywhere and cheap. For group/pairs cooking, international travel, like kayaking of canoe trips, backpacking, the MSR DRAGON FLY is my go to stove. The above all apply as well to the Wisperlite. Both are most efficient if drinks, main,desert, drinks are cooked in one burn 🔥 without stopping, as the fuel to prime is significant compared to the efficiency burning the atomised fuel at working temperatures.
I use mine as a fryer on the back porch. Get the multi fuel version Cheap fuel available fuel Newer version will hold a large stock pot. Looooong run time Doooooo not preheat the normal way use a torch (Unless you can’t bring one) My favorite fuel is kerosene if you have the torch Burns hot ! It does not simmer If you want to simmer use the iso butane It’s nice to have kerosene for starting campfires I wish they made a bigger bottle. I have considered welding two together. Msr Will you please make some kinda flaps to hold a smaller pot. Also a stand for base camp would be killer. If you want camp gear that you could use everyday buy one of these. But for heaven sake use a torch to preheat
I have had one of these since 1994. I used it a lot, and had to overhaul it a couple of times. I think my pump has a crack in it. I wanted to tell you, without fail I was replacing o rings on bottles at least 2X a year on the bottles ant about once on the pump. They always cracked. Plus I usually had to special order due to rei not carrying them. So I generally use trangia since 1995, and most recently a msr whisperlite since 2019. I have a Svea, and some alcohol stoves, but trangia rocks!
I love mine, and i never hav problem whit fuel spill. But it is a teknik. Hold the bottle topp up, when you release it, and lett the fuel runn back in the bottle. No worries. ;-)
I have the Primus Omnifuel. Works on also any kind of fuels. The pump is made of metal and has been fail proof so far. I have had it for over 30 years. I do live in Canada were it can get real cold .
Truly a classic. I always imagine that at some point someone at msr thought ‘I’d really like to miniaturize a coleman burner…’. It’s a wonder of marketing in my opinion that these were mainstream backpacking gear.
I have msr dragonfly. For me is perfect, i use with diesel same fuel that I use for my van. Easy to use powerful and most important here in Europe every country have different adapters for gas refill.
I need to correct a couple of your comments: I have one of the original Whisperlites that I bought in the late '80s or early 90s. I finally needed new parts. First, the pump of the current model is way different from the earlier model. I bought it for my older W'lite. It doesn't seat properly and fuel leaks. Two, the current repair kit is for the newer model and not compatible with the older one. I saw no sense in upgrading. I also own the original MSR, XGK. Both stoves flare a lot if you don't use a primer like alcohol or some kind of fuel starter. Current cartridge models are SOOO convenient with the downside being you have to lug empty containers.
This stove is PERFECT for extremely cold weather. I've used this in blizzard conditions with high winds hiking through the Cascade Mountains in Oregon in the middle of winter. This stove is just what you need to quickly melt snow for water. It's super hot and efficient. Plus, it is small enough, and light enough, for long distance snowshoe backpacking. Absolutely bulletproof! Nothing better for extreme conditions in the winter! Bring a folding windscreen and don't even think about using it in your tent. In summer and at sea level, I have my Trangia or a twig stove.
I’ve had my WhisperLite since 1993. Packed it all over from AK to Belize, in all seasons and weather conditions. Took up the Nose route on El Cap for those deluxe big wall dinners and morning coffee. I still have it and use it. I have a Snow Peak canister stove, but the MSR is far superior.
Ive had mine for over thirty years. Its a fantastic stove. If you utilize the large fuel bottle you can last a long time camping, backpacking. The only thing I dont like us that the flame isnt as controllable as gas canister stoves. I still have the aluminum sheeting it came with used as a windbrake.
Although not controllable when running if you de pressurize the bottle by opening it and then only pump like 3 times instead of twelve or so you can fixate it on “low”. You’ll have to experiment if it’s 3 or 6 or whatever but that is how you can control it a bit. You can pump while running to make it more intense but you can’t de pressurize.
The original whisperlites had very short braided fabric covered fuel lines and lacked the shaker jet. While these stoves are now relegated to car camping/cold weather use, up until 15-20 years ago, the Whisperlite and Dragonfly were pretty standard backpacking/through hiking stoves before the weight savings and convenience of butane/isobutane took over.
Butane Isobutane has by no means taken over liquid fuel stoves in cold conditions and expeditions. There is no weight benefit in Isobutane butane compared to liquid fuel systems in wintertrips longer than two or three days. I would never bring a butane stove for a weekend trip in the winter melting snow for me and the dog. IMO kerosene beats whitegas under extreme conditions. But I never trust the whisperlite with kero in the cold. It has let me down. I would over it prefer the xgk or dragonfly. The whisperlite is very good on whitegas or autogas though.
I have a svea (love it) an optimus rider (OK) and an edelrid hexon. The hexon is the most useable and excellent aftersales. It is also a true multifuel on only one jet. It uses white gas, isobutane and kero. Some people have even used with diesel. The hexon works like the msr but has a preheated pad rather than a bowl. You also flip it at the end of use to let the pressure out and to aerate. It leaves no fuel in the system. It doesn't have a shaker. It uses a wire instead to get rid of coke build up. The legs on the edelrid gave out and they sent me new ones free of charge.
