MSR IsoPro Fuel Canister
MSR IsoPro holds a best-in-class reputation for consistent, high-performance output for canister stoves thanks to its optimized isobutane/propane blend and broad stove compatibility. Compared with the other options on this list it trades a slightly higher per-canister price for reliably fast boil times and predictable pressure in a range of temperatures, making it a favorite for technical hikers who value performance over minimal cost.
Cold-weather power
Rapid boil
Cold-weather power
Rapid boil
Review Summary
"Users praise its reliable cold-weather performance, consistent burn and wide stove compatibility; critics note a higher price and occasional availability issues."
Mountain-ready
Isobutane‑propane blend optimized for efficient boiling and reliable performance.
Mountain-ready
Isobutane‑propane blend optimized for efficient boiling and reliable performance.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
MSR IsoPro holds a best-in-class reputation for consistent, high-performance output for canister stoves thanks to its optimized isobutane/propane blend and broad stove compatibility. Compared with the other options on this list it trades a slightly higher per-canister price for reliably fast boil times and predictable pressure in a range of temperatures, making it a favorite for technical hikers who value performance over minimal cost.
Cold-weather power
Rapid boil
Mountain-ready
Isobutane‑propane blend optimized for efficient boiling and reliable performance.
Self-sealing EN417 threaded canister compatible with most canister stoves.
Cold-weather power
Rapid boil
Mountain-ready
Isobutane‑propane blend optimized for efficient boiling and reliable performance.
Self-sealing EN417 threaded canister compatible with most canister stoves.
Jetboil Jetpower Fuel
Jetboil Jetpower Fuel is a market-leading choice for users of integrated Jetboil systems because the blend is positioned to deliver quick boil times and good value when bundled with Jetboil stoves. Technically it performs similarly to other isobutane/propane mixes like MSR and MEC at moderate temperatures, and financially it can be the smarter buy for anyone who owns Jetboil hardware due to frequent system promotions and regional availability.
Ultra-fast boil
Jetboil-fit
Ultra-fast boil
Jetboil-fit
Review Summary
"Customers like its clean, consistent performance with Jetboil stoves and fast boil times; some say it’s slightly pricier than generic canisters."
Consistent flame
Blended for consistent burn and fast boil times in Jetboil systems while remaining widely compatible.
Consistent flame
Blended for consistent burn and fast boil times in Jetboil systems while remaining widely compatible.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Jetboil Jetpower Fuel is a market-leading choice for users of integrated Jetboil systems because the blend is positioned to deliver quick boil times and good value when bundled with Jetboil stoves. Technically it performs similarly to other isobutane/propane mixes like MSR and MEC at moderate temperatures, and financially it can be the smarter buy for anyone who owns Jetboil hardware due to frequent system promotions and regional availability.
Ultra-fast boil
Jetboil-fit
Consistent flame
Blended for consistent burn and fast boil times in Jetboil systems while remaining widely compatible.
Stable pressure delivery across common temperatures for predictable stove performance.
Ultra-fast boil
Jetboil-fit
Consistent flame
Blended for consistent burn and fast boil times in Jetboil systems while remaining widely compatible.
Stable pressure delivery across common temperatures for predictable stove performance.
Primus Winter Gas
Primus Winter Gas is the cold-weather specialist among these canisters, formulated for reliable vaporization and steady pressure in sub-freezing conditions that degrade standard canisters. While it generally commands a premium versus general-purpose blends, the technical advantage in winter performance often outweighs the extra cost for winter camping and mountaineering where other canisters like MSR or Jetboil can struggle.
Winter-proof blend
Reliable ignition
Winter-proof blend
Reliable ignition
Review Summary
"Reviewed highly for superior cold-start performance and steady output in low temperatures; users point out higher cost and limited availability in some regions."
Wind-resistant
Formulated with a higher-propane content to maintain pressure and vaporization in sub-freezing conditions.
