Anyone ever use this (http://www.rei.com/product/636832) Primus stove? Anyone ever use a primus stove?? I can't justify buying a MSR when it looks like Primus is 1/4 of the cost for about the same performance.

I use the MSR pocket rocket. It is only 15 dollars more and less then half the weight and size.

I haven't used that one ... I've got a Snow Peak Gigapower, though and that thing is freakin awesome. ~3oz and it boils rediculously fast. It occasionally comes up on Steepandcheap ... or on sale for ~$30 or so.

That being said, I picked up a Primus lantern off of SAC for about that (~$30) and it seems to be pretty solid (and BRIGHT) ... haven't had a chance to break it out at camp yet, though.

If you compare that to a Pocketrocket, it's really apples to oranges. The MSR is made to be more compact, and obviously lighter weight. But you sacrifice cooking ability. The MSR puts a lot of heat in one place, whereas the Primus distributes heat much more evenly. Try cooking a pancake with both of them, the MSR will put a bullseye in the center. Not that either of those stoves is for gourmet cooking, they are primarily used to boil water. I was just using an old Primus Technotrail tonight when I was putting inserts into my practice arrows. That thing is still kicking after many years, without a complaint. If you can handle the extra space/weight, buy the Primus.

x2. I have had the MSR Pocket Rocket for several years now. It has yet to fail me, boils very fast and pretty darn good in windy conditions. However, it being a canister stove, it's not the best in the cold temps. For winter camping I use an MSR Whisperlite International.

Also, if you are looking for a cook kit. I just picked up a GSI Pinnacle Dualist a few months ago. It's by far the best cook kit I have owned (and I have owned quite a few). It's light, fully functional, packs small for everything that is in it and even fits the Pocket Rocket and a 4oz canister inside.

I use the MSR pocket rocket. It is only 15 dollars more and less then half the weight and size.

The GSI sets are amazing ... I picked up the Soloist when I needed a personal set, been wanting to find an excuse to grab the Dualist.

Wow quick responses, thanks! That GSI setup looks sweet Jason.

There is a REI garage sale coming up Saturday morning, so we'll see what kind of used stoves I find there before I purchase new. :)

I use the MSR pocket rocket. It is only 15 dollars more and less then half the weight and size.

I'm with you. We used one of those when backpacking through the Grand Canyon. Boiled water very quickly, didn't use up all of our fuel, and was incredibly light. Still works to this day.

However, outside of backpacking, I'm not sure I'd use it all that much when camping with the X. Too small and unstable. Unless I'm boiling water to drop into a dehydrated food bag, there's zippy need for it. I'm thinking of getting the small Weber charcoal grill for camping. It'd only be used at night, the food that comes off of it is damned good, and I could take it apart in the morning, toss it in a plastic bin, and off we go.

If you want a grill, don't go charcoal. There are several nice quality portable propane stoves. The problem with charcoal, is where are you going to put the ashes once you are done? Most people will end up just dumping them on the ground....not a good idea.

I have this grill and really like it. It's the first Coleman product that I actually liked.

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/detail.asp?CategoryID=27110&product_id=9940-A55

We use the coleman ones. They work pretty good.

I've done a bit of looking. Cheap charcoal ash may contain harsh chemicals due to additives. However, pure wood turned into charcoal should be okay. It contains potash, which can be good. My guess is that if it's spread around in the woods and not just dumped in a pile, it won't be bad (again, assuming that you didn't use cheap-arse charcoal full of additives). Mind you, I've not hit the SW or drought-stricken areas. For those I'd use propane or isobutyl just to keep the number of sparks down.

I just prefer the taste of charcoal-grilled meat, plus foil-wrapped sweet corn and potatoes are killer. Another option, and one that I'd use if I had a legitimate concern that local disposal would be bad, is to use a 5-gal Home Depot bucket. Let it burn down over night so the coals are cool then drop them in the bucket, seal it up. Honestly, I'd do that to avoid propane simply due to the difference in taste.

Taste doesn't bother me as when I am camping, any grilled food is better than the stuff I normally eat.

