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Reviews > Cook Gear > Stoves > MSR XGK EX > Gail Staisil > Long Term ReportLong Term Report: MSR® XGK EXTM Stove By Gail Staisil, Marquette, Michigan May 09, 2006 Tester Information Name: Gail Staisil Age: 53 Gender: Female Height: 5' 9" (1.75 m) Weight: 140 lb (64 kg) Email: woodswoman2001@yahoo.com Location: Marquette, Michigan USA Photo Album Website: http://community.webshots.com/user/isleroyalegirl For the last 16 years, backpacking has become a passion. I am a four-season backpacker and an off-trail navigator. Although I do take yearly trips to the American West or Southwest, the majority of my trips are in Michigan and Canada. My pack weight varies considerably but my base weight is below 20 lb (9.1 kg). I am primarily a tarp camper who averages over 50 nights a year backpacking in a huge variety of weather conditions including relentless rain, wet snow and sub-zero temps. MSR XGK EX Stove-- Description The
MSR XGK EX is an expedition stove that reportedly improves on
similar models from the past (the XGK and XGK II). Some of the
improvements to the older models from the manufacturer include a
flexible
fuel line, retractable legs and pot supports. For more detailed
information please see my initial
report.
Manufacturer: Mountain Safety Research Website: http://www.msrcorp.com Phone: 1.206.505.9500 Model: XGK EX Stove Model Year: 2005 Manufacturer's Website Minimum Weight: 13.2 oz (374 g) Manufacturer's Listed Package Minimum Weight: 12.6 oz (357 g) Manufacturer's Website Packaged Weight: 17.2 oz (489 g) Manufacturer's Listed Packaged Weight: 16.6 oz (471 g) MSRP: $129.95 US Weights per tester: Stove: 10.9 oz (309 g) Pump: 2.2 oz (62 g) Windscreen: 1.6 oz (46 g) Heat reflector: 0.6 oz (17 g) Parts Kit: 0.6 oz (17 g) Stuff Sack: 0.7 oz (20 g) Minimum Weight: (stove and pump only): 13.1 oz ( 371 g) Total Package Weight: 16.6 oz (471 g) Long-Term Testing Data Field Test 1 - Harlow Lake March 17-19 2006 During the long-term
testing period of two months I have used the MSR XGK EX Stove for an
additional ten days. The first trip involved pulling a sledge to a
rustic cabin. There was an
abundance of new snow with much humidity in the atmosphere. Daytime
high temperatures were around 30
F ( -1 C) and night time lows were aproximately 20 F ( -7 C). Altitude
was at
the 600
ft (183 m) level.
The log cabin had a small narrow wood stove for the primary source of heat but it wasn't an efficient source for heating the cabin or cooking as it was hard to maintain a consistent fire. I brought the MSR XGK EX Stove so that we could have a dependable source of even heat. Since we had only a short distance to haul in our gear, I loaded up the sledge with bulky and non-traditional types of camping food. There were supplies to make fresh meat tacos and also fresh tortellini with marinara sauce. For safety reasons I set up the stove on the same aluminum cookie sheet that I normally use for winter camping. The cabin was composed entirely out of wooden logs and everything else in it was also made out of wood. I set the metal cookie sheet on the wooden table to protect the table surface from overheating or possible flare-up of the stove. I was still using my winter set-up for cooking with a 2 Q (1.89 L) anodized aluminum pot. I had precooked the meat for the tacos at home. At the cabin I combined the meat and seasonings with a few cups of water that came to a boil in about three minutes. I then adjusted the flame and let it simmer for awhile. The other dinner meal consisted of fresh tortellini that cooked up nicely in a few minutes and then I added the marinara sauce to heat thoroughly. I also used the stove for hot drinks and oatmeal during both mornings of the trip. Without wind and cold as a factor, the stove performed very quickly and in no time at all we were having some tasty hot meals. Field Test 2 - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore April 26-28 Fuel Usage The second trip was a
solo backpacking trip to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in late
April. Since this was a backpacking trip rather than a sledge trip, I
was especially careful with
the amount of fuel that I brought. I only own a couple 33 oz (976 ml)
size
MSR
fuel bottles as the majority of my trips have been in the dead of
winter where melting snow for water supply is absolutely necessary. On
this trip I only had to be concerned with heating water for my
minuscule breakfast and dinner meals as my liquid water supply was
readily available in Lake Superior or one of many rivers in its
watershed. I used chemical treatment for my drinking water. I filled
one of my 33 oz (976 ml) size fuel bottles with a mere 11 oz (325 ml)
of
fuel. I would
only be heating approx 44 oz (1301 ml) of water per day on the stove as
I had already packed in 2 quarts (2 liters) of water for the first part
of the trip.