Wind-resistant
Formulated with a higher-propane content to maintain pressure and vaporization in sub-freezing conditions.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Primus Winter Gas is the cold-weather specialist among these canisters, formulated for reliable vaporization and steady pressure in sub-freezing conditions that degrade standard canisters. While it generally commands a premium versus general-purpose blends, the technical advantage in winter performance often outweighs the extra cost for winter camping and mountaineering where other canisters like MSR or Jetboil can struggle.
Winter-proof blend
Reliable ignition
Wind-resistant
Formulated with a higher-propane content to maintain pressure and vaporization in sub-freezing conditions.
Designed for reliable ignition and steady flames during winter alpine use.
Winter-proof blend
Reliable ignition
Wind-resistant
Formulated with a higher-propane content to maintain pressure and vaporization in sub-freezing conditions.
Designed for reliable ignition and steady flames during winter alpine use.
MEC Isobutane-Propane Fuel Canister
MEC's isobutane-propane canister is a value-oriented option for canister stoves, offering good compatibility with common screw-on fittings and typically undercutting brand-name rivals on price. Financially attractive for casual users and club members, it gives a balanced mix of weight, boil performance and affordability, though it won’t match Primus for extreme cold or the capacity economy of Coleman 16 oz cylinders.
Balanced blend
Featherweight can
Balanced blend
Featherweight can
Review Summary
"Buyers appreciate the value and good general cold-weather performance, though a minority report occasional fit or leakage concerns with certain stove models."
Wallet-friendly
Economical isobutane‑propane blend offering solid performance at a lower price point.
Wallet-friendly
Economical isobutane‑propane blend offering solid performance at a lower price point.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
MEC's isobutane-propane canister is a value-oriented option for canister stoves, offering good compatibility with common screw-on fittings and typically undercutting brand-name rivals on price. Financially attractive for casual users and club members, it gives a balanced mix of weight, boil performance and affordability, though it won’t match Primus for extreme cold or the capacity economy of Coleman 16 oz cylinders.
Balanced blend
Featherweight can
Wallet-friendly
Economical isobutane‑propane blend offering solid performance at a lower price point.
Standard EN417 valve ensures broad compatibility with backpacking canister stoves.
Balanced blend
Featherweight can
Wallet-friendly
Economical isobutane‑propane blend offering solid performance at a lower price point.
Standard EN417 valve ensures broad compatibility with backpacking canister stoves.
$7-18 CAD
Coleman 16 oz Propane Fuel Cylinder
Coleman's 16 oz Propane Cylinder is the market leader for larger threaded propane cylinders, prized for its higher fuel capacity and low cost per hour of burn for car camping and long-use appliances. Compared with the smaller screw-on canisters in this list it offers superior on-site economy and steady pressure for compatible stoves and lanterns, but it is heavier and less convenient for backpacking-focused canister stove users.
Long-burning
Sturdy steel
Long-burning
Sturdy steel
Review Summary
"Users value its wide availability and long burn time for lanterns and grills, but many note it’s heavier, less efficient for backpacking canister stoves and often requires adapters."
Easy-connect
16 oz (1 lb) threaded propane cylinder built for larger camp stoves, grills and lanterns.
Easy-connect
16 oz (1 lb) threaded propane cylinder built for larger camp stoves, grills and lanterns.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Coleman's 16 oz Propane Cylinder is the market leader for larger threaded propane cylinders, prized for its higher fuel capacity and low cost per hour of burn for car camping and long-use appliances. Compared with the smaller screw-on canisters in this list it offers superior on-site economy and steady pressure for compatible stoves and lanterns, but it is heavier and less convenient for backpacking-focused canister stove users.
Long-burning
Sturdy steel
Easy-connect
16 oz (1 lb) threaded propane cylinder built for larger camp stoves, grills and lanterns.
Uses a threaded valve rather than the small EN417 cartridge and requires an adapter for many backpacking stoves.
Long-burning
Sturdy steel
Easy-connect
16 oz (1 lb) threaded propane cylinder built for larger camp stoves, grills and lanterns.
Uses a threaded valve rather than the small EN417 cartridge and requires an adapter for many backpacking stoves.