However, when camping, I try to follow the leave no trace principle and leaving behind ashes does not fall into that.

Fair enough and a very good point. TBH, that's the philosophy I used in the GC (well, except my poop. I did bury that or use the solar toilet they had down there. But we did carry the paper out, not burn it). I'd say that's dependent upon the campground rules, but I'd have no problem trucking the ashes out.

If you are staying in an actual "camp ground" most either have no rules as far as leaving ash or have ash disposal units. It's more the back country camping I would be concerned about.

I also do not pack out crap. I use the quick biodegradable paper and bury it.

We used a heavy-duty ziploc bag and sprinkled some powdered bleach in the bag. Worked pretty well. I believe the GC specifies that you must carry it out (or that's what the guy who organized the trip implied, so we went with it. Not too difficult).

However, in back country, I absolutely agree with you. Leave no trace whatsoever. I think, though, unless dumpsters are provided, I'll use my bucket. I do that at home now, so it's not a huge change for me.

Well, I only found some $30 'like new' Salomon 3D Pro trail runners at the REI garage sale. (what I hike 14ers in). I went home and low and behold on SteepandCheap I found This Deal (http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/PMS0050/Primus-Techno-Trail-Kit.html). However I paid $33 plus shipping for the SAC deal. Sounds like a nice stove...great reviews! (on other sites (http://www.outdoorreview.com/cat/outdoor-equipment/backpacking-camping-hiking/stoves/primus/PRD_80651_2959crx.aspx))

Off-road cooking;
http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2583

I have the MSR Dragonfly stove. I bit pricey and pretty noisy.... But for cooking some great meals this stove is great. The simmer controls are amazing, and a must have! I have taken this stove on all my climbing and camping trips. Never let me down.

Anyone ever use this (http://www.rei.com/product/636832) Primus stove? Anyone ever use a primus stove?? I can't justify buying a MSR when it looks like Primus is 1/4 of the cost for about the same performance.

Been a while since I've posted but since I have worked in the outdoor industry for 10 plus years I'll share some experience. And to admit my bias up front, I do own 6 MSR stoves.

When I was on an extended climbing trip in Patagonia pretty much every person (using a primus) that I crossed paths with, had to tear their stove apart every few days to keep it going. My whisperlight international and my EGK never missed a beat and I cooked on them several times a day for 2 months using questionable fuel.

For quick and easy when canisters are available (and it is not too cold for their use) I love my simmer light (far more than my Jet Boil)

So, Skibum and I are discussing alcohol stoves and he had a great point of moving the discussion here. I've just read the link he provided and have a few comments:

http://art.simon.tripod.com/Stoves/ <-- teh linx

Now, it seems that our tester here is pushing alcohol stoves for a few different reasons:


lightweight
environmentally friendly
cheap
safe/easy to use.


In terms of looking at this, here are my thoughts:


lightweight - once one adds in the weight of the stove and the fuel needed, I'm not sure the weight savings is there anymore. Sure, a canister definitely has some weight, but in order to use the alcohol stove on a longer trip, you're going to have to carry more alcohol. I'm not sure on the exact weights, but my guess is that it's going to get heavy unless you can regularly replenish.
Environmentally friendly - the isobutyl fuels that I use are definitely petroleum byproducts whereas alcohol is organic. However, I don't believe the isobutyls actually cause much in the way of pollution. White gas is a different story, but I don't think I'd consider that. Additionally, the containers could be a problem. Now, I may be wrong, but the alcohol comes in a container that needs to be recycled, as do the canisters. On the overall and based on the quantities we use, I'd say it's a wash.
Cheap - it's hard to say here. We don't have a comparison of costs to heat a cup of water anywhere, so I can't say which is truly cheaper. I'd guess that the MSR stoves are more expensive and their fuel probably is as well, but it's not such a significant difference as to bother me. Hell, each canister can likely be used for several trips.
Safe - somewhat safer. Fuel isn't pressurized and lighting it should be easy. However, the fact that the flames are difficult to see could cause some definite problems.
Convenience - while getting alcohol along the AT may be easier for thru-hikers, I'd say that being able to use the stoves in all sorts of weather make them pretty convenient. Plus they boil water quicker and with just a bit of maintenance shouldn't ever fail.


