What Kind of Gas Do You Put in a Backpacking Stove?

By Alice Nichols

Backpacking stoves are an essential item for anyone who plans on spending time in the outdoors. They provide a way to cook meals, boil water for drinking, and keep you warm on cold nights. But before you use a backpacking stove, it’s important to choose the right kind of fuel.

The most common type of fuel used in backpacking stoves is white gas. White gas is a liquid fuel that burns clean and hot. It’s extremely efficient and easy to find in outdoor stores or online.

It also has a long shelf life which means it won’t go bad if not used for an extended period of time. The only downside to white gas is its cost, which can be more expensive than other fuels.

Another popular choice for backpacking stoves is propane. Propane is a pressurized gas that comes in small canisters that are easy to transport and store. It burns hot and clean, but not as hot as white gas. Propane is also less expensive than white gas but has a shorter shelf life, so it must be used or replaced regularly.

Finally, some backpackers choose to use alcohol-based fuels such as methanol or denatured alcohol. Alcohol-based fuels are inexpensive and easy to find, but they don’t burn as hot or clean as other fuels like white gas or propane. They also have a short shelf life so they must be used or replaced regularly.

No matter what kind of fuel you choose for your backpacking stove, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Different stoves require different types of fuel so make sure you read the instructions before making your purchase. Once you have the correct fuel for your stove, you can enjoy all the benefits that come with having one while out on the trail!

In conclusion, when choosing what kind of fuel to put in a backpacking stove there are several options available including white gas, propane, and alcohol-based fuels like methanol or denatured alcohol. The type of fuel you choose will depend on your budget and how long you plan on using the stove for but whichever option you choose make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully!