If you're planning a camping or backpacking trip, you might be wondering what kind of fuel to bring. There are two popular options: canister gas and liquid fuel. Both have their pros and cons, but knowing the differences between them can help you decide which one is right for you.
Canister
These dome-shaped gas canisters are the most popular, and as a result, are widely available in sporting goods and hardware stores. They contain a blended gas made by various manufacturers, and most use the same screw-top valve, which means you can often use different brands interchangeably - although it's always wise to verify that any fuel you purchase is compatible with your stove.
Pros:
- Easy to find at most resupply locations, and sporting goods stores.
- Burns cleanly, leaving no residue on the stove or cookware.
- Convenient and simple to use.
- Generally speaking, canister gas stoves have greater flame and temperature control than other fuels, but this will vary depending on your stove choice.
Cons:
- Cannot be refilled.
- Not easily recyclable. Spent canisters must be safely vented, punctured, and not all recycling programs accept them.
- Poor performance in snowy conditions, and even worse when the canister is running low.
- Difficult to determine how much fuel remains in the canister.
- Affordable, but not as cheap as liquid fuel.
It's also worth noting what blend of gases each canister uses. Butane is the cheapest but has a low boiling point of only -1°C and low vapour pressure, making it a good choice for warm weather conditions.
On the other hand, isobutane has a boiling point of -12°C, higher vapor pressure due to its different structure, and can be used in colder temperatures.
Lastly, propane, with its boiling point of -42°C and highest vapour pressure among the three fuels, is the most reliable option in cold temperatures and at high altitudes. However, its high vapour pressure requires stronger and heavier containers to contain it as a liquid. Butane is more stable than propane at ambient temperatures, which allows the gas to be safely stored in a lightweight canister, as opposed to the heavy-duty steel tanks required to safely store pure propane.
Propane is typically blended with isobutane or butane to get the best of both worlds. If the canister is too cold, the stove will quickly burn off the propane, leaving you with a half-full canister of useless butane and a cold meal.
If you’re just starting out, canisters are the recommended fuel type. It doesn’t require any priming, pouring, or guesswork; it’s controlled with a twist of a valve much like a home stove.
Liquid
Liquid fuel is cheap and widely available across the world (although white gas often only in specialist shops) which makes it an ideal fuel for remote expeditions. Because the fuel bottles for liquid fuel require you to pressurise it yourself, it can be ignited at lower temperatures and higher altitudes than pre-pressurised canister gas.
Pros:
- The bottle can be refilled.
- Remaining fuel levels can be easily seen.
- Performs well in cold weather.
- Can boil water quicker than canisters.
- The ongoing cost of refilling is cheaper.
Cons:
- Requires a heavy and bulky bottle.
- Stove needs to be primed and pumped to work.
- Can leave soot on stove and cookware and may clog the stove.
- Fuel is not as widely available as canister fuels.
- The sound of the flame is much louder.
- Requires ongoing maintenance.
- The upfront cost of the stove and bottle is more expensive.
White gas is a traditional, inexpensive liquid fuel used in camping. It is naphtha-based and not the same as gasoline. Do not use gasoline. White gas burns exceptionally hot and clean, which is why it is the preferred fuel. Although kerosene is widely available, there is a noticeable odour when the stove is running and it doesn’t burn quite as hot as white gas, resulting in longer cook times. To conclude, Liquid gas systems are preferable for harsh winter conditions (such as a multi-day ski tours), cooking for larger groups of people, and high-altitude expeditions.
Regardless of which option you choose, the golden rule to remember is to use a lid when cooking or boiling water, as this will reduce time and increase fuel efficiency.