Primus Camping Stove Brings the Heat
We’ve recently reviewed another gas-powered camping stove aimed at one or two people, compact and fuel-efficient, that also was quite light. We bring you another- the Primus EtaPackLite, another super-speedy unit that includes a nice non-stick pot, lid/colander, along with the burner, igniter, and bowl.
It packs together neatly, and is both durable and stable- we didn’t test it out in really high winds, but had no issues with the San Francisco breeze and the included windscreen seems like it would be able to handle varied conditions. This model holds a bit more water than the Jetboil PCS (40 oz instead of 32), but is a bit heavier (21 oz instead of 15). We liked the look of the Primus a bit more- it was wider and a bit more stable- but the Jetboil insulated better. The Primus got a full pot to boiling a bit faster though, but took a bit longer to setup. The EtaPackLite took the edge in efficiency and fuel use, though we had to estimate as we were using them in different temperatures and conditions. Pricing too is remarkably similar- around $100 each, the Primus has a $15 higher MSRP but seems to be available for around the same cost.
So… where does that leave us? Well, the Jetboil has an edge for coffee lovers, as they sell a convenient coffee press attachment. But that edge is negated if you aren’t brewing java, or want to instead use a mug with a built-in press, as the Jetboil one is not perfect. Our plan- take the Primus EtaPackLite when traveling in a pair, but when going solo keep the Jetboil PCS handy. Available online and in many camping and outdoor equipment stores.
