Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    Gear Reviews

    Jetboil Flash PCS Stove Review

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellNovember 2, 20095 Comments4 Mins Read

    Cooking in the backcountry can be simple, or it can be archaic and annoying. Be it known that I hate, no loathe campfires. If I was living 100 years ago and loved the outdoors as much as I do–heck even the indoors–I wouldn’t fair too well. The smoke and mess is annoyingly annoying–I just don’t get it. And, even now, some camp or backpacking stoves aren’t much more convenient. That’s what makes the Jetboil Flash PCS stove so different. It’s simple and does one thing really well–boil water.

    About the Jetboil Flash PCS

    Starting in 2001, Jetboil changed the backpacking stove game though simplification, engineering smarts and a bit of luck. Why nobody had thought of a lightning-fast and stupid-simple water boiler is beyond me, but Jetboil is glad to ride atop that wave. New for 2009, Jetboil made a handful of improvements to their much-heralded stove design.

    Jetboil Flash PCS Stove Review
    The New Jetboil Flash PCS Stove

    Improvements to the burner and cup keep things secure and the heat indicator outside the insulating cozy makes for quick visual temperature control. Add on top of that a new transparent drink-thru lid and the new Flash PCS is even better than the original.

    • 1.0 Liter FluxRing® cooking cup with insulating cozy, featuring Flash color-change heat indicator
    • Adjustable stainless steel burner with push-button “through-cup” igniter
    • Drink-through lid and insulating bottom cover/measuring cup
    • Tripod base for added stability
    • Available in Gold, Violet, Sapphire (tested) and Carbon
    • Rated to 20°F
    • Boil time: 1 min/cup
    • Fuel capacity: 12 Liters per 100g Jetpower canister
    • Total Volume: 32 oz. – w/16 oz (2 Cup) boil capacity
    • Weight: 14 oz.
    • MSRP: $99.95

    Jetboil Flash PCS Stove Review

    Specialization and simplicity are the hallmarks of excellent products and that definitely describes the new Jetboil Flash cooking system. I took the Flash with me on a trip to Arches National Park outside Moab, UT a few weeks ago to put it through its paces. While there, we had a variety of weather to deal with, which made for an excellent test-bed for this little stove.

    Backpacking and camping for me is about simplicity and the Jetboil system is as simple as it gets–pour in 2 cups, ignite and in 2 minutes, you’ve got boiling water for dehydrated meals, soups and hot drinks. If its just you, then dig in right there or sip away at the drink-thru lid or if you’re sharing with others, a quick grab of the insulated cooking cup allows you to pour with confidence.

    The Jetboil system is flat-out awesome for boiling water. It’s lightweight enough to haul around on backcountry ski trips (see below in the Oquirrh Mountains, Utah with the original PCS) or long-distance backpacking yet equally at home in an emergency kit or in your trunk “just in case”.

    Kendall Card Enjoying Ramen Noodles at 10,000 ft. in Utah's Oquirrh Range
    Hot Soup at 10,000 ft. in Utah’s Oquirrh Mountains – Original Jetboil

    As mentioned, our trip to Arches was met with inclement weather–cool rain and wind. I found the Flash to perform well until the wind picked up to a steady pace. At first, I thought I just couldn’t see the flame, but upon closer inspection, the wind had blown it completely out. In windy conditions, I’d suggest making a natural wind screen or shielding it better with your body.

    I found the function and storage of the new Flash to be very convenient. Everything packs up and stores in a Nalgene-sized form-factor. Screwing the fuel canister off/on is easy and igniting is a cinch.

    Good Flash PCS

    • Boils water microwave-fast
    • Super simple to operate
    • Compact, all-in-one stove and pot
    • Built-in ignitor
    • Lightweight and packable
    • Accessories can expand to a group cooking system, frying pan, coffee press and more
    • Color indicator is helpful–especially when you don’t want a full boil
    • Fuel adjustment even easier with extended handle

    Bad Flash PCS

    • Strong winds give it fits
    • Not suitable for extra-cold temps
    • 2 cups is all
    • It just boils water out-of-the-box (I think that’s a good thing, but some may scoff)
    Color Indicator Shows When Boiling
    Color Indicator Shows When Boiling
    Ignitor Fires Up the Stove in a Jiffy
    Ignitor Fires Up the Stove in a Jiffy

    Bottom Line: Jetboil Flash PCS Stove Review

    The updated Flash PCS adds refinement to an already-outstanding personal cooking system. It’s super-simple to operate and the color-change boil indicator combined with translucent top make things even better. If you are like me and insist on simplicity when venturing into the backcountry, this is the one to have.

    Buy Now: Shop REI for the Jetboil Flash PCS

    134
    SHARES
    ShareTweet
    camping jetboil Stoves
    Previous ArticlePetzl Tikka XP2 Headlamp Review
    Next Article 2010 Norco Judan Singlespeed 29er w/Gates Belt Drive
    Jason Mitchell
    • Website
    • Twitter

    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

    You Might Also Like

    Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell Review

    March 29, 2023

    Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier Jacket Review

    March 27, 2023

    Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey Review

    March 22, 2023

    5 Comments

    1. Colin in CA on November 3, 2009 12:23 am

      J,

      I don’t think you mentioned this (you mentioned the “through-cup ignitor,” but I don’t know if that’s what they called it before), but one of the important improvements, in addition to everything you mentioned was that they changed the length/position of the ignitor so it wouldn’t break off so much. That was one of the major durability complaints with the older model.

      Solid review. I’d love to own a Jetboil and a Reactor, but I don’t think I can afford/justify both. I’m buying one or the other sooner or later.

      Reply
      • Jason Mitchell on November 3, 2009 6:43 am

        Hey Colin… thanks for pointing that out. I wasn’t aware of the ignitor change, but that thing works great. I appreciate your feedback!

        Reply
    2. Pingback: Outdoor Retailer: The New Jetboil Flash PCS - FeedTheHabit.com

    3. Pingback: 2009 Gear of the Year - FeedTheHabit.com

    4. Jay on November 4, 2010 3:08 pm

      Best backpacking stove I’ve used thus far. It’s also perfect for cooking up some coffee real quick when car camping. Screw it together, turn the crank, push the button, and it’s FIRED! Water boils in minutes and coffee is ready. The last backpacking stove I had was the MSR Whisperlite, and I’m so glad I went Jetboil… (only took 10 years of suffering!)

      Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Multisport GPS Watch Review

    March 9, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    9.4

    Roval CL 50 Disc Wheelset Review

    September 13, 2019
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021

    After Spinal Injury, Tara Llanes Has Long Road to Recovery

    February 21, 2008
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell Review
    • Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier Jacket Review
    • Fresh Goods: Redshift Arclight PRO Clipless and Flat Pedals
    • Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey Review
    • Arc’teryx Rush SK 16 Backpack Review
    • Giro Montaro MIPS II Helmet Review
    • Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket Review
    • Santini Gravel Bib Tights Review
    • Sportneer K1 Massage Gun Review
    • Review: Giro Latch Mountain Bike Shoes
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.