Running out of fuel mid-trip is avoidable with basic planning. Here's the math for the most common scenarios.
Canister Size Reference
| Canister Size | Fuel Content | Approx. Boils (solo) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100g canister | ~100g fuel | ~10 boils | Weekend trip (2-3 days solo) |
| 230g canister | ~230g fuel | ~23 boils | Week-long trip solo or 3-4 day trip for two |
| 450g canister | ~450g fuel | ~45 boils | Extended trip or group of 3-4 over a week |
The 10g-per-boil estimate: A standard canister stove in normal 3-season conditions uses roughly 8-12g of fuel per liter of water boiled. A conservative estimate of 10g per liter keeps the math simple and builds in a reasonable margin. Windy conditions, cold temperatures, and frequent simmering increase consumption; an efficient integrated system like a Jetboil reduces it.
Fuel Consumption by Stove Type
| Stove Type | Approx. Fuel per Liter Boiled | Relative Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated system (Jetboil Flash, MSR Windburner) | 7-9g per liter | Highest |
| Regulated canister (Soto WindMaster, Primus Lite+) | 9-11g per liter | High |
| Unregulated canister (MSR PocketRocket 2, Optimus Crux Lite) | 10-13g per liter | Standard |
| Liquid fuel (MSR WhisperLite) | Varies by fuel density — roughly 7-9mL white gas per liter | High, fuel-dependent |
Worked Example: 5-Day Solo Trip
Two boils per day (breakfast and dinner) at 1L per boil = 10 boils total. At 10g per boil = 100g of fuel consumed. A single 110g canister covers this trip with a small margin. For safety on a trip without resupply, carrying one 110g canister (primary) plus a 100g backup is a reasonable approach.
Adjustments for Conditions
- Wind: Add 30-50% fuel estimate for consistently windy conditions without a windscreen or wind-resistant stove.
- Cold temperatures (below 40°F): Add 20-30% for canister pressure reduction at low temperatures.
- Altitude above 10,000 feet: Add 20-30% for combined cold and reduced oxygen effects.
- Simmering / actual cooking: Add 25-50% beyond boiling-water-only estimates.
See how each stove compares on efficiencyFull 14-stove ranked comparison
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How many boils does a 110g canister provide?
A 110g canister contains roughly 110g of isobutane/propane fuel. Most canister stoves use approximately 8-12g of fuel per boil (1L of water). A conservative estimate of 10g per boil gives 11 boils per 110g canister — roughly 2-3 days of solo use for breakfast and dinner water boiling.
How many boils does a 230g canister provide?
Using the same 10g per boil estimate, a 230g canister provides approximately 23 boils — roughly 5-7 days of solo use for two boils per day (breakfast and dinner). For two people sharing a stove at the same rate, plan for half the trip length per canister.
Does a Jetboil use less fuel than a regular canister stove?
Yes — the FluxRing heat exchanger transfers heat more efficiently to the water, meaning less fuel is burned per liter boiled. Jetboil rates the Flash at roughly 12L per 100g of fuel; a standard canister stove typically achieves 8-10L per 100g under similar conditions.
How do I know how much fuel is left in a canister?
Floating the canister in water is the most reliable method — a full canister sinks almost completely; an empty one floats high. Shaking and listening for liquid slosh is less precise but useful for a rough estimate. Always carry a backup lighter and allow a buffer when planning fuel for a critical trip.