Use Propane and White Gas Safely
Spring, summer and fall brings the opportunity for lots of outdoor recreational activities.
Keeping yourself, your family and your friends in a safe environment during this time is something that you may or may not consider. This topic usually isn’t on your mind on a daily basis. But it definitely should be as you head off for a vacation.
Whether you ideal trip involves camping, staying in an RV or taking advantage of your own or a rental cabin, safety needs to be on your radar.
In addition to the typical safety concerns like wearing your seat belt, having a helmet when bike riding and using life jackets when necessary, you need to be aware of the proper use of equipment that rely on propane or white gas as a fuel.
“Of particular interest to a service business like ours,” said Jason Rinker, Mountain Flame Propane, “is how to help properly educate customers regarding the use of propane.”
No matter whether you are camping and staying in a cabin, you will most likely be cooking and using something other than a flashlight at night.
So let’s discuss equipment used for cooking and lighting typically used when on vacation. When you purchase a camp stove, you need to consider the type of fuel that will power the appliance. Your choices will be white gas and propane. Which one is better for camping?
Both of them are petroleum distillates. They are mostly used for lighting and cooking. Although white gas is in liquid form at room temperature, propane is gaseous, stored and transported as a liquid.
Keeping yourself, your family and your friends in a safe environment during this time is something that you may or may not consider. This topic usually isn’t on your mind on a daily basis. But it definitely should be as you head off for a vacation.
Whether you ideal trip involves camping, staying in an RV or taking advantage of your own or a rental cabin, safety needs to be on your radar.
In addition to the typical safety concerns like wearing your seat belt, having a helmet when bike riding and using life jackets when necessary, you need to be aware of the proper use of equipment that rely on propane or white gas as a fuel.
“Of particular interest to a service business like ours,” said Jason Rinker, Mountain Flame Propane, “is how to help properly educate customers regarding the use of propane.”
No matter whether you are camping and staying in a cabin, you will most likely be cooking and using something other than a flashlight at night.
So let’s discuss equipment used for cooking and lighting typically used when on vacation. When you purchase a camp stove, you need to consider the type of fuel that will power the appliance. Your choices will be white gas and propane. Which one is better for camping?
Both of them are petroleum distillates. They are mostly used for lighting and cooking. Although white gas is in liquid form at room temperature, propane is gaseous, stored and transported as a liquid.
What are the Differences Between White Gas and Propane?
From a camping perspective, here are the differences:
White gas – also referred to as Coleman fuel – is a liquid fuel that looks very similar to gasoline. The only difference is that it comes without additives, though it is handled just like gasoline.
In order to use it, you have to pump up the container, heat a bit of the fuel, and then set fire to it. This means that it takes a bit more time to fix and start up a white gas stove compared to a propane stove. It is usually inexpensive per unit of fuel output, and users can carry more fuel in less volume. Users can also make use of different shapes/sizes of containers that fit their individual needs;
Appliances that use it are more complex and trickier to use.
Propane
It’s a gas that when pressurized, turns to liquid form and returns to its natural state when depressurized. It is usually treated the same way that natural gas – methane – is handled, though they have somewhat different properties. It is relatively more expensive than white gas; It is somewhat difficult to gauge the level of the fuel remaining in the canister after use since propane cannot be poured into its container;
It is one of the most uncomplicated sources of fuel to use since all you need to do is to screw on the container, switch on the valve, and then light up the gas that exits the burners. That fact that it is already pressurized and does not call for pumping or anything like it makes it preferable to some campers.
From a camping perspective, here are the differences:
White gas – also referred to as Coleman fuel – is a liquid fuel that looks very similar to gasoline. The only difference is that it comes without additives, though it is handled just like gasoline.
In order to use it, you have to pump up the container, heat a bit of the fuel, and then set fire to it. This means that it takes a bit more time to fix and start up a white gas stove compared to a propane stove. It is usually inexpensive per unit of fuel output, and users can carry more fuel in less volume. Users can also make use of different shapes/sizes of containers that fit their individual needs;
Appliances that use it are more complex and trickier to use.
Propane
It’s a gas that when pressurized, turns to liquid form and returns to its natural state when depressurized. It is usually treated the same way that natural gas – methane – is handled, though they have somewhat different properties. It is relatively more expensive than white gas; It is somewhat difficult to gauge the level of the fuel remaining in the canister after use since propane cannot be poured into its container;
It is one of the most uncomplicated sources of fuel to use since all you need to do is to screw on the container, switch on the valve, and then light up the gas that exits the burners. That fact that it is already pressurized and does not call for pumping or anything like it makes it preferable to some campers.
Not Feeling Well - Stay Home
If Feel Sick on Vacation - Go Home
Which is better for cooking, heating and lighting?
What to Pack When Traveling Into the Sierra
Oh Boy! It is time to take that camping trip. If you have vacationed in the mountains before, you most likely know what to pack.
However, if you are new to such adventures, here are a few tips regarding clothing and footwear.
Naturally you are going to pack those shorts, a bathing suit, long pants, tank tops, tee shirts and maybe a hoodie.
Those are all great choices for mild summer weather. But you are going into a higher altitude location. This calls for sudden weather changes that may not be anticipated. Therefore, you will want to pack a warm, heavy coat, warm gloves, thermal underwear and knit cap.
These items will keep you warm when the unexpected storm rolls in during your trip.
However, if you are new to such adventures, here are a few tips regarding clothing and footwear.
Naturally you are going to pack those shorts, a bathing suit, long pants, tank tops, tee shirts and maybe a hoodie.
Those are all great choices for mild summer weather. But you are going into a higher altitude location. This calls for sudden weather changes that may not be anticipated. Therefore, you will want to pack a warm, heavy coat, warm gloves, thermal underwear and knit cap.
These items will keep you warm when the unexpected storm rolls in during your trip.
Take stock of your footwear as well. Most likely you'll have your flip flops. They seem to be everywhere during vacations. But, they are not safe on mountain hikes. They can easily allow you to stumble in rocky terrain. Instead, take a good pair of hiking boots or at least some running shoes.
Having a pack back is a good idea as well. It can accommodate the warmer items along with a water supply, some snacks, water proof matches and flashlight.
Last, but not least, what do you carry in your pockets? Well, the most handy item is a good pocket knife. It can come in very handy in many situations.
So venture out, have fun and stay safe. We want you to come back again!
Having a pack back is a good idea as well. It can accommodate the warmer items along with a water supply, some snacks, water proof matches and flashlight.
Last, but not least, what do you carry in your pockets? Well, the most handy item is a good pocket knife. It can come in very handy in many situations.
So venture out, have fun and stay safe. We want you to come back again!
