Primus PrimeTech Stove Set Review — A Stable & Efficient Stove for Group Backpacking
When it comes to camp cooking, a reliable stove can make the difference between a frustrating evening and a memorable meal under the stars. I’ve cooked with plenty of backpacking stoves over the years — from ultralight burners perched precariously on rocks to heavy multi-fuel beasts. The Primus PrimeTech Stove Set sits in the middle ground: not the lightest option on the market, but arguably one of the most user-friendly, stable, and efficient stoves for wild camping, backpacking, and group trips.
Key Features of the Primus PrimeTech Stove Set
Integrated Wind-blocking Pot: The included pot has a built-in heat exchanger and wind guard that reduces fuel use and shortens boil times.
Low Centre of Gravity: Unlike top-mounted canister stoves, the PrimeTech sits closer to the ground. This makes it stable, especially when cooking for two or three people.
Weight & Packability: At around 870–900g (for the 1.3L set), it’s heavier than minimalist stoves — but when the weight is shared between two or three people, it balances out.
Fuel Efficiency: Thanks to the pot design and wind shield, fuel use is reduced by up to 50% compared with traditional camping stoves.
Ease of Use: Simple to set up, intuitive to light, and much less fiddly than some ultralight stoves.
My Experience Using the PrimeTech Stove Set
I first took the Primus PrimeTech Stove Set on a weekend trip in the Lake District, cooking for two of us after long hikes. Later, I used it on a three-person wild camp in Snowdonia. Here’s what stood out:
Usability vs. Extra Weight
If you’re a solo hiker obsessed with shaving grams, the PrimeTech probably isn’t for you. But as soon as you’re sharing food duties with a partner or small group, it makes perfect sense. Split the pot and stove between two or three packs, and suddenly the extra weight is negligible compared with the ease of cooking real meals.
Stability & Safety
I’ve had meals nearly ruined by stoves tipping over on uneven ground. The PrimeTech’s low centre of gravity means this simply doesn’t happen. Even when stirring or when the wind picked up, the stove stayed solid. It’s a real confidence-booster when you’re balancing a full pot of boiling pasta water in the hills.
Wind Resistance & Fuel Efficiency
The integrated wind block and heat exchanger are game-changers. On a blustery evening above the treeline, I boiled half a litre of water noticeably faster than a friend using a standard canister stove with a windshield. Less fuel, quicker meals — that efficiency adds up on multi-day treks.
Cooking for Groups
The pot size and stability make cooking for two to three campers a breeze. Whether it was couscous, pasta, or a hearty stew, the stove distributed heat evenly and didn’t suffer from the “hot-spot” problem you get with some ultralight burners.
Pros & Cons of the Primus PrimeTech Stove Set
Pros:
Excellent stability thanks to its low profile.
Fuel efficient with integrated pot and wind block.
Cooks evenly, ideal for group wild camping meals.
Less stressful to use in windy conditions.
Durable and reliable build quality.
Cons:
Heavier than ultralight stoves (900g).
Best value only when cooking for 2–3 people.
Bulkier than minimalist setups.
Who Is the PrimeTech Stove Set Best For?
Group backpackers and wild campers: When shared between two or three people, the weight trade-off is worth it for the usability.
Campers cooking real meals: Perfect if you want more than just boiling water for dehydrated food.
Windy-exposed wild camping spots: The integrated wind shield saves frustration and conserves fuel.
Safety-minded campers: Great for those who want extra stability, especially when cooking on uneven ground.
FAQ
Is the Primus PrimeTech Stove Set too heavy for backpacking?
On its own, yes — it’s nearly 900g. But if you split the load between two or three people, the weight is manageable and well worth it for the stability and cooking efficiency.
How stable is the stove compared to top-mounted canister stoves?
Much more stable. The low centre of gravity and ground-level design mean it’s far less likely to tip, even when stirring a heavy pot.
How does the windscreen work?
The integrated pot has a wind-blocking design and heat exchanger. Together they shield the flame, making the stove much more fuel-efficient in breezy conditions.
Can the Primus PrimeTech Stove Set cook for three people?
Yes — the 1.3L pot is perfect for two, and can stretch to three if you’re cooking pasta, rice, or similar one-pot meals. For larger groups, consider bringing the 1.8L version.
Is it good for wild camping in the UK?
Absolutely. The PrimeTech Stove Set is particularly good for wild camping in windy, exposed areas like Dartmoor, Snowdonia, and the Scottish Highlands, where efficiency and stability matter most.
Final Verdict — Is the Primus PrimeTech Stove Set Worth It?
For solo ultralighters, probably not. But for pairs or trios of wild campers who cook real meals outdoors, the Primus PrimeTech Stove Set is one of the most stable, fuel-efficient, and user-friendly options available. Its low centre of gravity, wind-blocking pot, and ease of use make it a brilliant choice for group backpacking adventures.
If you’ve ever been frustrated by flimsy stoves in bad weather, the PrimeTech is worth its weight.
