Stove and gas for expedition cooking

For camp cooking up to now, we’ve been using a small one-burner stove that runs on 16 cm x 6.5 cm-diameter cylinders of what we call “Korea gas’ since it’s ubiquitous in Korea (and also found in Mongolia (Korean cylinders refilled) and Iran, but by no means everywhere.

For the overland trip we’re embarking on, however, we’d like to carry a gas supply which can be more easily replaced (i.e. sold “everywhere”) and are thinking of those largish butane (?) cylinders and a two-burner stove.

No gas cylinder can be carried on a ship or ferry, I think, but what is usually used and what can be recommended as a reliable and easily replaceable stove and gas supply set-up? We expect to be in Arabia, Turkey, Europe and the Americas.

Don't think there is a simple answer to that question, from what I can tell Africa (Cadac), Europe (Campingaz) and UK (Calor) fittings are all different.

There are adaptors (sold on ebay) so that you can fill you Calor cylinders from petrol station autogas, illegal, but people use it and it's cheaper than getting it filled up the legal way.

Theoretically, you could then refill your Calor cylinder anywhere where there is Autogas. I asked a few months ago and Autogas has been spotted at bigger cities in Africa. You may need another adaptor, as I think there are two different types of Autogas fittings.

If you absolutely can't get your cylinder refilled, you can just buy a local (to where ever you are) cylinder and regulator and switch your hose over.

One more thing, if you are going where it is cold or high altitude, you don't want butane, you want propane (works better)

If your unsure on type/avaiability i would consider a multifuel stove. like booger said, everywhere has different types so you will be changing bottles and regulators and have to go hunting for them.

If you want to keep it simple, buy a coleman duelfuel stove and carry a 5L jerry can of petrol. It will last a few months and petrol is available (almost) everywhere.

just my thoughts.

I agree with Griffdowg. Stoves which will run on petrol are the way to go because petrol is so easily available. I've used lightweight MSR and Coleman stoves and both are good. They are more fiddly to use than gas but are very powerful and can be used if you go traveling on foot or bicycle for a few days.

Booger said:

One more thing, if you are going where it is cold or high altitude, you don't want butane, you want propane (works better)

Click to expand...

Just wot I was gonna say!

"No gas cylinder can be carried on a ship or ferry, I think"

Depends on the ferry company, if you can't take a full one, ask if you can take an empty one at least it will be cheaper to change.

As above coleman duel fuel twin burners are great. As are MSR's though are a bit fiddly, especially if you need to for 2 people.

Also as an extra look at a jetboil, ideal for hot drinks/soups/noodles etc.