Camping Stove Gas Guide — Butane, Propane and Screw-Thread Canisters Explained

Understanding Camping Stove Gas Types

Buying the wrong gas for your camping stove is a surprisingly common mistake — and one that can leave you with a cold stove and no breakfast. Before summer 2026 arrives, it pays to understand exactly which fuel your stove needs, how different gases perform in varying temperatures, and why the canister type matters as much as the gas inside it.

Butane: The Warm-Weather Standard

Butane is the most widely available camping gas in the UK. Campingaz CP250 cartridges and standard aerosol-style canisters use butane, and it works perfectly in temperatures above 5°C. It is cheap, burns cleanly and produces a consistent flame. However, butane struggles in cold weather — below about 1°C, the gas pressure drops and your stove output diminishes or stops entirely. For spring, summer and early autumn UK camping, butane is perfectly adequate and the most cost-effective option.

Propane: Cold-Weather Reliability

Propane operates at higher pressure and works down to around -40°C. It comes in larger, heavier canisters and is the standard fuel for patio heaters and larger installations. For camping purposes, propane is relevant if you camp in winter, at altitude, or in Scotland during shoulder seasons. The downside is that propane canisters are bulkier and heavier, making them impractical for backpacking.

Isobutane Blends: The Best of Both

Most modern screw-thread canisters from brands like Jetboil, Coleman and Go System contain an isobutane-propane blend — typically 80/20 or 70/30. This blend gives reliable performance down to about -10°C while maintaining the lightweight portability that backpackers need. If you use a Jetboil Flash, Jetboil MiniMo or any stove with an EN417 threaded connection, this is the fuel you want.

Canister Types Explained

• Campingaz CV470/CV300: The blue valve-connection canisters used by Campingaz stoves and lanterns. These use a proprietary self-sealing valve — not interchangeable with screw-thread models.
• Campingaz CP250: Piercing-style cartridges. Once punctured, they must stay on the stove until empty. Used by the Camp Bistro range and many budget stoves.
• EN417 Screw-Thread (Lindal Valve): The universal standard for backpacking stoves. Used by Jetboil, Go System, Coleman and most lightweight stoves. Available in 100g, 230g and 450g sizes.
• Resealable valve canisters: Campingaz CV Plus and some Coleman models feature self-sealing valves, so you can disconnect the canister between uses without losing gas.

How Much Gas Do You Actually Need?

As a rough guide, a 230g screw-thread canister provides around 40–50 minutes of full-power burn time, enough for approximately 20 boils of 500ml water. For a weekend trip with two people, one 230g canister is usually sufficient. For a week-long family holiday with a double burner, budget two to three CP250 cartridges or a single CV470.

Storing and Transporting Gas Safely

Always store gas canisters upright, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Never leave them in a hot car boot. When travelling, keep canisters in a ventilated area. Empty canisters should be punctured (if not already) and recycled as steel at your local recycling centre.

Stock up on the right gas and fuel before your summer 2026 trips begin. And if you are still choosing a stove, browse our full camping stove range to find one that matches your preferred fuel type.