Windscreen Size/Pot Size Issues  Because I had so much less fuel in the bottle I knew that I would have to pump the fuel bottle more times to get the required pressure. This wasn't any problem and it took about 30 pumps to feel like there was enough pressure. My first set-up of the stove on this trip was on the sandy Twelve Mile Beach area of Lake Superior. After the wind extinguished a few wooden matches too quickly, I placed the windscreen closer to the stove making igniting it easier. I was also using a much smaller pot on this trip. It was a 27 oz (0.8 L) titanium pot that is my standard three-season pot. I did notice that with the smaller pot, there is so much more room around the stove for air space. If I wanted to make it more effective, I would have to take the standard windscreen and cut slits in it so that the pot supports could project out of it thereby closing in on the pot. It may be just as easy to make or buy an additional windscreen with such modifications and then just keep the supplied version for use with my winter 2 Q (1.89 L) pot. In the picture to the right, I removed the windscreen so that one could see how far the pot supports stick out from the location of the pot. Obstructed Hearing by Loud Roar of Waves Another thing that was readily apparent was that the noise made by the waves was going to hinder me from hearing the hiss of the stove fuel entering the fuel cup let alone hearing the roar of the MSR at full hilt. After overfilling the fuel cup for the first time ever, I dealt with the flare and moved on to a successful experience. I had to watch the cover on the pot for it to start shaking so that I would know when the water was boiling for sure. Those waves are loud! The next morning, I set up my stove right outside of my tent to stave off the morning chill by making a cup of Chai and a cup of oatmeal. I had set up camp on a site elevated above and back from the shoreline so I could successfully monitor my stove by hearing its sounds. The stove can be easily adjusted by the pump lever to control the flow of fuel. The ground was covered with pine needles so I scraped the needles away under the stove to set it up on a barren dirt surface. In the picture below, there is a noticeable space around the small pot. Most likely the stove would even be more efficient if I could space the windscreen a little closer.  In the evening, I set up camp about 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of the previous night's location near a river mouth that flows into Lake Superior. I had the best of two worlds for water supply. My dinner prep involved heating water for a hot drink and a hot meal. I located myself along the Mosquito River bank and set the stove up away from the wind off of Lake Superior. There was a definite chill in the air with daytime temps in the mid-40's F (4 C) and the night time temperatures plummeted quickly before sunset to a low of the mid 20's F (-7 C). I really didn't think it was going to get that cold so I carelessly left my lemonade bottle un-insulated in a metal bear box that the park provided and my other water bottle was in the vestibule of the tent for the night. Both were frozen solid in the morning. Fortunately I had the MSR stove and one of the biggest water supplies out there. I powered up the stove and had hot water for a cup of Chai and oatmeal. I also poured water over and into my frozen bottles to melt the ice. Normally I am more cautious with my water bottles but I had less than 2 miles (3 kilometers) to travel in the morning so I wasn't particularly concerned about them freezing solid. After all it was April 28. Overall I used only 4 oz (118 ml) of fuel for the entire trip to heat a total of 88 oz (2603 ml) of water (22 oz/651 ml) each time. I had plenty left for emergencies (7 oz/207 ml) at the end of the trip. Field Test 3 - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Trail Thru-Hike May 4-7 2006 My third trip was also to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore during the early part of May. I had the opportunity to be shuttled to the east end of the lakeshore trail and be dropped off in the late evening hours. It would be a thru-hike totally 42.8 miles (69 kilometers) mostly over a 3 day period. Similar conditions prevailed on this trip, the nights were still as low as 20 F ( -7 C) and the daytime highs were in the low to mid 40's F ( 4 C). Strong winds, snow and light rain were interspersed by semi-cloudy conditions. I packed in less fuel for this trip based on my prior weeks experience. I still had to use my 33 oz (976 ml) size bottle of fuel but I just filled it with 8 oz (237 ml) of fuel. I estimated that I might only be needing approximately 5 oz (148 ml) of fuel so I wanted to see if statistically the consumption would be similar to the previous week. All of the variables were mostly consistent including but not limited to weather, hot water consumption needs and pot size. At the end of the trip I was pleasantly surprised that I had only used about 4 oz (118 ml). Maintenance During the entire testing period the MSR XGK EX Stove has performed flawlessly. I haven't seen any breakdown of stove parts after carefully inspecting the stove after each trip. The instruction manual that was provided with the stove gives implicit instructions for keeping it that way. Each time I have used the stove I have shaken it to make sure the shaker needle that clears the jet could be heard. If it is moving it means it is self cleaning. The manual provides specifics for pump maintenance and stove maintenance. There are several O-rings and seals on the pump that need to be inspected. If they are torn, cracked or dry they must be replaced. During my inspection I found all to be in great shape so I won't have to change them yet. All the tools, seals, O-rings and more are provided in the Annual Maintenance Kit that is provided with the stove but I have also purchased the Expedition Service Kit that contains additional parts for long term usage. If I ever have problems with the shaker jet, a more thorough cleaning of the jet and fuel line will also be necessary. Again the instructions are very clear for this procedure in the instruction manual. As mentioned in my field report, I have been protecting the end of the fuel pump and the end of the fuel line by placing a small plastic bag over the end of each and securing with an elastic band. I have also filtered my fuel before filling the fuel bottles. I feel that these extra measures will help prevent possible contamination and they take little of my time to do in the field. The stove has been easy to pack and I never felt that the stove was fragile in any way that would limit the placement of it in my backpack or my sledge. Final Thoughts During the long-term
testing period I have come to really enjoy using the MSR XGK EX Stove.
I feel much
more comfortable with it than I ever anticipated and I like the
quickness and efficiency
of its operation. I will continue to use it especially for winter
camping as it has made life at camp so much easier than when I used an
alcohol stove for my winter expeditions. I also anticipate using
it for any other backpacking trips where the weight of the stove and
fuel outweigh the lesser efficiency of other stoves that I normally
have used.
As reported in my field
report, this is based on duration of my trips and the amount of
water I need to boil. Although I did not get to experiment with other
fuel types, I was very pleased with the choice of white gas fuel which
will be my standard. It is very a very economical and clean burning
fuel type.
.
Dislikes:
Comments: Thanks to Mountain Safety Research and BGT for this great opportunity to test such a neat product. Read more reviews of MSR gear Read more gear reviews by Gail Staisil Reviews > Cook Gear > Stoves > MSR XGK EX > Gail Staisil > Long Term Report | |||