According to The Outdoor World online, petroleum, also known as white gas, has a boiling point of 117 degrees Fahrenheit and a freezing point of -22 degrees, which makes it an excellent choice for those who are camping or backpacking in extreme temperatures and altitudes. Petroleum stoves also burn cleaner than other fuels such as kerosene and gasoline. However, as noted at Wilderness Backpacking online, petroleum gas stoves, as well as other liquid gas stoves such as kerosene and unleaded gas stoves, can be difficult to clean and hazardous when not operated correctly.
Some stoves use alcohol as fuel. These stoves tend to be very lightweight and environmentally friendly, as noted at The Outdoor World online. Additionally, alcohol fuel is available in most countries, unlike petroleum, which makes it ideal for those backpacking in Europe or other countries outside the United States. Nevertheless, despite their advantages, alcohol fuel burns very slowly and do not reach the high temperatures of other stove fuels, which makes cooking time much longer.
According to Outdoor Eyes online, canister stoves are the easiest camping and backpacking stoves to use. They are usually fueled by propane, butane, or isobutane. These stoves burn clean and are easy to operate. They are also very lightweight and portable, making them ideal for long backpacking treks. However, fuel canisters are not as widely available as other products, and since they burn quickly, canister stoves can be more expensive than other options.
