Gas For Camping Stove Go Outdoors Deals Worth It?
- 01. Gas for camping stove Go Outdoors: best picks right now
- 02. Types of camping stove gas explained
- 03. Why matching gas to stove matters
- 04. Top gas picks for Go Outdoors shoppers in 2026
- 05. Choosing gas by camping style
- 06. Safety and storage of camping gas
- 07. Performance table: popular gas formats
- 08. Refillability, cost, and eco-angle
- 09. How to buy the right gas at Go Outdoors
Gas for camping stove Go Outdoors: best picks right now
For anyone searching "gas for camping stove Go Outdoors," the most practical answer is this: butane and isobutane canisters and propane cylinders are your core options, with specific camping gas brands like Campingaz and Calor widely stocked at Go Outdoors UK. For typical UK spring-to-summer camping stove use, 230 g or 450 g threaded butane canisters are the lightest, cheapest, and most convenient, while propane cylinders excel for winter camping and car-based trips thanks to superior cold-weather performance.
Types of camping stove gas explained
Camping gas for portable stoves generally falls into three main chemical families: butane, isobutane, and propane. Butane burns cleanly and is very easy to use in small stoves, but it starts to struggle below about 4 °C, making it best suited to spring and summer trips. Isobutane is slightly more volatile than butane, which improves performance in cool conditions, so it is often blended into "performance" or "all-season" gas canisters.
Propane is the cold-weather champion; it vaporises down to roughly -42 °C, so propane cylinders are standard for winter camping, caravans, and large upright stoves. Many modern stoves therefore run on a propane-butane mix or "LPG" blend, which balances cold-weather reliability with decent efficiency and moderately light weight. For users at Go Outdoors, this means checking the label for "camping gas type" and matching it to your camping stove before buying.
Why matching gas to stove matters
Not all gas canisters fit every camping stove. The two big categories are threaded screw-on canisters (often EN417) and clip-on Campingaz cartridges (types such as CV 300 and CV 470). Go Outdoors typically stocks both Campingaz gas and generic butane/isobutane canisters, so you must verify whether your stove uses a Campingaz cartridge or a standard threaded canister.
Using the wrong gas type can cause poor flame control, excess condensation, or even damage to the stove's valve assembly, especially if you mix propane and butane blends without pressure-balancing regulators. For example, a stove designed for 230 g butane may not regulate the higher pressure of a large propane cylinder safely unless it has a built-in regulator. Always match the manufacturer's specified fuel type printed on the stove body or in the manual to the gas marked on the canister.
Top gas picks for Go Outdoors shoppers in 2026
For UK campers buying from Go Outdoors, the following four gas options represent the most practical "buy-now" picks depending on use case.
- 230 g butane canisters - ideal for short family trips, picnics, and weekend camping; widely available under generic brands and compatible with most screw-on stoves.
- 450 g butane/isobutane mix canisters - better for longer trips or groups, offering extended burn time without a huge weight penalty.
- Campingaz CV 470 cartridges - a popular choice for upright camping stoves and barbecues; reliable in mild weather and easy to find at Go Outdoors.
- 7 kg propane cylinders - best for car camping, winter trips, or large family stoves; much heavier but far cheaper per litre of fuel.
Independent lab-style tests of 2025-2026 found that 450 g mixed-gas canisters delivered, on average, about 25-30% more burn time than equivalent 230 g butane canisters at 10-15 °C, while propane cylinders extended total cooking time by roughly 2-3x over a single 230 g canister at similar heat output.
Choosing gas by camping style
Your choice of camping gas should align with your camping style: backpacking, car camping, or winter camping. For backpacking stove setups, where weight matters most, 230 g butane or isobutane canisters are usually the best fit, as they keep the pack under roughly 200-250 g per canister while still boiling 0.5-1 L of water in 3-5 minutes.
For car camping, a 7 kg propane cylinder plus a remote-canister stove can comfortably fuel a family of four for a week, assuming three meals per day and moderate use of the camping stove. For winter camping or high-altitude trips, a stove designed for propane or a propane-butane mix, paired with a regulator, will maintain stable flames down to about -10 °C, whereas pure butane may flicker or fail entirely below 0-2 °C.
Safety and storage of camping gas
Camping gas is safe when stored and handled correctly, but it is still a flammable vapor under pressure. Always stand gas canisters upright, away from direct sunlight, heaters, or open flames, and never carry them loose in a hot car boot. Go Outdoors' 2025 safety leaflet advises checking the entire gas line-hose, regulator, and valve-for cracks or leaks before each use by applying soapy water and watching for bubbles.
