Jetboil Personal Cooking System

The Jetboil Personal Cooking System is one of the most convenient, versatile pieces of cookware out there. I thought they were silly and unnecessary until I went on a particular long winter raft trip. Everyday I watched enviously as another rafter cooked up soup, brewed fresh coffee, and warmed up right there on his raft. I picked up my own Jetboil soon thereafter and have been a fan ever since. Being self-contained is one of the Jetboil's nicest features. The stove, fuel, and most accessories fit snugly inside the the cook pot. You don't have to worry about keeping track of all the pieces. And once set-up, the system is equally mobile. The fuel, stove, and mug all lock together and can be moved around without disrupting your cooking, allowing you to heat water in your car, on a raft, or even skydiving if you could figure out a good windscreen....

By itself, the Jetboil is only good for heating water or warming up canned soup, rather than cooking a full meal. But really, that's all most camp cooking consists of. And if you want a more versatile stove, you can add on the pot support and use it like any other gas burner. The french press add-on gives you a great coffee maker and the hanging kit makes it even more versatile when level ground is a luxury. All of these accessories make the system even more dynamic without adding any space or much weight.



One downside to the Jetboil is the dependence on disposable fuel canisters. But with how efficiently it boils water, I only go through a few cans per year. And contrary to popular belief, the cans are recycleable if you punch a hole in the side. I've also found compatible fuels available in foreign countries, so it can travel internationally with you.



My Jetboil lives in my car and comes with me on nearly all backcountry adventures. I've found that the mere convenience of the system makes me use it more often. It's unbeatable for coffee, tea, soup, pasta, and the entire freeze-dried pantry. You won't find one of these used because owners love them. You will too.

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Reviewed by: Dan Thurber.