I'm voting MSR Dragonfly stoves FTW. Alcohol's definitely intriguing for some fairly specific purposes, but the others are likely better overall.

Pretty much the same conclusions I reached, and why I'll stick to and swear by my SnowPeak Gigapower until I have some significant evidence/reason to switch ... and FWIW, I suspect - based on past usage and consumption - that I could get at least 4-5 days of use out of one of the smaller canisters, if it was just me and I was careful about budgeting; though I haven't actually tried it yet - just weekend and overnight trips.

Edit: For reference, the Gigapower canisters are available in 110g (3.88 oz) and 250g (8.2oz) sizes; and the stove is ~3oz depending on whether or not you use their piezo - I'm planning to take mine off for my next trip, since it's too finicky to be reliable enough for me, and I usually have a lighter with me anyway.

I seem to remember that my wife and I were able to use a dragonfly and one canister (though we carried two) of the isobutyl on a 5 day backpacking trip through the canyon, so I'm thinking those stoves are pretty damned handy.

Now, for Xterra camping, I'm currently a bit torn. I honestly think I may end up with two different, maybe three, methods of cooking for longer trips.

-Charcoal for dinners - I'll limit this to areas where it's green and we get rain so potential sparks aren't an issue. I'll also pack out my ashes as I do that already. Now, I'll make sure that I'm using hardwood only charcoal (no matchlight or other additives, to the best of my knowledge) so those ashes aren't environmentally bad. Plus, burgers and steaks taste the best here.
-Propane camping stove - for fire-risk areas and for breakfasts. Since I won't be grilling anything, just frying or boiling water, this should be the best method. Quick and pain-free.
-MSR dragonfly - for those quicker trips where I just need water for my oatmeal and tea in the morning. Easier to set up, quick, painless.

I have a primus stove (not that one) that I bought recently and am pretty happy with it. I had a whisperlite that I had for years that finally started to crap out so I decided to replace it.

I have a whisperlite, works very well and I like having a refillable bottle vs the disposable propane tank. Have used primus also very good. Look for a model that can simmer in whatever you get. Full on boil is good but only a few simmer which is nice so you don't burn your food.

I seem to remember that my wife and I were able to use a dragonfly and one canister (though we carried two) of the isobutyl on a 5 day backpacking trip through the canyonGood to hear ... I don't trust my predicting skills with this stove enough, yet, so I always bring an extra as well. Unless it's a one or two nighter.


-Charcoal for dinners - I'll limit this to areas where it's green and we get rain so potential sparks aren't an issue. I'll also pack out my ashes as I do that already. Now, I'll make sure that I'm using hardwood only charcoal (no matchlight or other additives, to the best of my knowledge) so those ashes aren't environmentally bad. Plus, burgers and steaks taste the best here.
-Propane camping stove - for fire-risk areas and for breakfasts. Since I won't be grilling anything, just frying or boiling water, this should be the best method. Quick and pain-free.
-MSR dragonfly - for those quicker trips where I just need water for my oatmeal and tea in the morning. Easier to set up, quick, painless.Sounds like a good plan, I've got (and use) the second two (Gigapower instead of Dragonfly ... but they're basically the same) ... but charcoal (as you've described it) would make for some good eats.

It does make for good eats. I can't think of a better overall plan than wheel into somewhere nice and remote, set up camp for the night and turn in. Then, the next day have a decent breakfast and a quality hike through the mountains and all (10 miles or so). Once back to camp, fire up the charcoal and pop on some nice steaks, fresh corn, and have some bread. Maybe a nice bit of wine or margaritas/daiquiris to go with said food.

Just don't do that in bear country. Or the southwest with their fire restrictions.

Wow, you guys camp too heavy for me. :)
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Camp heavy, backpack light.

(imagine this said in Nathan Lane's Birdcage voice as he's talking to the Senator (while in drag) about where his parents are buried.

What an obscure reference.

I do try ever so hard. I've gained and lost over 100lbs and you've never even noticed.