Nothing ends a camping trip faster than a stove that won’t light. Whether you’re heading off for a weekend under canvas, running a food stall at a summer event or stocking a campsite shop, getting the right camping gas — the right type, the right size and the right fitting — is what keeps the kettle boiling. This guide breaks down the choices in plain English, so you can order once and get it right.
Camping gas vs “Camping Gaz” — clearing up the confusion
The two names get used interchangeably, and that causes a lot of ordering mistakes. Camping gas is the general term for the bottled butane (and sometimes propane) that powers camping stoves, lanterns and heaters. Camping Gaz is a specific, long-established brand — the blue bottles you’ll recognise from campsites across Europe, most commonly the 904 and 907 models. When someone asks for a “camping gas canister”, they usually mean one of these refillable bottles rather than a small disposable cartridge.
Adams Gas stocks the genuine Camping Gaz 904 and Camping Gaz 907 butane bottles, alongside other refillable options, so you can match whatever appliance you already own.
Bottle or canister? Know what you’re buying
There are two broad formats of camping gas, and appliances are designed for one or the other:
- Refillable butane bottles — sturdy steel bottles like the Camping Gaz 904 and 907 that connect to your stove or heater via a valve or regulator. When empty, you refill or exchange them rather than throwing them away. This is the mainstay of Adams Gas’s camping range.
- Small disposable cartridges — the compact screw-thread or pierceable canisters used by backpacking stoves. Handy for lightweight trips, but single-use and pricier per use over time.
For most family camping, caravanning and event use, a refillable bottle is the more economical and reliable choice — and it’s a lot less to carry back to the shop.
Which gas does my camping stove take?
Before you buy, match the gas to your appliance rather than the other way around. Most camping stoves, lanterns and portable heaters run on butane, supplied either from a small screw-thread or pierceable cartridge (common on compact backpacking stoves) or from a refillable bottle such as a Camping Gaz 904 or 907 connected via a hose and regulator. Larger stoves and catering burners often take a bigger butane bottle on a clip-on regulator.
The golden rule: check what your stove’s connector expects — a cartridge thread, a screw-on valve or a clip-on regulator — and buy the matching gas supply. If the stove came with a hose and regulator, you almost certainly need a refillable bottle rather than a cartridge. Our camping gas bottles cover the refillable side of that choice, and if you’re unsure which your appliance takes, ask our team before you order.
Camping gas bottle sizes at a glance
Bottle size decides how long you can cook, heat or light before you need a refill. Here’s how the common butane options compare:
| Bottle | Approx. gas capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Camping Gaz 904 | Smaller (Campingaz lists ≈ 1.8 kg butane) | Weekends, lightweight trips, single stove |
| Camping Gaz 907 | Campingaz lists ≈ 2.75 kg butane | Longer trips, small heaters, regular use |
| Leisuregaz 007 (refillable) | 2.75 kg butane | Caravans, awnings, cost-conscious regular users |
| Calor butane 7 kg / 15 kg | 7 kg / 15 kg butane | Static caravans, catering, event and trade use |
If you’re only cooking the odd meal, a 904 will last a surprisingly long time. If you’re running a heater or feeding a family for a week, step up to a 907 or a larger Calor bottle. Browse current sizes and prices on our camping gas bottles page.
Screw-on or clip-on? Getting the fitting right
The single most common ordering error is buying a bottle that doesn’t match your regulator. Two fittings dominate:
- Screw-thread valve — used by Camping Gaz 904/907 bottles. The regulator or appliance hose screws directly onto the bottle valve.
- Clip-on regulator (21mm) — used by many Calor butane bottles. The regulator clips on top rather than screwing in.
Check what your stove or heater’s hose ends in before you order, and match the bottle to it. If you’re unsure, our team can help you pick the right bottle and regulator combination — just get in touch.
Butane or propane for camping?
Most camping gas is butane, which is ideal for spring and summer use. In cold weather, though, butane struggles to vaporise once temperatures drop towards freezing — so for winter camping, cold stores or reliable year-round use, propane is the better performer. For a typical British summer trip, butane is the standard and most economical choice.
Refill, exchange and no long-term rental
Refillable bottles are where camping gas gets genuinely cost-effective. Instead of buying a fresh bottle every time, you refill or exchange the empty — paying for the gas, not a brand-new bottle. Adams Gas runs on a straightforward refill-and-exchange model with no long-term rental contracts, so you’re not locked into the ongoing bottle-rental agreements some suppliers insist on. The Leisuregaz 007 is a popular refillable choice for exactly this reason.
Using camping gas safely
A few habits keep camping gas safe and trouble-free:
- Always connect and change bottles outdoors, away from any flame or ignition source.
- Never use a gas stove or heater inside a tent, awning or closed vehicle — carbon monoxide and fire risk are real.
- Check hoses and regulators for cracks or perishing before each trip, and store bottles upright in a ventilated space.
For a fuller checklist, see our guide to using gas safely whilst camping.
Where to buy camping gas — local delivery, stockists and trade supply
Adams Gas offers reliable local delivery and cylinder refill and exchange across Kent, backed by a nationwide network of 92+ independent stockists for when you need a bottle today. Find your nearest Adams Gas stockist to pick up or exchange locally, or order refillable bottles through our camping gas range.
Run a campsite, caravan park, garden centre, hardware shop or outdoor retailer? Camping gas is a dependable seasonal seller, and stocking it is easy with a supplier that handles refills and exchanges for you. Become an Adams Gas stockist to offer your customers trusted camping gas with no rental headaches.
Frequently asked questions
Is “camping gas” the same as “Camping Gaz”?
Not quite. “Camping gas” is the general term for bottled butane or propane used for camping. “Camping Gaz” is a specific brand, best known for its blue 904 and 907 butane bottles. Adams Gas stocks the genuine Camping Gaz 904 and 907 alongside other refillable bottles.
What size camping gas bottle do I need?
For weekends and lightweight trips, a Camping Gaz 904 (Campingaz lists it at around 1.8 kg) is usually plenty. For longer stays, small heaters or regular use, step up to a 907 (around 2.75 kg) or a larger Calor butane bottle. Check current sizes on our camping gas bottles page.
What’s the difference between a screw-on and a clip-on fitting?
Camping Gaz 904 and 907 bottles use a screw-thread valve that your regulator screws onto. Many Calor butane bottles use a clip-on 21mm regulator instead. Always match the bottle to your appliance’s regulator — check before you order.
Should I use butane or propane for camping?
Butane is the standard choice for spring and summer camping and is the most economical. In cold or winter conditions, propane performs better because butane struggles to vaporise near freezing.
Can I refill a camping gas bottle instead of buying a new one?
Yes. Refillable bottles like the Camping Gaz 907 and Leisuregaz 007 are refilled or exchanged when empty, so you pay for the gas rather than a new bottle. Adams Gas offers refill and exchange with no long-term rental contracts.
