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Optimus Crux Lite vs Primus Express Stove

Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.

Optimus Crux Lite is the lighter option — 26 g lighter than the Primus Express Stove (25% less weight). If grams matter to you, that is the one to beat.
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Spec Optimus Crux Lite Primus Express Stove
Weight 79 g · 0.079 kg · 0.17 lb 105 g · 0.105 kg · 0.23 lb
Brand Optimus Primus
Category Cooking Cooking
Optimus Crux Lite
79 g

Compact and lightweight canister stove with auto-ignition.

See it in your base weight → Full details →
Primus Express Stove
105 g

Compact ultralight backpacking stove with piezo igniter and 2600W power output for efficient canister cooking.

See it in your base weight → Full details →

Building a pack? Add either one to your HikeLoad list, or drop its weight into the base weight calculator, and see what it does to your total weight.

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Optimus Crux Lite vs Primus Express Stove: which should you buy?

If saving weight is your priority, the Optimus Crux Lite wins — at 79 g it is 26 g (25%) lighter than the Primus Express Stove (105 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.

See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest cooking page, or browse the full gear weight database.

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