Fuel Needed
4.8 oz
Grams
137 g
Boils
12
Total Fuel Needed
4.8 oz
137 grams
Per Boil
0.40 oz
Total Boils
12
Canister
8 oz
Inputs
Result
0.35 oz × 12 boils × 1.0 alt × 1.05 cold × 1.15 buffer = 5.1 oz.
Inputs
Result
1.0 oz × 6 boils × 1.0 × 1.0 × 1.15 = 6.9 oz.
A canister stove uses about 0.35 oz of fuel per boil. With 3 boils per day for a 4-day trip, you need about 5.5 oz — one 8 oz canister is sufficient with a buffer.
| Stove Type | Oz/Boil | 4 Days (3x) | Canister |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canister | 0.35 oz | ~5.5 oz | 8 oz can |
| Alcohol | 1.0 oz | ~15 oz | Bring bottles |
| White Gas | 0.4 oz | ~6 oz | 11 oz bottle |
Yes. Water boils at lower temperatures at altitude but takes the same energy. Cold and wind increase fuel use. Above 5,000 ft, add 10% per additional 5,000 ft.
Below 32°F, canister fuel pressure drops and burn efficiency decreases by about 15%. White gas stoves perform better in cold than canister stoves.
One boil is heating roughly 0.5 liters (2 cups) of water to a rolling boil. A typical freeze-dried meal needs one boil. Morning coffee or tea is another boil.
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Last Updated: Mar 20, 2026
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