Jetboil Sol vs MSR Reactor in cold weather

My old Jetboil Flash sucked when it got cold (below 32f). The new Sol is supposed to be better in the cold. Can anyone compare the performace of the SOL to the Reactor in cold weather?

I haven't used the SOL.

I use the Reactor in cold weather all the time.

It does ok, but what really makes it work is this:

Buy this bowl (less than 2 ounces)

rei.com/product/720286/snow…

Heat up a little bit of water in the Reactor, enough to put about an inch or so in the bottom of the bowl. Then, set the gas canister in the hot water and keep it there in the hot water as you cook. This keeps the gas canister warm, and you can cook in temps well below zero at maximum speed and efficiency.

Kai Larson wrote:I haven't used the SOL. I use the Reactor in cold weather all the time. It does ok, but what really makes it work is this: Buy this bowl (less than 2 ounces) rei.com/product/720286/snow… Heat up a little bit of water in the Reactor, enough to put about an inch or so in the bottom of the bowl. Then, set the gas canister in the hot water and keep it there in the hot water as you cook. This keeps the gas canister warm, and you can cook in temps well below zero at maximum speed and efficiency.

Or sleep with the canister in your bag or put it in your jacket before you use it.

I have both. The Sol sucks in the wind and the tall narrow pot is inefficient. I use it on warmer climbs or when I'm camping alone/odd man out. The Reactor is my go to canister stove, I took the canister feet out of the SOL and use them with the Reactor, it helps to keep the canister out of the snow and freezing.

keeping the canister warm while cooking helps out a ton. Boiling some water first to warm it is one option, but just keeping it off the snow will help a ton. Also using water from your water bottle in a bowl (like the boiled water method above) theoretically keeps the canister fuel above 32 degrees which will help too.

I actually do have both stoves as part of my excess stove habit.

Without a doubt, the Reactor is MUCH better as far as cold weather performance goes. Cold and wind affect the melt/boil times noticeably less, although I haven't used the two next to each other. And, with that said, I have only carried the SOL stove with me this winter on ski tours. It is smaller and weighs less which is preferable for long day trips with a small (1-2 person) group. I would definitely carry the Reactor if it was supporting a 4 person group for a long day tour.

When the burner starts to die down you can put your [gloved] hands on the canister to help the fuel vaporize. Another trick is to pack them up when they are hot with the canister inside. The hot/warm pot will help keep the fuel canister warm for a little while. Usually, you don't notice a difference until it is below ~25F or so, just be sure the canister is a PROPANE/ISOBUTANE mix (with as much propane as possible).

when using the water in the bowl method, you don't need to boil water or even heat it up. as long as the water isn't frozen, it'll be warm enough to keep the canister's butane above its boiling point, where it will vaporize readily.

also, i use the fold up fozzil bowl or dish. they're lighter than anything else out there, pack flat, and are easier to clean than metal dishes.

jetboil is soooo quick i recommend it even tho its a bit pricy...

+1 for Reactor, provided you can keep the canister warm. Another option is the MSR Wind Pro - the new version has an upside down canister mount which has numerous advantages (getting the last bit of fuel out, good wind protection with the windscreen, canister off the ground)