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Cooking Fuels for Camping and Hiking

Choosing the right cooking fuel is essential for safe, efficient, and enjoyable outdoor meals. Different fuels suit different conditions — from quick roadside brews to extended high-altitude expeditions. This guide compares the main fuel types used by campers and hikers, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and handling considerations.

Comparative Summary

Fuel Type	Energy Density	Cold Performance	Weight/Portability	Control	Typical Use
Butane/Propane (canister)	High	Fair–Good	Light	Excellent	3-season hiking/camping
LPG (refillable)	High	Excellent	Heavy	Excellent	Vehicle/basecamp
White Gas	Very High	Excellent	Moderate	Good	Cold/high altitude trips
Kerosene	High	Good	Heavy	Moderate	Global travel/backup
Alcohol	Low	Poor	Very Light	Moderate	Ultralight/solo
Solid Fuel	Very Low	Fair	Ultralight	None	Emergency/minimalist
Wood/Biomass	Variable	Fair	Heavy (if stove carried)	Poor	Bushcraft/open-fire zones

Technical Comparison & Performance Data

The table below compares the average performance of various fuel types. Note: Boil times are based on 1 litre of water at 20°C at sea level. Real-world performance will vary significantly with wind, altitude, and stove design.

Fuel Type	Avg. Boil Time (1L)	Fuel Consumption	Energy Density	Cold Performance
Butane/Propane (Integrated)	2.5 – 3.5 mins	~10-12g	High	Fair (Poor below 0°C)
Butane/Propane (Screw-on)	4 – 6 mins	~12-15g	High	Fair
LPG (Large Burner)	3 – 5 mins	~15g	High	Excellent
White Gas / Naphtha	3.5 – 5 mins	~15-20ml	Very High	Excellent
Paraffin / Kerosene	5 – 7 mins	~20-25ml	High	Good (Requires Priming)
Alcohol (Spirit Burner)	8 – 12 mins	~30-40ml	Low	Poor
Solid Fuel Tablets	12 – 15 mins	2 tablets	Very Low	Fair
Wood / Biomass	8 – 20 mins	Variable	Variable	Fair (Fuel Must Be Dry)

Performance Notes

• The "Jet Effect": Integrated canister stoves (Jetboil, MSR WindBurner) use heat exchangers to achieve sub-3-minute boil times, nearly doubling the efficiency of standard screw-on burners.
• Priming Time: For White Gas and Kerosene, remember to factor in 2–3 minutes of "priming" (pre-heating the generator loop) before the stove reaches full power.
• Alcohol Efficiency: While slow, alcohol stoves are silent. To improve boil times, always use a high-quality windscreen that wraps closely around the pot.
• The Weight Penalty: While Solid Fuel is the lightest to carry, it is the least efficient for melting snow or cooking large group meals due to its extremely low heat output.

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Common Fuel Types

Camp cooking fuels vary in energy density, flame temperature, ease of transport, and sensitivity to weather or altitude. No single option is perfect — the best choice depends on the trip length, climate, and available resupply points.

Here's our guide to the various common options available to use outdoors and on the move.

1. Butane / Propane Gas (Canister Gas)

Typically sold in small threaded or clip-on canisters for screw-on stoves.

Advantages

• Clean, efficient, and easy to control.
• Instant ignition and adjustable flame.
• No spillage or soot.
• Compact and lightweight for short trips.

Disadvantages

• Performance drops sharply below 0 °C (butane struggles to vaporise).
• Efficiency decreases at high altitude.
• Non-refillable canisters create waste.
• Bulkier for long expeditions.

Fuel management and handling:

• Storage: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or temperatures above 50°C to prevent pressure relief valve activation or canister failure. Always use protective caps when not in use to protect the threaded valve.
• Environmental Sensitivity: Highly sensitive to cold; butane struggles to vaporize below 0°C. High altitude also reduces pressure and efficiency.
• Toxicity: Low toxicity if inhaled in small amounts, but acts as an asphyxiant in confined spaces (tents/vehicles). No significant skin absorption risk.
• Ecological Concerns: Primary concern is waste management. Non-refillable canisters create significant metal waste and often end up in landfills if not processed by specialized recycling programs (e.g., puncturing tools like the Jetboil CrunchIt).

Stove manufactures and example products

• Jetboil: Famous for "integrated" stove systems (like the Flash and Mo) that prioritize boiling speed and fuel efficiency.
• MSR (Mountain Safety Research): Known for the WindBurner and PocketRocket series; highly regarded for reliability in windy conditions.
• Soto Outdoors: A Japanese brand favored by weight-conscious travelers for high-end engineering, particularly the WindMaster which features a built-in regulator.

Best for: 3-season camping, weekend trips, and moderate climates.

Tip: Butane/propane mixes (e.g., 70/30) maintain pressure better in cold weather.

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2. Liquid Petroleum Gas (Refillable Bottles)

Used mainly in car or camper systems, LPG (propane or butane) is stored in refillable metal cylinders.

