Free Tool
Backpacking Fuel Calculator
Calculate exactly how much stove fuel to bring based on trip length, group size, meals, and season. Know which canister size to pack.
Hot meals include ramen, freeze-dried, oatmeal
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, warm water
Fuel You Need
Canister tip: Always shake a canister before a trip to estimate remaining fuel by weight. Partially-used canisters don't have level indicators. A kitchen scale is the most reliable method.
Cold weather: Canister stoves lose pressure and output in cold temperatures. Store your canister in your sleeping bag overnight and warm it in your hands before use. Liquid-feed canisters (MSR WindBurner) perform significantly better below freezing.
Altitude: Both boiling point and stove efficiency drop with altitude. Plan for longer cook times and bring extra fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fuel does a backpacking stove use per meal?
A canister stove uses roughly 8–12 grams of isobutane fuel per person per hot meal in mild to cool weather. In cold conditions (below freezing), consumption rises to 15–25 grams per meal because more energy is needed to heat water and the canister loses pressure. A 100g canister typically lasts 1–2 people for a 3-day weekend. Always bring 15% more fuel than calculated.
How long does a 100g fuel canister last?
A 100g isobutane canister lasts a solo backpacker about 3–4 days with 2 hot meals and 1 hot drink per day in summer. In cold weather the same canister may only last 2 days. For a 3-day summer trip solo, a 100g canister is usually sufficient with a small buffer. For a 3-day winter trip or group travel, step up to a 230g or 450g canister.
Does altitude affect stove fuel consumption?
Yes — at high altitude (above 10,000 ft / 3,000 m), water boils at a lower temperature but the air pressure drop reduces canister output. The net effect is roughly 20–25% more fuel used per cook compared to sea level. Factor this in if you're cooking above treeline or on alpine routes where the majority of your trip is above 10,000 feet.
Is alcohol or canister fuel better for backpacking?
Canister stoves are faster, more reliable in wind, and work in cold temperatures (with a liquid-feed burner). Alcohol stoves are lighter, cheaper, and have no pressurized components that can fail — but they're slow in cold weather and can't simmer. For 3-season solo trips under 5 days, either works. For groups, cold weather, or longer trips, canister stoves win on efficiency and reliability.
Can you bring backpacking fuel canisters on a plane?
No — pressurized fuel canisters (isobutane) are prohibited on commercial flights in both carry-on and checked luggage by FAA/IATA regulations. Alcohol fuel (denatured alcohol) is also prohibited. Esbit/solid fuel tablets may be allowed in checked luggage in some cases, but regulations vary by airline and country. Buy fuel canisters at your destination outdoor store or ship them ahead via ground freight.
How do I measure how much fuel is left in a canister?
Weigh the canister on a kitchen or luggage scale and subtract the empty canister weight (printed on the bottom). A 230g MSR canister weighs about 98g empty, so a full canister weighs 328g. This is the most accurate method. You can also float a canister in water — more buoyancy means less fuel remaining — but this method is less precise and only gives a rough estimate.