MSR XKG Expedition / XGK II Liquid Fuel Stove
Written: May 04 '04 (Updated May 08 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lightweight, reliable, boils water in a jiffy!
Cons: Hard to pack, doesn't simmer well, expensive.
The Bottom Line: I like my MSR XGK, but I have had my fill of the pump problems and the scorched food because the stove doesn't simmer.
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| alexmd's Full Review: MSR XGK Expedition |
Introduction:
There's no doubt about it, backpacking is often an oxymoronic sport: it's all about "roughing it"... as long as you have the latest high-tech equipment. There are three elements to successful backpacking: shelter, clothing, and food. And when it comes to the end of that many-mile hike, nothing beats a warm meal.
It used to be that no one thought anything of gathering wood, striking a match, and cooking over an open fire. However, for many reasons, including a new environmental awareness, the campfire is now passé. And let's face it, when your feet are telling you it's time to quit, you don't want to spend time building a fire.
As an avid backpacker there are 5 things I look for when choosing a stove:
1) Ease of use: By this I mean, is the stove stable or will it tip over, spilling my carefully rationed numnums on the ground. Does it have a wide range of temperatures to boil my noodles or to simmer a stew?
2) Packability: Light weight speaks for itself! But you also have to consider bulk: is the stove compact enough to make room for other essentials?
3) Efficiency: Is it a gas-guzzler?
4) Reliability: Does it break down? Can you fix it in the back woods?
5) Flexibility: "White Gas" is not readily available overseas. Can this stove burn gasoline (more common) or kerosene (most common)?
The MSR XKG Expedition / XGK II Liquid Fuel Stove
The MSR XGK was the first stove I ever purchased. The current model is called the XGK Expedition, usually available new in the range of US$100 to US$140. There are essentially 3 major parts to the complete stove: 1) the fuel bottle, 2) the pump, and 3) the burner unit.
The function of the fuel bottle is self-explanatory: it holds liquid fuel (either naptha, unleaded gas, or kerosene).
The pump screws into the fuel bottle and is used to create air pressure to force the fuel into the stove. About 20 pumps is usually enough to get the ball rolling. Because it has the only moving parts in the XGK Expedition, the pump is also the most prone to failure.
The burner in the XGK Expedition consists of a rigid stem, a pre-burner loop used to vaporize the fuel before burning, the burner, and the pot stand.
To use the stove, you put the pump in the bottle, connect the stem to the pump, pressurize the system by pumping, prime the stove (lighting a tiny amount of liquid fuel so that the remaining fuel is preheated), and then adjust the flame for cooking.
Evaluation of the MSR XGK Expedition
Well, I told you what my requirements were, and now let's see how the MSR XGK Expedition measures up:
1) Ease of Use
Let's face it, there is a learning curve to using the XGK Expedition. If you start with too much fuel in the priming stage, you end up with a cozy bonfire and a sooty stove, not to mention two less eyebrows. This is easy to do because the XGK Expedition has a relatively narrow range of operation: it is basically off or full speed ahead. Not only does this present a challenge when lighting the stove, it also makes it tricky to cook things that don't need to be at a rolling boil. (However, if boiling water is your goal, the XGK Expedition does it faster and better than any stove in its class!)
As I hinted above, the pump is also a major issue. Frankly, it has too many small parts, and tends to come apart with brisk pumping. If you're not careful, the pump bushing (part "H" on the parts list) flies apart and hides itself under the nearest rock. That is the LAST thing you need when the sun has gone down and the last rays of light are quickly fading.
MSR does have a redesigned pump for sale for $29.95, which is touted to greatly improve the usability of the stove.
2) Packability
The MSR XGK Expedition weighs about 1 pound, making it among the lightest stoves in its class. Despite the light weight, however, it is not the most easily packable stove out there. The reason is the rigid stem, which sticks out a good eight inches and is, frankly a pain in the patootie. My preference is for a stove that stows inside your mess kit, ideally folding up to fit inside your smallest pot. Forget this with the MSR XGK Expedition.
3) Efficiency
The MSR XGK Expedition boils water in about 3 minutes and the standard 22oz fuel bottle will easily last a weekend.
4) Reliability
Aside from the pump problem, discussed above, the design of the MSR XGK Expedition makes it easy to service on the go.
5) Flexibility
The MSR XGK Expedition burns naptha (white gas), unleaded gas, and kerosene.
Summary:
I like my MSR XGK, but I have had my fill of the pump problems and the scorched food because the stove doesn't simmer. I am also tired of that damn rigid stem that makes the MSR XGK Expedition a pain to pack. I have bought a new Coleman Peak 1 Apex II Multi-Fuel Stove and reviewed it here too.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
alexmd
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Member: Alexander
Location: North Carolina, USA
Reviews written: 17
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Medical Professional in NC, USA.
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