Bushwalk Australia

Hi all,

After many years of day hikes and weekend hikes we are tackling the Overland Track in late November.
I have used my little Caribee stove many times, but has always been for only a day or two at a time, a few times a year.
I've never really paid any attention to how many meals/ how long a gas canister has lasted.
Now, my question, I have a few Primus 230g, 4 season mix gas canisters. How many should I take for my wife and I, for 5 days?
Usually heat up porridge and cup of tea for brekky and heat main meal and tea for dinner.
Any suggestions most welcome.
thanks
Mark

One full 230g canister will last the trip unless you cook complicated dishes every night and carry a gas lantern etc. For two you should be using under 30g per day so 8 days in a canister.

Just some tips
Do you want to use less fuel ?
Use a pot with a wide bottom (12cm will do..)
Use the burner at half power or thereabout
Use a windscreen or set the stove out of the wind
Use the lid on your pot.
No need for a roaring boil for coffee

Now if you are trying to use up your gas :
Turn the power all the way up
Toss the pot lid
set the stove up out in the open
Boil for 3 minutes at least

Test the above and you will find that your consumption can double or half depending on how you use it.

And don't forget you will have to get your canisters over here as you can not fly with them.

PS: Franco offers good advice.

Thanks all,

I will just be keeping the meals simple, porridge and coffee for brekky, then reheating rice, pasta couscous for dinner with a cuppa tea to follow.
This is our first multi day hike so trying to get is as right as possible.
cheers
Mark

Thanks Franco for the tips on conserving fuel.
Mark

You certainly might be able to get away with one 230 g canister, but it will be close. You only need a rained in day using more gas and you might find yourself short. Maslow thought food was a basic need, and for the sake of another 230 g, I would take a spare and leave a bit of self actualization at home. Better safe than sorry. And I agree with the gas miser tips.

Thanks, I will definintly take a spare with me. I was away for a weekend once and the gas cylinder didn't seal off properly and had a slow leak, cold porridge for brekky!

I plan on 6 days per canister per person. I do have a few brews though. I have a brew at B-fast/morning tea, lunch , when get to camp, after tea -Food usually only reheating meals. Only need one rest day and your gas consumption goes up. I can probably get 8 days but use 6 for planning.


Roger

One more thing...
Test each cartridge with your stove before you pack.
It has never happened to me but occasionaly someone will find a particular cartridge not to work with his stove.
(slight valve mismatch)

When my brother and I did the OT we used one and a quarter 230g canisters over five days, that was in wintery conditions in October, we did not skimp on warm drinks.

I would take two 230g canisters or if you want to save a bit of weight one 450g canister, that way you will be assured of hot food and drinks.

Though I have never had a leaking canister, I never leave a stove attached to a canister, my testing has shown that leaving a stove attached (fully screwed on) can be a cause of gas leaking.

Tony

If it's going to be line ball why not add one of the small canisters to the 230g, often that'll do.
However, if weight isn't a major issue 2 x 230g as previously mentioned would certainly be more than enough.

Thanks for all the replies everyone, I have found this forum a great source of info from people more experienced than me.
I've decided to go for the 2 x 230g cylinders, that way I can be sure we won't run out of gas. If I can't make my wife a coffee in the morning, I can't bare to think of the consequences!
All our preparation is going well, if I have anymore questions you will be the first I come to.
cheers
Mark

Weigh it before and after use till you build up a bit of a picture.
Pot selection and being careful in your routine gets you furthest.