Bottom Line
The JetBoil Flash is a convenient, easy-to-use stove for backpackers of all levels who prioritize power and efficiency. It has one of the best boil times of all the top-performing stoves we tested, and conserves fuel. We put it to the test in a variety of conditions in the front and backcountry of Colorado, and the Flash even performed well on windy, Rocky Mountain ridgelines. The fully integrated system offers more convenience than your typical foldable stove. The new and improved design is even easier to use than past iterations with an upgraded igniter switch and insulated stove grip.
The JetBoil Flash is a bit bulkier and heavier than other options, which might be a deal breaker for the ultralight backpacker. It also doesn’t have great simmer control, which limits its versatility for cooking beyond boiling water. Although the price tag is a bit hefty compared to individual stoves, the Flash comes with an included one-liter pot, making it one of the most affordable integrated cooksets.
How We Tested
We conducted quantitative, lab-based testing to determine accurate metrics on boil time and efficiency, and real-life testing in the backcountry. We relied on the Flash for weeks worth of backcountry meals in the high country of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and Utah’s arid deserts.
Quick Specs
Jetboil Flash
Best Value Integrated Stove System
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $130
Weight: 13.1 oz.
Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister
Boil Time: 2m 40s
Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 50m
Pros
- Convenient
- Fast boil time
- Pot included
- Push-button igniter
- Performs well in wind
Cons
- Expensive (but comes with pot)
- No simmer control
- Heavy & bulky for backpacking
Convenience
In addition to being a remarkably fast water boiler, the Flash comes equipped with lots of extra features that make it a joy to use. It includes an insulating neoprene sleeve for easy handling when hot, and a strap handle that, while not as sturdy as some others, is still functional. The sleeve is fitted with a color-changing heat indicator that gives you a visual cue when the water is close to boiling, which helps prevent boil-overs and fuel waste. The plastic bottom cover also doubles as a bowl/cup with convenient measuring markers.
Even without the plastic pot support, the Flash is pretty stable, but we do appreciate the included pot support for more surface contact when using small fuel canisters.
The new version has significantly improved the igniter switch and fuel valve, making it more reliable and easier to use. The addition of a grippy rubber sleeve around the burner is small but thoughtful.
As a bonus, The Flash is compatible with Jetboil accessories, like the Hanging Kit, which makes it possible to use it for big wall climbing, skiing, and other extreme sports. Another popular addition is the Coffee Press, which makes brewing good coffee really quick and easy.
Weight & Packability
The new version added about an ounce with its improved features, but it’s worth it as the Flash isn’t shooting for ultralight status in the first place. We take this stove on shorter trips in colder weather where convenience is more important than weight savings. All in all, the Flash weighs 14.1 ounces, which isn’t ultralight, but it isn’t terrible for backpacking either.
The Flash is well-designed with the ability to nest a 100-gram isobutane fuel canister inside the pot, along with the stove and pot support. With the whole cooking system consolidated, the Flash is reasonably compact and easy to pack. Although it’s a little heavier, the stove component of the new Flash is more streamlined and compact, opening up more packing space for small accessories.
Power & Efficiency
The Flash can boil 16 ounces (half full) of water in just 100 seconds, which is amazingly fast and convenient when you want a meal or a hot drink in the backcountry. The faster your water boils, the less time you’ll have to spend waiting around for coffee in the morning or dinner in camp after a long day on the trail. The Flash could be a game changer for those who tend to get cold easily too, since it heats water so quickly. Why not make some hot tea to warm up on a break?
The corrugated metal heat exchanger at the base of the Flash acts as a shield from the wind. That protection means the heat created with your fuel isn’t swept away like it can be when using more exposed styles of stoves. The Flash can boil about 10 liters of water with just one small (100-gram) canister of fuel, making it one of the most fuel-efficient backpacking stoves on the market.
Precision
The downside of the Flash is that it doesn’t have a fuel regulator for simmer control, which limits its versatility for doing much more than boiling water. While the flame can vary a bit, we wouldn’t count on it to cook rice without burning it on the bottom of the pot. For those who want to do more cooking on the trail, there are better options out there like the MiniMo, 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.
Should You Buy the Jetboil Flash?
The Jetboil Flash isn’t the smallest or lightest cooking system on the market, but its convenience and ridiculously fast boiling speed more than make up for those downsides. With its wind resistance and ease of use, the Flash sets you up for comfort and efficiency in all conditions where ultralight options may fail.
The Flash is a fair price, especially considering its quality construction and thoughtful design. It’s always been an impressive product, but new design upgrades only further the Flash’s overall usability in the backcountry. Although we may opt for a lighter cook kit for long, difficult trips when weight is essential, we still love using the Flash whenever it’s practical.
Overall, we recommend the Flash to backpackers who value tip-top performance and convenience over weight savings. If you’re an ultralight backpacker trying to get your base weight down, there are other options that will suffice for about half the weight.
What Other Backpacking Stoves Should you Consider?
Is the Flash too heavy for your ultralight tendencies? Worry not! Our full guide to backpacking stoves has plenty of options for a minimal base weight.
JetBoil MiniMo Review: The MiniMo is a better option for backpackers who like to bring just a little more culinary creativity to the wilderness. It has a fuel regulator that offers a bit more simmer control over the Flash and has a wider pot that’s easier to eat out of.
MSR WindBurner Review: The WindBurner is very similar to the Flash. It’s a couple of ounces heavier, but it has excellent simmer control, power, and efficiency.
Primus Essential Trail Review: If you like the stability and efficiency of a fully integrated stove system, but are still hesitant, check out the Primus Essential Trail. It’s a stable, easy-to-use screw-on stove that has impressive performance. All of that with a very affordable price tag as well. Paired with an ultralight pot, the Primus Essential Trail could be the perfect middle ground between a UL setup and an integrated one.
