What Does Backpacking Fuel Weigh?

By Anna Duncan

Backpacking fuel is a crucial part of any long-distance backpacking adventure. Without the right fuel, you won’t be able to cook meals or boil water for safe drinking. But what does this fuel weigh?

Fuel Types

Backpacking fuel comes in a variety of types and each one has a different weight. The most popular type of backpacking fuel is white gas, or Coleman Fuel, which comes in a liquid form and usually weighs around 8 ounces per pint.

This is the heaviest type of backpacking fuel, but it also has the highest energy density and is generally the most reliable. Other types of backpacking fuel include propane/isobutane canister blends, solid fuel tablets, and alcohol fuels such as denatured alcohol or HEET. These fuels tend to weigh less than white gas but require more attention and skill to use properly.

Portability Considerations

When choosing a backpacking fuel, it’s important to consider portability as well as weight. White gas is often considered the heaviest option overall but can be split into smaller containers for better portability. On the other hand, alcohol fuels such as denatured alcohol can weigh as little as 4 ounces per pint but require careful handling so that none of it evaporates away before reaching its destination.

Fuel Consumption

When calculating how much backpacking fuel you need for a trip, it’s important to consider your expected consumption rate. Generally speaking, white gas tends to burn hotter and faster than other types of backpacking fuel so you may need more of it if you plan on cooking multiple meals each day or boiling large quantities of water. Conversely, if you plan on using just enough to get by with minimal cooking then an alcohol-based fuel may be more appropriate since it will last longer in smaller amounts than white gas would.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the weight of your backpacking fuel will depend on several factors including the type of fuel you choose and your expected consumption rate. While white gas tends to be the heaviest option overall, other options such as propane/isobutane blends and alcohol fuels may offer better portability or longer burn times depending on your needs. It’s important to carefully consider all aspects before selecting a particular type of backpacking fuel for any given trip in order to ensure that you have enough without overloading yourself with unnecessary weight.