Classic stoves (such as this, or the MSR XGK, the golden expedition estandar) are ok, but are pretty much on/off stoves, meant for melting snow and boiling water. You can play a little with the fuel regulation and fuel bottle pressure but... do not expect to simmer well with them for real cooking. However, there is another breed (a bit more complicated, a little less reliable as they have more parts, and more expensive) which are the stoves with double regulation. One valve for the liquid fuel in the fuel pump and another valve for the already gasified fuel at the burner itself. I own a Primus Omnifuel which is exactly one of those and I can regulate it as low as any canister stove. It also allows me to use caniseters if I wanted to (directly, no adaptors). True that they are heavy and messier than canisters, but if you are going climbing in winter and plan on melting much snow, they are well worth it. For the base camp at least. Great review!
Wow, this brought back memories. I have an original MSR (non shaker)whisper lite from about 30 years ago when I did some lite mountaineering/backpacking in my younger days. Damn thing still works today, tho i had to replace some of the seals cause they dried out. But I'm keeping it as an backup emergency stove for whenever the sh_t hits the fan.😜
To get rid of the excess fuel in the line turn the bottle upside down/ valve down. It will push air through the filter/ feed line. These are great emergency/ group camping stoves due to the economy of fuel. I use mine as a kayak camping stove / car camping stove
After use, turn the stove and bottle upside down and loosen the fuel control knob. The intake pipe in the bottle would suck in air to empty the pipes so it doesn’t drip fuel when you unhook. And it also depressurise the bottle.
To solve the fuel leakage issue when disconnecting, simply flip the fuel bottle when you are ready to finish cooking. The suction tube will now be up in the pressurized air. This will stop pumping fuel to the stove and the fuel left in the tube will be pushed out and burned. This will also depressurize the fuel bottle too. Give it a try.
It safer to carry a fuel bottle that is depressurized.
I also tried grabbing the bottle, hang the hot stove off the ground and unplug it. This way white gas will go into already hot stove and will evaporate without spilling.
Rarely works with the MSR stoves. The fittings are too tight and not designed for flipping the bottle. I collect MSR stoves and have most every older version made. Many Whisperlites in and out of the bunch. Currently have the original golf tee jet, rubber fuel line, a 600 International, a canister Rapidfire, and a 600 modified with an extra waffle plate in the burner head. These along with about 20 other MSR stoves. An accurate and well done review!
I have an original Whisperlite, A shaker jet Whisperlite, and the Whisperlite Universal. Flipping the bottle works great with all 3. Several UA-cam videos demonstrate it and it works well for every single one of them as well. Sorry to hear you aren’t getting the same results. Just in these comments, there are several people with the same recommendation. I guess everyone is automatically wrong no matter what their results are because you own 20 stoves though.🤷♂️
@@damienmidanik9680 Flipping the bottle works for me. Never a drip.
Couple tips from a former REI Repair Counter guy who has rebuilt hundreds of these. SAFETY TIP: If you have or see a Whisperlite with a fabric covering on the fuel line - DO NOT USE IT!!. The line is a rubber hose that cracks and if it does, its going to crack under use creating an uncontrollable inferno. That fuel line was recalled and for decades they were giving away free replacements. Not sure what the are doing now. You can see one of these lines in the advertising pix at the beginning of the video. USAGE TIP: Carry a small bottle of denatured alcohol to prime the stove with. Using the white gas per the instructions and seen in the video covers your stove with soot. Using DA keeps your stove clean.
Hi! Sounds like you have a lot of experience with these stoves. I have one question, have a MSR whisperlite universal and it burns with yellow flames on both kerosene and white gas. The flames are clear blue out of the small holes in the burner head but then yellow above that level. Is that normal? I have tried all cleaning and maintenance advised by MSR but still flames are yellow. I've heard that is not good and an indication that it produces a lot of carbon monoxide. I see in some videos on youtube on this burner that flames are yellow but mostly blue.
My dad selected the original Whisperlite for his bicycle touring and after they stopped, he passed it to me. It had always served my mom and him well while out for long tours. It now needs a rebuild on the pump (possibly a new pump, which one?), but the stove works well enough before the pressure is lost. Only complaint, it is heavy compared to my Pocket Rocket and AOTU backup...weighing in at more than both the smaller stoves combined, then you add in the 22 or 33 ounce fuel bottles and whoa! For that, it is the most stable stove I have, able to balance a 10" skillet! We use it still for our car camping and all day outings. It is neat to think of all the meals that have been cooked on it over its near 30 year career and it still has another 30 left in it!
Thank you for making the video. The older stoves just hold a place in so many our hearts.
Hi guys from the uk. 25 years ago I bought the this stove, yep I'm still using it today. It's definitely built to last, worth every penny. A quality bit of kit
I have one I bought off eBay a few years ago. Don't use it a whole lot but is great for melting snow in the winter. I use the Trillium stove base so it doesn't melt down into the snow and spill the water. I also use alcohol (heat) to prime it so it doesn't get so much soot on it. Keeps it cleaner. Great video. Thanks!
Thanks for the review. I bought a version of it that comes with nozzles for white gas and kerosene for motorcycle tours. In a pinch the fuel for the vehicle can be used for the stove.
The trick for emptying the fuel line is to turn the fuel bottle into the right position. That turns the fuel intake above the fuel level and allows the pressurized air to clear the line. I usually manage to disconnect without a spill. After more than 20 years I still like that stove. For me the weight is not a real issue.
if you are running the old pump should sent it in they exchange it for new type for cheap as the old ones have lots of issuse
I run mine on the same gas i put in the bike. Only need to carry one type of gas.
I always love getting out my first backpacking stove (Coleman Feather 400) once in a while to make sure it is still operating "just in case". Always fun to crank it up and hear the roar!
