Warning: Check your stove fuel canisters before you leave home

I drove 3 hours to a site near Lake Almanor last month, set up camp at dusk, and found my propane canister was nearly empty - barely enough to boil one cup of water. Had to eat cold beans and share a buddy's fire for warmth that night. Has anyone else gotten burned by not checking fuel levels before a trip?

2 comments

2 Comments

davis.keith4d ago

The floating trick @blairsanchez mentioned works but it bugs me that we even need tricks like that. Reminds me how most camping gear is just designed to be annoying enough that you buy more of it. Same with those tiny propane tanks that don't fit on standard stoves or the way tent poles always snap at the worst time. It's like the whole outdoor industry runs on planned obsolescence and we're all just eating cold beans while they laugh to the bank.

blairsanchez4d ago

Oh man that is rough. Cold beans are the worst. I actually watched a YouTube video last week from some guy who tests outdoor gear and he said those little green canisters are notorious for being way less full than people think. He weighed a bunch of brand new ones and some were half empty from the factory. I always bring a backup now because of stuff like this. Also a tip someone told me way too late, you can just float the canister in water to see how much is left, the empty part floats higher. Should be standard knowledge for anyone who camps.