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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. (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.

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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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.

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.

Materials Handling Guidance for Camping & Overlanding Fuels

Effective fuel management is critical for safety and environmental protection during expeditions. Below is a detailed breakdown of handling requirements based on the Fuels and Fuel storage categories.

1. Butane / Propane (Canister Gas)

• 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).

2. LPG (Refillable Bottles)

• 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.

3. White Gas / Coleman Fuel / Naphtha

• 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.

4. Paraffin / Kerosene

• 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.

5. Alcohol (Methylated Spirits / Bioethanol)

• 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.

6. Solid Fuel Tablets (Hexamine / Esbit)

• 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.

7. Wood, Biomass, and Charcoal

• 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.

--- See also: Vehicle Information, Overland Essentials