I do not own this stove but have decent experience in the Smoky Mtns w/ a whisperlite. I would really recommend a Peak one (one piece stove) no- priming-required stove over a whisperlite or other component stove for reasons of: 1)ease of use, you don't have to fiddle w/ fuel connections or wind screens. 2)priming isn't required on the peak ones which is dangerous, I think 3) I think the Peak One is much more stable b/c the inflexible hose doesn’t force one side up. 4) except when you have to pour fuel into the stove, there’s no danger of fuel spills as when you prime or assemble a whisperlite. I had my experience w/ the stove in the mtns in temperatures in the teens and I discovered the weight of a Peak one is truly worth the convenience when your fingers are numb and you’re hungry. I would never buy a whisperlite or like stove for these reasons. Just think, when you want to use the stove all you do is take the thing out of it’s bag, retrieve matches and light it up. That’s it.

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The stove is small and light so it is ideal for a light pack. Its fuel economy is better than many stoves on the market, so you don't need to be burdened with as much fuel. It boils water in a reasonable time. It is easy to clean, all you need to do is flip it over. The biggest problem is that it is somewhat unstable, but that can be solved with an accessory or with rocks in the wilderness.

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I haven't needed anything... yet.

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I have tried assorted Colman Butane stoves that can't compare with this one.

This stove has two settings: Off and Torch. That makes it difficult to cook anything that reqiures simmering, though I think this is a common problem with white gas stoves.
Also, mine is about 3 years old and I now have to clean it out about every three uses. It's probably worth it to get the MSR Shaker Jet (self-cleaning) if you don't need the international fuels feature.

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Very Good stove. The flame is reasonably adjustable as long as you don't put excessive pressure in the fuel bottle with the plunger. I just pump it about 10 times and can get it down to a reasonable simmering flame, while still being able to open it up for boiling. A minor negative is that is that the windscreen gets in the way when you're using the MSR frying pan and pan handler.

Customer Service

I queried MSR about how best to achieve simmer after reading on the stove brochure that it will simmer, and at the MSR FAQ that it will simmer if you pump the plunger once or use a coffee can bottom between the pan and the flame. I wanted to know how to reduce the bottle pressure when cooking for a boil to bring it to simmer without having to unscrew the cap. Of course, you can't and you aren't supposed to relight a warm stove so you're a bit out of luck. Anyway, their response, which was reasonably quick, said that I should have purchased a stove that was meant to simmer, like the dragonfly. I was not impressed with their response. But that's just one individual working there, not the entire company's attitude. I hope.

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I find this stove to be just about everything you could need when backpacking. It is extremely lightweight, easy to operate (once you get all the "quirks" worked out) and stores away easily. It has been a very reliable stove and more than worth the price I paid for it. I would recommend it to anyone.

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None. Only stove I've purchased.

This stove is a torch, it will boil water in no time at all. Although the flame is not technically adjustable you can keep it at a simmer if you don't mind adjusting the gas knob. I have used this stove in Canyonlands Ntl. Park as well as snow camping in The Hoosier National Forest and I have not had any problems with it. The only thing that I could see as a negative is that is bit of a process to get started, but isn't backpacking all about playing with your toys in the wilderness?

Customer Service

I haven't had to contact MSR and hopefully I won't have to, they do offer a backcountry repair kit that comes with a set of instructions for about $12.

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Peak 1 Apex II

The MSR has the great advantages of light weight and versatility. It is also 99 percent reliable, although the time that it did not function was disruptive in the extreme. Still, it is as reliable as any backpacking stove--more so than many--and its other pluses probably outweigh the one bad experience. It is capricious; it must learn your touch. Once it does, it works like a dream at any altitude and in any weather.

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Peak 1

I've used this stove for a couple years now and I've never had a problem with it. It has a simple, effective design that works well in my opinion. True, there is no flame adjustment, but I have been able to cook anything that my heart desires, even cakes.

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This stove has great features, including the use of many fuels. It is also verv light an compact, comes with a nifty carrying case, and is very quiet. It has never failed me and I hope it never does.

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This stove, obviosly, is well used and everyone loves it, I am no exception. It is lightweight and extremely durable. Mine has been kicked into a tree, and it still works perfectly, I've taken it on over 100 trips and it works perfectly every time.

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