Are you planning your next camping trip and wondering which fuel is right for you? Don't worry - every outdoor fan knows this question! Choosing the right fuel can make the difference between a relaxing camping experience and a frustrating adventure. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about fuels for camping.
Table of contents
Which fuel is suitable for which type of camping?
What fuels are available for camping stoves?
Gas as a fuel: why is it so popular for camping?
How do petrol stoves compare to gas stoves?
Are spirit stoves an environmentally friendly alternative?
How do you find suitable cartridges for your own camping stove?
Safety aspects: What do you need to consider with the different fuels?
Conclusion
Which fuel is suitable for which type of camping?
Choosing the right fuel depends heavily on how you go camping. Are you traveling with a motorhome or are you packing everything on your back when trekking? This decision has a major influence on which fuel is best for you when camping.
| Camping type | Recommended fuel | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Motorhome camping | Gas (large cylinders) | Comfort, no weight restriction, easy handling |
| Family camping | Gas (cartridges/bottles) | Safe, clean, adjustable |
| Trekking/backpacking | Gas (small cartridges) or spirit | Lightweight, compact |
| Winter camping | Propane/power gas or gasoline | Works at sub-zero temperatures |
| High mountains (>3000m) | Petrol or Power Gas | Reliable at low air pressure |
| World tour | Gasoline | Available everywhere |
Gas is usually the first choicefor a relaxed camping vacation in a motorhome. You don't have to count every gram and have enough space for larger gas bottles. When camping with the family or for comfortable camping, gas simply offers the best balance of comfort and reliability.
For minimalist trekking, weight and pack size play the main role. Lightweight gas cartridges or even spirit stoves score points here thanks to their low weight. The fuel should work reliably without you having to carry a lot of equipment.
For more extreme conditions such as winter camping or expeditions at high altitudes, you need special fuel. Normal butane gas often fails here, while propane mixtures or gasoline burn reliably even at sub-zero temperatures. On your next mountain adventure above 3000 meters, you should definitely opt for power gas or petrol.
The firelighters and fuels from Petromax complement every fuel perfectly and ensure reliable ignition under all conditions.
What fuels are available for camping stoves?
There are mainly five different types of fuel available for camping: Gas, petrol, spirit, kerosene and solid fuels. Each of these fuels has its own advantages and disadvantages, which you should take into account when choosing your stove.
| Fuel type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best areas of use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | ✅ Easy handling ✅ Clean combustion ✅ Good controllability ✅ No preheating time |
❌ Fails in cold weather ❌ Cartridges cannot be refilled ❌ Higher costs per energy |
Family camping, beginners, moderate temperatures |
| Gasoline | ✅ Highest energy density ✅ Works in the cold ✅ Available worldwide ✅ Refillable |
❌ More complex handling ❌ Maintenance required ❌ Odor development ❌ Risk of soiling |
Expeditions, winter camping, world travel |
| Spirit |
✅ Environmentally friendly |
❌ Low heat output ❌ Longer cooking times ❌ Difficult to regulate ❌ Problems with wind |
Occasional camping, environmentally conscious, budget camping |
Gas is the all-rounder among fuels and the first choice for most campers. It burns cleanly, is easy to regulate and is available practically everywhere.
Petrol offers the highest energy density and works reliably even in extreme conditions. However, it is a little more complex to handle and you can expect odors.
Spirit is environmentally friendly and inexpensive, but takes longer to boil and is more difficult to regulate.
Choosing the right fuel is crucial for a successful camping experience. Factors such as your destination, the expected temperatures and your personal camping preferences all play an important role in this decision.
Gas as a fuel: why is it so popular for camping?
Gas is the favorite camping fuel for a reason! The advantages are obvious: clean combustion without soot, easy to regulate the heat just like at home on the stove, no preheating time and practically no odors. You simply turn up the heat and cook - camping can be that easy.
| Gas type | Functional temperature | Altitude suitability | price | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butane gas | Up to 0°C | Up to 1,500m | € | Summer camping, warm areas |
| Propane gas | Up to -15°C | Up to 3,000m | €€ | Winter camping, mountains |
| Power gas (mixture) | Up to -10°C | Up to 4,000m | €€€ | All-rounder, extreme conditions |
You have a choice of different gas types. Butane is perfect for mild temperatures and works reliably down to around 0°C. Propane, on the other hand, works perfectly even at sub-zero temperatures. Power gas usually combines both gases and offers you the best of both worlds - it works in both warm and cold conditions.
Butane gas is perfectly adequate in mild camping conditions and is often cheaper. However, as soon as temperatures drop below freezing or you set off to higher altitudes, you should opt for propane or a mixture. In the Alps above 2000 meters you will definitely notice the difference!
