How long does Jetboil fuel last? UK Canisters Compared

Ever set out on a camping trip, Jetboil at the ready, only to ask yourself, “How long does Jetboil fuel last?”. You’re not alone. It’s a camping conundrum many of us face, often leading to a packed surplus ‘just in case’.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide you with averages that will help you understand Jetboil fuel longevity and equip you with actionable strategies to optimise fuel usage.

Make sure you read past the table to check that you’re using the right fuel blend!

How long do different fuel canister sizes last with a Jetboil?

*Burn rate of 5 grams per 100 seconds for 2 cups of water.

How long does a 100g / 110g gas canister last?

A 100g or 110g gas canister lasts approximately 3 – 5 days of typical use. These canisters should allow you to boil around 2.5 litres of water each day, enough to cover 10 – 14 meals. 

Do note that weather conditions, altitude, group size, and availability of fresh water sources could mean your experience differs from this.

How long does a 230g canister last?

A 230g gas canister lasts approximately 6 – 10 days of typical use. These canisters should allow you to boil around 2.5 litres of water each day, enough to cover 27 – 40 meals. 

How long does a 450g canister last?

A 450g gas canister lasts approximately 12 – 20 days of typical use. These canisters should allow you to boil around 2.5 litres of water each day, enough to cover 54 – 80 meals. 

Not all fuel canisters are the same

Jetboil stoves are typically used with either Jetboil Jetpower fuel canisters or comparable alternatives like the MSR IsoPro canisters. These work on a high-performance 20% propane, 80% isobutane mixture.

Jetboil is also compatible with other fuel mixtures, such as those based on butane rather than isobutane. Bear in mind that performance can vary across these fuel types. In our article, we’ve covered in more detail what fuel Jetboil stoves use.

How many boils will you get with Jetboil fuel?

It takes about 2.1 grams of fuel to boil 1 cup (0.25 litres) of water. So a 100g Jetboil Jetpower fuel canister should give you 40 boils. A 230g Jetboil fuel canister should give you around 

How fast does a Jetboil boil?

The speed of a Jetboil boiling depends on the model of stove you purchased and the weather conditions. I have outlined some average times to boil 470ml of water in the table below.

What factors affect how long Jetboil fuel lasts?

How long Jetboil fuel lasts is one of the “How long is a piece of string?” questions. How long your Jetboil fuel will last depends on several factors, including ambient temperature, the amount of water you need to boil, wind, altitude, and what gas setting you are using.

The colder it is, the harder it is for any gas canister to produce the pressure to burn well. Wind will blow your heat away, and large volumes of water will take longer to heat to the desired temperature and use more fuel.

Suggestions for making your Jetboil fuel last longer include putting up a wind guard, cooking smaller volumes of water, and using the Jetboil on half power. These hacks will all help make the fuel last longer, but it will take much longer for water to boil and your meal to cook.

Number of meals cooked or water boiled on a camping trip

The figures in the first table are based on a hot breakfast and a coffee, a cold lunch and snacks, a hot meal and a cuppa at the end of the day. If you allow one litre of water per person per meal daily, you should be in the ballpark to determine how much fuel you will use on a camping trip.

E.g., 1 x person eating 2 hot meals including a drink (2 litres of boiling water) per day = 20 grams of fuel per day or 6.5 mins of burn time.

E.g., 2 x people eating 3 hot meals a day, including a drink (6 litres of boiling water) per day = 60 grams of fuel per day or 19.5 mins of burn time.

What you’re cooking, and for how long

If you plan and prepare meals for your trip, you can pack meals that will take less time than usual and still taste great. The Jetboil system comes with pots and skillets to make making a meal as easy as it is at home.

You make all sorts of dishes, from pancakes to bacon and scrambled eggs, ahead of the trip, freeze them, pop them into ziplock bags, and have reheated meals in an instant the next day.

Dehydrated meals and soups can be added to boiling water and set to simmer for quick hot delicious meals. Porridge is an easy, sustaining breakfast and can be made extra tasty with nuts, dried berries and fruit, some cinnamon, and a bit of brown sugar.

Jetboil fuel performance is affected by cold weather

Jetpower, Jetboils proprietary fuel brand, is a specific mixture of 80% iso-butane and 20% propane that creates a higher vapour pressure making it perform better in colder conditions.

Keep the canister warm somewhere, like a pocket, before using it to get the best out of your Jetboil fuel in the cold.

What canister fuel types last longer?

The bigger the canister, the longer it will last. But again, ensure you use the stove in ideal conditions for maximum burn time. Most big brands, such as MSR and Brunton, have similar gas blends in their canister and are expected to perform similarly to JetPower.

Better safe than sorry – make sure to bring enough fuel

Always err on the side of caution and take extra fuel, especially if you are travelling into areas where you don’t expect to find many people. That extra 100 grams is the hot meal that keeps you going until you are rescued if things go pear-shaped.

Useful Resources

What fuel does Jetboil use? UK Alternatives & Compatibility

If you’re wondering what fuel does Jetboil use or pondered the potential alternatives to Jetboil’s own Jetpower fuel, you’ve come to the right place.