You're right, Lori: there are faster, lighter, quieter stoves - but I've yet to find ONE stove that is all three - and that's the basis of my change of heart.
I was using an MSR Titan Kettle and MicroRocket (about 5 or 6 ounces, total) that was lighter than the Jetboil. In calm, warm conditions, it came close to being as fast; but in the wind, not so much - unless I used a windscreen, at which point it was no longer lighter. It was not noticeably quieter. I've also used a Snow Peak Gigapower, with the same results as the MSR setup.
I've used Trangia stoves - definitely quieter, but not lighter or faster. Admitttedly, alcohol stoves made from cat food cans or pop cans would be lighter - but they need a windscreen to be efficient (and still aren't as fast), and the windscreen can more or less eliminate the weight savings (more, if it's a commercially-made screen; less if it's a few layers of aluminum foil.)
(I'm deliberately ignoring the fact that you can take only as much alcohol as you need for a specific trip, whereas you always have to take an entire gas canister - that gets into a whole discussion by itself; besides, for shorter trips, I often have a partly-full canister to take, which reduces that weight difference to an ounce or two.)
The big thing, with any kitchen, is that it has to fit the way you cook. For me, it's like someone watched me fix breakfast and supper and designed a stove to fit. However, as with nearly all other gear, my solution might not work so well for someone else (and vice versa.) Thus, I'd recommend that anyone consider the Jetboil Sol - but I'd never demand that they choose it or be "wrong" and I'm familiar enough with your advice to know you feel the same about "right" or "wrong" in backpacking. (Well, we both feel cotton is wrong, but we won't go there... )
All I know is how often I'm asked for help with things - big hiking group, REI in town, dozens of Jetboils on the trail in my immediate proximity.
Based on the last few years, I'll never own a JetBoil, SteriPen, or eat MREs.... And I always carry extra stove fuel and a lighter in my pocket for when the peizo failures hit.
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"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few." Shunryu Suzuki
FWIW, I've never had any issues with my Jetboil (maybe I should add, "yet"?) Of course, I never had any issues with other stoves I've owned, either.
I also carry a lighter, because I don't fully trust any piezo; I carry some matches because I don't fully trust any lighter.
Fully agree with not eating MRE's - my brother-in-law (career military) once told me that Meal, Ready to Eat was three lies for the price of one. (Tried one, once, and had to agree; my own military experience was with C-rations and in-flight lunches. No joy there, either.
Great cup I think that it could be a bit lighter but the way that you can fit all the appliances inside the cup is a mazing. When me and my father go backpacking it works great. -Nate-
I'm afraid I get a bit jaded about it. Every hiker coming through the door at REI gets one shoved in their hands. Every group backpack I go on, I end up fixing a Jetboil or boiling water for someone who brought one. The Snow Peak, Optimus, Primus, MSR users - not a prob. Alcohol stoves? No prob. Jetboils especially dislike getting up in the morning, so of course, I started carrying a canister stove so that at least the frustrated Jetboiler can just borrow my stove and not waste my fuel.
There are gear items that I have too much experience with that I have never and will never buy.... this be one.
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"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few." Shunryu Suzuki
I have the Jetboil flash and I love it. Before that I used a CampingGaz Turbo 270. Nothing beats having everything in a nice tidy compact set. I've used many a stove (MSR whisperlite, esbit, coleman white gas) and canister stoves are by far the easiest, least fussy stoves to work with. My Piezzo igniter still works on my Jetboil, but I carry a mini bic anyway. If 1 liter is a bit big for you, get the Jetboil Zip, same stove as the flash with a few oz less capacity cup. Even in sub-0, high altitude (+10,000 el) my Jetboil flash has got it done. I've never tried anything except boil water....so if you're making a soufleit, go with a dutch oven. Otherwise you can do a lot worse than a Jetboil.
I've been using 2 of the original Jetboil for a number of years now. It IS best just for heating water, but don't assume it is only for that. With the pot stand piece I have watched my wife scramble eggs and even bake a pizza on those things. Myself, I'm far too lazy for that much work, but the pizza *was* awesome.
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