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On this week’s episode of the Snowys Camping Show, our gear gurus Ben and Lauren are gasbagging about how to manage and carry gas for your camping adventures. They cover everything you need to know including storage, usage, safety in transit, and responsible disposal of gas canisters, so check it out below.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Intro
- 01:38 – LPG gas
- 03:47 – How to carry gas safely
- 10:47 – Liquid fuel stoves
- 13:28 – Transporting fuel
- 14:15 – Fuel and gas weight comparison
- 15:59 – Gas vs fuel consumption
- 18:44 – Where can you use gas appliances?
- 20:35 – Carbon monoxide dangers
- 24:09 – Safety considerations for gas bottles
- 27:25 – Disposing and recycling gas bottles
- 29:53 – Storing gas at home
Links to things mentioned in this episode:
- Further detailed info on gas safety
- JetBoil CrunchIt
- Gas bottles and fittings
- Gas bottle holder
- Diagram of safe gas heater usage (page 4)
- Gas stoves
- Liquid fuel stove
- MSR fuel bottle
- Trangia fuel bottle
Where can you store LPG?
When you’re travelling to and from the campsite, you need to ensure your gas is carried safely.
Keeping LPG inside your vehicle, caravan, or camper trailer is unsafe. Instead, always transport the gas upright and in a well-ventilated position. The best way to do this is to get a gas cylinder holder for your roof racks.
Plastic crates can be used to keep the cylinder upright but ensure there are open sides so if there is a leak the gas will be able to escape. It’s also important to remove the cylinder from your crate while refilling.
Safety considerations
Keep your gas appliance away from your tent, as the heat generated is a fire hazard and you should never leave it unattended when it’s turned on. It’s essential that you follow the instructions stipulated by the manufacturer and use the appliance in the way that is intended.
In Australia, the AGA is the certification body that tests all gas products. Once approved, they issue a certificate of compliance that deems the product safe by our national standards. All gas appliances sold in Australia must meet their requirements.
Where can you use a gas appliance?
You should never use your gas appliance indoors or in an enclosed/semi-enclosed space such as a tent or caravan annex due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Any portable gas heater, stove, lantern, or hot water unit needs to be used in a well-ventilated area. If you’re not sure what constitutes a ventilated space, then check the manual for your appliances which should supply a diagram or list what setups will apply.
Safe disposal of gas canisters:
Isobutane fuel canisters
The smaller isobutane gas canister that are used for hiking stoves are generally a bit easier to recycle in comparison to larger LPG bottles. Although easier to deal with, some consideration is required to comply with responsible waste disposal. Smaller canisters need to be punctured to expel any residual gas, and then they are safe to chuck into your recycling bin. This is where tools like the Jetboil CrunchIt can really come in handy to make that process simple.
Coleman propane gas canisters
As they are so convenient, affordable, and don’t require maintenance, they are an extremely popular option for powering your gas appliances. However, these single-use canisters are frequently being discarded and left behind at campsites. If you do choose to use these, contact your local recycling centre for information on how to properly recycle them or dispose of them safely. Otherwise, consider upgrading to an LPG gas bottle if you camp regularly, as it will help keep these canisters out of landfills.
Safe use and proper disposal are crucial when it comes to gas. Image: Companion
SWAP’n’GO gas bottles
These can be swapped out at participating retailers, and as a bonus, you won’t have to wait for them to be refilled. The only downside is that they are not readily available in more remote areas, so they might not be a convenient option for those who like to travel further when they camp.
LPG gas bottles
An LPG bottle is probably the best all-rounder option for your gas appliances. These will expire after 10 years, but up until then provided it is not damaged, it can be refilled as many times as you like. When it has expired, make sure you get it tested at an authorised facility before you continue using it.
Liquid fuel
Liquid fuel stoves that run off shellite or unleaded petrol are actually a very good alternative to gas stoves. This is because you can be more precise with how much fuel you need and you will always know how much you have left, so you can avoid paying for a full gas refill unnecessarily.
Safety considerations
Ensure your gas appliance is safe and ready to use by following these routine checks:
- Test your appliance for leaks using the soapy water test
- Never use homemade appliances or connections
- Get your cylinder tested as they expire after 10 years
- Dispose of gas canisters responsibly – do not ever burn them
- Check your O-rings and washers
- Replace dust cap on the cylinder when not in use
You can find more detailed safety information on gas appliances in the link section above.
Storage at home
At home, it’s best to keep your LPG bottles upright in an area that is well ventilated, away from heat, flame, or any other ignition sources. For more detailed information on storing LPG in different contexts, head to the Elgas website here.
Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!
Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of the Snowys Camping Show Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, or Stitcher so you never miss an upload.
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Catch you out there!