Crux Weekend Cook System

The Optimus Crux Weekend Cook System is a complete gas canister stove kit for one or two people: the 3000 W Optimus Crux stove, a non-stick hard-anodised 0.95 L saucepan, a non-stick fry pan that doubles as the pot lid, a canister stand and a mesh carry bag. The whole kit weighs 372 g and packs to 124 x 149 mm, with space in the mesh bag for a 230 g gas cartridge and a folding spork.

Who it's for

Weekend walkers who want one grab-and-go cooking kit with no matching of stove to pot. It suits overnighters in the Grampians, a couple of nights in the Scenic Rim, or anyone stepping up from a borrowed stove to a kit of their own. Take the whole system, or split it and carry just the stove or just the pots.

What's in the box

• Optimus Crux gas stove with a large burner head and precise flame control, plus a neoprene sleeve
• 0.95 L saucepan with a pouring lip and measuring marks, non-stick coated
• Fry pan that doubles as the pot lid, non-stick coated
• Canister stand that increases stove stability
• Mesh storage bag

Burn time and fuel use

The Crux burner puts out 3000 W (10,200 BTU/h) and burns about 155 g of gas an hour. A 230 g cartridge lasts up to 90 minutes at full power, and the precise flame control lets you simmer without burning. A lower flame uses gas more slowly than full power.

Fuel and safety

The Crux runs on butane, isobutane and propane mix cartridges in compliance with EN417; Optimus specify their own gas cartridges. It is an outdoor appliance only: never use it inside a tent, vestibule or any enclosed space. Read the instructions before the first trip.

Stability and packed size

The burner is stainless steel and aluminium, and the canister stand increases stove stability for safer cooking. The kit packs to 124 x 149 mm: the fry pan doubles as the pot lid, the Crux has its own neoprene sleeve, and the mesh bag packs it all with space for a 230 g cartridge and a folding spork.

Looking after it

Use a soft sponge and wooden or plastic utensils so the non-stick coating lasts, and let the pots dry before packing them away. Keep the stove in its neoprene sleeve so the stove does not scratch the inside of the pot.