Canister vs. White Gas

Environmental Concerns

Canister: Non-reusable canisters! However, empty Coleman Max canisters can be punctured with the "Green Key" tool provided, making them legal for recycling. Others can be punctured safely with a machine found in some stores that collects any fuel residue, after which they can be recycled with other metal waste.

White Gas: Far less material goes into making a one-gallon (4 litre) white gas can than into enough canisters to hold an equivalent amount of canister fuel! The fuel bottles you use on the trip are reusable.

Cold Weather Performance

Canister: Not great once temperatures approach freezing, better when fuel contains propane and uses iso-butane instead of n-butane as the main component of the mix. Coleman X series is currently best, Primus Himalayan works fine if canister is inverted carefully as in the instructions to provide a liquid fuel feed to the burner.

White Gas: Performance unaffected by cold. Coleman/ Peak 1 models need priming with paste or alcohol. Pump pistons can become stiff and seal poorly when cold, but friction during use soon overcomes this, especially with plastic pumps.

High Altitude Performance

Canister: Reduced exterior air pressure improves gas flow, even at low temperatures. Convenience and no need for priming are assets in cramped high-altitude tents, and when people are functioning below par due to altitude effects.

White Gas: White gas stoves seem to function at high altitudes if you have appropriate working conditions, such as base camps in which to use them. Not as nice to use inside tents as canister gas because of fumes and large flames during priming.