Is Propane or Butane Better Backpacking?

By Alice Nichols

When considering what type of fuel to use for backpacking, two of the most popular options are propane and butane. Both fuels provide reliable, easy-to-use heat sources for camping and backpacking trips, but deciding between them can be a challenge.

Efficiency

Propane is generally considered to be more efficient than Butane as it has a higher energy density per unit of weight. This means that you will get more heat output from a given amount of fuel when using Propane compared to Butane. In addition, Propane has a higher boiling point than Butane, so the fuel will remain at a consistent temperature even in cold or windy conditions.

Availability

Propane can be found almost everywhere, as it is widely available in hardware stores and Supermarkets.

Butane is not as easily accessible as Propane, but it can still be purchased at specialty camping stores or online.

Cost

When comparing the cost of propane and butane fuel for backpacking, propane tends to be slightly more expensive than butane due to its higher energy density per unit of weight. However, the cost difference between the two fuels is usually minimal and shouldn’t have a major impact on your budget.

Conclusion:

Overall, both Propane and Butane are excellent fuel choices for backpacking trips. Propane may provide slightly better efficiency and availability while Butane may offer slightly lower cost; however the differences between them are relatively minor. Ultimately the decision comes down to personal preference; whatever works best for you should be your go-to choice when it comes time to select a fuel source for your next backpacking trip!