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The MSR Dragonfly stove has earned a stellar reputation among outdoor enthusiasts for its versatility and precision. Known for its superior flame control, the MSR Dragonfly allows users to simmer and cook with accuracy, a rare feature in camping stoves designed for rugged environments. Many users consider the MSR Dragonfly a game-changer, as it offers powerful performance and the ability to handle various fuel types, making it a reliable choice for those who venture into remote locations or endure long backpacking trips. This MSR Dragonfly review compiles real buyer insights, giving you an honest look at the pros and cons of this trusted camping stove.
For adventurers who need a stove that delivers consistent heat and control, the MSR Dragonfly stands out. Numerous reviews highlight the MSR Dragonfly's remarkable durability, with many users noting how well it holds up in extreme conditions. Its wide pot supports and stable design provide an extra layer of convenience, especially for cooking in diverse terrain. With the MSR Dragonfly stove, real users report impressive performance in both high altitudes and challenging weather, making it one of the most recommended stoves for serious outdoor cooking. Whether you’re a mountaineer or a weekend camper, the MSR Dragonfly is a top choice when it comes to reliable, efficient stoves that deliver under all conditions.
1.Review from Customer "cascadedesigns.com Shopper":
"I purchased a dragonfly in 1984 and it still rocks. MSR was kind of enough to replace the fabric-covered fuel line when it frayed with a metal mesh one (at no cost). Otherwise, never had a problem with it. It's bullet proof. These stoves are meant to last a lifetime. My model is about twice as heavy as the current ones (preceded ultralight backpacking). And yes, it's noisy but when it's super cold out and you're wet with sweat, that's backcountry music to one's ears. It'll boil a pot of water in a couple minutes. It's never failed me. Hats off to MSR for your good products."
2.Review from Customer "GMGUNICYCLE":
"The Dragonfly! Definitely has it's legendary following for a reason. This is not my primary stove, as I do have a Reactor also that I use for a majority of my trips, but the Dragonfly is definitely an essential piece of equipment in my gear bag for a few reasons. First is just the ability to COOK as you would be used to doing with a gas range at home. Legit, it's pretty much the same thing. Very stable pot base supports, unmatched ability to simmer compared with other liquid fuel stoves, and it is fairly low cost to operate. In my opinion, no backpacker's experience is complete without experience with a liquid fueled stove. They matter and are still sold for a reason. Do your self a favor and buy this one, it will not disappoint or let you down."
3.Review from Customer "oceanpeaches":
"This is an excellent stove! Have used this stove as a sea kayak guide (Kayak Fundy, New Brunswick) on 5hr long day trips. It's never failed me! Can be a little tricky to learn how to use at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's the best! I really like this stove because it allows you to adjust how much fuel you're using which means you can use it to simmer dishes, or cook at high heat! The kit comes with repair and replacement parts which is very helpful as these stoves will last you a very long time! Great work MSR!"
4.Review from Customer "cascadedesigns.com Shopper":
"We have been burning this stove for 20+ years in every condition out there (northern Canada winter camping, hot summer thunderstorms...). Original blue pump cracked (as they all seem to have) and the original brazed pivot axle cracked/broke off, but have been able to repair and keep the stove going after all of this. Added a dragon tamer to fix the only real issue with the stove- it (was) pretty loud. With the tamer it is perfect. Can easily boil water in a hurry and then cook quinoa without turning everything to charcoal. As with all stoves the windshield is a must to keep it running efficiently. It is a beauty- after all these years and using everything else under the sun we wouldn't consider anything else."
5.Review from Customer "Wallace":
"I bought this after lots of research on fulfilling my cooking needs while camping and backpacking. I like good food and big meals, especially while camping, so the ultralight minimalist stoves did not work for my needs. This stove has great flame distribution and can handle a large pan, which works for me making food with fresh meat and vegetables, not just dehydrated foods. The pump and bottle are very useful and practical. I am able to refill the bottle before every trip to ensure I never waste fuel or need to bring 2 containers. I have not brought it on an airplane yet, but I like the ability to bring the bottle empty and filling it somewhere when you land, which cant be done with the butane canister stoves. If you are considering using butane, remember how it will not function right in the cold. Liquid fuel should be able to work fine in the cold as long as you pressurize the pump. The first time I used it was while hiking for the day at around 5*F in mid winter, with moderately high wind, and succeeded to make chili from scratch in about an hour. Its a bit of a learning process to perfect the pumping and preheating process, but its not very difficult to figure out. The metal shields it comes with helps a lot to protect from wind. Its also worth noting how crazy efficient it is. I still have the same 1 quart of msr white gas fuel and I have used it for over 6 weekend camping trips with hours of cooking time. I originally bought the 20oz fuel bottle but downsized to the 11oz because this seemed to last more than long enough for the whole trip. The only downside to this is it is very loud, and not as lightweight as other stoves. I highly recommend to someone who needs higher quality food while backpacking, or for a larger group that needs to make bigger meals."
