Fuel/Fuel Bottles
Managing Your Stove and Fuel Needs on the Trail at Philmont Scout Ranch
When preparing for your trek at Philmont, there’s no need to worry about fuel availability on the trail. Every backcountry commissary is stocked with a variety of stove fuels, including canister stoves and white gas, with white gas typically priced at $0.10 per ounce. Philmont works hard to ensure that fuel supplies meet the needs of crews throughout the summer.
That being said, it’s important to plan ahead. Each crew should carry enough fuel to last at least three to four days on the trail. If you’re using canister stoves, many crews distribute one canister per person before starting their trek, ensuring that everyone contributes to the group’s fuel supply.
Canister Stoves: Simplicity and Convenience
Canister stoves are an excellent choice for their ease of use and minimal maintenance requirements. These stoves are lightweight, reliable, and quick to set up, making them ideal for backcountry cooking.
For planning purposes, estimate that you’ll use approximately one 8-ounce canister per meal for a 12-person crew. This is a general guideline and can vary depending on factors such as meal type, weather, and altitude.
However, there’s one drawback: standard canister stoves don’t always allow you to use every last bit of fuel in the canister. This can leave you with partially filled canisters that are less effective for cooking. To avoid this, consider using a stove that can invert the canister, which allows for more efficient use of fuel.
If you need to purchase canister fuel, visit your local sporting goods store before traveling. Keep in mind that it’s illegal to ship hazardous fuels, so if you’re flying, you’ll need to purchase your fuel at Philmont since it’s prohibited on planes.
White Gas Stoves: Efficiency and Power
If you’re familiar with white gas stoves, they are a fantastic option for Philmont. These stoves offer high efficiency and consistent flame output, making them an excellent choice for groups preparing larger meals.
When using a white gas stove, plan on consuming 10 to 15 ounces of fuel per meal for a 12-person crew. Although these stoves require more effort to operate—such as pressurizing the fuel canister and priming the stove—the results are worth the added complexity. White gas stoves perform well regardless of the fuel level, ensuring that you’ll have a steady flame and efficient cooking performance.
If you’re flying to Philmont, keep in mind that used stoves and fuel bottles must be cleaned thoroughly before being shipped. Alternatively, you can purchase new, unused fuel bottles and stoves, which are permitted on planes. After your trek, you’ll need to clean and ship your equipment back home if you can’t take it with you on your flight.
Pro Tips for Managing Fuel on the Trail
- Distribute fuel weight evenly: Assign fuel bottles or canisters to various crew members to balance the load.
- Practice stove use: Familiarize yourself with the operation of your stove before arriving at Philmont, especially if using a white gas stove.
- Check for commissary stops: Incorporate commissary visits into your itinerary to resupply fuel as needed.
By choosing the right stove and planning your fuel needs effectively, you’ll ensure that your crew has a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience on the trail. Whether you opt for the simplicity of canister stoves or the efficiency of white gas stoves, preparation is key to a successful Philmont trek.
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