A better explanation of the temp thing and the fuels is here: (2005-backpackinglight.com)
“Butane is easy to contain because it has a boiling point of 31 °F (-1 °C), but it doesn’t vaporize well when the temperature drops below freezing. Thus, pure butane has major limitations for cool-weather backpacking.
The solution is to use a blended fuel consisting of propane, n-butane, and iso-butane. The thinner canisters can handle up to about 30% propane, with the remainder being n-butane and/or iso-butane (boiling point 12 °F/-11 °C). The propane/ iso-butane mix vaporizes well at lower temperatures and provides enough vapor pressure for adequate stove performance at colder temperatures. Basically the propane in blended fuels drives the system. With its low boiling point, it provides plenty of vapor pressure at normal ambient temperatures; the other gases are carried along and burned with the propane. There is evidence to indicate that the propane burns off first, causing performance to drop (lower gas pressure and heat output) for the last third of a canister”. End of quote
As for burn time, I’ve found that the size I got (8 ounce) from Amazon, on full blast, about 2 hours, when cut back to half, 5-6 hours appx.
Yes they are like a smaller hairspray or WD40 can.
I will say that if I had the room, like a full size cargo or Sprinter style, I wouldn’t bother with butane, I’d stick with propane bottles, but not always the 20#, maybe more like the small one lb type, however they cost about $75 by themself and only hold the equivalent of 4 of the green bottles. They are refillable though.
“Butane is easy to contain because it has a boiling point of 31 °F (-1 °C), but it doesn’t vaporize well when the temperature drops below freezing. Thus, pure butane has major limitations for cool-weather backpacking.
The solution is to use a blended fuel consisting of propane, n-butane, and iso-butane. The thinner canisters can handle up to about 30% propane, with the remainder being n-butane and/or iso-butane (boiling point 12 °F/-11 °C). The propane/ iso-butane mix vaporizes well at lower temperatures and provides enough vapor pressure for adequate stove performance at colder temperatures. Basically the propane in blended fuels drives the system. With its low boiling point, it provides plenty of vapor pressure at normal ambient temperatures; the other gases are carried along and burned with the propane. There is evidence to indicate that the propane burns off first, causing performance to drop (lower gas pressure and heat output) for the last third of a canister”. End of quote
As for burn time, I’ve found that the size I got (8 ounce) from Amazon, on full blast, about 2 hours, when cut back to half, 5-6 hours appx.
Yes they are like a smaller hairspray or WD40 can.
I will say that if I had the room, like a full size cargo or Sprinter style, I wouldn’t bother with butane, I’d stick with propane bottles, but not always the 20#, maybe more like the small one lb type, however they cost about $75 by themself and only hold the equivalent of 4 of the green bottles. They are refillable though.
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