On a self-sufficient hiking trip, gas canisters play a key role in ensuring a warm meal, especially over several days. However, working out the right quantity of gas to bring can be tricky. Several factors influence gas consumption, and it is essential to plan ahead so you don't run out in the middle of the mountains. Here are some tips to help you assess how many gas canisters to bring and how to optimise your usage.
The importance of finding the right balance
One of the first rules of hiking is to carefully sort your gear. This is especially true for gas canisters. Bringing too many canisters risks adding unnecessary weight to your pack, while bringing too few risks running out of gas and having to adjust your meals. It is therefore essential to find the ideal compromise so you can cook with peace of mind while keeping your kit as light as possible.
Gas: different usage at home versus on a hiking trip
Your stove often has a consumption indicator, usually expressed in g/l — the number of grams of gas needed to boil one litre of water. This typically corresponds to ideal conditions, such as those found at home in an enclosed environment. However, on a hiking trip, outdoor conditions change this figure. Wind, lower temperatures, and altitude directly affect gas consumption. The value given by the manufacturer only refers to the consumption required to boil water, and does not account for other factors such as the type of preparation (for example, cooking pasta or simmering dishes will use more gas).
Gas canisters on hiking trips: the different factors that affect consumption
Several factors directly affect gas consumption:
- Wind: Strong wind increases gas consumption. Use a windshield or set up your stove in a sheltered spot to reduce this effect.
- Outside temperature: The colder the air, the more gas your stove will use to reach the desired temperature. Covering your canisters with warm clothing can reduce this effect.
- Water temperature: The colder the water, the more gas you will need to heat it.
- Altitude: At high altitude, water boils at a lower temperature, which increases the time needed to heat water. The reduced oxygen at these altitudes can also affect stove performance. Bring extra canisters if you are hiking in high mountain terrain.
Additionally, the shape and size of your cookpot also affect consumption. Tall, narrow cookpots are more efficient and use less gas than wider ones.
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How many gas canisters should you bring?
As a general rule, a 100-gram gas canister is sufficient for a hiking trip of two to four days. If you use an optimised stove, this amount of gas will be more than enough. However, if you use a standard stove, it is recommended to bring a spare canister to cover any unexpected situations.
These estimates are based on typical usage: a warm drink in the morning, a meal at midday, and soup in the evening. If you plan to eat more frequently or prepare more complex dishes, it is better to increase the number of canisters. For example, if you plan to have snacks or more warm meals, be prepared to bring a little extra gas.
If you are on a long-distance hiking trip or anticipate difficult conditions (such as the desert, high mountains, or winter), plan for extra gas canisters. A good rule of thumb is to bring 10% more gas than you have calculated based on the number of days and the types of meals you plan to prepare.
How to save gas while hiking?
If you realise you have not brought enough canisters, here are some tips for saving gas:
- Use a windshield to protect your stove from the wind.
- Reduce the amount of water you heat, for example by limiting the quantity of water used for warm drinks.
- Opt for simple meals that require less cooking and boiling water, such as dehydrated soups.
- Avoid long pauses between cooking sessions to avoid restarting your stove too often.
- Finally, to save even more gas, you can opt for optimised stoves that use less gas per cook.
Bringing the right number of gas canisters is essential for staying comfortable on your hikes, especially when going self-sufficient. Every parameter (temperature, wind, altitude) affects consumption, so it is important to adapt your needs to the conditions. Follow these tips and you will be well prepared to avoid running out of gas and fully enjoy your meals in the great outdoors.
