Regan Brown
When it comes to backpacking stoves, there are a variety of fuel types to choose from, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. The most common type is the gas canister stove, which offers convenience, affordability, and easy lighting with excellent flame control. These canisters typically contain a blend of propane, n-butane, and/or isobutane, and are widely available in various sizes at petrol stations, outdoor stores, and hardware stores. Gas canister stoves are lightweight and easy to use, but the canisters are often single-use, which can be considered hazardous waste. Liquid fuel stoves, on the other hand, offer versatility and perform well in cold weather and high altitudes, but they tend to be bulkier and require priming. Solid fuel tablets and alcohol are also options for backpacking stoves, offering lightweight and inexpensive alternatives, although they may leave a residue or produce a noticeable odour. The amount of fuel needed for a backpacking trip depends on factors such as the number of meals, boiling water requirements, stove specifications, and environmental conditions like wind and elevation.
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| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Gas, liquid, solid, alcohol, twigs |
| Fuel weight | 100g, 110g, 227g, 300g, 371g, 450g, 500g |
| Fuel volume | 8 oz, 16 oz, 16.4 oz |
| Fuel brand | Jetboil, MSR, Optimus, Primus, Fire Maple, Kovea, Snow Peak, Soto, Campingaz, BRS |
| Fuel composition | Propane, n-butane, iso-butane, white gas, kerosene, unleaded auto gas, denatured alcohol, methanol, ethanol |
| Fuel performance | Excellent flame control, good in cold weather and high altitudes, easy to light, affordable |
| Fuel availability | Widely available, sold at petrol stations, outdoor and hardware stores, caravan parks, general stores, visitor centres near popular backpacking locations |
| Fuel calculation | Based on meal plan, stove's boil time and burn time, wind speed, elevation, air temperature, simmering requirements, snow melting, water purification |
| Fuel disposal | Check local waste collection and recycling agencies, some fuel tanks can be recycled with tools like Jetboil's CrunchIt |
| Fuel tank accessories | Fuel cap that allows use of an external pump, mini pump, midipump, windscreen |
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What You'll Learn
Gas vs liquid fuel: pros and cons of each fuel type
When choosing a fuel type for your backpacking stove, you'll generally be choosing between gas and liquid fuel. The type of stove you have depends on the type of fuel you use. While some stoves can accommodate different fuels, most are limited to one fuel group. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of each fuel type.
Gas Canisters
Gas canisters are the most common kind of stove, with 450g (16 oz), 110g (3.9 oz) and 227g (8 oz) canisters being sold in petrol stations, outdoor and hardware stores, as well as at caravan parks, general stores and visitor centres near popular backpacking locations. The gas inside is typically a blend of propane and isobutane.
Pros
- Gas canisters are super easy to light and do not require priming.
- They offer excellent flame control.
- Stoves that use gas canisters are affordably priced.
- They are lightweight and convenient.
- They are easy to find and widely available.
- They are safe to use in benign environments.
Cons
- Gas canisters are single-use, which can be considered a drawback.
- They are heavier than alcohol and upright canister stoves.
- They are not ideal for cold temperatures when the gas can turn to liquid in the canister and lose pressure.
Liquid Fuel
Liquid fuel stoves have a fuel bottle with fuel in it instead of a canister with compressed gas. When you attach the fuel bottle, you pump it to pressurize the fuel inside. This forces the gas out when you open the nozzle and the fuel comes shooting out.
Pros
- Liquid fuel stoves are good in cold and winter conditions.
- You can manually pump to keep the pressure up so you are not relying on the pressure in the canister.
- Liquid fuel bottles are refillable and easy to refill.
- They are versatile and offer a broad range of choices.
- Liquid fuel stoves are reliable.
- They can take many different kinds of fuel.
Cons
- Liquid fuel stoves are heavier than gas-fuelled stoves.
- They are bulkier with lots of components and require assembly.
- They are a little finicky and harder to light.
- They require more maintenance and cleaning.
- They can be messy and require careful handling.
- They are more expensive than gas-fuelled stoves.
