Running out of fuel on a backpacking trip means cold meals and no way to melt snow or treat water by boiling. Carrying too much is wasted weight. This calculator estimates how much fuel to pack from the number of people, days and liters of water you boil, the type of stove and the weather.
The formula
Fuel = people × days × liters boiled per person per day × fuel per liter × condition factor × (1 + margin)
Most of the fuel used on a trip goes to boiling water for dehydrated meals, hot drinks and cleaning. Typical consumption to bring one liter of cold water to a boil:
| Stove type | Fuel per liter boiled |
|---|---|
| Canister (isobutane-propane) | about 10 to 12 g |
| White gas (liquid fuel) | about 15 g |
| Alcohol | about 25 to 30 g |
Wind and cold can increase consumption by half or more, and melting snow for water can multiply it by two or three.
Example
Two people boiling 1.5 L each per day for 3 days with a canister stove in mild weather boil 9 L of water. At 12 g per liter plus a 20% margin, they need about 130 g of fuel (4.6 oz): one 230 g canister is enough.
Tips to save fuel
- Use a windscreen, but never wrap it fully around a canister stove, which could overheat the canister.
- Put a lid on the pot and use a pot with a heat exchanger.
- Keep canisters warm in cold weather, inside your jacket or sleeping bag at night; cold canisters lose pressure.
- Use a cozy to let meals rehydrate off the flame.
- Boil only the water you need.
How do I know how much is left?
Weigh the canister: an empty 230 g canister weighs about 120 to 130 g. Many canisters list the empty weight on the label, and some brands sell a float gauge.
Safety
Never cook inside a closed tent: stoves produce carbon monoxide and can start fires. Cook in the vestibule only with good ventilation, or better, outside. Check fire restrictions before your trip; many parks ban open flames during dry periods but allow stoves with a shut-off valve.