How Much Fuel Should I Take?

“8 day hike, 3 people. How much white gas should we take?”

“What will the temps be? Colder temps lead to more fuel being used.

Boiling water for meals or cooking?”

“8 oz./day”

“I allow 2.5 ounces of white gas per meal for one or two people to have plenty of fuel for rehydrating meals, coffee, cleaning, etc.

8 ounces/day sounds good to allow for contingenices.”

“That's one of the questions on thebackepacker right now. Did you start that one?”

“Altitude also effects gas use.”

“Erring on the low side or the high side is all a matter of your comfort level, on several levels. First, will your back be comfortable carrying those ounces back out of the woods? Secondly, are you comfortable enough in your skills to be okay for a day or so without fuel? Most of the experienced hikers I know err on the safe side, and these are guys whose skills I've trusted with my life.”

“Attitude also effects gas use.”

“To me, that's always the toughest question. And I rethink it every time. There's so many variable's.

I start with the menu. Burn time to boil and cook x meals + elevation + temperature + a little extra is worth the weight. Is breakfast hot? What about drinks?

I hate having to ration the coffee coffee coffee...just to save fuel for eating ;-)”

“Great thread, Thin Air..I was pondering that same question also..I am going on a 2 week hike soon..this info has came in handy.
I will now work in my food supply some morning meals that dont need to be cooked. Great guys =)”

“Hey evergreen, morning! Whats your ittenary?”

“Ill email it you babe..whats the new addy?”

“Again, that's one of those things I wouldn't take anyone else's word for - my personal use is bound to vary from others. Experiment! Do you drink coffee? Hot chocolate? Heat soup, or just boil water for dehydrated meals? Is your stove a Svea 123, or an MSR Dragonfly? All these things will affect your fuel usage.”

“The stove is an MSR (Firefly ?). We want to cook for dinner, and leave room for some fish frying and may be a little hot water for coffee.”