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Soto Amicus vs MSR PocketRocket 2

The PocketRocket 2 is the better pick for solo backpackers who want the lightest, simplest stove and a fast boil. The Amicus is the better pick for two-person trips and anyone who wants a built-in igniter and a wider pot support. Both are reliable canister stoves with strong owner reputations; the Amicus adds convenience, the PocketRocket 2 adds a slightly lower weight and a proven, fuss-free design.

  • Choose the Soto Amicus if you cook for two, want a piezo igniter built in, or want a wider pot support and a shock-resistant body.
  • Choose the MSR PocketRocket 2 if you go solo, want the lightest setup, and prefer a manual ignition stove with no extra parts to fail.

Prices

  • Soto Amicus: $44.95 at Litesmith (last seen Nov 6)
  • MSR PocketRocket 2: $49.93 at Amazon (last seen Nov 2)
  • Difference: the Soto Amicus is $4.98 cheaper than the MSR PocketRocket 2 at the latest prices (Nov 2 and Nov 6)
Soto
Soto Amicus

Soto Amicus

$44.95
at Litesmith
Observed Nov 6, 2026, 2:13 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Litesmith
Pros
  • Built-in piezo igniter saves matches and a lighter
  • Wider pot support handles two-person pots
  • Triple O-ring valve gives fine flame control
  • Titanium trivets and shock-resistant body
  • Rated for 1 to 2 people
Cons
  • Heavier than the PocketRocket 2
  • Boil times run slightly longer in wind
  • Small exposed burner head is less shielded
  • Igniter is a part that can fail over time
MSR
MSR PocketRocket 2

MSR PocketRocket 2

$49.93at AmazonObserved Nov 2, 2026, 6:45 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Very light and compact when folded
  • Fast, consistent boil times
  • WindClip protection helps in breezy spots
  • Simple manual ignition means fewer failure points
  • Hardshell carry case included
Cons
  • No igniter, so you need a lighter or matches
  • Narrow support suits solo pots best
  • Lower wattage than the Amicus
  • Measured weight is higher than the listed figure

What separates them

Soto AmicusMSR PocketRocket 2
Weight2.9 oz (81 g)2.6 oz listed; about 4.1 oz measured
IgnitionBuilt-in piezo igniter optionManual ignition only
Pot support spreadAbout 3 in / 7.5 cm; fits pots 4.2 to 11 cmNarrow base, sized for solo pots
Heat output10,210 BTU / 3030 W10,200 BTU / 2400 W
Boil timeSlightly longer boils in friendly wind1 L in 3.5 min; 0.5 L in 2 min 22 sec
Build materialsTitanium trivets, metal bodyStainless steel and aluminum
Wind handlingShock resistant; exposed burner headWindClip wind protection on the burner
Group size1 to 2 peopleSolo

Price history

$49.93$39.95
Nov 2Nov 6
  • Soto Amicus: lowest $39.95 on Nov 2; $44.95 on Nov 6.
  • MSR PocketRocket 2: lowest $49.93 on Nov 2 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Soto Amicus

  • LitesmithNew

    Availability unknown

    $44.95Observed Nov 6, 2026, 2:13 AM
    Visit Litesmith
  • Blue Ridge Hiking CompanyNew

    Availability unknown

    $44.95Observed Nov 2, 2026, 5:59 PM
    Visit Blue Ridge Hiking Company
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $64.95Observed Nov 6, 2026, 2:13 AM
    Visit Amazon
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $86.02Observed Nov 6, 2026, 2:13 AM
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 4 stores and price history →

MSR PocketRocket 2

  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $49.93Observed Nov 2, 2026, 6:45 PM
    Visit Amazon
  • Backcountry.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $49.95Observed Nov 2, 2026, 5:59 PM
    Visit Backcountry.com
  • REINew

    Availability unknown

    $59.95Observed Nov 2, 2026, 5:59 PM
    Visit REI
All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSoto AmicusMSR PocketRocket 2
Weight2.9 oz (81 g)2.6 oz
FoldabilityFolding pot supportsYes (folding pot supports)
MaterialTitanium (pot/lid combo used for testing)Stainless steel, Aluminum
Fuel TypeStandard isobutane canistersCanister fuel
Heat Output10210 BTU10,200 BTUs
Boil TimeSlight increase in boil times (in friendlier wi…3.5 minutes (1 liter of water)
Burner TypeCanister stoveFocused burner
Power Output10210 BTU2400 watt
Burner SizeSmall and exposed burner headNarrow flame head
Cooking Surface SizePot support spread only about 3 inches / 7.5 cmNarrow base for larger pots
Ignition TypeIgniter, Built-In Igniter Option, Piezo igniterManual
Weather ResistanceShock ResistantWind-Resistant, WindClip™ wind protection
Show all 36 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSoto AmicusMSR PocketRocket 2
Length4.0 in (10.0 cm) (In use)1.3 in
Width1.6 in (4.0 cm) (When stowed)1.7 in
Height3.4 in (8.6 cm) (In use)3.1 in
Fuel Capacity8 oz (250g) canisterUp to 230 grams (MSR gas canister)
Servings1 to 2 people1 person
Body MaterialmetalStainless steel, Aluminum
Grate MaterialTitanium (trivets)Stainless Steel
Use CaseBackpacking, Camping, Outdoor cookingBackpacking, Simmering
Group Size1 to 2 peopleSolo

What reviewers say

MSR PocketRocket 2

Owners rate the PocketRocket 2 highly as a light, dependable solo stove that boils fast and simmers well for the price. Most complaints center on the lack of an igniter and a small, tippy pot support for bigger cookware.

What people mention
  • WeightPraisedOwners call it one of the lightest stoves they have carried, easy to forget in a pack.
  • Boil speedPraisedReviewers report fast boils, close to the claimed 3.5 minutes per liter.
  • IgnitionCriticisedBuyers miss a piezo igniter and have to carry a lighter or matches.
  • Pot stabilityMixedThe folding supports hold solo pots fine but feel small and tippy with wide cookware.

Questions and answers

Which is better for two people?
The Soto Amicus. Its pot support spreads wider and it is rated for 1 to 2 people, while the PocketRocket 2 is built around solo use.
Which boils water faster?
The PocketRocket 2 on paper, with about 3.5 minutes for a liter. The Amicus runs slightly longer boils, especially in wind.
Do I need a lighter with either stove?
Only with the PocketRocket 2, which has manual ignition. The Amicus offers a built-in piezo igniter.
Which is lighter to carry?
The PocketRocket 2, at 2.6 oz listed versus 2.9 oz for the Amicus, though real-world weights run higher for both.
Is the Amicus worth stepping up to?
If you want an igniter, a wider pot support, or cook for two, yes. For solo trips where weight matters most, the PocketRocket 2 is enough.
Which handles wind better?
The PocketRocket 2 has WindClip protection at the burner. The Amicus has an exposed burner head, so pair it with a windscreen.

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More comparisons

  • Soto Amicus vs MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove
Typical Users
Backpackers, Campers
Backpackers
FuelgasIsobutane-propane
Fuel ConsumptionBurns approx. 1.5 hours with 8 oz (250 g) canis…—
Power3030 W—
Pot supportmin. 4.2 cm; Max. 11 cm—
Ignitionpiezo ignition—
Number Of Burners—1
Boil time .5 liters—2 min 22 sec
Measured weight—4.1 oz
Weight with pot and bag—7.1 oz
Included items—Hardshell carry case
Piezo igniter—No
Dimensions—1.3" x 1.6" x 3.1"
Average boil time (1L)—3 min. 30 sec.
Burn time (max flame)—Approximately 60 min. (8 oz. canister)