Nostalgic for me. Four of us rode bicycles cross country back in the eighties. One fuel bottle for our MSR stove lasted about 3 days. Gas station fill up with premium gas 12 cents! Cheap cooking!
Cool! Always wanted to do a bike tour. What size what your fuel bottle?
@@cinichol Probably the 20 ounce one. It was the original multi fuel stove that sounds like a jet taking off! Still have that stove. Still works fine. The Whisperlite was definitely an upgrade based on sound alone. Use to carry it in a butt pack with the Marines with cold weather training. Canteen cup, snow, hot chocolate in no time! Nice and light
For what it's worth Premium gas is one of the worst things you can put in the stove. It contains more automotive additives that end up as deposits in the fuel system and has less heat output than Regular. Soto and Trangia (Primus) specifically tell you not to use it on their multi-fuel stoves.
@@natea1042 Very interesting. I did not know that. Do you know if the same additives were used in 1980? The stove did get a bit dirtier but ran fine all summer with some cleaning.
Thanks for letting everyone know. It was much handier for bicycle traveling. Harder to find Coleman fuel on the road back then and then you were stuck carrying the rest of that gallon.
@@TimM762 Comparative to modern fuel probably not. Premium is simply a higher octane rating although more recently certain brands advertise additional cleaning properties, which means more additives, to help market it given the additional cost. I can understand why you would use it and would think it was better. The branding of "Premium" implies that its superior in quality, perhaps even more pure. The reality is the opposite. As the octane rating is increased the less volatile it becomes which means less energy so you end up with more deposits since a stove isnt optimized to burn it like vehicle engines are. In short you're paying more for a dirtier fuel that burns a bit cooler in a stove or lantern. For comparison white gas has an octane rating of around 50.
Back in 1996, I was torn between an MSR stove and a Colman Feather 410. Decided to get the Coleman after using one daily on a 7-week SCA trip. I'm glad I did! 25 years later I'm still using it on family and Scouting camping trips.
The coleman line is the best for gasoline.
When I first got into backpacking in the 80’s, the Whisperlite was my one and only stove and absolutely loved it. Lost it in a move somewhere. Now I have the Whisperlite International. A true gem.
Oh my, I love this stove. Overkill for the kind of hiking I do anymore, but so many memories.
My first backpacking stove was an MSR whisperlite. Mine didn't come with the shaker jet at the time. Was always a great stove, always worked. I travelled in the air force and that stove went on trips me with all around the world allowing me to cook inside my hotel rooms. I always just tossed mine in a gallon ziplock bag for travel.
I heard all the horror stories about not using a liquid fuel stove indoors, So being a cantankerous cuss(but not stupid) I bought a CO(Carbon mon oxide) meter with a display that read PPM. I have stopped using electric for cooking because of the huge price hike(mine doubled overnight) and are now using my various camp stoves for all my cooking and kettle use, and the meter is telling me that it is perfectly safe CO wise. Having said that, I NEVER leave my stoves unattended while they are lit, I always leave the window open for ventilation and I never leave anything flammable within reach of it. All common sense precautions. And I must admit I prefer using a liquid fuel stove, something about it that makes me think of camping but without the discomfort.
@@iamrocketray That meter would be interesting. I have a friend whose parents were in a caravan with LPG heater or stove, one parent died the other has brain damage I cooked my evening meal tonight with the whisperlite and opened the outside door a couple of times, but would be interesting to know just how things are. I will look into a meter.
To stop the fuel spillage when disconnecting the fuel line, flip the bottle over like the Primus stoves whilst it is running. The pick up tube will go to the top side of the bottle and start drawing air into the fuel line and the stove will extinguish, when this is done, turn the tap off on the pump and disconnect the fuel line from the pump and there should be no spillage.
I would also add to turn the fuel pick up tube so it aims away from the control valve on the pump. That way it will be touching the sidewall of the fuel bottle.
Wow, his sounds like music when it's burning. Clever! Mine does not do that!
Great Video Ernie,,,,
Great to have you back on Utube,,,
I’ve had my whisperlite for over 35+ years. I started Backpacking,, not in bushcraft . White gas ruled,, and it also was great fire starter 🔥. The XGK stove is a great higher altitude stove. And I’ve never had any problems simmering with the Whisperlite , when cooking. You are always,, the “Undisputed Stove Guy”,,,!!!!!! Blessings to You and Your Family,,,,,, Joshua
I still have my pre-shaker jet whisperlite from the late 80s. I last used it in August 2020 on a 7-person canoe trip in the Boundary Waters. I once used it to cook pasta for 20+ people--try that with an isobutane canister stove.
Okay boomer.
@@sl4383someday you will be old too. Deal with it.
@@techguy9023 I am a boomer idiot. Tired of other old farts thinking we had the best.
I haven’t used mine in a while. But the Best way to clear out the fuel is to flip the whole bottle/valve over while burning and it will burn out. Than shut off the valve and slowly open. You will still potentially get some fuel on you but it clears out the line really well. I recommend bringing spare gloves or disposables just to keep the gas smell off me. Other than that only stove I have or want to use.
I have owned one since 1992. Still works like new w/just minimal maintenance. While I now mostly use a diy fancy feast stove, this classic still comes out during the winter when snow is my primary water source.
I bought my MSR Dragonfly International before it was a "classic". It still works flawlessly.
If you're using it for several days in a row, you don't need to depressurize it between uses. Otherwise, shut the fuel off at the pump first and let the fuel between the pump and the stove burn off. After that, slowly twist the fuel bottle to let the pressure escape.
