Thanks again Pete, again from OP: military XGK EX (vs retail). Re robust, yes. and Scott's thought is "the stove itself" is the same. Because it is not available retail, i'm not sure what cascade refers to it as? I expect still XGK EX but may have something added to the model/name, or just "Military XGK EX"? (due to different jets and accessories vary). In past, there have been USMC versions. Multiple countries adopted XGK EX as their own military issue (ie for Danish that is current, noted above). Reference to "USMC" on kit may have ended? It will be nice to see "the latest" MSR military version, if that opportunity arises. FWIW ebay sold USMC surplus stoves (likes Scott's), I happen to find c2009. Credit Scott again for intro of "green dry bag". Here's a closer look c2009 military items, w/sellers permission, bag: and bottle ("bottle made in USA"): These are often "US" military surplus and until today "I thought" these Iraq/Afgan US surplus were labeled "US"[military] in some way, as in the past but I'm not seeing it. thx omc
Comparing the prices of a military XGKs I'm seeing online to the prices for a normal civvy XGK, the addition of two green fuel bottles and a green stuff sack sure seem to cost a LOT. Possibly business opportunity for someone, up-converting(ahem) standard XGK's to military spec.
Regarding the arctic pump versus the standard pump - we use MSR Whisperlites on our winter trips. Our group has grown to 8-12 people so we bring several stoves. We rarely melt snow, most often we bore through the ice on a lake with an ice auger. Temperatures on trips I have been on have been down to -20F (-29C) and we've not had pump issues. Generally the stove issues we've had have been due to overall poor maintenance rather than pumps. I've thought of buying an arctic pump just because they make them, but so far I've not needed one.
Hi all: MSR Arctic Pumps are a good idea just for the leather pump gasket, replaced by rubber in modern MSR pumps, and the rubber is problematic below -35C. In a broader sense, the adoption of MSR XGK by US Army and Norwegian army makes sense, as the 'flameless ration heater' chemical food-warming heatpacks cannot produce drinking water efficiently in a subarctic environment. So they're going to have to melt snow, not sauté stuff! The only reason I have not gone to MSR XGK for snow melting is the noise. So I am sticking with MSR Whisperlite Internationale as it is quieter and just about as efficient as an XGK for snow melting without waking up the bush with a jet roar sound!!! I am told silent burner caps make lighting XGK problematic below -10C, so for me that option is out... I also have no need to run on JP-8, though I am working hard on a prototype alcohol stove for melting 6L of compressed snow into 4L of drinking water.... Enjoy the XGK roar!
Got the stove very quickly and it is like the above pictures. I have yet to test it out but will do so tomorrow. Yes the price including the bag and 2 fuel bottles make it a little expensive. The bag can be purchased alone on E bay and the bottles range in price and size. Someone is making money on these but it is definitely worth it as this is not used equipment.
As another member told me recently. This hobby can be expensive. But, I am glad they are not cars. I have a small property.
Yes snwcmpr- thank goodness they are not cars. My younger Brother works for a law firm and got me storage racks they were getting rid of. All my stoves are on it along with motorcycle parts and tools. I also have tons of fuel-Coleman and Crown fuel cans and probably a years supply of propane.
Yes Scott-The jet for JP8 and the jet for diesel fuel. The jet for JP8 is already installed in the stove marked XJ for JP8 and XD for diesel. I have Wednesday off from my seasonal job and just found out the owner where I work has several airplanes and he will give me some fuel today.
This stove is super loud and very well constructed. Very easy to light-I used Coleman fuel as I had a MSR fuel bottle half full, and the jet fuel I got yesterday is in a 5 gallon container. Overall extremely happy with this purchase.
The jet for JP 8 is the one installed in the stove and I used that as the other jet is for diesel fuel. I didn't even look at the size of the diesel fuel jet.
Now I'm curious to know if they have a jet strictly for white gas like Smiles69 previously mentioned. to me the flame looks very red as in the pics.
I would think the military stove would not be set up for white gas. (I do not have one of these BTW. Just curious.)
The kero/jp8 or diesel jets should burn white gas just fine, just not at full output. The kero jet will be closer to right.
For the civilian model it says they have a XG jet for white gas. I think that is in their expedition maintenance kit. Will try to see if I could get that jet.
I ordered the expedition kit from MSR this morning. I also will try the airplane fuel my boss gave me.
