Choosing the right fuel

Why choose Primus fuel?
1. The only CO2 neutral fuel on the market.
Primus’ fuel remains the only carbon dioxide-neutral camping fuel on the market. As early as 1978, Primus developed burners that reduced the need for cooking with wood in Africa. Since then, we have chosen to offset the carbon dioxide emissions from metal containers and gas by supporting new renewable energy projects certified according to the Gold Standard each year. (The Gold Standard is an independent quality certification of carbon dioxide saving projects supported by more than 60 NGOs, including Greenpeace International and WWF International. For seven years, Primus gas has been CO2 neutral.)
This year we are supporting a project in India called “India Organic Waste Biogas”. This project is currently all over India, but the first small-scale project started in Kerala where 16,746 biogas units have been distributed on both a domestic and institutional level. Unlike other biogas chambers, these units use organic food waste instead of cow manure to produce biogas, making them suitable for both rural and urban areas and is self-sufficient generating electricity for cooking, heat and light in places the grid does not reach.
To learn more go to: www.firstclimate.com
2. Fuel for all seasons and purposes.
Primus offers two different gas mixtures for different conditions: versatile Power Gas and high=performance Winter Gas. These two different fuel types allow you to optimize the energy and effectiveness when and where you need it.
Power Gas is our most versatile blend, delivering excellent power even around zero degrees Celsius.
For cold temperatures, we have created Winter Gas that works effectively down to -22 ° C.
Read more about the different fuels here.
3. Stoves and Fuel Bottles made for travel.
Our multi-fuel stoves can run on several different fuels, from gas to kerosene and when needs must in an emergency – even aviation fuel (our OmniFuel and OmniLite Ti even run on diesel if required). However, the fuel that is most suitable depends on more than one factor, and depending on where in the world you find yourself, you may find certain types of fuel difficult to get hold of.
We list the most common fuel types below together with the advantages and disadvantages of each and things to take into consideration.
LP-gas
Advantages: High energy conten, i.e. in relation to heat output by weight. Gas in a gas cartridge is compressed to liquid form in a ratio of 250:1 to its original volume. Gas is preferable at extreme altitudes as it still combusts well despite the shortage of oxygen. Added to which, our gas cartridges contain an optimum mixture for highest reliability, broadest application area and lowest weight. Our gas mixture consists of propane, iso-butane and butane. Gas is a simple and easy choice. No pumping or priming is required and combustion is completely odorless and soot-free. In most countries, you can return gas containers when you buy new ones. Empty containers can also be recycled for their metal.
Disadvantages: Gas performs poorly in extreme cold. You are not allowed to take gas cartridges on board aircraft.
White gasoline
Advantages: This type of fuel is purer than ordinary car petrol. It is often in paint shops and leisure and outdoor pursuits stores. Although ordinary petrol is easier to get hold off, it contains a number of hazardous substances and should only be used if you cannot source white gasoline (lead free petrol is the least harmful of the various vehicle fuels). Petrol is the most readily combustible of all liquid fuels and performs excellently in cold conditions.
Disadvantages: Lower energy content than our gas cartridges. Always take all necessary precautions when handling petrol, as all types are extremely flammable. Petrol also requires pumping and pre-heating.
Kerosene
Advantage: It offers the same energy content as petrol but is more readily available in certain locations.
Disadvantages: Pumping and pre-heating required. The fuel is not as clean as gas and white gasoline. Which means the stove will require more maintenance if you use kerosene, as it can become clogged with soot. Gives off a bad odour while combustion.
Diesel
Advantage: Has an equivalent energy content as kerosene and availability is very good.
Disadvantages: The quality can vary; depending on which part of the world you are in. The stove will require more maintenance compared with using kerosene and this can be quite comprehensive, depending on the diesel quality. Gives off a strong odor during combustion. Diesel should be used as an emergency fuel only.
Tips
Travel
When traveling around the globe it can sometimes be tricky to find the correct fuel, which is why we have set up the Fuel-i-pedia with correct names of specific kind of fuel.
Save energy and keep warm!
Once you have boiled water, do not tip away the leftovers. Fill the rest into your vacuum bottle or food container in order to isolate it from the cold. You can later use it for the preparation of the next meal or hot drink. And you can use the vessel as a heating inside your sleeping bag when you stay out overnight. Place the bottle at the bottom of your sleeping bag and you will have warm feet for the next couple of hours.
Drinking a lot is essential in low temperatures. And it is not just about something warm to drink, it is about the liquid intake that is mandatory: Breathing in cold air brings along a constant ullage. Additionally, you have a significantly reduced thirst in cold temperatures. Thus, your body needs to be protected from dehydration as this process implies the danger of both frostbite and hypothermia.
In spite of all these risks and things to consider, winter trips are extremely rewarding. I love them. Nature is more intense, there are less people, it is like cleaning your brain. Just give it try!