Camp cooking: the choice of fuels
Posted BY Ian under camping-advice
The golden rule with camp cooking is never to cook inside your tent. Under the porch is fine if you are careful but consider your alternate route out should you catch the fabric alight. Also consider the fumes. You need proper ventilation to ensure that you do not succumb to these.
When it comes to camp cooking, your choice of fuel will depend very much upon your camping style. The following list of choices looks at the lightweight options before moving on to those who need not worry about that aspect.
Unleaded petrol (and similar)
Some multi-fuel stoves burn unleaded petrol. This is safe enough if you follow the instructions that come with your stove. These stoves need frequent cleaning for the best results.Be warned: I have watched in horror as an acquaintance poured petrol from the fuel bottle onto an already burning fire to 'get it going'. The fuel in the bottle caught (as common sense should have told him) and it was only quick and proper reactions from the rest of the team that saved him from terrible burns, or worse.
Petrol is relatively easy to find around the world and therefore makes a good choice for a backpacking stove. It must be carried in a bottle designed for the purpose and so long as you consider the affects that changes in heat and altitude have on the pressure inside you'll have no worries.
Methylated spirits (meths)
There are several meths burning cook-sets available and they are used widely by youth groups for good reason. They are easy to light and the only real danger comes from the near invisible flame. With one warning about this, most young adults can cope.Meths also has a nasty smell and needs to be stored properly.
Alcohol jelly etc
There are several burners that contain a supply of jelly that is easy to light and safer than liquid fuels. The downside is that these are single use and so they are really only useful for short trips. They also tend to come with limited support for pans, and therefore need to be properly placed to avoid spills and other accidents.Gas
Gas is easy to light and the burners need very little maintenance.There are various types of gas and gas containers. You need to be sure you have the correct combination to suit your style.
There are several types of gas supplied for camping. These offer different size canisters for different users. The smaller canisters tend to connect to smaller burners (and vice versa) though some canisters have a standard connection that can fit the whole range.
Anyone going to very cold places (or altitude) should consider getting special canisters for the purpose. Standard gas can be difficult, even impossible, to light.
Taking gas on aeroplanes is normally not possible and so gas is a poor choice for backpacking, unless you can be sure of buying the correct type of gas in your destination. If you must use gas then check out freighting companies to get a supply sent ahead in good time.
Charcoal
Charcoal is a good fuel and available in many parts of the world. It is dirty and so you need to consider that if choosing to cook on it regularly. It takes time to light a charcoal fire and get it hot enough for cooking. This prevents many from choosing it for regular use. It could provide the fuel for a special meal, and that will often be the case for touring too. If you have plenty of space in your van, why not take a BBQ set along and wait for that nice summer's evening?Wood
Wood should only be used with proper consideration for the source. If wood is abundant then consider a campfire. Campfires are a great experience and can turn a miserable damp night into a joyful one.You will need to prepare some form of support for the food to be cooked. Be sure this is strong as it is difficult to adjust once the fire is raging. Cooking should be done on the embers. Check out any good camping cook book for special campfire food options.