Sylvie Willis
When it comes to backpacking stoves, there are a variety of fuel options available, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. The type of stove you have will determine the type of fuel you use, and vice versa. The most common types of stove fuels are gas and liquid, with gas being more convenient and liquid being more versatile. Backpacking stove fuels are typically available in canisters containing butane, isobutane, propane, or a mixture of these gases. The choice of fuel depends on various factors such as temperature, trip duration, availability, and stove compatibility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stove fuel types | Gas, liquid, alcohol, solid fuel, twigs, wood, kerosene, unleaded auto gas, white gas, propane, butane, isobutane, blends |
| Fuel container | Sealed canister, refillable bottle, cans, bottles, canisters |
| Fuel weight | 450g (16 oz), 110g (3.9 oz), 227g (8 oz) |
| Fuel availability | Petrol stations, outdoor and hardware stores, caravan parks, general stores, visitor centres near popular backpacking locations |
| Fuel brands | Optimus, Fire Maple, Kovea, MSR, Jetboil, Snow Peak, Soto, Primus, Campingaz, BRS |
| Fuel testing | Stick the canister in water to test fullness; fuel levels are also often indicated on the side or bottom of the canister |
| Fuel efficiency | Liquid fuel canisters are more efficient for longer trips as you can determine how much fuel to pack |
| Fuel disposal | Gas canisters are single-use and may be considered hazardous waste; liquid fuel cans are also single-use but can be refilled multiple times before disposal |
| Fuel performance | Isobutane is the best-performing fuel for trips above freezing; propane is the best-performing fuel for cold temperatures |
| Fuel safety | Always check what types of fires or stoves are allowed at your campsite or camping spot; using the wrong fuel can be dangerous |
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What You'll Learn
Gas vs. liquid fuel
When choosing a stove for backpacking, it's important to consider the type of fuel it uses. The two main types of stove fuel are gas and liquid fuel. Gas is generally more convenient, while liquid fuel offers more versatility.
Gas-fuelled stoves typically use canisters filled with propane, n-butane, or iso-butane. These canisters are widely available and can be purchased at petrol stations, outdoor stores, and even some visitor centres near popular backpacking locations. One advantage of gas canisters is that they maintain fuel potency for years. However, they can be harder to ignite in cold temperatures or at high altitudes, and the performance may lag when the canister is almost empty. Additionally, gas canisters are single-use, which can be a drawback from a recycling perspective.
Liquid fuel stoves, on the other hand, typically use fuels such as white gas, kerosene, unleaded auto gas, or even wooden twigs. These stoves usually have a refillable fuel bottle attached. While liquid fuel stoves may require more maintenance and priming, they offer the advantage of being able to burn multiple types of fuel, making it easier to find fuel in various locations. Liquid fuel can also be more cost-effective, as a single container can be refilled multiple times. However, old fuel can be considered hazardous waste and may need to be disposed of properly.
When choosing between gas and liquid fuel stoves, it's important to consider factors such as convenience, versatility, availability of fuel, cost, and environmental impact. Additionally, some alternative fuel options, such as solid fuel tablets, alcohol, or even twig-fuelled stoves, may be worth considering for their lightweight and inexpensive nature. Ultimately, the decision between gas and liquid fuel stoves depends on individual preferences and specific backpacking requirements.
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Fuel types and blends
When it comes to choosing a backpacking stove, the type of fuel you use is an important consideration. The most common types of backpacking stove fuels are gas and liquid, with solid and alcohol-based fuels also available as alternatives.
Gas stoves are convenient and easy to use. They typically use butane, isobutane, propane, or a blend of these fuels, and come in sealed canisters that maintain fuel potency for years. Gas canisters are widely available in various sizes and can be purchased at petrol stations, outdoor stores, and even visitor centres near popular backpacking locations. They are easy to light, offer excellent flame control, and are generally affordable. However, gas canisters are usually single-use and can be challenging to recycle, with some places considering them hazardous waste.
Liquid fuel stoves, on the other hand, offer greater versatility. They typically use white gas, kerosene, unleaded auto gas, or other liquid fuels and come in refillable bottles. These stoves can burn multiple types of fuel, making it easier to find fuel during your travels, especially in less developed countries. Liquid fuel stoves perform well in cold weather and at high altitudes, but they require priming each time they are fired up and can be heavier and more expensive than gas-fuelled stoves. Like gas canisters, liquid fuel can also come in single-use cans, and old liquid fuel can be considered hazardous waste.
Solid fuel stoves are another option, with some models using wood or twigs as fuel, while others rely on solid fuel tablets. These stoves are lightweight and inexpensive, but the tablets can leave a sticky residue on pots and have a noticeable odour.
Alcohol-fuelled stoves are a final alternative, burning denatured alcohol or methylated spirits. These stoves are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to transport, as alcohol can be carried in almost any bottle or canister. However, they may not perform as well in extremely cold temperatures and can take longer to boil water.
Ultimately, the type of fuel and stove you choose will depend on your specific needs and hiking style. Gas stoves are great for convenience, while liquid fuel stoves offer versatility and performance in cold weather. Solid fuel and alcohol-based stoves are unique, lightweight options but may have more specific use cases.
