Gas Cannisters Vs Liquid Fuel

[LtDansLegs]

How do all
Just wondering when it would be appropriate to use a liquid fuel cannister (pumped up to a gaseous form), as opposed to a regular camping gas cannister? Almost always use a gas cannister when camping, but do have the kit for the liquid based stoves (unsure of the correct term).
Something to do with the temperature outside?
Many thanks
LTDansLegs

 

[TLM]

Appropriate how? Both contain energy, gas slightly less per weight, liquids much more per volume. Gas is handy on short trips, on longer ones I prefer liquids though that might be because I learned that first 60 years ago.

 

[Pattree]

When I’m not using the Kelly Kettle, I use a Trangia meths burner. In freezing conditions all it needs is to sit in a nest of hay, dry leaves or a paper handkerchief soused in meths and fired. It all goes a bit nuclear for a few minutes but once it’s hot it keeps going.

 

[LtDansLegs]

Appropriate how? Both contain energy, gas slightly less per weight, liquids much more per volume. Gas is handy on short trips, on longer ones I prefer liquids though that might be because I learned that first 60 years ago.

I've heard that in some conditions, such as extreme cold, that gas does not work well at all. I wondered if Liquid fuel also had this weakness, or if it would be more appropriate for colder climates. I've almost always used gas (Meths used very occasionally) and never had any issues, even on longer trips.
Many thanks
LTDansLegs

 

[nigelp]

Gas is safe, reliable and works down to below minus temperatures. Some gas stoves have a pre heater across the burner so you can effectively turn the cylinder upside down and burn liquid gas.

Fuel stoves can flare up and if you don not sues good quality fuel the jets can block.
I use Aspen 4 in mine. I have a Coleman stove that I use when I canoe camp but it is much easier to gas or my Trangia set.

In the UK I can’t see any reason to use liquid fuel stoves. We rarely get consistently low temperatures and carrying and using petrol or equivalent is more problematic. I had a fur bottle leak once in a canoe expedition and had to eat petrol tasting fuel for several days!

 

[TLM]

I've heard that in some conditions, such as extreme cold, that gas does not work well at all.

Kind of true, butane stops working well at about 0C, propane works down to -40C, so weather your gas works depends on the mixture. Problem with mixtures is that in cold propane comes out first enriching butane which at the end might cause problems. Ethanol works in all temps you come across. Petrol basically the same but in very cold the burners might require some time heating them proper working temps.

 

[LtDansLegs]

Kind of true, butane stops working well at about 0C, propane works down to -40C, so weather your gas works depends on the mixture. Problem with mixtures is that in cold propane comes out first enriching butane which at the end might cause problems. Ethanol works in all temps you come across. Petrol basically the same but in very cold the burners might require some time heating them proper working temps.

Good to know, ill have to check what kind of gas mix I've been using. So in theory I'm fine using gas no matter the weather in the UK, but for energy density I might be better off with liquid fuels? I intend to do some ultra light camping in the future and so knowing which fuel source is the most energy rich is handy.
Many thanks
LTDansLegs

 

[lou1661]

I tend to use a variety of liquid fuel stoves. Coleman 424, featherlight or a MSR Dragonfly. All seem fairly to use and get going.

 

[Broch]

Liquid fuel in the mountains - low temperature = low gas pressure and long cooking times. A modern fuel stove - using petrol or kerosene and equivalent burning liquids, are safe if used properly and reliable in all conditions if you service them.

I use both, gas in the lowlands and liquid fuel in the highlands (less frequent these days ) - but I also use a small wood stove or even a small open fire where it's safe and acceptable.

 

[Watch-keeper]

I use both gas and liquid but I do like my liquid fueled stoves, way more fun and often produce some good tales worth telling. Gas is a bit too reliable, safe and boring!

 

[nigelp]

I intend to do some ultra light camping in the future and so knowing which fuel source is the most energy rich is handy.

Usually meths is used with a light weight stove system and pot support.

 

[Pattree]

Micro lite Trangia

You can get a rip off version for a fraction of this price.

There is the inevitable weight of the fuel and bottle to add in.

I like equipment with as few moving parts and tolerances and as little maintenance as possible. Zero is a good number to rely on.

 

[Broch]

OK, I was put off meths stoves when a kid and failed to cook a meal after nearly an hour trying - my bad, I know How long does it take to boil say 1/2 litre of water on a Trangia?

 

[MikeLA]

That was exactly my experience did a glenmore lodge hillwalking course aged 17. The two of us in a tent took over an hour to barely get the food hot enough. Never touched one since.
It’s hexi or gas for me only.

 

[Pattree]

H/O. Let’s find out.
I’ll edit this post when I know.

Edit 1
We’re off! M40 stove with civilian burner. The military 125ml one is fractionally quicker but most folk will have the ordinary 100ml.



Edit2 NOW we’re cooking on meths!



Edit3
Coffee up.




Yes your Jet Boil will do it quicker, so will a half litre Kelly.
And to be fair you’d need to add a couple of minutes for fuelling the Trangia because I always carry it empty.

But you’re camping ***. There is plenty to be doing while you water boils. Enjoy yourself, it’s not the Winter Olympics!

Many tens of thousands of us have cooked for ourselves and families on Trangias and that includes the Swedish Army.

Meths works!

 

[Kadushu]

I bought a Lixada copy of an Evernew (I didn't know it was a copy at the time) which has 2 sets of holes. It throws out WAY more heat than a Trangia, giving more of a canister-like output but silently. Obviously it gets through fuel faster than a Trangia.

 

[Pattree]

Time it - If time matters. (Not to me. )

 

[Broch]

Time it - If time matters. (Not to me. )

Sometimes - but after a long, wet, maybe even snowy hike in to the hills, the last thing you want to be waiting for is your hot drink or hot food. I've had to fix up quick meals and drinks for people shivering with damp and cold and in the dark at altitude (well, altitude for the UK) - I can do that in a couple of minutes with my multi-fuel MSR Stove. The outdoors isn't all about relaxation and mindfulness

 

[Pattree]

I can do that in a couple of minutes with my multi-fuel MSR Stove.

Really?
I know a jet boil can manage half a litre in six minutes and it is instant lighting - but well…….

 

[Broch]

Really?
I know a jet boil can manage half a litre in six minutes and it is instant lighting - but well…….

Actually, to be fair, 500ml water starting at 3C, took 3 minutes 10 seconds - but agreed, it takes about 30 seconds to get lit if you're prepared for a bit of flame

Post #9 on this thread

Nisbets Gel fuel review

Following the thread on value of different fuels ( meths, gel, gas, wod) I treat myself to some tins of gel fuel and below is my initial findings. Nisbets are a catering supply company and as such stock tins of "Chafing" gel for use in resturants. Was it any good as fuel for making a cuppa on...

bushcraftuk.com