White gas stoves like the Whisperlite and Dragonfly have enough power to boil lots of water rapidly. They're also adjustable enough to let a stew made from fresh ingredients cook and simmer for an entire group.
They are overkill for a dehydrated meal and a cup of coffee. However, I've had a line of cold campers waiting for their pots of water in the winter time when they're alcohol and canister stoves could barely keep up. My Dragonfly would boil a two quart pot at a time which was enough to take care of four people. It also kept a pot of coffee hot for quite a while.
Just flip the bottle up. It'll put itself out and de pressureize
Some of the comments make me smile and some make me shake my head! Some make me me feel like I have a kindred spirit out there because they know what they are talking about! 👍🏻
Got a RapidFire (same stove but for canister fuel only) in 94. Whisper lite in 92. I Just recently replaced the o-rings and cleaned the jets with the original wire tool on the Rapid Fire. Works better than any of the other stoves I own. Simmers amazingly. Again same exact stove build as the whisper lite just different fuel bail. Love them both!
One thing this stove is excellent for. Is motorcycle camping. A lot of folks already carry the large MSR fuel bottles for emergency fuel. So having a stove that’s already compatible is ideal. Also not having to carry or find additional fuel like the butane canisters.
That's what I bought my international for. Also, white gas is cheaper than butane, and running it on gasoline is almost free.
@@lorengrimes5293 I ended up with the Optimus Polaris. It’s multi fuel without having to mess with changing jets. Plus it will simmer/low in all fuels.
@@lorengrimes5293 oh yeah. And you can flip the fuel bottle to empty the fuel line and de pressurize the bottle.
I used one in the Army Cavalry back in the 80s. It worked wonderfully and was light.
You are going to have to start a stove museum 🤠. Thanks for the vid, Ernie. When my son was going to be Sr in High School he and I rode our bycicles up from TX to KS and the west to OR. Used this stove all the way. It worked great. You brought back some wonderful memories. Neat wishes to you.
Great video Ernie. 🙂
I've had my MSR Whisperlite Internationale for decades and love it even though I have other stoves like many do. As you said, the Whisperlite is a good choice for higher altitudes and colder climates. It's definitely a good solo or 2 person stove. Pair up that stove with say the MSR Flex 2 cook kit and Flex 2 skillet, and you have a good setup for 2 folks.
If someone is shopping for a good quality solo or 2 person white gas stove, they can't go wrong with the Whisperlite Internationale.
Thanks for the videos Ernie and keep it up.
Stay safe and Cool Runnings everyone. 😁😎
I love the MSR stoves, have the Dragonfly, Whisperlite Universal, Pocket Rocket 2 and Deluxe and Windburner. I am also a bit of a stove collector and your channel is fast becoming one of my favourites as I can relate to your passion. Keep up the great content. Thank you.
Like wise, something comforting in hearing a stove.
Nothing beats liquid fuel (white gas) for reliability when I’m camping high up in the mountains.
I've owned mine since the mid 1990's. Same stove (but many parts kits later).
When you absolutely positively need beast mode to melt snow right now to boil some water for your morning coffee.
Awesome stove.
Had mine for 20 years, love it. Not a UL hiking option, but great for everything else, and keeping it fed on white gas keeps it clean (I'm looking at you Indian kerosine)
I have an Whisperlite International for 26 years now, which I use for bike touring + camping, before the MSR I used a Coleman Feather 400A which I still own. It never failed me and works like a charm, I mainly use white gas. As an addition I use always use a MSR Trillium Base which is intended for use on snow or sand, I never used it on snow but the burner is much more stable with it with any pot. Some folks say you can't simmer with it but I disagree. You can simmer with a Whisperlite as well with a little trick, when the water/food boils, put the pot aside, shut the valve off blow out the flame if neccesary, pick up the bottle (carefully!) release the pressure from the bottle, with just two or three pump strokes you can reignite the burner w/o preheating because the generator loop is still hot and burner runs with a low simmer flame, if you need more power again just put some more pump strokes into the bottle. Worked always for me and I prefer real simple cooking while bike touring and camping instead those expensive + crappy freeze dried camping meals.
The stove was first produced in 82. I purchased one at that time. I had used a single burner Coleman since I was maybe 14. It was heavy. I used a sterno pot and lid on it. I purchased a GSI pot for the whisper light. I have three bottles today. two small and one large. The two small are about the same as one medium. It has never failed to run when I needed it. It can boil a big pot if needed and can simmer if you use lower pressure. I have replaced certain parts over the years. I also have alcohol and canister stoves. So I don’t use it all the time. But if you need to melt snow or want a quick cup of tea it is fast. The one bad part is you can’t carry the tank on a plane. The stove you can.
I bought my Whisperlite stove in 1967, no shaker jet & paid the princely sum of $35.00 for the stove. I don't remember how much I paid for the 22oz MSR fuel bottle. It still works, same as when new. Yes, I know how to disassemble & clean it once a year. Yes, the jet orifice needs to be cleaned out with the cat's whisker that came with the stove from time to time, depending on how much fuel you burn.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
I love my whisperlite International. Bought an old stove on ebay and used it for several years in the Boundary waters and motorcycle camping. But be careful. Priming is an uncontrolled fire. I also was burned when the pump developed a small crack and sprayed fuel on my hand. New pump but now I’m trying other stoves thanks to you channel. But I do miss it.
MSR whisperlite user for the past 16 years. A truly durable stove and I even added one more.
