Note: The following are fuel prices that I observed in person at the retailer listed on the date shown. Be aware that sometimes I make mistakes and that sometimes retailers change prices. All prices are shown in US dollars (USD). All observations were made in and around Los Angeles, CA, USA.
I. White Gasoline (Coleman Type Fuel)
Big 5 Sporting Goods
(03 Dec 2011)
Coleman Gallon $11.99
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
(03 Dec 2011)
Crown Quart $ 8.00
MSR Quart $12.95
Crown Gallon $14.00
Coleman Gallon $11.95
Sport Chalet
(05 Dec 2011)
Coleman Quart $ 6.97
MSR Quart $ 9.99
Coleman Gallon $10.97
Sports Authority
(05 Dec 2011)
Coleman Quart $ 6.99
Wal-Mart
(19 Nov 2011)
Coleman Quart $ 5.88
Coleman Gallon $ 9.68
II. Gas (propane, isobutane, butane)
Big 5 Sporting Goods
(03 Dec 2011)
Camping Gaz 190g $4.99 $0.0263/gram
Coleman 220g $6.99 $0.0318/gram
Camping Gaz 230g $6.99 $0.0303/gram (that price makes no sense compared to the 450g size, but that's what they quoted me)
Primus 230g $5.99 $0.0260/gram
Camping Gaz* 450g $6.99 $0.0155/gram
Coleman 465g $4.49 $0.0097/gram (100% propane)Worthington-2 465g $8.99 $0.0097/gram (100% propane) (Two Pack)
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
(03 Dec 2011)
JetBoil 100g $4.95 $0.0495/gram
Snow Peak 110g $4.50 $0.0409/gram
MSR 113g $4.95 $0.0438/gram
Snow Peak 220g $5.50 $0.0250/gram
MSR 227g $5.95 $0.0262/gram
JetBoil 230g $5.95 $0.0259/gram
JetBoil 450g $9.95 $0.0221/gram
Coleman 465g Out of stock 03 Dec 2011
Sport Chalet
(05 Dec 2011)
JetBoil 100g $4.99 $0.0499/gram
Optimus* 110g $3.95 $0.0359/gram
Snow Peak 110g Discontinued at Sport Chalet
MSR 113g $3.99 $0.0353/gram
Optimus* 220g $4.45 $0.0202/gram
Snow Peak 220g $5.50 $0.0250/gramMSR 227g $4.99 $0.0220/gram Updated 11 Jan 2012
Camping Gaz* 230g $4.99 $0.0217/gram
JetBoil 230g $5.99 $0.0260/gram
Camping Gaz* 450g $6.99 $0.0155/gram
JetBoil 450g $9.99 $0.0222/gramColeman 465g $2.97 $0.0063/gram (100% propane)
Sports Authority
(05 Dec 2011)
JetBoil 100g $4.99 $0.0499/gram
MSR 113g $4.99 $0.0441/gram
Coleman* 220g $6.99 $0.0318/gram
MSR 227g $5.99 $0.0264/gram
Coleman 465g $2.99 $0.0064/gram (100% propane)
Coleman-2 465gX2 $5.69 $0.0061/gram (100% propane) (Two Pack)
Wal-Mart
(19 Nov 2011)
Coleman* 220g $4.88 $0.0221/gram
Coleman 465g $2.86 $0.0061/gram (100% propane)
Worthington-2 465gX2 $5.12 $0.0055/gram (100% propane) (Two Pack)
*NOT recommended for use below 50F/10C. Why? See: What's the Best Brand of Gas for Cold Weather?
III. Kerosene or Kerosene "substitute"
Wal-Mart
(19 Nov 2011)
Coleman Quart $ 5.88 ($23.52/gallon)
IV. Alcohol
Home Depot
(28 Dec 2011)
Klean Strip SLX Denatured Gallon $15.98
Klean Strip Green Denatured Quart $ 6.69 ($26.76/gallon)
Wal-Mart
(28 Dec 2011)
Yellow HEET (methanol) 12oz 12pk $16.44 ($14.61/gallon)
I hope you find the information helpful,
HJ
Wow! Very nice and comprehensive list. Unfortunately, fuel prices aren't this low for we Canadians! Butane and propane are about the same per canister based on your table, but gosh! white gas can't be had for less than $4/litre, or about $16.50 a gallon from the cans. I don't think fuel taxes apply to these fuels here - so maybe it is just like how book prices increase for Canadians? Thanks for the great list!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome for the list. It's mainly for comparative purposes. It's going to vary a lot from location to location, even within the US. And, yes, we are very spoiled in the US with cheap Coleman fuel. Of course I used to pay about $3.50/gallon for it, but...
ReplyDeleteHJ
Thanks for your list. It looks like you put a lot of work into it.
ReplyDeleteThis compares to everything in the stores, almost, that has risen 100 to 150% during the past three to four years.
It supports my decision to cook over available wood. Campfires are still great. And when I feel the need, I can still use my ZIP stove, which burns small twigs and chips. I may even carry a little charcoal in my pack.
Nowslimmer, December 28, 2011.
Yes, it was a lot of work. Just typing it up was a lot of work, let alone going and getting the data. Still, I like to know what's out there.
ReplyDeleteWood is a good fuel if it's legal and ethical to use in your area. I live in a very dry area, and wood fires are heavily restricted. Wood sources are also somewhat limited.
HJ
Thanks for the work, here's another source. Target has 2 pack Coleman Qt. for under $6.
ReplyDeleteReally? That's a good price for quarts. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteHJ
I found Brunton 4oz butane/propane (110gram) 24 pack for $68.00 / $2.83 each on ebay (that includes the shipping). That has to be the best deal out there that I can find.
ReplyDeleteWow, yes, $2.83 each is a great deal. Of course you have to buy 24 at a time. Might be worth it for Scout troops, hiking clubs, etc. Good to know about.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
HJ
methanol is cheaper if you buy a 5 gal jug of it from a racing shop: ~$9/gal
ReplyDeletehttp://www.vpracingfuels.com/index.html?Action=Commerce.Product&ID=25733156
That is a nice price although it would take a long time to burn through 5 gallons of alcohol.
DeleteHJ
absolutely- I run my car with a water/methanol system, so I already have it on hand. I suppose you could go in with some trail buddies & get it as a group buy...
ReplyDelete