Primus Alpine Mini-Duo

Review Date
December 10, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Wally Hull(Unregistered User) ,  Paddler , from Ft. Wayne

Price Paid:  $86.00 at Local outfitter

Summary:
This review is of the Primus Alpine Mini-Duo, as specified in the header.
In my opinion, it is an excellent combination for spring and fall trips where the days are noticeably shorter. Believe the manufactures specifications regarding the lantern – it is small and output is like that of a 25w bulb. This is good lighting under a tarp at night. I find the biggest value of the lantern is using up fuel cans that do not contain enough to finish cooking a meal. The stove works as expected – blowtorch to simmer. My kit, with hard case weighs 16.73onces.

I cannot see paying over $100 for the kit.

Customer Service:
Not needed.

Similar Products Used:
Whisperlite
Century propane single burner
Homemade Alcohol

Review Date
November 2, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Nick (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Vienna VA

Price Paid:  $62.00 at Hudson Trails outfit

Summary:
This review concerns only the lantern portion of this item. At 4.9 oz and a very compact size, this is an excellent choice for go lighter pursuits. As with my earlier review of the mini-alpine stove, I'm replacing my older, heavier GAZ lantern with this item. It's about half the size and weight and breaks down ito a small package. The metal mesh replaces the traditional glass globe so it will take a few extra knocks. naturally the mantle in all lanterns is the weak link so carry a package of 2 spares. Primus includes a nice plastic case to add some protection. Output is good, but I think that 60 watts is a bit too high, it's more like 25. I set my snow peak Ti cup on top and boiled coffee water in about 4 minutes just off the wasted heat so there's a plus. For the super weight conscious, there is a metal bead type chain used to lang the lantern that weighs about 2 oz, so you can pare the weight back a bit. There's really nothing here not to like except the price. Look for on line discounts, at $45 it would be a must buy item

Similar Products Used:
Camping Gaz Lantern

Review Date
July 30, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Nick(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Vienna VA USA

Price Paid:  $49.00 at Hudson Trail Outfitters

Summary:
This review is for the Model 3211 Alpine Micro which is not on the list.
At 4 ounces with a piezio igniter it measures up very well with all but the Ti models on the market but at a very nice price. The weight is 4 oz and the boil time for a liter of water is advertised at 3 min. It folds nicely into a small plastic case like the Snowpeak, and works with all the threaded canisters (I like the small ones from snowpeak the best). The pot supports pull upward from the base and rotate into position with an audible and tactile click. If you neglect this step your pot will rock on the piezio element. The flame is very tight and works best with small pots like a cascade/sierra cup or one of the mini cooksets. The pot supports are reasonably grippy and adequate for cookware scaled to this size stove. The burner stands up to wind very well, even at a low flame, it passes the "birthday candle test" and at full tilt the blower side of the vacuum cleaner couldn't put it out. Mine boiled a lier of water in a snowpeak Ti pot in about 3.5 min, but it wasn't turned up full tilt. Reliability seems to be good, bit there are some plastic parts which could break. Pushing the pot supports back down to facilitate stowing it in its case may be the weak point. I was bit by he golite bug and and am slowly but surely knocking my gear weight back. This pares about 7 oz off my stove weight (Gaz Turbo). I won't even try this micro with my outback oven which has been relegated to car-camping and short, flat trails.
The normal gas cannister caveats about temperature, tipping, etc. obviously apply here so if you aren't melting snow or cooking for a whole platoon, this is worth a hard look.

Customer Service:
None

Similar Products Used:
GAZ Turbo (still love it and after 6 years it is going strong)