How much fuel do I need per day of camping?

For a solo camper cooking two meals and one hot drink per day, budget about 50-70g of gas canister fuel or 80-100ml of liquid fuel per day. Groups share boils, so fuel per person decreases with larger groups. Cold weather and high altitude increase consumption by 10-30%.

How many meals can I cook with a 230g canister?

A 230g gas canister provides roughly 15-20 boils of 0.5L water. That is about 10-14 meals for a solo hiker, or 5-7 days of two hot meals plus drinks per day. Integrated stove systems like Jetboil are the most efficient.

Does altitude affect fuel consumption?

Yes. Water boils at a lower temperature at altitude, but the air is thinner and stoves are less efficient. Budget roughly 10% extra fuel for every 1000m above sea level. Canister stoves also lose pressure in cold, thin air at altitude.

What type of stove is most fuel-efficient?

Integrated canister systems (like Jetboil) are the most efficient, using about 12g of fuel per 0.5L boil. Open burner canister stoves use 14-18g. Alcohol stoves use roughly 25g. Wood stoves use no carried fuel but are weather-dependent.

Should I carry extra fuel?

Always carry a 20% emergency reserve. This accounts for windy conditions, inefficient cooking, extra boils for water purification and any unexpected delays. Running out of fuel in the backcountry is a serious safety concern.

CampCalcs

Stove Fuel Calculator

Calculate how much camping stove fuel you need for your trip.

Trip Duration

Duration of the process

Meals Cooked Per Day

Meal planning parameter

Group Size

Group size

Stove TypeStove specification

How We Calculate This

Fuel Calculation

Total boils = (Meals x 1.5 boils/meal + Hot drinks) across trip duration

Fuel = Boils x Fuel per boil x Altitude factor x Cold factor + 20% reserve

Fuel per boil varies by stove type: canister (~14g), liquid fuel (~18ml), alcohol (~25ml).

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify conditions and use proper safety equipment outdoors.