28 June 2009
Gear Guy Talks White Gas
Posted by admin under: Equipment .
A new post by the Gear Guy over at the Boys’ Life websiteshares the wisdom of why people are so ga-ga about white gas.
White gas stoves are indeed more versatile than screw-on canister-type stoves. The main reason is they burn reliably in all weather conditions, whereas canister stoves are typically unreliable in winter weather. When temps approach freezing, the pressurized fuel canisters can lose their pressure and become unusable.
Another thing that makes white gas stoves more versatile is that they operate with refillable fuel bottles that you fill at home with exactly as much gas as you expect to use on your trip. With canister stoves it’s impossible to tell how much fuel is left in a partly used canister, so you always have to bring a couple (added weight) and when the canisters are empty you have to pack them out (dead weight clanking around in your backpack).
White gas is cheaper too. Fuel for white gas stoves is up to 10 times less expensive (especially when you buy it in bulk versus purchasing individual fuel canisters).
Now keep in mind, all of the above does not mean that canister-style stoves are a bad option. They are great, too, and I use one myself on lots of trips. In general, canister stoves are more compact, simpler to operate, and there’s never a danger of fuel spilling or leaking in your pack.
There you go. Now, if they simply make a gauge on the propane tanks and sell them cheaper then they’ll compete with white gas. Until then, expect your backpacking stoves to continue using albino gasoline.
- Don’t Waste Fuel
- Woodburning Stove Report
- Nice backpacking stove
- To Bug or Not To Bug
- The Ever-Lovin’ Esbit
