Gear Review: MSR Reactor 2.5 Pot

Step one: Get yourself a quick-boiling, fuel-saving MSR Reactor Stove ($160). If you don’t already have one, see why we gave it a 2007 Editors’ Choice Award at backpacker.com/reactor. Step 2: Add this 2.5-liter pan for all of your group cooking. The hard-anodized aluminum pot has an integrated heat exchanger that rests on the puck-shaped Reactor burner; the integrated system captures and circulates heat for maximum efficiency and speed.

In our testing, it boiled a liter in an eye-popping 3.5 minutes in 20°F temps with a warm, full canister. Testers atop Mt. Washington found it ideal for melting large quantities of snow. “Just keep the canister warm or boil times increase substantially,” one warns. A clear plastic lid (with drain holes) lets you monitor dinner and quickly strain pasta. Gripe: The handle connection is loose, and it often pops off. $90; 13 oz.; msrgear.com