How Many Gas Canisters Do I Need for Backpacking?

By Michael Ferguson

Backpacking is a fantastic activity, giving you the opportunity to explore nature and enjoy your surroundings. But when it comes to packing for a backpacking trip, one of the biggest decisions you will have to make is how many gas canisters you need.

Gas canisters come in a variety of sizes and types, including propane and butane. The size of the canister will depend on what type of stove you are using and how much space you have available in your backpack. Generally speaking, the larger the stove, the more space will be needed for gas canisters.

The amount of gas needed for your trip will also depend on how many people are going and how long you plan to be out in the wilderness. If you are going solo, then one large gas canister should be enough for an extended stay in remote areas; however, if you plan on cooking for multiple people over a longer period of time, then it would be wise to bring several smaller canisters with different fuel levels so that they last longer.

It is important to remember that when backpacking through remote areas, safety is paramount. You will want to make sure that your gas canisters are well-stored and secured against any potential hazards such as falling rocks or wild animals. It also pays to bring spare canisters just in case something unexpected happens or you run out of fuel mid-trip.

Conclusion: How many gas canisters do I need for backpacking? The answer depends largely on the size of your stove, how many people are going with you and how long your trip is expected to last.

Generally speaking, one large gas canister should be enough for an extended stay in remote areas; however, if cooking for multiple people over a longer period of time then several smaller ones may be necessary with different fuel levels so that they last longer. Additionally, it is important to always bring spare canteens just in case something unexpected happens or you run out of fuel mid-trip.