I’m starting my thruhike on March 1, and I’m still kind of stuck on something. The stove I am going to use is an MSR, but I don’t know what size fuel bottle to use, the 11 oz. or the 22 oz. I’d rather go with the smaller so I have less to carry, but is it enough to make it between towns? Oh, and though appreciated, no suggestions on taking a pepsi can stove, I’m pretty set on taking the MSR. Thanks for any advice!!
jonisonecooldude
We use the 22oz with two people. It has enough gas for you for a week with enough hot meals+drinks+boot thawing. I guess you could get away with the 11 but for a few extra ounces( the dirt you’ll carry will weigh more) for peace of mind and extra hot chocolate turn up the whick. $1 a fill most places.
BW
The first few weeks will be cold and you will use more fuel for hot drinks etc. When the weather warms I tend to eat more cold meals and use about half the fuel I normally use. I would start with the larger bottle and if I decided I no longer need that much I would switch it out.
Big B
i would get the small bottle. the best advice is to get one and cook with it to see how many meals and hot drinks you can cook. towns are very close together at the beginning. you won’t go for more than 3-4 days without having the option for a stop. also if you get a big one and want to change you can’t mail the old one home because of regulations with the mail.then you lose the money you have spent.
dirty bird
I’m using a whisperlight and the small bottle. If your only boiling water for meals you can get a good 5-6 days out of it I boil in the morning and at night. You can bring a small plastic bottle for some extra fuel which you can use at times if you have a long spread before stops. I have used the larger bottle but always had lots of fuel left when I refilled it. hope this helps you! You are making a wise choice with the MSR. Draggin
Draggin
It all depends on how often you plan on stopping into towns to replenish and refuel. If you plan on 5 plus days at a crack I would suggest the 22 oz. I carried the 22 oz the whole way and never ran out of fuel. Came close on a couple cold weeks where I was out for 8 days, and I did a lot of cooking. Hot bev’s and hot water to wash dishes in every night.
The 11 oz would work fine because you won’t have a problem being alone and without fuel. There should be plenty of peeps out there with white gas should you run out.
I liked the security and peace of mind of having extra fuel. If you are considering taking the 11 oz and extra fuel, go with the 22 oz. Its nice to not HAVE to go into town, if you don’t have to. Especially just for fuel.
Officer Taco