I bought a 'universal' camp stove fuel adapter back in 2019 and it was a total dud

Found this little brass adapter online that promised to let my old Coleman stove run on the cheaper propane bottles. It was only about $15, but the hassle was way worse. The thing never sealed right, always had a faint gas smell, and I spent more time fiddling with it and worrying about a leak than actually cooking. Ended up on a trip in the White Mountains where it just wouldn't light in the morning, and I had to drive 40 minutes to the nearest store for a proper fuel can. Threw it in the trash at the campsite. Has anyone found a reliable adapter that actually works, or is it better to just stick with the right fuel from the start?

2 comments

2 Comments

ben_nguyen6d ago

Ever try to save a few bucks and end up costing yourself more in stress? I was the same way, always looking for a cheap fix. That exact kind of leaky adapter is what finally convinced me. The worry and wasted time just aren't worth it, especially when you're out in the middle of nowhere. Now I just buy the proper fuel canisters my stove was made for. The peace of mind is way better than saving fifteen dollars.

ross.felix6d ago

Been there, done that, got the gas smell on my hands. Tried to save money with a cheap adapter once and it leaked all over my pack. Spent an hour cleaning gear instead of setting up camp. That little bit of savings cost me a whole evening of peace. Now I just buy the right canister from the start. It's not worth the mess or the stress.