Posted by Got a Jetboil stove, but aren’t sure about what’s in Jetboil fuel, if you need to use it, or if there are suitable alternatives?
See if your question is here, and for further reference, check out Jetboil’s official FAQ page.
Q. Do I need to use official Jetpower Jetboil fuel with one of their stoves?
Jetboil stoves are compatible only with canisters with valves that meet EN417 specifications, which is a global valve standard. The company does not claim safe operation with any other canister besides its own, but recognizes that MSR, Brunton, Gigapower, Primus, and Snowpeak fuels use the same fuel mixtures and valves as Jetboil fuel.
Q. Is Jetboil fuel effective in cold weather?
Jetboil fuel, like all gaseous fuels, is affected by cold weather. The colder the air, the lower the vapor pressure, which will make it harder to ignite the stove, and which will lower the performance of the burner.
With that said, Jetpower fuel contains propane, which helps to improve cold-weather performance. Best practice is to keep the canisters insulated in a coat pocket or sleeping bag prior to use to help improve performance.
Q. Can I carry Jetboil fuel on a plane?
While you will be able to carry a Jetboil stove on a plane, you will not be able to bring Jetboil fuel. The TSA does not allow fuel or canisters with residual fuel vapors to be transported on commercial aircraft, so it is advisable you ship your fuel ahead of time to wherever you will be traveling, or to get it when you get there, if possible.
Q. What is in Jetboil fuel? (and it is really better?)
Jetboil fuel, branded as Jetpower, is a blend of propane and iso-propane. Propane has a higher vapor pressure than some other gaseous cooking fuels, providing superior cold-weather performance, and iso-butane improves pressure constancy when the canister gets low.
As far as efficiency and design are concerned, Jetpower fuel is over twice as efficient as other conventional stoves, saving weight and space, since the canister is designed to fit within the Jetboil stove’s cooking cup.
Q. Are there other similar options in fuel/camp stoves for ultralight backpackers?
While Jetboil stoves are lightweight, compact, powerful, and efficient, they are not the only options for ultralight backpackers.
– Lightweight alcohol-burning camp stoves are extremely small and compact, and burn alcohol fuel which is cheap, readily available, and efficient. However, it is not easy to carry, will evaporate quickly if there is a leak, and carrying enough of it for a long trip adds weight and bulk.
– Wood pellet stoves are another alternative, but not the best for ultralight backpackers as they require you to carry the stove (which itself is typically very light) as well as pellet fuel, which can be bulky and heavy. You also have to be cognizant of fire restrictions. With that said, they do boil water quickly.
– Collapsible wood-burning stoves are some of the lightest and simplest of all. These typically consist of an aluminum or titanium frame that can completely collapse, saving weight and space. While some of them are among the lightest, slimmest stoves available, they require you to gather your own fuel on the trail. Wood-burning camp stoves boil water quickly, but they require extra work to source the fuel and are not suitable in areas in which wood is sparse or unavailable or where there are campfire restrictions.
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