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Stove compatibility
The most common type of backpacking stove uses gas fuel, typically in the form of pressurised canisters containing propane, butane, isobutane, or a blend of these gases. Gas stoves are convenient and easy to use, making them a popular choice for beginners and experienced hikers alike. Gas canisters are widely available, especially in popular hiking areas, and can be found at petrol stations, outdoor stores, and even some general stores. However, they may be harder to find in remote locations or less developed countries. Gas canisters are typically single-use and need to be disposed of properly, with some places considering empty canisters hazardous waste.
Liquid fuel stoves, on the other hand, offer more versatility. They can burn various types of fuel, including white gas, kerosene, unleaded auto gas, or even multiple liquid fuels in the same stove. This makes finding fuel easier, especially in less developed regions. Liquid fuel stoves maintain their performance in cold weather and at high altitudes, which is advantageous for winter camping or hiking in extreme conditions. However, they require priming each time they are fired up and can be heavier and more expensive than gas-fuelled stoves. Similar to gas canisters, liquid fuel can also come in single-use containers that need to be disposed of properly.
Solid fuel tablets are another option for backpacking stoves. They are lightweight and inexpensive, making them attractive to budget-conscious hikers. However, they may leave a sticky residue on pots and have a noticeable odour.
Alcohol-fuelled stoves are small, lightweight, and easy to carry, making them a popular choice for ultralight hikers. Denatured alcohol, the preferred fuel for these stoves, is readily available in hardware stores across the US. Additionally, pure ethanol, in the form of grain alcohol or "everclear," can be purchased at liquor stores. While alcohol stoves are inexpensive, they may not be as easy or precise to use as other options. In extremely cold temperatures, alcohol may struggle to ignite, similar to solid fuels like Esbit.
Finally, wood-burning stoves offer a versatile fuel option, especially for car camping. They can burn dry wood sticks or wood pellets, depending on availability and local fire regulations. Wood-burning stoves are a good choice for environmentalists as they leave no waste behind. However, their performance may be impacted by the availability of dry wood, and they may not be legal in certain areas.
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Fuel availability
The availability of fuel for your backpacking stove will depend on the type of stove you have, as well as your location and the weather conditions.
Gas Canisters
Gas canisters are widely available in petrol stations, outdoor and hardware stores, as well as at caravan parks, general stores, and visitor centres near popular backpacking locations. Common brands include Optimus, Fire Maple, Kovea, MSR, Jetboil, Snow Peak, Soto, Primus, Campingaz, and BRS. The canisters typically contain blends of propane, n-butane, and/or isobutane.
Liquid Fuel
Liquid fuel, such as white gas, kerosene, unleaded auto gas, or alcohol, can be purchased in refillable bottles. Alcohol fuel, in particular, can be found at hardware stores, or purchased as pure ethanol in the form of grain alcohol or "everclear" at liquor stores.
Alternative Fuels
Some backpacking stoves use alternative fuels such as wooden twigs, wood pellets, or dry wood sticks. The availability of these fuels will depend on your location and the weather conditions.
Fuel Conservation
To ensure you have enough fuel for your backpacking stove, it is recommended to bring one extra fuel canister. Additionally, when using gas canisters in cold weather, it is advisable to warm them in your jacket before use.
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Fuel weight and trip duration
The amount of fuel you need for your backpacking stove will depend on the duration of your trip and the weight you are willing or able to carry.
Canisters are full of pressurized gases and are therefore lighter for shorter trips. They are also easier to use as they come already pressurized and screwed on, creating a ready-made platform for your stove. However, you will need to bring a whole canister instead of measuring out a specific amount, which may result in extra weight. If you are going on a longer trip, you may need to take multiple canisters to ensure you do not run out of fuel.
Liquid fuel canisters, on the other hand, allow you to determine down to the ounce how much fuel you pack, making them more efficient for longer trips. You can take precisely the amount of fuel you need for the trip. However, liquid fuel stoves tend to be more expensive than gas-fueled stoves.
Alcohol is a popular choice for backpacking stoves as it is cheap, reasonably compact, and easy to transport. It is also easy to measure how much fuel you have left and to ration it if necessary. However, in extremely cold temperatures, alcohol may be harder to ignite and may require pre-heating.
Wood-burning stoves are another option for backpackers. They are packable and designed for cooking, but the availability of dry wood will depend on your location and the weather.
It is important to note that the type of stove you have may depend on the type of fuel you use, as not all stoves can accommodate different types of fuel. Additionally, the performance of certain fuels may be affected by temperature and altitude, so it is crucial to monitor conditions and know what types of stoves and fuels are allowed at your campsite.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel you need depends on the duration of your trip, the number of people you're cooking for, and the weather conditions. If you're using a canister stove, you'll need to bring a whole canister, which can result in extra weight. With a liquid fuel stove, you can measure out the exact amount of fuel required for your trip.
The type of fuel you use depends on the stove you have. Most stoves are limited to one fuel group: either gas, liquid fuel, or alcohol. Gas canisters are convenient and easy to use, but they can be single-use and harder to find in less developed countries. Liquid fuel is more versatile and widely available, but it requires priming each time you fire up the stove. Alcohol is a good option for those who prefer a liquid fuel as it's cheap, easy to transport, and widely available.
In cold temperatures, look for isobutane-propane mixes rather than butane-propane blends. Isobutane has a higher boiling point than butane, so it works well for trips above freezing. Propane has an even lower boiling point and is a good option for extremely cold climates. FireDragon fuel and kerosene are other fuel options that can be used in cold weather.
Most canisters now indicate fuel levels on the side or bottom. Alternatively, you can stick the canister in water, and the height at which it floats will show you how much fuel is left.
