The MSR Windpro 2 is a high performance stove with excellent variable output and a canister inversion feature for colder temperatures
MSR Windpro 2
Having used many different stoves over the years such as the MSR pocket rocket, MSR Reactor and the Trangia I welcomed the opportunity to explore the MSR Wind Pro 2’s capabilities.
What’s in the pack
- MSR Windpro II stove
- Windscreen & heat reflector base plate
- Instruction manual & carry sac
I have evaluated the Wind Pro 2 mainly on the following primary characteristics:
- Weight
- Size
- Performance
Like the Original Wind Pro the Wind Pro 2 stove connects to the gas canister via a flexible braided fuel line, keeping the burner unit closer to the ground and therefore more stable. The single greatest improvement the Windpro 2 offers is the ability to burn in liquid feed mode. Inverting the gas canister using the stand included allows for the delivery of liquid gas directly to the burner head optimising the stove’s performance especially in cold weather, which can affect pressure and output.
The Windpro 2 can also still be used in traditional upright position.
Simply ignite the stove with the gas canister in the upright position, allow for the delivery of fuel, after around 10 seconds twist the fuel line and invert the canister which is held in place with the stand provided. At this point you’ll notice the increased feed of the liquid gas with a marked increase in output.
The Wind Pro 2’s inversion feature allows it to perform strongly even in cold temperatures and with depleting canisters. The inversion is facilitated by a swivel in the valve, which allows inversion during use. The valve also displays the directional flow of fuel indicator, clockwise to increase, anticlockwise to decrease.
Note that the fuel line will contain unburnt fuel, be sure to allow this to burn off before disconnecting the supply.
Due to the length of the fuel line, power adjustments will take a few seconds to reach the burner head. The fuel line is constructed of a durable metal and leads to a preheat tube which allows vapourisation of the fuel.
The burner head itself it quite large and is supported by three sturdy pot stands which could easily accommodate a large pot or pan. One of the pot stands is fixed to the burner head with the other two folding against the fixed stand allowing the stove to be packed down in size.
Performance
having used the Wind Pro 2 on mountain summits I was more than impressed with its performance. I was able to boil half a litre of water in around 3 mins and reheat meals in around the same time. These times were achieved using the windscreen and base reflector plate to optimise performance. The Wind Pro 2 is also highly fuel efficient.
Size
When the Wind Pro 2 folds up it takes up very little room, around the size of pair of rolled up socks. (It’s worth noting I store my Wind Pro 2 in the carry case with a small sheet of bubble wrap which helps protect it from bumps and knocks. I also store it inside a pot, keeping everything in it place.
Weight
The Wind Pro weighs in at 6.6oz (excluding windscreen and base plate) making it quite lightweight giving its high performance.
When ever possible I used the screen and base plate as it boosted the stove’s performance. They are both constructed of light aluminium with the base plate folding in quarters and the screen rolling into a coil, which helps with storage. The screen itself has a cut section allowing for the passing of the fuel line with both ends folding together securing in place.
Windscreen – 58g
Reflector – 17g
Conclusion
The MSR Wind Pro 2 is certainly a high performance stove with excellent power control.
On a recent summit camp fellow HikersBlog author Ed brought his MSR Reactor stove and while I used the Wind Pro to reheat our meals, Ed used the Reactor to keep hot tea and coffee in supply. As the second generation, the Wind Pro 2 has been fine adjusted and the already winning design has been improved to allow the feed of liquid fuel. Although this stove is not ultra light, it is lightweight, durable and user-friendly. Having used this stove summit wild camping I’d be more than happy to recommend the MSR Windpro 2 as my go to stove.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Light weight and compact | Fuel line length delays effect of fuel adjustments |
| Windscreen and base plate | |
| High performance | |
| Durable |
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John Surginor
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