Is there any benefit to this over an MSR Whisperlite Universal or International? The pricing is very similar and MSR has a great reputation. I've never heard of Kovea but that obviously doesn't mean they don't make a quality product. I'd appreciate any thoughts and insight. Thanks.
dont_forgetKovea is a longtime stovemaker and carries similar name recognition to MSR in other parts of the world. the benefits over the whisperlite are that the hydra is quieter, packs down substantially smaller, and does not need to change out a jet to run white gas or canister fuel. The whisperlite is somewhat easier to clean, and although you have to use a different jet for each fuel, it can burn more types. the whisperlite international needs to change a hose to burn canister fuel.