Originally Posted by
Geo Cruise
I am looking to buy a small camping stove for touring, however I am not sure what to buy, I have been looking at a propane stove, but most the stoves seem to use isobutane, and I would not know where to get canisters for that while I am on a long tour. I know up here Propane canasters can be found at any Wal-Mart, isobutane though I am not to sure about.
While isobutane and propane are different gases, their heat value is nearly identical (propane has a slightly higher heating value). You can use both interchangeably without worry. I've used a Primus Technotrail for ages. It's a good stove and has it's own igniter which is worth it's weight in gold. I also have a Primus Omnistove which will burn almost anything. It's heavier and bulkier but it does give piece of mind when touring if you happen to run out of canister gas. Given my experiences this spring with the availability of canisters at HellMart across Kansas, OK, Arkansas and Louisiana, I don't think that is as much of a concern as it has been in the past.