Advantages

• Readily available worldwide.
• Excellent cold-weather performance (especially propane).
• Refillable, reducing waste.
• High heat output — suitable for large stoves or grills.

Disadvantages

• Heavy cylinders unsuitable for backpacking.
• Requires proper regulators and secure mounting.
• Overkill for single-pot meals or solo travel.

Fuel management and handling:

• Storage: Must be stored upright and secured in a dedicated, vented locker (gas box) if kept inside a vehicle. Seals and hoses must be checked regularly for cracks or leaks using soapy water.
• Environmental Sensitivity: Excellent cold-weather performance (especially propane). Relatively unaffected by altitude changes.
• Toxicity: Poses an asphyxiation risk in enclosed areas. Contains mercaptan (a sulfur additive) to aid leak detection through a distinct "rotten egg" smell.
• Ecological Concerns: Lower waste impact than canisters due to being refillable. Large leaks can contribute to localized greenhouse gas levels, though it burns cleaner than liquid fuels.

Stove manufactures and example products

• Dometic: The industry standard for built-in campervan hobs and ovens; their equipment is found in the majority of professional overland builds.
• CAN SRL: An Italian manufacturer specializing in high-quality stainless steel hob-and-sink combination units for marine and vehicle use.
• Vango: Offers a wide range of portable double-burner stoves (like the Blaze) designed for basecamp use with large refillable cylinders.

Best for: Vehicle camping, basecamps, and expedition kitchens.

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3. White Gas / Coleman Fuel / Naphtha

A refined liquid fuel used in pressurised multi-fuel stoves.

Advantages

• Very high energy output and strong cold-weather performance.
• Works reliably at high altitude.
• Clean burning with the right jet and pressure.
• Bottles are refillable and fuel is widely available.

Disadvantages

• Requires priming and maintenance.
• Can be messy to handle and dangerous to spill.
• Noisy compared to gas stoves.
• Heavier stove setup.

Fuel management and handling:

• Storage: Store in dedicated, airtight metal fuel bottles (e.g., MSR or Primus). Ensure seals are fuel-resistant (Viton) and replace gaskets annually.
• Environmental Sensitivity: The gold standard for extreme cold and high altitudes. Does not suffer from the pressure drops associated with gas canisters.
• Toxicity: Harmful or fatal if swallowed; vapors can cause dizziness or respiratory irritation. Highly irritant to skin and eyes upon contact.
• Ecological Concerns: Spills on soil are persistent and can contaminate local groundwater. It is highly volatile; careful use of funnels is required during transfer to prevent "splash-back" and soil saturation.

Stove manufactures and example products

• Coleman: The pioneer of this fuel type; their "Dual Fuel" stoves are legendary for being able to run on both refined white gas and unleaded petrol.
• MSR (Mountain Safety Research): The WhisperLite International and XGK EX are the "gold standard" for global expeditions due to their field-maintainable designs.
• Optimus: Their Svea 123 is a classic brass stove that has been in production for over a century, prized for its simplicity and lack of moving parts.

Best for: Long expeditions, cold climates, and high mountains.

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4. Paraffin / Kerosene

Used in older or expedition-grade stoves with proper jetting.

Advantages

• Cheap and globally available.
• High heat output.
• Safer to store than petrol (less volatile).

Disadvantages

• Requires pre-heating and produces soot.
• Strong smell and difficult ignition.
• Heavy burners needed for clean combustion.

Fuel management and handling:

• Storage: Can be stored in robust plastic or metal containers. It has a high flash point, making it safer for long-term storage in high-temperature environments compared to gasoline.
• Environmental Sensitivity: Stable across most temperatures, though it requires significant priming (pre-heating) with alcohol or a paste to vaporize in cold conditions.
• Toxicity: Moderate odor can cause nausea. Ingestion is a major medical emergency due to the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
• Ecological Concerns: Does not evaporate quickly. A spill leaves a greasy, toxic residue that persists on gear and in the environment much longer than white gas.

Stove manufactures and example products

• Primus: The original creator of the pressurized liquid fuel stove. Their OmniFuel and OmniLite Ti models can burn kerosene reliably with a simple jet change.
• Winnerwell: Produces robust, cast-iron kerosene stoves aimed at the bushcraft and traditional camping markets.
• Butterfly: Widely used in developing nations and by budget-conscious overlanders for heavy-duty, multi-wick kerosene pressure stoves.

Best for: Remote travel where fuel choice is limited, or backup use.

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5. Alcohol (Methylated Spirits / Bioethanol / Alcohol Gels)

Burned in simple spirit burners or Trangia systems.

Advantages

• Quiet, lightweight, and simple to use.
• Fuel widely available (hardware stores, pharmacies).
• Safe to transport — low vapour pressure.
• Good for minimalist or ultralight setups.

Disadvantages

• Low heat output — longer boil times.
• Inefficient in wind or cold.
• Not suitable for group cooking.
• Hard to see the flame in daylight.

