Primus Classic Trail Stove Review

Posted in Best Backpacking Stoves

The Primus Classic Trail Stove is one of the most affordable stoves in its class. So if budget and value for money is top of your priorities, this one is going to be of interest to you. I say value for money too, because as you will find out in this article it’s a pretty decent stove.

It has some nice little features. If you’re in the market for a new compact stove, or even for an affordable backup stove, the Primus is probably going to be that stove. Let’s take a closer look at some of the specifics.

Setup and Design Features

Being what could be called a ‘budget’ stove, the features are sparse compared to higher-end models as you’d expect. It does have solid basics however, and does well with them. But the first thing you notice is missing is a built-in auto ignition. Not a massive loss, there was life before auto-ignitions, but it’s something to be aware of.

When it comes to setting up the Primus Classic Trail Stove there isn’t anything that will trouble even the most inexperienced campers. Just screw the stove into a fuel cannister finger tight, and you’re good to go.

Interestingly the Primus comes with a built in windshield. Even more expensive models like the Snow Peak Gigapower don’t come with windshields, and it’s always a little annoying to have to come up with our own solution.

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Customer feedback verifies that this stove has decent flame control. You can hold a simmer or turn it up for full power by swiveling the valve and it’s very responsive. Another positive point that is reinforced with all the reviews is how reliable it is. Some people have owned it for years and not had a problem with the reliability

Dimensions – 2.2” x 4.9” x 4.9”, and weighs 8 oz.

Comparison Information

As previously mentioned the key selling point of the Primus is its price tag. It’s incredibly good value for money, and that’s worth remembering when comparing this stove to other models. The MSR MicroRocket and SOTO Regulator models do perform better, and they have some neat little features like auto-ignitions and ways to invert the fuel. But these features come at an extra costs, so it’s something you need to weigh up for yourself.

If $15 or so is all you want to spend, it’s money well spent on the Primus. I recommend this stove as a reliable backup or an extra stove to help you cook a little more at the same time. While I’m on the topic of cooking, check out some of these recipes I’ve tried and tested.

Pros

Built in windshield
Operates for up to 70 minutes on a 230g canister
Lightweight, robust and reliable construction
Affordable price point

Cons

Stainless steel is not a tough as some titanium counterparts
Not the strongest flame, suitable for 1-2 people

Insider Tips

This stove works with several different types of fuel, so do some research as see what type of fuel is best for you. Also, be aware that the stove will burn for around 70 minutes on a 230g gas cartridge. It’s always worth packing a spare to be safe.

Primus Classic Trail Stove Summary

I can’t find a reason why you wouldn’t pick up one of these for a backup stove if nothing else. I always travel with a backup, the risk of being let down might be small but not having a useable stove it devastating.

Conclusion

Let’s not try and avoid the obvious here. The main selling point of the Primus Classic Trail Stove is it’s price. Coming in at around $15 it’s hard to be hard on it for any reason. Paying just $15 for a stove almost feels like a steal.

Backup up by the fact that it’s a decent little stove that’s more than capable of looking after a couple of people out backpacking and you have a tempting offer.