Propane or White Gas, which do you think is safer?

[parnold]

What do you all prefer?

[mechmagcn]

Really have no preference, I have and use both. It depends really on the circumstances of the trip, if I'm close to civilization I'll use propane, if out in the boonies for days I'll use gas. Sorta hard to find those little green bottles out in the boonies

[Zollinger]

I prefer white gas. IMHO it's cheaper in the long run, and it's easier to recycle the gallon can than all those little green cans.

[Want2camp]

I've had more experience with white gas and like the added work to get the stove/lantern going. It seems more "primative". I think the propane is safer however.

The first time I lit my first white gas stove (Coleman Peak One single burner), I got a face full of flame. to an observer it may have been scary/cool but it definitely woke me up to the dangers of white gas.

That being said however, I only have one propane stove. It cooks and that is all that matters.

[GuitarPhotog]

I had a couple of accidents with white gas as a kid camping with family. They convinced me to be much more careful around white gas appliances in general.

But I really feel that modern propane appliances are safer to use under normal conditions than white gas, but that's just my $0.02 worth.

<Chas>

[bdosborn]

I've never had a white gas container stick open and empty out all its contents while I've had it happen with a green propane container.

Bruce

[Shadow Catcher]

I feel comfortable with both but propane is less bother. However I do not use the green tanks, that is a lot of steel, most of which are not recycled I would bet.
Cost Naptha vs propane, from what I can find historically they move together, unless the propane is in a little green tank.

[slowcowboy]

I recyle the little green cans. I have not bought one in 10 years.

I use them on a daily basis when camping I got 5 bottles i bought in like 2002 and all I do is re-fill them when I run out of gas.

pure simple to get a good and full 20 pound propane bottle and put on the brass adapter and tip it over for a minute and open the valve.

I use what ever the mood hits. I fully enjoy the white gas and the old colemans and do restoration and collect the things.

I also enjoy the convince of propane.

I have been acused of being the propane king when camping.

as a coleman collector and restore I got plenty of things to pure white gas in.

and propane can be just as dangurers as white gas if your dumb about using it.

I don't have a opion on propane or white gas. to me I love combinations.

slow

[gregp136]

We have both. We prefer the white gas because of the recycling probems of the green bottles. Very few places recycle them.

Greg(and Laurie)

[rbeemer]

My preference is for white gas but propane is more convenient. As far as safety goes, I think that the user has a lot to do with it.

[Ron Dickey]

If you are worried about safety non of the above.
Propane if it leaks out with out a flame boom
White gas is a fire. I had one that lit up I was near shut it off and pulled out the gas tank. it got bigger I used a fire extinguisher to put it out as it went over the side and down toward the ground.

If you want to cook safe I would commend this

Ron

[madjack]

...I think for the average idiot type, propane is safer...now, having said that and not considering myself an ordinary idiot(extraordinary is more like it), I use propane for shear convenience and ease of use...I don't use the green bottles but rather a 20#tank with a distribution tree connected to it...cheap and convenient...just my choice............
madjack

[doug hodder]

I'd say that both require a certain amount of safety measures and attention. For me...I prefer the white gas, mostly for the nostalgia thing of camping. I have however, lit a hand on fire with it, due to my own stupidity. I knew better, and alcohol didn't play any part...just frustration. No damage though.

Statistically speaking, I use, play or clown around with them MUCH more than the typical camper, but it did give me a new respect for it's power. White gas has been used back to the mid 20's, if used properly and safely, It's no problem...same deal with propane. Pay attention to what's going on and don't be stupid with it. I think it's a wash..

For convenience, you can run a white gas lantern or stove on Coleman fuel or unleaded if needed...and it will run at altitude and colder temps better with less hassle than propane. A propane stove or lantern...takes propane...and that's it.

I am biased however...It's all a FWIW thing. Other opinions will vary. Doug

PS...I was amazed at the nearly 60 little 1# bottles left at the recycling container at Yosemite however.

[Corwin C]

I've never had a white gas container stick open and empty out all its contents while I've had it happen with a green propane container.

I had an Uncle die in a propane fire when I was very young ... It was caused by the propane "puddling" in a low area and then finding an ignition source. Ironically he was trying to take care of the leak at the time. He happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I don't think that propane is unsafe, it's just that a container of naptha isn't as likely to spread out on it's own. Any fuel/energy source has inherent hazards. The secret is to understand them and take measures to prevent problems.

...and it will run at altitude and colder temps better with less hassle than propane.

This has been my experience as well, and with many of my favorite hangouts being near 10,000' elevation, that extra little bit of umph is important.

[Treeview]

Since the focus here is car camping I ticked propane. When I'm on wheels I don't care to bother pumping and dumping fuel around.

When I'm on foot multi-fuel/pump up stoves are my choice. Anywhere from an MSR XGK to an MSR Whisperlite.

Since there are more people camping on wheels it makes sense to have them use propane.

I'm waiting for Harbor Fright to have a discount coupon so that I can buy a refill adapter. Until then I buy one pounders and save them for eventual refilling.

Tom