6.Review from Customer "Steve R.":
"We have been using a Dragonfly stove for a very long time, perhaps 20 years, and only once have I had to replace an o-ring. The stove is for our basecamp/camping excursions the single best stove available. Reliable, stable, performs excellent in wind, multi fuel capable, I can’t say enough good things about it.
Eventually the old fuel pump cracked and I needed a replacement after so many years. Works perfectly and slightly newer design, nice. I also bought a backup because in the field for a week because of an accident with the stove would be a problem.
It’s a bit noisy, but totally worth it, this workhorse stove can’t be beat. Fast, easy to light, durable, sips fuel, little no no maintenance needed over many years. We do have a maintenance kit, but never needed it in nearly 20 years besides a single o ring."
7.Review from Customer "Daniel":
"My other stove is an MSR Reactor, which is also a great stove for many reasons. But the MSR Dragonfly is the stove I carry on cross-country bike tours because you can find fuel that works pretty much everywhere, in places that do not have the bottled gas for the Reactor. I brought this DragonFly stove out of retirement after going through remote areas of Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and Utah where I could not find fuel for the Reactor. I wound up using the wrong gas out of desperation and could barely heat water. The DragonFly is good in all kinds of weather with many different liquid fuels."
8.Review from Customer "scoutmom90266":
"I've been using a Dragonfly as my personal primary camp stove for about 20 years. My scout troop uses them exclusively in front and back country (2 per patrol in front country). They are super versatile, completely serviceable (read- you can use them forever) and super adjustable. If you actually like to cook when you are camping, you can't do better than one of these stoves. HUGE BONUS- I do not generate unrecyclable fuel canisters.
People are often afraid of white gas because there is a bit of a learning curve to using it, but over time we spend way less money keeping fuel in these stoves than any canister stove, AND we don't generate empty canisters. Can't give this stove a higher recommendation.
Also, totally worth the extra money over the whisperlite if you want adjustability."
9.Review from Customer "REI Shopper":
"Love the ease to control the intensity. Went to Dragonfly from being a die-hard alcohol stove user. First use, at home, it felt like I went to the dark side--smelly gas, loud noise, more complexity, heavier.. Then once I started using it in the field it proved to be a reliable investment. I love frying garlic and onions in olive oil and making gourmet dishes. The only problem is that when I'm camping with groups I can tell they are a little annoyed at the loud sound of the flame. But I just share some food and they appreciate it. I could cook the same things with an alcohol stove and an adjustable baffle, but it is just more work to always lift the pot up and try to adjust the baffle. Also, the white gas used in the Dragonfly seems to last at least 30% longer than denatured alcohol (in alcohol stove). The reason I switched from a Trangia alcohol stove is because the wonderful state of California made the sale of denatured alcohol illegal in hardware stores and I could not longer easily find safe alcohol fuel. But now that I have the Dragonfly, I wouldn't go back to an alcohol stove even if I could find the alcohol once again."
10.Review from Customer "Andy":
"I bought this stove a couple of years ago to use as a second stove when my Optimus stove was in for repair. I had only used it 5-10 times before it seemed to get 'clogged' and stopped producing the amount of heat it once did. Everything still looked clean and my Optimus stove was back in my hands so the Dragonfly went in the camp box. Fast forward to today. I recently came back from a month long trip to Yellowstone/Grand Teton area and had to use one or both my stoves 3-4 times a week two meals a day.
In an effort to get to the bottom of the stove's poor performance, I set out to perform a full-service cleaning and maintenance on it. I first unscrewed the fuel jet and immediately found that it did not have a shaker jet installed... I'm not sure if the stove came like that from MSR or if this was a returned item that was put back on the shelf. Either way, I had to order the $30 expedition service kit just for the shaker needle. The stove worked as expected throughout my trip.
TLDR My stove didn't come with a shaker needle installed for some reason. If your stove is anything short of loud and powerful, you probably have a defective unit."
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the MSR Dragonfly stove is highly regarded for its unique combination of precision and durability. Real buyers consistently recommend the MSR Dragonfly for its robust construction, ease of use, and ability to handle different fuel types. For those who prioritize versatility in their outdoor gear, the MSR Dragonfly offers the control and reliability needed to make outdoor cooking enjoyable and efficient. From quick boil times to its stable pot support, the MSR Dragonfly is designed to meet the demands of diverse adventures.
While the MSR Dragonfly remains a favorite among serious outdoor enthusiasts, exploring other quality options like POMOLY is worthwhile. POMOLY stoves are crafted with durable, high-grade materials and innovative designs that cater to the needs of campers and adventurers alike. Both the MSR Dragonfly and POMOLY stoves make excellent choices for anyone seeking dependable and high-performing camping stoves, ensuring a safe and satisfying outdoor experience.
