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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.

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Overview

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.

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Common Fuel Types

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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5. Alcohol (Methylated Spirits / Bioethanol)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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

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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.

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

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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.