
The lowdown on camp cooking: fuel types
When you’re planning a bushwalk or campsite setup, choosing the right camping stove can make or break your experience. From fast boil systems to expedition-ready burners, today’s portable cooking stove camping options cover everything from lightweight solo trips to remote multi-day adventures. Below, we break down four proven stoves available at PAST Outdoors, comparing performance, weight, and suitability for Australian conditions.

Choosing the right camp fuel for your next adventure
When it comes to outdoor cooking, your camping stove is only as good as the fuel you pair it with. Whether you’re packing light for a solo bushwalk or setting up a reliable portable cooktop for family trips, understanding fuel canisters and bottles is key to performance, safety, and efficiency. Below, we break down which fuel types work best with four trusted stoves—and why it matters for your style of adventure.
Camping stove gas canisters for lightweight efficiency
Gas canisters are the most popular choice for modern portable cooking stove camping setups thanks to their convenience and clean burn. The Jetboil JetPower fuel canister 100g is a prime example, delivering consistent pressure and reliable performance in a compact size.
This fuel is ideally matched with the Soto Amicus stove, Jetboil Flash S25 1.0L, and MSR WindBurner stove. The Soto Amicus thrives on standard threaded canisters, making it a lightweight and dependable option for bushwalkers who want simplicity. The Jetboil Flash is designed as an integrated system and performs best with JetPower fuel, offering rapid boil times for dehydrated meals and hot drinks—perfect for the recipes featured in The 6 best camping meals you’ll ever eat.

The MSR WindBurner also relies on gas canisters but stands out for its enclosed, wind-resistant design. When paired with a high-quality camping stove gas canister, it excels in exposed or alpine conditions, which is why it’s frequently recommended in Best portable camp stoves for Australian bushwalking. For beginners just starting out, gas canisters are often the safest and easiest choice, as highlighted in Hiking for beginners – your guide to getting started.
Liquid fuel bottles for remote and extended trips
For serious expeditions and remote travel, liquid fuel offers unmatched versatility. The MSR fuel bottle is designed specifically for use with the MSR XGK expedition multi-fuel stove, a powerhouse built to run on multiple fuel types including white gas and unleaded petrol.

This setup is heavier and requires more hands-on operation, but it shines where gas canisters fall short—cold temperatures, long trips, and areas where canisters are hard to source. Liquid fuel burns hotter and remains reliable in sub-zero conditions, making it ideal for extended adventures or rugged family trips like those shared in Tipi camping trip with family cooking and fishing. If you value self-sufficiency over convenience, this pairing is hard to beat.
Matching fuel to your portable cooktop
Choosing the right fuel isn’t about what’s “best”—it’s about what suits your trip. Gas canisters are lightweight, fast, and user-friendly. Liquid fuel bottles offer durability and flexibility when conditions get tough. Matching the right fuel to your portable cooktop ensures better cooking results and fewer frustrations on the trail.
Our CEO Dave Parker, using the Jetboil Flash and Jetboil fuel cannister on a recent 5 night expedition to the Canterbury region in New Zealand.
Why shop at PAST Outdoors
PAST Outdoors is trusted by Australian hikers, campers, and families for good reason. As a family-owned business with deep hands-on experience, the team offers honest advice backed by real-world use—something celebrated in Why PAST Outdoors is the best camping store in Sydney NSW. If you want confidence in your camping stove and fuel choice, shop with experts who actually use the gear. Get set up right, cook better outdoors, and head into your next trip prepared.





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