I have using whisperlite for 20 years. Never failed me
Good description on when to use an MSR Whisperlite. I can't remember when I bought mine, probably in 1984 or 5, definitely before I was married in 1987. I do remember that I bought it to use instead of my Svea 123R because the Whisperlite was lighter weight and cleaner burning, as well as having better heat control. And it worked in all conditions up on the mountain, even at the summit. I still have and use both stoves, although I use a Pocket Rocket in the summers.
Empty the fuel hose by turning up the burn rate and upending the fuel bottle until the flame is extinguished and close the valve afterwards. That should fix the drip.
Sorry to hear you there out the heat reflector, it was also a pretty good windscreen once a pot was settled on top and helped melt large quantities of snow without scorching or showing down-almost as good as the XGK.
I still use my Coleman 533 and MSR WhisperLite regularly. I have one or the other in my car and find myself preferring them to using an isobutane canister stove whenever I make the choice to make a cup of coffee. I admit it's a comfort zone thing for me. I've been doing it for so long it's what feels right. One thing I added to my WhisperLite kit is a grill that sits on top of the stove so I can use small pots and cups with it.
The original MSR whisperlite did not have a shaker jet cleaner but rather the wire cleaner like the Svea 123. I still have it and it still works. I too love stoves and have a sizable collection. Like your channel and I hope you enjoy your much needed break, Thanks!
That wire is called a "Cat's Whisker"
I fired up mine from 1997 today and it ran like a champ. Never had to work on it.
Got one when they first hit the market.
No regerts.
If memory serves, the whisper light was preceded by a model called Firefly. One feature of that stove was that it was made to be suspended by 3 wires which inspired me to create a suspension system for my little stove using a frisbee. I have used that system many times to cook inside my tent which I don’t recommend for beginners. The wires stabilize the cook set by capturing the pot or pan and if it gets bumped nothing spills, it just swings. Love your channel. Thanks for sharing.
I have a whisprlite international...love it..had it for long long time ..still performs flawlessly...but my first white gas stove was an Optimus 8R...c lose to forty years I bet ...still have it...still works
نحنا في كندا نستعمل MSR Whisperlite liquid fuel
صغير جدا للقهوه او الشاي
تبغى واحد كبير استعمل Coleman stove مصنوع في امريكا . ليس عندهم مشاكل
I love mine. I have had my WhisperLite International since 2010. It's been through hell and back again in both extremes and I've used pretty much every liquid fuel imaginable over the years. I haven't had a need to replace seals or really any parts yet and it still runs like the first day I bought it.
Got mine in 87-88 winter.
Went to Yellowstone to spend 23 days in the snow in the cold 27 below weather. never failed. Used it to glaze the snow cave inside and boil water and doing anything we needed it to I still got the same stove today I bought a repair kit and I found a deal on a new one and bought it about 5 or 6 years ago and still haven't had to open it. If you want to bet your life on a stove that's what you need to use.
As a Canadian the msr gets out a lot! Wish I could go lighter but it always works when you need it the most.
MSR Whisperlite International for boiling/melting snow(quiet morning coffee) and MSR Dragonfly for cooking/simmering. I own 2 Internationals and 3 Dragonflys, all bought used. I also own a non-International Whisperlite just like the one in this video(white gas only).
I take mine camping all the time. Love it. Since I use zippo hand warmers and zippo lighters. I can use the white gas for all of these items. That size bottle will last me a week.
It IS very cool AND informative to include white gas/liquid fuels in your collection and channel!
Have been using one for over 20 years, great stove
Thank you for the tips! I had not used my stove in 8 years. Recently started it up outside based on this video. It would have been a disaster to have started this inside!!!
I am retired military and have one I have had one of the multi fuel msr’s for 20 years always used it with jet fuel and it has made probably thousands of cups of coffee
I bought mine at an REI in 1994. Still using it as my main camping stove.
One of my favorite stoves for camping with more than two people. I like the fact that you can top off the fuel canister.
I have a MSR WhisperLite Universal stove and a Firebox Titanium G2 stove - they are my go to stoves!
Great Video, i had a Whisperlite was out winter camping at -25c ?F. The pump froze up, the fuel blow up all over the stove.Few weeks later they brought out a new pump for the deepest winters. But by then i moved onto a canaster and know i use a blow torch canaster 344grs which is 100% Propane and i use my Fire-Mapla Blade 2 or my Kover Spider, works great in cold temp -30c ?F in Labrador, thanks again brought back merise good and bad!
I always kept my stove attached to the fuel bottle in a side pocket of my pack. No wasted fuel. Mine doesn't (yes, I still have it and crank it up once a year to make sure it's still in working order). I use a Supercat homemade alcohol stove 95% of the time.
My Whisperlite doesn't have the shaker jet (pre-1986). I learned to blow out the little yellow flame at the jet after turning off the fuel. This prevents the buildup of soot in the jet.
P.S. Ernie, I think that you were supposed to weigh the stove WITH the pump.
looking at this as a potential stove to take with me when i go bluegill fishing because i love fish and i love the idea of catch and cooking. my gramps did it when he was a kid with his brother and they lived during the great depression! so, i think i would enjoy the idea. now with that being said, id be much more keen on stuff that is reliable, with multiple fuel sources, that gave you a ton of different options, and saves you big money in the long run. from what you said, i think that this stove could be perfect for me, and hell, maybe if the whole world goes up, a stove like this in a backpack or slingbag would boost your morale!
Classic my mate had one, I went for the dragonfly
I have all three Whisperlite stoves and use them in / for different locations / camping areas.