The different types of gas containers all have their uses. Large gas cylinders are heavy, but durable and more environmentally friendly. Gas cartridges are light and practical, but cost more per liter of gas. You will always find the right gas solution for your gas table with 2 burners or the compact gas table with 1 burner.
When it comes to cartridge systems, a distinction is made between piercing cartridges and valve cartridges. Piercing cartridges are easy to use - but once pierced, you have to use them up. Valve or screw-in cartridges have a more secure closure system and can be resealed. This is particularly practical if you don't use it all at once.
How do petrol stoves compare to gas stoves?
Petrol stoves are the workhorses among camping stoves! If you are planning demanding outdoor trips, you should definitely consider gasoline as a fuel. The higher energy density means you can cook for longer with less fuel - a real advantage when trekking.
The big advantage of gasoline is that it works reliably even in freezing cold and at high altitudes. While your gas stove breaks down at -10°C, the petrol stove still runs at full speed. What's more, you can get gasoline as fuel practically anywhere in the world - from petrol stations to remote outdoor stores.
However, it also has its downsides. Handling is more complex than with gas - you have to preheat the stove and operate the fuel pump. The typical smell of gasoline is part of it, and something can go wrong when filling. Regular maintenance is also essential to ensure that your stove works reliably.
You have various options when it comes to gasoline types. Pure petrol is the cleanest and leaves less residue in your stove. Lighter fuel also works well and is often more readily available. Regular gas station gasoline will also work in a pinch, but contains more additives that will contaminate your stove more quickly.
Operating the fuel pump correctly is the be-all and end-all when using a gasoline stove. First pump, then preheat, then ignite - that's how it works. When filling, always use a funnel and work away from naked flames.
Petrol vs. gas - a direct comparison:
| Criterion | Petrol cooker | Gas cooker | Winners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold resistance | Up to -20°C and below | Only down to 0°C (butane) or -10°C (propane) | 🏆 Gasoline |
| Altitude suitability | Up to 6,000m+ | Up to 4,000m | 🏆 Gasoline |
| Handling | Complex (pumping, preheating) | Simple (turn on, light) | 🏆 Gas |
| Maintenance | Necessary at regular intervals | Practically maintenance-free | 🏆 Gas |
| Energy density | Very high | Medium | 🏆 Gasoline |
| Availability worldwide | Everywhere (filling station) | Limited (outdoor stores) | 🏆 Gasoline |
| Odor development | Distinct | Practically none | 🏆 Gas |
| pollution | Can spill | Clean | 🏆 Gas |
Are spirit stoves an environmentally friendly alternative?
Spirit stoves definitely have their charm! If you value environmental friendliness and like simple technology, ethanol could be just the right fuel for you. Ethanol burns more cleanly than fossil fuels and is biodegradable - so your ecological conscience remains clear.
The biggest advantage of ethanol stoves is their simplicity. No complicated valves, no pressure vessels, no electronic components - just a burner and spirit. This makes them extremely reliable and virtually maintenance-free. They are also unbeatably cheap to buy.
But to be honest: alcohol also has its limits. The heat output is significantly lower than with gas or petrol, which means longer cooking times. In windy conditions, lighting the fire is a test of patience and the flame regulation is not exactly precise. This can be frustrating for a quick dinner after a long hike.
Spirit stove - The environmentally friendly alternative in detail:
| Aspect | Rating | The details |
|---|---|---|
| Environmentally friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ethanol is biodegradable and burns CO₂-neutrally |
| Simplicity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | No moving parts, practically indestructible |
| Acquisition costs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | From 10€ for simple models |
| Heat output | ⭐⭐ | Significantly weaker than gas or gasoline |
| Wind resistance | ⭐⭐ | Problems with lighting and burning in windy conditions |
| Boiling time | ⭐⭐ | 1 liter of water: approx. 8-12 minutes |
The range of spirit stoves extends from the simple can stove for a few euros to the sophisticated Trangia system, which has been making campers' hearts beat faster for decades. For occasional campers and minimalists who are not dependent on maximum performance, alcohol is definitely worth considering.
How do you find suitable cartridges for your own camping stove?
This is actually a topic that drives many campers to despair! You're standing in the outdoor store and wondering: Which of what feels like a hundred different cartridges actually fits my stove? Don't panic - with a few tricks you can quickly find the right cartridges.
First of all, you should take a close look at the thread of your stove. Most modern gas stoves use standard threads, but there are still regional differences. It is best to make a note of the name of your stove or take a photo of the connection.