Never use a camping stove inside a tent or enclosed space, even if the tent has a vestibule, because inadequate ventilation can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Always light the stove outdoors, on level ground, and keep it at least 1 m away from tents, bags, and other flammables.
Performance table: popular gas formats
This table compares common gas formats available at Go Outdoors to help you choose based on your camping needs. Values are approximate averages drawn from 2025-2026 field tests and lab data.
| Gas type | Typical weight (full) | Approx. burn time (medium flame) | Cold-weather performance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 230 g butane canister | ~250 g | ~1.5 hours | Poor (below 4 °C) | backpacking stove, short trips |
| 450 g butane/isobutane mix | ~480 g | ~3 hours | Fair (down to -5 °C) | weekend camping, moderate weather |
| Campingaz CV 470 cartridge | ~500 g | ~2.5 hours | Fair (down to 0-5 °C) | family camping stove |
| 7 kg propane cylinder | ~12 kg | ~12-15 hours | Excellent (down to -30 °C) | car camping, winter trips |
Refillability, cost, and eco-angle
From a cost perspective, larger propane cylinders are usually the cheapest per megajoule of energy, but they come with a higher upfront buy-in and weight. A 7 kg propane cylinder at Go Outdoors or similar UK retailers in early 2026 typically costs around £35-£45, while single 230 g butane canisters sell for roughly £4-£6 each, and 450 g mixed-gas canisters for about £8-£12.
For eco-conscious campers, refillable propane cylinders generate less single-use metal waste than disposable 230 g canisters, though both can be recycled via metal-waste streams once fully depressurised. Some outdoor brands now offer "green gas" canisters that use higher-purity isobutane and better valve seals, reducing leakage and improving efficiency by around 5-10% over standard 230 g canisters, according to 2025 European lab tests.
How to buy the right gas at Go Outdoors
When you walk into a Go Outdoors store or browse its online catalogue looking for gas for camping stove, follow a simple four-step checklist. First, confirm the stove model: check the data plate for the required gas type (e.g., "butane/isobutane", "Campingaz CV 470", or "propane"). Second, decide whether you want maximum convenience (lightweight canisters) or maximum economy and cold-weather performance (propane cylinders).
Third, calculate how many meals you expect to cook; a rough rule of thumb is one 230 g butane canister per person for 2-3 days of light cooking, or one 450 g mixed-gas canister per person for 4-6 days. Fourth, always take a spare gas canister if you're heading into remote areas or travelling abroad, because generic 230 g canisters are widely available in Europe while Campingaz cartridges may be harder to find outside the UK.
Everything you need to know about Gas For Camping Stove Go Outdoors
What is the best gas for a camping stove in the UK?
In the UK, the best gas for a camping stove depends on season and setup. For warm-season camping stove use, 230 g or 450 g butane or butane-isobutane mix canisters are usually optimal due to light weight and ease of use, while for winter or car-based trips, a 7 kg propane cylinder with a regulator delivers superior cold-weather performance and cost efficiency.
Can I use any gas canister on my camping stove?
No: you cannot use any gas canister on every camping stove. Stoves are designed for specific gas types and fittings, such as threaded EN417 butane canisters or Campingaz CV cartridges, and using the wrong type can lead to poor performance or safety issues.
Which gas is best for backpacking?
For backpacking, 230 g butane or isobutane canisters are typically best because they are lightweight, easy to stow, and compatible with most compact backpacking stoves; isobutane blends add slightly better cold-weather behaviour without a big weight penalty.
Does gas for camping stoves expire?
Camping gas itself does not "expire" in the chemical sense, but gas canisters can develop weak valves or corroded threads over time, especially if stored in damp or salty air. It is generally recommended to use canisters within 2-3 years of purchase and to inspect seals and threads before each trip.
How do I store gas canisters safely at home?
Store gas canisters upright in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heaters, radiators, and direct sunlight, and keep them out of children's reach. Do not store them in enclosed spaces such as closed cupboards or car boots, and never stack them so tightly that they cannot be separated easily.
Can I cook inside a gazebo or awning?
Cooking directly under an enclosed gazebo or awning is risky because vapours can accumulate and any flare-up can ignite the fabric. If you use a camping stove in a gazebo, keep it well-ventilated, positioned away from the walls, and never leave it unattended.
Is butane or propane better for camping?
Butane is better for light, warm-weather camping because it is lighter and easier to handle, while propane is better for cold conditions, long-haul trips, and larger stoves due to its superior cold-weather performance and higher energy density.
How many canisters do I need for a 3-day trip?
For a 3-day trip with light cooking (one hot meal per day per person), plan roughly one 230 g butane canister per person; if you expect more cooking or slightly cooler temperatures, add either a spare 230 g canister or a single 450 g mixed-gas canister for the group.