Often in nature the most simple designs prove to be the most efficient. Take the swan’s egg for example. This wonder of nature is quite simply an oblong orb which holds and protects the unborn bird. When stress is applied at the ends however the egg can hold 26 lbs of pressure. The same can be true of our adventure gear.

The Primus Express Spider has a back-to-basics design with it’s three feet, burner, brass tube, hose, and tank attachment. These five elements comprise just about the most basic stove imaginable. The disadvantage to simplicity can sometimes be convenience. The Express Spider does not have an ignitor which comes standard on many modern backpacking stoves. The advantage to leaving this out however is twofold: weight savings and less-to-break. We all know that ignitors can fail and we all bring a back-up lighter or matches in anticipation of that day. So if we’re carrying the extra item to light the stove, why have an ignitor?

Beyond the simple design and weight savings (7 oz total weight) the Express Spider is also compact. It fits in the palm of your hand and is suitable to cook for up to four hungry travelers. This stove nests nicely in many different brands of pots or can be stored in the included stuff sack.

After field testing this stove I can highly recommend the Express Spider for your next backpacking, mountaineering, paddling, or car camping excursion. The design is trustworthy and tough, the weight is light enough for ultralighters, and more importantly the price is just right.

FEATURES

• Weight: 198 g / 7 oz
• Output: 2000 W / 7150 BTU/h
• Boiling time: 4.5 min
• Dimensions: 105 x 85 x 55 mm / 4.1″ x 3.3″ x 2.2″
• Ignition: Manual
• Suitable for: 1-4 People

$60 at PrimusCamping.com