Australian Hiker

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Jetboil CrunchIt Review

This is another one of those handy little tools that’s in the ‘nice to have’ category but not essential. The Jetboil CrunchIt is a purpose built tool designed to both empty and then puncture gas canisters once they no longer have any useful life left in them. Typically this means there is still a small amount of gas left inside canister but just not enough pressure to operate the stove.

From a safety perspective if you are putting a gas canister into a rubbish or recycling bin, then it is essential that the canister is completely empty and poses no danger. The CrunchIt allows you to release that final bit of pressure and puncture the cylinder so it is safe for disposal.

This little tool screws onto the top of the gas canister exactly as you would attach a stove unit. Due to the small pinhole on the side of the screw attachment, the first thing that will happen is any residual gas will leak out so be prepared the first time you use the tool. You also need to make sure you use it outside in a well ventilated area. Once the residual gas is no longer leaking out you can then push the level down so the sharp ‘punch spike’ pierces the canister.

I usually put at least a couple of holes in the cylinder so it becomes very obvious that there is no gas left inside and there is no fire or explosive risk. You can dispose of the defaced canister as is or flatten the canister to make it more obvious that it is now just a piece of metal.

This is a great little multi purpose tool that is also a bottle opener, and also a small wrench providing an extra bit of versatility. Not that many hikers carry bottles with them so this may be a feature for the car campers out there. The alternative to this tool is to take a hammer and nail to a canister which works well when you are at home but isn’t something you are likely to do on a hike.

At 28 grams this unit doesn’t add much to your pack weight. This means it’s light enough to take with you even on a multi week hike where you are likely to be disposing of canisters as you go.

We Like

• This is a lightweight, rugged stainless steel unit
• Clips onto a carabiner or key ring for convenience or just toss it in your pack
• Useful Jetboil tool with bottle opener and jet orifice wrench integrated into handle
• Safely vents fuel prior to puncturing

We Don't Like

• If you are an ultralight hiker you may not appreciate an extra 28 grams

Best Use

• An easy little tool to ensure the safe disposal of gas canisters
• A handy item but definitely a ‘nice to have’

Buy One

You can purchase the Jetboil CrunchIt at Macpac, Snowys, or from Amazon Australia

We may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

Investment

AUD $21.99 RRP

Jetboil CrunchIt

CrunchIt instruction diagram

Jetboil CrunchIt screwed onto a cylinder showing small gas drain hole. This ensures the canister is not under pressure when punching holes

Jetboil CrunchIt screwed on and ready to go. You can see the orange plastic punch cover on the left, the ‘punch spike’ on the right ready to put a hole in the canister and on the top, the bottle opening mechanism

Jetboil CrunchIt lever up showing hole

Gas canister with two holes punched in with the CrunchIt on the side

Disclaimer

This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by Australian Hiker

Last updated

26/11/2023

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