Image of Jetboil Flash — Photo by: Sam Conley

Looking for a stove that gets the job done in a matter of minutes? Well the Jetboil Flash might be the right stove for you. While integrated stoves aren’t the lightest backpacking option, they’re by far the most convenient and fastest stoves. Among integrated canister stoves, the Jetboil Flash is one of the most affordable and dependable options. The Flash is a solid budget buy with lots of nice extra features that make it very attractive for backpacking and camping trips. The Jetboil Flash is a top pick for integrated canister stoves on my Best Backpacking Stoves of 2020 list.

The Jetboil Flash

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Technical specs

Best Use	Backpacking
Fuel Type	Canister
Fuel	Isobutane-propane
Auto Ignition	Yes
Integrated Pot	Yes
Average Boil Time (1L)	3 min. 20 sec.
Dimensions	7.1 x 4.1 inches
Liquid Capacity (L)	1 liter
Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.)	33.8 fluid ounces
Weight	13.1 ounces

PROS

Boil Time – The Flash can boil ½ L (16oz or half full) in under 2 minutes. This is incredibly fast and convenient for those quick cooks in the backcountry. The last thing you want to do after crushing a 20 mile day is to wait ages for your dinner to cook. Even in heavy winds the Flash gets the job done!

Great Value – Since the Flash is a fully integrated cook system, it includes both the pot and the stove. This makes a really great value with an MSRP right around $100. It is the season for huge seasonal sales so if you want the best deal I could find on the Jetboil Flash Click Here. The fact that it has a fast cook time saves you fuel, which means it saves you money as well. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, you could go for their economy model, the Zip, but this one does lack a few of the perks the Flash offers and uses a smaller pot (.8L), not ideal for 2 people. Other cook systems, such as the MiniMo and MicroMo, are about $50 more because they have regulators for simmer control, but if your main goal is to boil water for a quick meal, the Flash is the best option by far.

Push Button Ignitor – The Flash’s reliable push-button ignitor makes it really easy and convenient to light. You don’t even need a lighter for this one, but I’d still recommend you always keep a Mini BIC or a small Ferro Rod for emergencies. With 9000 BTUs of heat, once you push the igniter this thing fires up like a rocket!

Fuel Efficient – The metal heat exchanger at the base of the Flash acts as a shield from the wind. That extra protection means the heat created isn’t swept away like would if you were using a stove with an exposed flame, such as the MSR Pocket Rocket 2. This saves you money in the long run. Especially since this stove will last you for years.

Helpful Extra Features – In addition to being a miraculously fast little water boiler, the Flash comes equipped with lots of extra features that make it even more appealing. It’s wrapped in an insulating neoprene sleeve that makes it easy to handle when it’s hot. It also has a strap handle that isn’t super sturdy like the one on the MiniMo, but still functions well enough to be beneficial. The sleeve is fitted with a color-changing heat indicator that gives you a visual cue when the water’s close to boiling. Since the indicator turns orange, you can prepare to turn the stove off right in time to eliminate fuel waste and avoid boil overs. The plastic bottom cover also doubles as a bowl/cup with measuring markers that make it easy to add the perfect amount of water to your backpacking meals.

Image of Jetboil MiniMo — Jetboil MiniMo Photo by: Sam Conley

CONS

No Simmer Control – The Flash doesn’t have a fuel regulator for simmer control, which limits its versatility for doing much more than boiling water. For those who want to do more cooking on the trail, the MiniMo is a better option, though it is more expensive and has a stouter pot shape that’s slightly tougher to pack (but better to eat out of). No regulator also means the Flash won’t work for sub-freezing winter trips, but if you mostly backpack from spring to fall, that shouldn’t be an issue.

Heavy – The Flash weighs 13.1 oz., which isn’t super light, but isn’t terrible for backpacking either. The base plate is now made of aluminum, which shaves off an ounce from previous Jetboil versions. I’d use the Flash on trips where convenience is paramount, but it’s a little on the heavy side for thru-hiking or extended ultralight trips, unless you were to split the weight between two people. If I’m crushing big miles with lots of elevation gains, that’s when I use the ol’ trusted MSR Pocket Rocket 2.

Jetboil Flash Summary

The Jetboil Flash isn’t the smallest or lightest stove out there. Although, it is a stove with great value and the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Its fair price, efficiency, quick boil times and the fact that it is incredibly sturdy while cooking makes this stove a great option for those weekends out on the trail! For other stove recommendations, check out my full review on the Best Backpacking Stoves of 2020.

More Information

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