Average boil time for 1 L of water: ~ 3 min/1 l water, depending on climate, altitude etc.
Average burn time: Up to 60 min at maximum output (220 g canister)
Dimensions (cm): 8.4 x 5.7 x 3.1
Dimensions (in): 3.3 x 2.2 x 1.2
Fuel type: Butane/propane gas canister (not included)
Kit includes: Burner with valve and stuff bag
Output (BTU): 10200
Output (W): 3000
Technology: Gas
Weight (grams): 83
Weight (oz): 2.92
Price $49.95
Size/Weight:
Perhaps the biggest feature the Optimus Crux showcases is both its size and weight. Weighing in at only 2.9 ounces and no bigger than a driver’s license when folded for storage, the Crux easily fits and stores underneath the necessary fuel canister with the help an included elastic pouch. Storing the Crux in this manner not only increased the storage space in my pack (although not drastically), but it made it easier to keep my cooking accessories close to one another instead of items possibly being separated within the pack or when unpacking in low-light situations. Aside from being well padded, the carry pouch appears to be sturdy and well constructed. (I pulled along the seams when I first removed it from its packaging to test its strength.) I did not notice any defects or possible weaknesses on a weekend hiking/camping trip to Death Valley, CA.
In regards to the weight, the Crux could double in size and still the impact on your pack’s weight would be negligible, if even noticeable. With such a large variety of lightweight camping stoves being produced specifically for backpackers, and having used several of them myself,
I believe the weight of the Crux is not nearly as important of a factor as the size.
Functionality:
Like all camping stoves that require the user to use the fuel canister as the base, properly balancing the stove can be a problem. I had more than one cup of water tip off during by trip, but again, this problem isn’t restricted to this particular stove, just my inability to find flat ground, I guess. Throughout the weekend I never experienced any real problem threading the stove to a fuel canister. I used a canister from an opposing manufacturer when finding Optimus canisters became a problem. However, after multiple uses I did notice that the serrated pot supports became much stiffer at the hinges, which made extending them a bit more difficult. While this is often the case with pot supports, the small size of the Crux’s pot supports only made the impeded extension more noticeable, but not really a big hindrance. If a backpacker is seeking to do any medium to large scale cooking while on the trail, then he or she should look elsewhere instead of at stoves the size of the Crux. This stove is mainly for 1-2 people. But for those who are content with heating up the 12 or so ounces of water needed to cook prepackaged backpacker meals, then this stove will easily do the job. Whether boiling water for my meals or cooking some noodles (I’ll withhold the brand, but every college student knows it well), I have always relegated myself to one metal cup over the years. The large burner head on the Crux is more than enough to quickly heat up the 13oz cup in just a few minutes. If someone is inclined to use a bigger pot, well then you can naturally expect a bit longer of a wait.
The large control valve made managing the flame control quite easy, but I did notice than when the heat is lowered to a simmer that even a minor breeze routinely extinguished the flame. This isn’t a problem if it’s being used with a high flame to boil water or food like I was doing, but while I was testing the settings it was a recurring trend and may be an annoyance for someone wanting to keep their food warm. This happens to most small canister stoves that you turn down very low. If you’re expecting weather, a heat shield can be your best friend and block that pesky wind from blowing out your flame. But let’s face it…On a backpacking trip, the most likely scenario is scarfing down the food when it’s done, not keeping it warm for an hour.
Having tested and burned a full 8oz fuel canister on the patio before my trip to make sure all worked correctly, my Crux stove burned for nearly 50 minutes. While not the 60 minutes that Optimus advertises, it would all depend on how high or low an individual maintains the flame.
After having used the stove for whatever cooking purpose you saw fit to engage in, packing the stove becomes a matter of patience. Compared to other stoves I have used in the past, the Crux seemed to take longer to cool down after use. While this may not be a problem if you are turning in for the evening and can leave it cool down, it may impede your ability to get everything properly packed in the morning while you wait for it to cool. Can’t I just break down camp while I wait? That’s what I’m usually doing while I’m letting the water boil for breakfast. But if that isn’t you’re method of morning activities, then playing the waiting game may not be an issue.
Because I have not had this particular stove over an extended period of time or used and abused it in a variety of weather conditions I can give you no insight into how it holds up or the maintenance it requires to stay operational. What I can say is that the Crux appears well built, even at the hinges that make it so compact. The one piece that may cause a problem though, is the plastic spring at the hinge that locks the burner head in place. While this could be broken, if transported in the padded fabric case the plastic components are well protected and is covered with a manufacturer warranty for one year if you did have a mishap.
Pros/Cons Summary:
Pros:
· As mentioned previously, the size of the Crux is its biggest draw for several reasons. It helps keep your cooking necessities together as well as saves some space in your pack.
· The large burner head helps spread out the area the flame heats, decreasing the time it takes to cook or boil water, depending on what environment you’re in of course.
· For the quality of stove Optimus is providing, the Crux is an amazing find for any minimalist backpacker.
Cons:
· The Crux takes a considerable amount of time to cool down after boiling some water. This could be a problem if you are in a rush to pack up and start your day.
· If the heat is lowered to the point of simmering, any hint of a breeze can blow the flame out on the stove, so it is better to just turn the heat up and get your food cooked as fast as you can or use a weather shield.
· Balance is always an issue with stoves requiring threaded fuel canisters, and the Crux is no exception.
Overall, it is a piece of gear I would willingly take into the field again, and will.
Review by Outdoor Davis staff, Patrick Graham
