Review of the Crux Lite Cook System Tactical
Review of the Crux Lite Cook System Tactical
The cooking set consists of the Crux Lite, a pot with heat exchanger and a small frying pan, which also serves as a lid. The set is packed so that a 220g gas cartridge and the Crux Lite gas cooker are in a small bag together in the two pots. These are then in a lightweight mesh pocket. So you have a super compact cooking system that does not take up too much space.
The weight is composed as follows:
Cooker: 75g
Kl. pot: 82g
Size pot: 104g
Bags: 25g
Total: 387g
In addition, there is a lighter or the Optimus Sparky for igniting the stove and the corresponding gas. You can also use a 100g cartridge (183g). However, the size is designed for use with a 220g cartridge (362g).
Crux Lite
The Crux Lite is a super light gas cooker with 3000 Watt. It has three fold-out arms and offers a stable base for the pot or an espresso cooker, especially with a 220g cartridge. The Terra HE pot can also be used with the cooker. However, here you have to pay special attention to a stable position of the cooker when the pot is full. I have already used the Crux at different temperatures and it always worked well.
Winter
The Crux Lite can also be used at sub-zero temperatures. Here you have to consider the increased gas consumption. Gas cartridges are best left in your sleeping bag overnight in winter or placed in the sun under supervision before cooking (the tactical cartridges in black are practical for this). In extreme cases, the cartridge can be placed in warm water during the cooking process to warm it up again.
Summer
It is also a great companion for tours in plus degrees. Here the above mentioned tricks are omitted of course. The cooker needs about 3 minutes for 1 litre of water. And with a 220g cartridge you can cook for 90 minutes (depending on altitude and temperature) - and that's a lot of water.
Cooking Utensils
Pot and pan are provided with a non-stick coating. This small set can also be used to prepare meals. Personally, I mainly boil water.
The larger pot has a heat exchanger. This ensures a better conduction of the heat into the inside of the pot. With a volume of a little more than 800ml the pot is good enough to prepare the usual Trek'N'Eat meals for one person. The handles of the pot are foldable and therefore not unnecessarily bulky. In addition, they are provided with silicone(?) so that you cannot burn yourself here.
The small pot or frying pan has a volume of slightly more than 400ml. Therefore it fits well for a cup of coffee or tea. Alternatively you can fry an egg thanks to the coating. However, it is important to use a spoon that does not scratch the coating.
Summary
I have packed the cooking set ready to stand at home on the shelf. In the net bag I also have a light titanium spoon and a lighter. So it is ready for use. As a complete set I use it mainly on day trips or have it with me in the car in case of emergencies.
On longer tours I leave the pan at home and only take the pot with me. In winter I like to use it together with the Optimus Svea.
If you expect a stronger wind, you should consider what you can use as a windbreak. Or you can get the optional Clip-On windscreen from Optimus.
After more than a year of intensive use, I can say that this cooking set, supplemented by lighter, gas and spoon, is a great companion. And the whole thing is also compact and light.
