MSR Switch Stove System Review

Publication date: 10 Oct 2025

The MSR Switch Stove System is a modular all-in-one cook system that’s designed to work both as a wind-protected stove and as a canister-top option, depending on what kind of trip you’re on. I brought it with me on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland. I’d been very curious about a modular stove for a few years, so when I finally got this one, I was excited to use it!

It’s exactly the kind of trail where a good stove makes a difference, and thankfully, I found that the Switch handled it all without much of a fuss at all. It is super light but still stable in the wind, and surprisingly fuel-efficient. I ended the trip with leftover gas, which is very rare for me on a full trail like this. Overall, I think the Switch is a great choice for a modular stove when you have more general needs like a classic backcountry backpacking trip like this.

Editor

Katie Mitchell

After a whirlwind of 8 years on the road (and trail!), Katie has hiked the Camino Frances, the Peaks of the Balkans, the Fisherman’s Trail, and extensively in the United States. She is an avid trail runner and now lives in Colorado where she plays in the mountains in her free time. You can follow her adventures on Instagram.

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Testing the Switch Stove System

I tested the Switch Stove System while hiking on the Laugavegur Trail earlier this summer. The trail itself is only 55 kilometers, but it’s very exposed and requires camping and cooking our own food for each meal (and I’m a three-meals-a-day kind of person). So, it felt like a good time to test out a new stove.

The first thing I noticed was how stable the Switch felt. The windscreen locks in tightly around the burner, and once it’s going, it stays lit, even in conditions that would usually have me crouched over a half-boiling pot, trying to shield it with my jacket.

MSR Switch stove system in use in Iceland

Most days, I just wanted something quick: oatmeal, soup, a good dehydrated meal, etc. The Switch boiled water fast, and the built-in regulator meant it didn’t blow through fuel like some other setups I’ve used. Even when the canister was getting low, it kept going strong. I didn’t have to think about adjusting it or relighting it; I just turned it on, and it worked.

Weight-wise, it held up too. I was carrying a fair bit of gear, and this didn’t feel like a burden. I packed the burner and pot together, and the shape made it easy to slot into my bag without awkward corners or rattling bits. The lid stayed put, the pot gripped well, and cleanup at the end of the day was easy enough.

About MSR

MSR (Mountain Safety Research) is part of Cascade Designs, the same company behind Therm-a-Rest, Platypus, and a few other well-known outdoor brands. They’re based in Seattle but also manufacture a good amount of their gear in Cork, Ireland, which the team has visited, and can confirm: the attention to detail there is impressive.

Whether it’s a stove, tent, water filter, or snow tool, the company’s goal is the same: make products that won’t fail when the conditions do. MSR’s mission is rooted in practical innovation. They are focused on solving real problems for people who spend time off-grid. Their design philosophy blends efficiency with durability, and they put a strong emphasis on gear that performs well in extreme conditions. MSR also backs this up with a commitment to responsible manufacturing, repairability, and long product life. That means fewer replacements, less waste, and gear that stays useful season after season.

About the Switch Stove System

The Switch is designed around flexibility, so you can adapt it based on your needs for each trip. If you’re travelling light, you can use it as a canister-top, just like a basic pocket stove. If you’re somewhere exposed, like Iceland, you use it with the pot stand and windscreen and get a much more stable, protected setup.

The burner is pressure-regulated, which helped a lot when the canister was low and when the temps were dropping. It maintains a steady flame, so you’re not wasting fuel trying to get a boil going. I also liked that the pot locks onto the stand, which I just found to be a smart bit of design.

The 1L pot has internal markings, so you’re not guessing on water levels, and the strainer lid doubles as a decent pour spout. It also has a small handle that folds down neatly, and the whole thing nests together without rattling. There’s space inside to store a small canister and the burner, which cuts down on bulk.

It’s not ultralight, but for what it does, the weight is reasonable. And if you’re sharing it between two people, it becomes even more practical. One of you carries the stove, the other carries fuel: easy peasy.

Specifications

MSR Switch Stove system
Weight	392g
Size	W 10.6cm, L 11.3cm, H 18cm
Boil time	2.5 minutes
Water boiled per 227-g canister	14.8L
Included	Switch Stove, 1L Switch Pot, Cork Cozy, Plastic Nesting Bowl, Canister Stand, PackTowl Cleaning Cloth

pro's

Very fuel-efficient

Stable and protected

Good modular design that suits different trail needs

Packs down really neatly

con's

Heavier than a minimalist stove setup

Repacking everything takes a few tries; it is snug

Windshield takes some getting used to

Conclusion

The MSR Switch Stove System was everything I hoped it would be. It definitely earns its name as a flexible, modular stove and fulfils all of the functions I needed from it. As someone who normally just boils water for my oatmeal and dehydrated meals, it’s perfect. If you’re looking to buy one stove that can fulfil multiple purposes, this one is it. However, if you’re out for a very specific type of stove for your outdoor time, like ultralight or for more gourmet cooking needs, you may want to look into something more targeted in its design. All in all, the Switch gets an A+ from me!

MSR Switch Stove System Review

About the Switch Stove System

Specifications

Conclusion

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