Fuel management and handling:

• Storage: Can be stored in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic bottles. Low vapor pressure makes it safer to transport in non-pressurized containers.
• Environmental Sensitivity: Poor performance in cold and wind due to low energy density; often requires a windshield or "pre-warming" of the burner unit.
• Toxicity: Methylated spirits often contain methanol, which is toxic via skin absorption and inhalation. Bioethanol is generally safer but still not fit for consumption.
• Ecological Concerns: Water-soluble; spills are easily diluted but can still be harmful to aquatic life in high concentrations. Generally considered a more "renewable" choice if bio-derived.

Stove manufactures and example products

• Trangia: A Swedish icon. Their complete storm-proof kits (stoves, pots, and pans) are nearly indestructible and have a massive global following.
• Evernew: A Japanese specialist in titanium gear; they produce ultra-lightweight siphon-action alcohol burners for minimalist travelers.
• Esbit: While known for tablets, they produce high-quality brass alcohol burners compatible with most spirit-burning windshields.

Best for: Solo hikers, lightweight touring, or regions with mild temperatures.

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6. Solid Fuel Tablets (Hexamine, Esbit, etc.)

Compact blocks that burn without liquid or gas storage. (Wikipedia)

Advantages

• Extremely light and simple.
• No moving parts — ideal emergency backup.
• Works at any altitude.
• Fits inside small survival kits.

Disadvantages

• Low power output.
• Sooty residue on cookware.
• Not adjustable or reusable once lit.
• Unpleasant smell when burning.
• When burned, it can produce toxic fumes, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
• Tightly regulated in some countries such as the UK.

Fuel management and handling:

• Storage: Keep in a dry, airtight bag. Moisture can make them difficult to light and cause "spitting" during combustion.
• Environmental Sensitivity: Unaffected by altitude; performs adequately in cold but provides low heat output overall.
• Toxicity: High concern when burning. Produces toxic fumes including formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides. Must only be used in well-ventilated areas. Hands should be washed thoroughly after handling tablets.
• Ecological Concerns: Leaves a sticky, sooty residue on surfaces. Some formulations are regulated or banned in specific regions (e.g., parts of the UK) due to safety and health concerns.

Stove manufactures and example products

• Esbit: The definitive manufacturer of the folding pocket stove. Most tablets on the market are still referred to generically as "Esbit tabs."
• BCB International: A major supplier to the British military; their "FireDragon" system is a popular modern alternative to hexamine.
• Coghlans: A ubiquitous camping brand that produces affordable folding emergency stoves and fuel tablets found in most outdoor shops.

Best for: Emergencies, short trips, or as backup for ultralight hikers.

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7. Wood, Biomass, and Charcoal

Used in open fires or wood-gas stoves.

Advantages

• Readily available in forested areas.
• Creates ambience and warmth.
• Renewable and zero-cost if gathered responsibly.

Disadvantages

• Illegal or discouraged in many areas due to fire risk.
• Dependent on dry fuel and weather.
• Produces soot and smoke.
• Heavier or bulkier stove systems.

Fuel management and handling:

• Storage: Must be kept dry. For charcoal, avoid storing inside the vehicle cabin due to carcinogenic dust and the risk of carbon monoxide if a fire is started prematurely.
• Environmental Sensitivity: Highly dependent on local moisture levels. High humidity or rain makes ignition difficult without accelerators.
• Toxicity: Smoke inhalation (particulates and carbon monoxide) is the primary health risk.
• Ecological Concerns: Significant risk of wildfires. Over-harvesting of local wood can damage fragile ecosystems. Always use "Leave No Trace" principles: use only dead, downed wood and ensure fires are completely extinguished (cool to the touch) before leaving.

Stove manufactures and example products

• BioLite: Known for the CampStove series, which uses a fan to create a smokeless "wood-gas" flame and converts heat into electricity to charge USB devices.
• Solo Stove: Popularized the "double-wall" stainless steel design that maximizes airflow for a secondary burn, resulting in very little ash.
• Anevay: A UK-based manufacturer specializing in portable "shepherd" stoves and the Frontier Stove, designed for use inside tents or small vans (with a flue).

Best for: Bushcraft and areas where open fires are permitted.

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There are several other fuel options for heating and cooking that we may add more about later, these include Petrol (gasoline) and Diesel, for which there are devices that have special considerations around safety and storage of fuel and electrical appliances that may be appropriate when in a suitably equipped vehicle, these include ring and induction hobs, electric kettles and even 12v ovens. Heating liquids and food is however very energy intensive and high capacity batteries and high power converters such as inverters are needed to run such devices.

Choosing the Right Fuel

• For **UK and European weekends:** gas canisters are clean and convenient.
• For **winter or altitude:** white gas or propane works best.
• For **bikepacking or ultralight hiking:** alcohol or solid fuel offers simplicity.
• For **vehicle expeditions:** refillable LPG or dual-fuel stoves provide flexibility.

Final Word

Always store fuel securely, away from sleeping areas, and check your stove and container seals regularly.

Efficient cooking starts with good planning — match your stove and fuel to the trip conditions, carry only what you need, and always follow safety guidelines when refilling or lighting.

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