Alternative Fuel Options
There are also alternative fuel options for backpacking stoves, such as solid fuel tablets, denatured alcohol, and wooden twigs. Solid fuel tablets are light and inexpensive but may leave a noticeable odour and sticky residue on pots. Alcohol-based stoves are inexpensive, ultralight, and popular with thru-hikers, but they are not super easy or precise to use. Twigs are a sustainable option, but your fuel source may be limited or off-limits.
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Refillable vs non-refillable fuel bottles
When it comes to choosing a fuel bottle for your backpacking stove, you have two main options: refillable and non-refillable fuel bottles. Both options have their own advantages and considerations. Here are some key points to help you decide between the two:
Refillable Fuel Bottles:
- Versatility: Refillable fuel bottles, typically containing liquid fuel like white gas, kerosene, or unleaded auto gas, offer versatility. They can be refilled with the precise amount of fuel needed for your trip, eliminating half-used canisters.
- Performance: Liquid fuel in refillable bottles maintains full performance in cold weather and at high altitudes. This makes them a reliable choice for backpacking in various environments.
- Fuel Availability: The fuel for refillable bottles is widely available globally, even in less developed countries. This ensures easy access to fuel during your travels.
- Maintenance and Cost: Refillable bottles require priming each time they are used and may need more maintenance. Additionally, stoves that use refillable bottles tend to be heavier and more expensive than gas-fuelled stoves.
- Eco-Friendliness: While refillable bottles reduce waste by eliminating single-use canisters, they eventually need to be disposed of as well. Old fuel and containers must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Non-Refillable Fuel Bottles:
- Convenience: Non-refillable fuel bottles, often containing gas, are convenient and easy to use. They are low-maintenance and do not require priming before lighting.
- Lightweight and Compact: Gas canisters are typically small, lightweight, and compact, making them ideal for backpacking where weight and space are concerns.
- Safety: Non-refillable bottles eliminate the risks associated with refilling fuel containers, such as overfilling and gas mixing, which can be dangerous.
- Recyclability: While gas canisters are single-use, they can often be recycled. However, proper disposal and recycling methods must be followed, and some places may consider empty canisters hazardous waste.
- Cost: Gas-fuelled stoves are generally more affordable than their liquid-fuelled counterparts.
In summary, refillable fuel bottles offer versatility, consistent performance in various conditions, and reduced waste through reusability. On the other hand, non-refillable fuel bottles provide convenience, lightweight and compact options, safety, and ease of disposal or recycling. Your choice between the two will depend on your specific needs, priorities, and backpacking conditions.
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How to calculate the amount of fuel needed for a trip
Calculating the amount of fuel needed for a backpacking trip is crucial to ensuring your cooking and heating needs are met. The process involves determining your fuel consumption rate, travel duration, meal frequency, and the type of food you'll be preparing. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to calculate the amount of fuel needed for your trip:
Step 1: Determine Fuel Consumption Rate
First, you need to determine how much fuel your stove consumes. Stoves often provide information on fuel consumption, such as grams per hour. If specific values are not available, you can estimate the consumption rate based on the stove specifications and user reviews.
Step 2: Calculate Fuel Consumption per Meal
Using the stove's consumption rate and the cooking time per meal, calculate the amount of fuel required for each meal. This will depend on the type of food you're preparing. Most backpacking meals involve boiling water, so you'll need to calculate how much water you'll need to boil per meal.
Step 3: Determine Total Fuel Quantity
To determine the total fuel quantity needed for your trip, multiply the fuel consumption per meal by the number of meals cooked per day. Then, multiply that number by the number of days you'll be backpacking.
Step 4: Consider Environmental Factors and Backup Fuel
Remember to consider environmental factors such as wind and temperature, which can affect the performance of your stove. Wind, for example, can increase burn time and thus fuel consumption. It's advisable to bring backup fuel for emergencies or unexpected conditions.
Step 5: Plan for Your Stove's Efficiency
Different stoves have different boil times and burn times, so be sure to factor in your stove's efficiency. A less efficient stove may require more fuel to boil the same amount of water as a more efficient one.
