Transporting Backpacking Stoves



Last Update  April 2017

After September 11, 2001 the Transportation Security Agency (U.S. government agency) placed major restrictions on the transport of potentially hazardous material and equipment, including fuels and stoves normally used for backpack trips.

It is no longer permissible to transport:

Gaseous fuel (propane, butane, iso-butane, etc.)

Liquid inflammable fuel (gasoline, kerosene, "Coleman fuel", etc.)

*Matches (one book of paper safety matches allowed in carry-on baggage or on person)

*Lighters (as of 2007, TSA allows one butane lighter as carry on)

** -  Gaseous fuel stove

** - Liquid fuel stove or fuel bottle

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Here's a 2014 TSA Blog excerpt from:  

http://blog.tsa.gov/2014/05/tsa-travel-tips-travel-tips-for.html

<quote>

Camp Stoves – These can go in either your carry-on or checked bag. There can be no fuel fumes emitting from the stove. The same goes with propane stoves. Propane tanks are prohibited from both checked and carry-on bags. Empty propane or gas cylinders are allowed in checked or carry-on bags as long as our officers can see inside.

Camping Fuel, Burning Paste and Gel Fire Starter - These are prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage. 

<unquote>

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* See TSA page for detailed information on lighters and matches at http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/lighters-and-matches

** See TSA page for detailed information - http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/camping-gear

Alternative solutions

Open fire - almost always prohibited in National and State parks

Enclosed wood fire - "Sierra"-type metal stoves burning twigs, etc. Good only for 1-3 individuals. May be confiscated  by TSA anyway.

Solid fuel stove - "Esbit"-type stove burning a solid fuel tablet. Good only for 1-2 individuals. Often not recognized  as a "stove".

Alcohol  fuel stove. Not as efficient as gas/gasoline stoves, but may be passed by TSA as it has no odor when dry. Alcohol can easily be purchased in many drug stores (90% Isopropyl "Rubbing" Alcohol ).or Denatured Alcohol at home repair, paint and marine stores. 

See my page on Alcohol Stoves

DIY: Make one of the many alcohol-fueled "soda can, cat food can, etc." stoves as a disposable stove. See the Internet for any of several dozen designs. See especially the simple stove #2 in the Bikepacking URL.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverage-can_stove

https://www.thesodacanstove.com/alcohol-stove/how-to-build.html

http://www.bikepacking.com/gear/hop-can-stoves-how-to-make-5-ultralight-bikepacking-stoves/

Purchase a stove and fuel upon arrival and discard it upon leaving. An expensive solution. A single burner propane stove ($20.00) and a bottle of propane ($5.00) should last a group for a dozen meals or more. Burner 24 oz, bottle 31 oz, total 55 oz or about 3-1/2 lbs for $25.00.

Purchase "Sterno" burners. Low heat  and slow cooking, but feasible.

Rent or borrow a stove on location. Not many places have rentals. A local hiking organization may have an arrangement to lend a stove to visiting backpackers. (see Loaner below)

Any other suggestions?

Available fuels in Hawaii  As of 2017 (availability not guaranteed)

White gas / Coleman fuel can be purchased at sporting goods stores throughout Hawaii. (1 qt @ $5.00)

Propane

 
Butane and Iso-butane

Solid fuel (Esbit)

Sterno

How much fuel do I need?

Here are some guidelines / average numbers.

Assume 2 cups (1/2 quart) of  boiling water per person / per meal

One person backpack eating 3 meals / day =  1-1/2 quarts of boiling water

* Most solid fuel tablets can be extinguished and re-used.

Minimum fuel required = number of persons X number of days

All estimates are at minimum (optimistic) levels. Weather, altitiude and wind can drastically increase fuel usage. 

More lavish meals or colder weather will increase fuel usage.

Purifying water by boiling will increase fuel usage.

Loaner Program (Discontinued)

In Hawaii, almost all inter-island travel is by air, making transporting stoves a major headache, especially with the TSA rules forbidding a used stove in carry-on or checked luggage.. (** see TSA note above)

Mailing a Butane Stove

Here's a possible solution to disposing of a used butane backapack stove.
1. Get a pre-paid Priority Mail small cardboard mailer from a USPS Post office ($10.40). You can buy it either at home or at a destination P.O It's folded flat so it's easy to carry.
2. After using the butane stove, remove the cartridge, open the valve and let the stove dispel any butane gas.
3. Wrap it in newspaper, etc. and stuff it into the mailer so it doesn't rattle.
4. Address it to yourself and drop it off in any mailbox or ask the hotel clerk to givit it to the mailman. It's pre-paid, so no stamps, etc. is needed.