My original Whisperlite is still noisy as ever as is the International and Universal stoves. Still have my original 2 piece stainless cook set as well. I also have a couple of alcohol stoves and a wood burning Solo stove. ALL are enjoyed at different times and places. The Whisperlite stoves serve a particular area if you don't mind the weight now days in the "go lite" movement of backpacking camping yet they're simple to use and will stand the test of time.
It doesn't scream like some other stoves do. These stoves have to mix fuel with air, and if you introduce turbulence like some does it can make a lot of noise. The whisperlite gives more time and space for this so there's not so much need for turbulence. So there's only the boiling of the fuel and the burning process, which is more like a hiss. And actually quite a lot more silent to my ear.
If you want silent, try alcohol. But is it fast? Naah.
I bought mine in 95, still have it still use it. Carry it snowmobiling, it's secondary use is to be startup fuel on cold days when the machine doesn't want to start. I bring a squirt bottle with oil.
I still have & use the Whisperlite stove I bought in 1967 when MSR originally began to produce 'em, paid the princely sum of $35.00 for the stove. Don't remember how much I paid for the 22oz MSR fuel bottle. No shaker jet. No problem, however the jet orifice does need to be cleaned out with the cats whisker that came with the stove from time to time.
The trick is to only moisten the fuel cap, turn the stove upside down to pour out any puddle of fuel. Then light it. This reduces the otherwise notorious flame up. The just moist cup is all that is necessary to heat fuel in the generator to turn it to gas for the stove's burner.
My Whisperlite replaced a Sterno stove I've been using from my Boy Scout days - I happily tossed that Sterno Stove in a trash can outside the Sporting Goods store I bought my Whisperlite stove from.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
Liquid fuel stoves have one other significant advantage: traveling. Depending on where you're headed, you may not be able to easily find an isobutane canister, but gasoline (or kerosene/diesel for some stoves) is readily available worldwide. I personally bring my Soto Stormbreaker with me when I'm unsure what's going to be available. If I can easily find an isopro canister, that's my first choice. For liquid, white gas is ideal, but pump gasoline also works just fine.
When I'm *really* headed back and beyond, I bring my MSR XGK-EX. It'll burn nail polish if that's all I can find.
We use this as a motorcycle camping stove. It uses the same gasoline as the engine, so we ALWAYS have fuel to cook, and the 20oz bottle itself serves as a backup fuel source if we were to accidentally drain the tank or something similar.
The spilling issue is easily solved by turning it upside down (rotating the canister, not flipping it end to end) and releasing the vapor in the tube. It will burn off the leftover in the hose, and a minute or so later you're good to go, no droplets. It's too heavy and unwieldy for a backpacking stove, and too small for a car camping stove if you're cooking for more than a couple people, but it's my favorite bit of kit on adventure moto rides. Nothing better than knowing you can have as much hot water/coffee/tea etc when wet and tired after a couple days of riding in a storm!
Its easy to convert the Whisperlite international to canister gas. no need to change jets- use white gas jet. Parts- 2" of 1/4" black rubber fuel hose-two hose clamps- "Campingmoon Z21-25" canister fuel hose and valve (amazon $20). Remove the male threaded Nindal fitting from the new fuel line with a wrench. insert the remaining nipple into the 1/4" rubber hose and secure with hose clamp. Push the rubber fuel hose onto the stove fuel line and clamp. Can still convert back to white gas
Bought my Whisperlite in 85 replaced the fuel pump 15 years ago , still using it.
I bought the first Whisperlite when it came to market in 80s. It came with a yellow body pump with a rubber air hose.Rubber air hose aged and broke away but the pump was still usable, I bent the fuel line for compact storage but that killed the fuel line. It broke. Now I have a piece of history in storage now.
... Have the Whisperlite International , since mid '70's ,, never let me down ,, have a trunk full of backpacking stoves ,mostly because they're cool ... for alt./colder temps this stove can't be beat ... canister stoves work well for day hikes and shorter overnight trips ,, and also carry a Nano Firebox stove as backup when wood source is readily available ...but if only limited to one ,, the Whisperlite is it ... the windscreen works well as designed and have a few different bases for different terrain surfaces .. hard soil ,, snow ,, sand and rock ...
I have a canister stove as well as a white gas one. The Isobutane canisters get used for spring, summer, and fall, but not winter because of their lack of pressurization in 10 degrees or below. The white gas is king when it comes to winter, being that it’s self pressurized by the pumps, though, it’s much tankier than regular isobutane Stoves.
I actually remember the Whisperlite launch because I had just bought a XGX. I really like the idea of using the fuel bottle as the tank (most stoves had build in tanks at the time) saving weight and adding stability. The Whisperlite fixed my two main dislikes with the XGK, the stiff fuel line and the loudness in use, but too late for me. The first Whisperlite was white gas only and that was a plus for the multifuel XGK, but in practice I only use white gas even if kerosene is slightly more efficient.
Years later I bought the Whisperlite International though and it really made packing the stove easier. The flexible fuel line allow it to fit inside a pot and it’s also lighter than the XGK. I’ve found the Whisperlite extremely reliable. Used it on two thruhikes and lots of other trips with hardly any maintenance necessary.
You should not fire up an unknown stove inside, but as soon as you’ve checked that it works properly and you know what you’re doing you can use it almost anywhere. I’ve used mine in a tent many times and even in a motel room or two, but you have to be careful indoors so you don’t heat the surface you place the stove on too much.
I've never had any problems with fuel spills. I always turn the stove off at the pump, let it burn out and never remove the pump from the bottle (or let out the pressure) except for refill or long term storage. You can get a couple of drops form the fuel line, but that's rare and it'll evaporate quickly.
