Primus Express Spider II Remote Canister Backpacking Stove

The Primus Express Spider II is a remote-canister backpacking stove weighing 7.1 oz that feeds one to four people and is designed to perform in cold conditions where sit-on-top canister stoves struggle. A preheating coil keeps fuel vaporizing at low temperatures, and the stove can be upgraded to burn liquid fuels with the separately sold Express Spider MultiFuel Kit. Gas canister not included.

Cold-Weather Performance Without the Weight Penalty

The Express Spider II's preheating coil routes fuel through a loop that warms it before combustion, which matters when temperatures drop and canister pressure falls. The result is a 7,150 BTU output that can bring a liter of water to a boil in five minutes even when conditions work against a standard canister stove. For three-season backpackers who push into shoulder-season or high-elevation camps, that reliability is the difference between a hot meal and a cold one.

Stability and Control from a Remote-Canister Design

Unlike sit-on-top stoves that stack a pot above a canister, the Express Spider II connects to the canister via a hose, placing the burner head low and wide on its own legs. That lower center of gravity keeps a loaded pot stable on uneven ground and reduces the tipping risk that plagues top-heavy setups. The control knob sits on the canister end of the hose rather than near the flame, so adjusting heat output keeps hands away from the burner.

Fuel Efficiency and Cookware Compatibility

The Express Spider II produces a narrow flame that concentrates heat and reduces fuel waste during longer cooks. That flame geometry is specifically compatible with Primus PrimeTech Pots, which use an integrated heat exchanger to capture heat that would otherwise escape around the pot's sides. Pairing the two extends canister life on multi-day trips where resupply is not an option.

Features

• Preheating coil: maintains combustion performance at low temperatures
• Remote-canister design: lower center of gravity for stability on uneven terrain
• 7,150 BTU output: boils one liter of water in five minutes
• Narrow flame: fuel-efficient and compatible with Primus PrimeTech Pots with integrated heat exchanger
• MultiFuel upgradeable: accepts the Express Spider MultiFuel Kit (sold separately) for use with naphtha, lead-free petrol, and kerosene
• Includes: heat reflector and nylon storage bag

Specifications

Who This Is For and Isn't

The Primus Express Spider II suits backpackers, mountaineers, and camp cooks who need a lightweight, packable stove that holds its output in cold or high-elevation conditions and can feed groups of up to four. Its compact footprint fits the top pocket of a standard backpack, and the remote-canister layout works well on the uneven surfaces common to backcountry campsites.

The Express Spider II does not include a gas canister; one must be sourced separately. Liquid fuel capability requires the separately sold Express Spider MultiFuel Kit, as the stove does not burn liquid fuels out of the box. Buyers who want an all-in-one integrated canister-and-burner system will need a different stove design.

Common Questions

Does the Primus Express Spider II come with a gas canister?

No. The Primus Express Spider II does not include a gas canister. The stove is compatible with standard threaded gas canisters, which must be purchased separately. The box contains the stove, a heat reflector, and a nylon storage bag.

Can this stove burn liquid fuel like white gas or kerosene?

Not without an upgrade. The Primus Express Spider II runs on canister gas in its standard configuration. Adding the separately sold Express Spider MultiFuel Kit converts it to burn naphtha and lead-free petrol, with kerosene usable in emergencies. The MultiFuel Kit is not included.

How does the remote-canister design affect stability compared with a sit-on-top stove?

The Express Spider II connects to the canister via a hose, so the burner head sits low on its own legs rather than balanced on top of the canister. That lower center of gravity makes the stove more stable on uneven ground and reduces the risk of a loaded pot tipping over during cooking.

What cookware works best with the Express Spider II?

The Express Spider II produces a narrow flame that is specifically compatible with Primus PrimeTech Pots, which feature an integrated heat exchanger designed to capture heat around the pot's base. The narrow flame also works with standard cookware, though the efficiency gains are greatest with the PrimeTech system.

How does the preheating coil help in cold conditions?

The Express Spider II's preheating coil warms fuel before combustion, which helps maintain output when canister pressure drops in cold weather. No minimum operating temperature is specified for this stove; performance will also depend on the canister type used.