How long will I get out of a gas canister?

[markymark]

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

[Mark F]

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.

[Franco]

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.

[Mountain Rocket]

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.

[markymark]

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

[markymark]

Thanks Franco for the tips on conserving fuel.
Mark

[alanoutgear]

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.

[markymark]

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!

[norts]

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

[Franco]

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)

[Tony]

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

[stuey69]

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.

[markymark]

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

[Rob A]

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.