3 ms·

The most common camp stoves do use pressurized gases like you're mentioning. However, this is a relatively modern invention -- historically (pre-1980?) most cam

The most common camp stoves do use pressurized gases like you're mentioning. However, this is a relatively modern invention -- historically (pre-1980?) most camp stoves operated on liquid fuels ... in the 1950's to 1970's this was "white gas" due to being particularly clean burning. Before that, kerosene was popular. MSR is a top-tier camping gear manufacturer and they specialize in making stoves which can be fueled using damn near any fuel[0] (gas AND liquid!). These can burn: - The pressurized canister gas you're talking about (any proportion blends of propane, isobutane, n-butane) - White gas ("Naphtha", "Coleman liquid camping fuel", C5 to C12) - Kerosene ("Paraffin oil", "Lamp Oil", C10 to C16) - Unleaded gasoline (C7 to C12, nominally) - Diesel (C12 to C16, nominally) - Aviation gasoline ("Avgas" or 100LL) - Jet Fuel (JP-A, JP-4, JP-8) - Mineral spirits (C9 to C12) - Alcohols (Typically ethanol but in a pinch isopropyl or methanol would probably "work" as well but should be considered to bring safety issues) And they might, sometimes, also work with biodiesels and plant oils (e.g. vegetable oil, olive oil), though they are not rated for this. Serious adventurers across the undeveloped world rely on these types of stoves because you can never be sure what kind of fuel you'll be able to get. 0: https://www.msrgear.com/blog/liquid-fuel-stoves-101-choosing-the-right-fuel-for-your-liquid-fuel-stove/ https://www.msrgear.com/blog/liquid-fuel-stoves-101-choosing...

sterlind 3y ago
is it.. safe to burn leaded fuel on your camping stove?
- mikestew 3y ago
  As a general rule, it's not safe to burn leaded fuel at all. that's why MSR specified "unleaded". Though in the U. S. it's moot as you'd have to go out of your way to find leaded gasoline. I also view the fuels other than white gas to be a matter of necessity. IOW, no white gas, so I guess we'll use the kerosene that's more readily available. But last time I saw a multi-fuel stove in such a scenario, it involved changing the jet, and the stove didn't seem to burn quite as cleanly. That might have changed in the last 20 years, but I just stick with white gas.
  - reaperman 3y ago
    The avgas is leaded and marketing materials “encourage” using it, FWIW. But yes the efficiency and heat output definitely differ based on the fuel used, some will work better than others for a given stove design. You should be able to combust most of the hydrocarbons regardless of fuel source by adjusting the air intake but any non-hydrocarbon additives will produce strange byproducts which will seem like it’s not burning “cleanly”. e.g. SOx, NOx.
- dharmab 3y ago
  Burning _anything_ isn't safe. Even wood fires are really bad for the health of everyone in the general area. When you camp you just shrug and move on.
leetbulb 3y ago
I run kerosene in mine. I know people who use gasoline as well.

sterlind 3y ago

is it.. safe to burn leaded fuel on your camping stove?

mikestew 3y ago
As a general rule, it's not safe to burn leaded fuel at all. that's why MSR specified "unleaded". Though in the U. S. it's moot as you'd have to go out of your way to find leaded gasoline. I also view the fuels other than white gas to be a matter of necessity. IOW, no white gas, so I guess we'll use the kerosene that's more readily available. But last time I saw a multi-fuel stove in such a scenario, it involved changing the jet, and the stove didn't seem to burn quite as cleanly. That might have changed in the last 20 years, but I just stick with white gas.
- reaperman 3y ago
  The avgas is leaded and marketing materials “encourage” using it, FWIW. But yes the efficiency and heat output definitely differ based on the fuel used, some will work better than others for a given stove design. You should be able to combust most of the hydrocarbons regardless of fuel source by adjusting the air intake but any non-hydrocarbon additives will produce strange byproducts which will seem like it’s not burning “cleanly”. e.g. SOx, NOx.
dharmab 3y ago
Burning _anything_ isn't safe. Even wood fires are really bad for the health of everyone in the general area. When you camp you just shrug and move on.

leetbulb 3y ago

I run kerosene in mine. I know people who use gasoline as well.