Step 6: Quick Estimate
If you're looking for a quick estimate, a general rule of thumb is to bring enough fuel to boil one liter of water per person per cooked meal. For a solo weekend trip, a small 100g canister of stove fuel is typically sufficient.
By following these steps and considering your specific needs, you can calculate the amount of fuel required for your backpacking trip, ensuring you have enough fuel for a warm meal and a hot cup of tea or coffee!
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How to dispose of old fuel
The first step in disposing of old camping fuel is to completely empty the canister. No recycler will take a canister that still contains pressurised and potentially explosive fuel. To do this, take your stove outdoors and burn off any remaining gas by attaching the canister and igniting the stove. You can also run the stove's valve open without ignition or use a dedicated venting tool.
Once the canister is empty, you need to prepare it for recycling. Perforate the fuel can several times to release any remaining gas and prevent explosions. Then, contact your local waste collection and recycling agencies to determine if they accept canisters in curbside bins, offer special collection days, or can provide information on nearby metal recycling centres. Remember that recycling programs and capabilities vary depending on your location.
If you cannot access a recycling centre, you can dispose of the fuel by burning it off. However, this is wasteful and should be a last resort. Alternatively, you can give the fuel to someone else who can use it, such as another camper or a taxi driver, provided it is safe to do so.
It is important to note that old fuel containers should not be thrown away, as they can pose a safety risk. Camping gas tanks are pressurised and may explode when compressed or punctured. Always dispose of old fuel containers through proper recycling or professional disposal methods.
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Where to buy fuel canisters
When purchasing fuel canisters for your backpacking stove, it is important to consider the different types of fuel available and the varying performance of each. Backpacking fuel canisters may look similar, but the contents can differ, resulting in a range of liquefied fuel mixtures on the market. For backpacking usage, upright or inverted canister usage, backpacking fuels will typically contain butane, isobutane, or propane, or a mixture of these.
Isobutane is considered the best option for quality canister stove fuels and is suitable for three-season trips. Propane has a very low boiling point, which means it always works, even in extremely cold climates. However, it exerts the most pressure on a backpacking canister, so it is only added in small concentrations to backpacking fuel. Butane has the highest boiling point of the three at 30 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is better for warmer trips, but it will not perform well in cold temperatures.
When purchasing a fuel canister, it is also important to consider how much fuel you will need. For a solo weekend backpacking trip, a small 100g canister of stove fuel is usually enough. As a general guide, you should bring enough fuel to boil one litre of water per person, per meal, and factor in your stove's boil time and total burn time.
There are several retailers where you can purchase fuel canisters for your backpacking stove. REI, for example, sells IsoPro Fuel Canisters, All-Purpose Propane Gas Cylinders, and Jetpower Fuel. Walmart also stocks fuel canisters, such as the Sterno Green Canned Heat Ethanol Fuel Can. Amazon is another option, with a wide range of backpacking stove fuel options available.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common types of backpacking stove fuel are gas and liquid fuel. Gas is convenient, easy to light, and affordable. Liquid fuel is more versatile and performs well in cold weather and high altitudes. Other types of stove fuel include solid fuel tablets, denatured alcohol, and even wooden twigs.
The size of the fuel tank depends on the duration of your trip and the number of people using the stove. For a solo weekend trip, a small 100g canister of stove fuel is usually sufficient. As a general rule, plan to boil one litre of water per person per meal.
Fuel tanks for backpacking stoves are available at petrol stations, outdoor and hardware stores, caravan parks, general stores, and visitor centres near popular backpacking locations. You can also purchase them online from retailers like Amazon and REI.
To determine how much fuel you need, consider your meal plan, the boil time and burn time of your stove, and any environmental factors such as wind, elevation, and air temperature that may impact fuel usage. It's always better to bring more fuel than you think you'll need to avoid running out.
When using a fuel tank for a backpacking stove, always be cautious of leaks and keep any fuel sources away from open flames or sparks. Some fuels, such as white gas, contain carcinogenic compounds, so ensure you store them safely and dispose of them properly when necessary.
