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DIY: Windscreen for MSR Pocket Rocket and Toaks Cookpot
I’m feeling pretty creative today!
Over the years I’ve watched hundreds of YouTube videos on making my own gear and modifications for things like my tarp and backpack.
When I purchased my MSR pocket rocket, I was a bit concerned that it did not have a windscreen. For about three years, I just used my Zseat and held it against the wind when I was boiling water. It was the pain in the ass, and I actually burned a few holes in the Zseat, as well as the totally destroyed the strap. After a backpacking trip, I found myself in possession of a few thick, aluminum sheets, and figured, why not?
When I got home I managed to rig up a pretty good windscreen that served me well.
With my thru-hike fast approaching, I have been a bit concerned that my initial DIY project won’t last the daily use. I had been considering purchasing some titanium, but I wasn’t sure how to cut it or what size I would need. On a whim I threw a 12”x12” sheet into my shopping cart when I purchased my new Chameleon hammock from Dutchware (I was replacing my cloud 71 fabric with something a bit sturdier for the thru-hike).
The titanium sheet had been sitting on my kitchen table for about five days when I decided to take a crack at it.
I used my old aluminum sheet has a pattern. I was surprised the titanium cut with regular scissors. I was also able to use a paper hole punch. My classic Swiss Army knife scissors worked perfectly for cutting off little sharp edges.
In most of the DIY videos I watched, they added more holes for ventilation, but I think with the fact that mine doesn’t wrap all the way around and does not touch the ground completely, it provide enough airflow. I can always add more later.
Although it does not weigh any less than the aluminum sheet did (they are both about 16.8g), it does feel quite a bit more stable. And, I love the fact that it still fits nicely in my tokes cookpot. I can still put my stove at the bottom of the pot and a small fuel canister on top.
Should I call this project a success?
I’m really glad I took a chance on this project. Most windscreens out there are for alcohol, stoves, and are not quite tall enough for what I needed. I only spent about $14 and a half an hour of my time. Totally worth it!
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Comments 7
MSR and all other canister stove manufacturers tell you very explicitly to not do this. You run a very real risk of overpressurizing the canister from the reflected heat.
Thanks Richard – I REALLY appreciate you pointing this out to me! so helpful!
I did lots of research after seeing your post. From what I uncovered, as long as the fuel canister does not get hot – there is no concern. I used my aluminum version in all conditions and the canister never got hot. I’m wondering if the fact that the screen does not touch the ground and is open on one side makes a difference? I also thought I could just cut the screen shorter and widen the gap instead so that I don’t have to carry an additional piece – do you have any experience with this?
He’s not wrong. From the MSR website and I did not realize this either.
Why can’t I use a windscreen with my canister stove?
We do not make a windscreen for any of our canister stoves, with the exception of the WindPro 2 only. Never use a windscreen with a stove that does not have a remote fuel source stove. Placing a fuel canister inside a windscreen can result in the canister overheating, potentially resulting in an explosion or leak. Instead, try to position your body so that it blocks as much wind as possible.
-Movin’ On
Thanks Robert. I didn’t realize it either. I did lots of research after seeing this!
This is a terrible idea and the risk of explosion is real….and has happened before. DO NOT do this and quite frankly this post needs to be taken down as it threatens loss of life or limb. Seriously, people have lost hands and fingers doing this.
On the topic of heating up the canister – yes, there is a risk, but can effectively removed by adding a circular piece of aluminium foil under the stove and above the canister, so that heat is reflected away. Should be an easy fix!
so helpful! thanks Justin.
From my research, as long as the fuel canister does not get hot – there is no concern. I used my aluminum version in all conditions and the canister never got hot. I’m wondering if the fact that the screen does not touch the ground and is open on one side makes a difference? Do you think I should add the circular piece? I also thought I could just cut the screen shorter and widen the gap instead so that I don’t have to carry an additional piece – what do you think?