Fuel canister
Overview
A fuel canister is a sealed metal container of pressurized gas used with compatible backpacking stoves. It typically contains isobutane, propane, or blends designed for efficient combustion.
Key points
- Used with canister stoves for cooking and water boiling.
- Pressurized gas mixes vary by temperature performance.
- Cannot be taken on commercial flights.
- Must be properly stored and disposed of.
- Performance declines as canisters empty or cool.
- Lightweight and widely available in popular hiking regions.
Details
Fuel canisters power many modern backpacking stoves by delivering pressurized gas through a threaded valve. Common blends include isobutane-propane mixtures optimized for stability, vapor pressure, and temperature range. Canisters are convenient and allow rapid boil times with minimal setup.
However, they cannot be transported on commercial flights and must be purchased locally at the start of a trip. Cold weather can reduce vapor pressure and stove performance, though some designs improve reliability in low temperatures.
Canisters must be disposed of properly once empty, often requiring puncturing in accordance with local recycling rules. They remain popular because of simplicity, cleanliness, and compatibility with efficient cooking systems.
Related topics
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