Primus Micron Review

Primarily designed for backpacking, the Primus Micron runs on the same propane/isobutane blend canisters that are used to fuel best backpacking stoves. This model has a runtime of 12 to 24 hours, so if you're going on a shorter trip, you may be able to get away with only taking one fuel canister for both your cooking and your camp lighting. One of our favorite elements of the Micron is that it gives off heat, making it the ideal accessory for those crispy fall nights in areas where open fires are not allowed.

Performance Comparison

Brightness

We kicked off our review process by considering the amount of light emitted by each lantern. With a maximum light output of 235 lumens, the Primus Micron isn't the brightest lantern on the market. However, we've found that the ultra-bright 1000-lumen models are way overkill for camping and are more suited for a power outage or illuminating a workspace.

The amount of light emitted by the Micron is more than enough for cooking or playing a card game in the dark, and the light tone is mellow on the eyes. The gas regulator dial allows you to turn the lantern down to a dull glow if you so desire.

Battery Life

Since the Primus Micron does not use batteries, we instead studied the length of time it will last on a single, four-ounce isobutane fuel canister on its highest setting. We opted to test all of the lanterns in our lineup on their highest setting because we've found that some of the electric lantern manufacturers will design their products to emit a useless amount of light in order to claim a longer battery life.

The Primus Micron only lasted an hour and a half with a miniature backpacking canister. But as a nice surprise, this lantern still emitted a sufficient amount of light on its lowest setting. While we chose to test this butane-burning model with a small, four-ounce canister, isobutane canisters are widely available in sizes up to 16 ounces. So if you aren't worried about packing the extra weight, a larger fuel canister will certainly lengthen the Micron's runtime.

Ease of Use

For this section, we discuss how intuitive each lantern is to use. We considered how hard they are to turn on, how intuitive the controls are, and whether or not we could figure out how to ignite them without instructions or even in the dark.

The Primus Micron is incredibly simple to use. All you have to do is turn the dial and press the igniter lever, and it fires right up. We didn't give this model a higher score for this section because it takes a minute or two to install the mantle before the lantern's first use, and it takes a few seconds to screw the lantern and a fuel canister together.

Features

Lanterns can have quite a list of bells and whistles. Some have integrated solar panels, some have the capability to charge phones, and some have a variety of brightness or color settings. Certain models include magnets for attaching them to the underside of car engine hoods, while others have feet or tripods that fold out to elevate them off a table to illuminate more of the area.

Because it is powered by fuel, the list of extra features offered by the Primus Micron is fairly short. However, some of the elements offered by this model are what we consider to be the most important. First and foremost, the Micron puts off heat. If you've ever been camping on a chilly night, you know how hard it is to get up and get going in the morning. With the Micron, you'll be warming your hands up in a matter of seconds to make tasks such as brewing coffee or tearing down camp a lot more enjoyable. Unlike many fuel-powered models, the Micron has a Piezoelectric igniter that allows you to start the lantern without a lighter or matches. Lastly, it has a metal cable to allow you to hang the lantern without the risk of the flame igniting a branch or your valuable paracord.

Weight

For the last portion of our overall score, we consider each model's weight. If you're shopping for a lantern to store in the basement for emergency power outages or a large version that will be used near a vehicle to illuminate a campsite, weight might not be much of a concern to you. Heavier models tend to have a longer runtime and are often the brightest options. On the other hand, if you're shopping for a backpacking lantern, weight is a critical factor to consider. As the old saying goes, “every ounce counts.”

The Primus Micron is one of the lightest lanterns in our review. Weighing a mere four ounces without its case, you'll hardly notice this model is in your pack. If you decide to use the case, it still only weighs 5.4 ounces. The weight of the fuel canister will depend on the size that you decide to haul along, but if your trip is only a night or two, you can use the same canister for your camping stove as well as your lantern, in which case it wouldn't add any extra weight at all.

Should You Buy the Primus Micron?

This model is an awesome choice if you're looking for an ultra-light, ultra-compact model that uses the same fuel canisters as your packable stove. It starts in an instant and is plenty bright enough for activities around a small camp. One of our favorite features is that the Micron emits heat, making it an accessory that can both light camp up as well as keep you warm on a cold night.

What Other Lanterns Should You Consider?

In comparison to other lanterns, the Primus Micron has some strengths but also some shortcomings. Many people may prefer a battery-powered model that can also charge a phone, such as the Black Diamond Apollo. If you like the idea of your lantern charging in the sun while you hike, the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma is a solid option. Lastly, if you love gas-powered lanterns and you want a large version that will light up the whole campsite, check out the Coleman Deluxe Propane.