A gas canister stove is of course much lighter than a Whisperlite, but a soon as you go out for more than a couple of days (or need to melt snow) then the total weight including fuel evens out quickly. I really like canister stoves too, but there are something special with liquid fuel stoves. You know they’ll always work, regardless of altitude and temperature and you don’t need to worry about taking enough canisters - just grab a full fuel bottle and you’re good to go for a week or more.
My favorite liquid fuel stove ever is the MSR Simmerlite. Sadly it’s discontinued now and I don’t think they ever made a multi fuel version, but it’s smaller, lighter and simmers much better than the Whisperlite. Not quite expedition quality like a XGK or Whisperlite, but a excellent tradeoff for lighter use.
If I was going to buy one stove today for everything use then then newest Whisperlite Universal would be it. In addition to liquid fuel you can also use gas canister so it allows for the best of both worlds. Liquid fuel for hard core trips and the ease of canisters for weekend trips etc.
I have had the international since the mid 80's shortly after it came out. Flipping the bottle has always worked well for me. It was the stove of choice back then, up here in NH. With temps from the high 90's to 20 below zero, and with the mountains to up over 6000' with tons of snow and even colder temps, it was a great all arounder. If you can only have one stove, this would not be a bad one to consider. --den
Being out in nature to enjoy it. It just doesn't seem right to throw away fuel bottles. So I stick to liquid pump or alcohol stoves. Bring the one that suits my needs per trip. Love the channel, keep up the good work.
Awesome video. Very well edited, informative and captivating. I watched til the end cause this was educational, fun and well put together. Now I know for sure its the stove for me. You even mention REI. That's funny, that's where I saw this stove. Thank you so much. All the best on all your future endeavors. Stay safe.
In 76 I got the original multi fuel MSR for sub zero temperatures for melting snow
It was superb
But
Simmer control
Go to the Dragonfly
The Whisperlite does NOT simmer
Retired my whisperlite and whisperlite XGK. CONSTANT clogging problems with both. Sticking with my Svea 123R and MSR pocket rocket.
Same whisper light for 25 years now.
I have a button multi-fuel stove it says to flip the bottle over where the pickup tube is on the top and it will push the liquid out and you won't make a mess I've never found a problem with the liquid fuels I actually prefer them over the propane or butane.
If it's not it should be near the top. I have had mine for 20 years and have used it so many times I've lost count. To this day it is my go-to stove for winter/cold weather backpacking. I have taken the stove apart twice to clean the burner rings in all of those years and it still works as good as the day I bought it. My only complaint which is not new to those you have it is trying to get it to simmer. But that is a small price to pay when you look at how reliable it has been. It has never failed me.
If you bent the white filter stem, you can then tilt the bottle where there is airspace in the fuel bottle to vent out any fuel in the pump and lines. Then you won't have or in worse case really minimize any fuel spill.
@paleohikerMD great video. 👍 The main problem is lack of simmer. The MSR DRAGONFLY does simmer and boil and is awesome 👌. Its similar in most respects. WRT to fuel leakage when you disconnect bottle. The best solution alround to save fuel, weight and falff, is don't disconnect!, no need to. The smallest, lightest, easiest way to store and use is with the fuel pump in a fuel bottle. The smallest fuel bottle is 350ml. This is more than equivalent to medium sized isobutane in cooking power, and will do a long weekend of heavy use. It's also a good size to pack the wind guard around for storage and pack bottle stove guard and fuel in the provided stuff sack as one unit. For longer trips I bring an additional 650ml bottle, which allows the storage of 1lt combined. This is the minimum fill allowed as petrol/gas pumps. That gives alot off flexibility for international travel trips where isobutane canisters are limited, or not allowed on planes,yet carunleaded fuel is everywhere and cheap. For group/pairs cooking, international travel, like kayaking of canoe trips, backpacking, the MSR DRAGON FLY is my go to stove. The above all apply as well to the Wisperlite. Both are most efficient if drinks, main,desert, drinks are cooked in one burn 🔥 without stopping, as the fuel to prime is significant compared to the efficiency burning the atomised fuel at working temperatures.
I use mine as a fryer on the back porch.
Get the multi fuel version
Cheap fuel
available fuel
Newer version will hold a large stock pot.
Looooong run time
Doooooo not preheat the normal way use a torch
(Unless you can’t bring one)
My favorite fuel is kerosene if you have the torch
Burns hot !
It does not simmer
If you want to simmer use the iso butane
It’s nice to have kerosene for starting campfires
I wish they made a bigger bottle.
I have considered welding two together.
Msr
Will you please make some kinda flaps to hold a smaller pot.
Also a stand for base camp would be killer.
If you want camp gear that you could use everyday buy one of these.
But for heaven sake use a torch to preheat
Great vidio , I just changed out my pump assembly on my 1990 ish original stove, I think I got my money's worth
There's nothing vintage about it... This stove is extremely popular. It's all I ever use.
I have had one of these since 1994. I used it a lot, and had to overhaul it a couple of times. I think my pump has a crack in it. I wanted to tell you, without fail I was replacing o rings on bottles at least 2X a year on the bottles ant about once on the pump. They always cracked. Plus I usually had to special order due to rei not carrying them. So I generally use trangia since 1995, and most recently a msr whisperlite since 2019. I have a Svea, and some alcohol stoves, but trangia rocks!