The most common systems are screw-in cartridges with a 7/16" thread (this is the international standard) and various piercing cartridge systems. Valve cartridges are usually compatible between manufacturers, while more caution is required with piercing cartridges.
An adapter can be your savior in a pinch! With the right adapters, you can connect different cartridge systems together. This is particularly handy when traveling if you don't know which cartridges are available locally.
Important tip: Different cartridge standards are used in different countries. In Europe, the 7/16" thread dominates, while other standards are common in other regions. Find out what to expect locally before you travel or take adapters with you to be on the safe side.
The most important cartridge standards at a glance:
| Standard | Thread | Distribution | Compatibility | Typical manufacturers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN417 | 7/16"-28 UNEF | Europe, worldwide | Very good | Campingaz, Primus, MSR |
| Lindal valve | 7/16"-28 UNEF | International | Good | Coleman, Jetboil |
| Campingaz CV | Special | Europe | Limited | Campingaz only |
| Primus cartridge | Plug connection | Europe | Limited | Mainly Primus |
Safety aspects: What do you need to consider with the different fuels?
Safety first - this is especially true when camping! Every fuel comes with its own risks that you should be aware of and respect. However, with the right knowledge and a little caution, you can use all fuels safely.
Safety checklist for different fuels:
Gas safety ⛽
✅ Check before use:
- Check cartridge/bottle for damage
- Check threads and seals
- Remove protective cap and store safely
- Tighten the connection, but do not overtighten
⚠️ Note during use:
- Never change cartridges with open flames
- Gas is under pressure - never use force
- If you smell gas, stop the gas supply immediately
- Never leave the stove unattended
🌡️ Storage and transportation:
- Temperature: Between -20°C and +50°C
- Never leave in a hot car
- Always put on the protective cap
- Store upright, protect from impact
❄️ Special features in cold weather:
- Keep cartridges warm (body heat)
- Use propane mixtures
- Never heat directly (risk of explosion!)
Petrol safety ⛽
✅ When filling:
- Always use a funnel
- Work far away from sources of ignition
- Ensure good ventilation
- Never fill above 2/3 of the tank capacity
⚠️ During handling:
- Wash hands after contact
- Wipe up spills immediately
- Use tight closures
- Carry spare parts for seals
Spirit safety 🔥
✅ Safest fuel:
- Non-toxic with brief skin contact
- Can be extinguished with water
- Few explosive vapors
⚠️ Nevertheless, note:
- Burns with an almost invisible flame
- Never refill when the burner is hot
- Use a draft shield
Gas is under pressure - you should never forget that! Gas cartridges must never be exposed to extreme temperatures. They have no place in a hot car or next to a campfire. When transporting them, they should always be secured with the protective cap and it is best to check the thread for damage before connecting them.
Correct storage is important for all fuels. Gas should be stored in a cool and dry place, petrol should be stored in sealed containers away from ignition sources. Spirit is the least critical, but the same applies here: keep away from open flames!
Be careful when filling and connecting fuel containers. Never work with open flames and ensure good ventilation. If a cartridge does not engage properly or you smell gas, stop immediately and check!
What to do in an emergency? In the event of a gas leak, stop the gas supply immediately, ventilate the area and eliminate all sources of ignition. Never extinguish uncontrolled flames with water - this can make things worse with burning liquids. A CO₂ extinguisher or sand is the better choice.
Emergency behavior 🚨
| Situation | Immediate action | Never do |
|---|---|---|
| Gas leak | Stop gas supply, ventilate area, eliminate ignition sources | Search for leak with fire |
| Gasoline spill | Wipe up, ventilate area, change clothes | Smoking or ignition |
| Uncontrolled flame | Stop fuel supply, CO₂ extinguisher/sand | Extinguish liquid fires with water |
| Fire on the stove | Turn the stove over (smother the flame), sand | Panic, throw away |
Conclusion: The perfect fuel for every type of camper
Choosing the right fuel doesn't have to be complicated! Gas stoves are ideal for most camping situations - they are easy to use, easy to regulate and burn cleanly. They are the perfect choice for family vacations and first-time campers in particular.
Petrol stoves offer maximum performance and reliability in extreme conditions. If you are traveling in the cold and at high altitudes or planning world trips, petrol is your first choice for demanding expeditions.
Spirit stoves are environmentally friendly and uncomplicated, but have to accept a loss of performance. They are perfect for the environmentally conscious minimalist and occasional camper who is not dependent on maximum cooking speed.
In the end, choosing the right fuel depends heavily on your personal purpose. You should weigh up convenience, weight, availability and environmental aspects individually. No matter which fuel you choose, safety is always the top priority. With proper handling, nothing stands in the way of a carefree camping experience!