I love mine, and i never hav problem whit fuel spill. But it is a teknik. Hold the bottle topp up, when you release it, and lett the fuel runn back in the bottle. No worries. ;-)
I have the Primus Omnifuel. Works on also any kind of fuels. The pump is made of metal and has been fail proof so far. I have had it for over 30 years. I do live in Canada were it can get real cold .
Truly a classic. I always imagine that at some point someone at msr thought ‘I’d really like to miniaturize a coleman burner…’. It’s a wonder of marketing in my opinion that these were mainstream backpacking gear.
I have msr dragonfly. For me is perfect, i use with diesel same fuel that I use for my van. Easy to use powerful and most important here in Europe every country have different adapters for gas refill.
I need to correct a couple of your comments: I have one of the original Whisperlites that I bought in the late '80s or early 90s. I finally needed new parts. First, the pump of the current model is way different from the earlier model. I bought it for my older W'lite. It doesn't seat properly and fuel leaks. Two, the current repair kit is for the newer model and not compatible with the older one. I saw no sense in upgrading. I also own the original MSR, XGK. Both stoves flare a lot if you don't use a primer like alcohol or some kind of fuel starter. Current cartridge models are SOOO convenient with the downside being you have to lug empty containers.
This stove is PERFECT for extremely cold weather. I've used this in blizzard conditions with high winds hiking through the Cascade Mountains in Oregon in the middle of winter. This stove is just what you need to quickly melt snow for water. It's super hot and efficient. Plus, it is small enough, and light enough, for long distance snowshoe backpacking. Absolutely bulletproof! Nothing better for extreme conditions in the winter! Bring a folding windscreen and don't even think about using it in your tent. In summer and at sea level, I have my Trangia or a twig stove.
I’ve had my WhisperLite since 1993. Packed it all over from AK to Belize, in all seasons and weather conditions. Took up the Nose route on El Cap for those deluxe big wall dinners and morning coffee. I still have it and use it. I have a Snow Peak canister stove, but the MSR is far superior.
Ive had mine for over thirty years. Its a fantastic stove. If you utilize the large fuel bottle you can last a long time camping, backpacking. The only thing I dont like us that the flame isnt as controllable as gas canister stoves. I still have the aluminum sheeting it came with used as a windbrake.
Although not controllable when running if you de pressurize the bottle by opening it and then only pump like 3 times instead of twelve or so you can fixate it on “low”. You’ll have to experiment if it’s 3 or 6 or whatever but that is how you can control it a bit. You can pump while running to make it more intense but you can’t de pressurize.
@@Canoejerry Thanks, I will try this.
The original whisperlites had very short braided fabric covered fuel lines and lacked the shaker jet. While these stoves are now relegated to car camping/cold weather use, up until 15-20 years ago, the Whisperlite and Dragonfly were pretty standard backpacking/through hiking stoves before the weight savings and convenience of butane/isobutane took over.
Butane Isobutane has by no means taken over liquid fuel stoves in cold conditions and expeditions. There is no weight benefit in Isobutane butane compared to liquid fuel systems in wintertrips longer than two or three days. I would never bring a butane stove for a weekend trip in the winter melting snow for me and the dog. IMO kerosene beats whitegas under extreme conditions. But I never trust the whisperlite with kero in the cold. It has let me down. I would over it prefer the xgk or dragonfly. The whisperlite is very good on whitegas or autogas though.
Love it. Great review.
I have a svea (love it) an optimus rider (OK) and an edelrid hexon.
The hexon is the most useable and excellent aftersales. It is also a true multifuel on only one jet. It uses white gas, isobutane and kero. Some people have even used with diesel.
The hexon works like the msr but has a preheated pad rather than a bowl. You also flip it at the end of use to let the pressure out and to aerate. It leaves no fuel in the system. It doesn't have a shaker. It uses a wire instead to get rid of coke build up.
The legs on the edelrid gave out and they sent me new ones free of charge.
The Shaker jet was added sometime in the late 90s. I still have my 91 version...
Classic stoves (such as this, or the MSR XGK, the golden expedition estandar) are ok, but are pretty much on/off stoves, meant for melting snow and boiling water. You can play a little with the fuel regulation and fuel bottle pressure but... do not expect to simmer well with them for real cooking.
However, there is another breed (a bit more complicated, a little less reliable as they have more parts, and more expensive) which are the stoves with double regulation. One valve for the liquid fuel in the fuel pump and another valve for the already gasified fuel at the burner itself. I own a Primus Omnifuel which is exactly one of those and I can regulate it as low as any canister stove. It also allows me to use caniseters if I wanted to (directly, no adaptors).
True that they are heavy and messier than canisters, but if you are going climbing in winter and plan on melting much snow, they are well worth it. For the base camp at least.
Great review!
Wow, this brought back memories. I have an original MSR (non shaker)whisper lite from about 30 years ago when I did some lite mountaineering/backpacking in my younger days. Damn thing still works today, tho i had to replace some of the seals cause they dried out. But I'm keeping it as an backup emergency stove for whenever the sh_t hits the fan.😜
To get rid of the excess fuel in the line turn the bottle upside down/ valve down. It will push air through the filter/ feed line. These are great emergency/ group camping stoves due to the economy of fuel. I use mine as a kayak camping stove / car camping stove
After use, turn the stove and bottle upside down and loosen the fuel control knob. The intake pipe in the bottle would suck in air to empty the pipes so it doesn’t drip fuel when you unhook. And it also depressurise the bottle.
I’ll stick to my vintage SVEA 123 and 123R!
YES! Say it out loud: ‘I’m a stove guy and I like stoves’ .