Gas cartridges are one of those things campers get wrong more often than you'd expect — turning up at a campsite with the wrong type for their stove, or buying pure butane for a cold-weather trip. This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy.
The Two Main Cartridge Types
Screw-top (EN417 threaded)
The most common standard. A threaded valve screws directly onto a compatible stove or appliance. Used by Go System, Vango, Outwell, Cadac, Milestone, and most other brands. Key advantage: resealable — you can unscrew the cartridge mid-use and reattach it later without losing gas.
Products in this category:
- Go System Powersource 2500 — 445g
- Go System Powersource 2500 — 220g
- Milestone 220g — 4 Pack
- Go System 220g — 4 Pack
- Cadac 500g Threaded Cartridge
- 500g Threaded Cartridge
- Outdoor Revolution Gas — 4 Pack
- Thread Gas Cartridge Regulator — useful for connecting threaded cartridges to appliances with non-standard fittings
Push-fit (Campingaz C206 / CV)
A proprietary Campingaz system. The cartridge pierces on attachment and cannot be removed mid-use — once punctured, it must be fully used or discarded. Not compatible with EN417 stoves.
Products in this category:
- Campingaz C206 Refill Cartridge — standard push-fit, non-resealable
- Campingaz CV300 Plus — resealable CV valve
- Campingaz CV470 Plus Resealable — larger resealable option
- Campingaz CV470 Resealable — 4 Pack — multipack value
The golden rule: never mix systems. EN417 cartridges will not fit Campingaz stoves, and Campingaz cartridges will not fit EN417 stoves. Check your stove's manual if unsure.
Butane vs Propane vs Mix — Which Should You Buy?
Pure butane
Cheaper and widely available. Works well in warm conditions (above 5°C). Performance drops significantly in cold or damp weather — the gas struggles to vaporise at low temperatures. Fine for summer camping in sheltered conditions.
Butane/propane mix
The best all-round choice for UK camping. The propane component (typically 20–30%) maintains pressure and vaporisation at lower temperatures, making it reliable in Cornwall's variable coastal weather and on exposed moorland. The Go System Powersource 2500 uses this mix and is our bestselling cartridge.
Pure propane
Best cold-weather performance, but requires a pressure regulator and is typically supplied in larger refillable cylinders rather than disposable cartridges. Not commonly used in portable camping stoves.
Cartridge Sizes — What to Buy
| Size | Best for |
|---|---|
| 220g | Solo trips, weekend camping, backup cartridge |
| 445–500g | Couples, longer trips, family cooking |
| Multipack (4×220g) | Regular campers, good value per gram |
Camping in Cornwall & the South West
Open fires are restricted on most South West campsites and prohibited on Dartmoor during dry periods — gas is your only reliable cooking option. Butane/propane mix is strongly recommended over pure butane for the region; Atlantic weather can turn cold and damp quickly even in August. Stock up before you head down — availability in remote areas can be limited.
For stove recommendations to pair with these cartridges, see our Best Camping Gas Stoves for UK Touring 2026 guide.
Browse our full Camping Stoves collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all camping gas cartridges the same?
No — there are two main systems (EN417 screw-top and Campingaz push-fit) that are not interchangeable. Within the EN417 standard, all threaded cartridges are compatible with all EN417 stoves regardless of brand.
Can I take camping gas cartridges on a plane?
No — gas cartridges are classified as hazardous goods and are prohibited on passenger aircraft. Buy cartridges at your destination or order ahead for delivery.
How do I know when a gas cartridge is empty?
Weigh it — the empty weight is usually printed on the cartridge. Alternatively, place it in warm water; an empty cartridge will feel noticeably lighter and may float higher. Never puncture or dispose of a cartridge you're unsure is fully empty.
Can I mix brands of EN417 cartridges?
Yes — all EN417 threaded cartridges are interchangeable across brands. A Go System cartridge will fit a Vango stove, a Cadac cartridge will fit a Go System stove, and so on.
What should I do with empty cartridges?
Ensure the cartridge is fully empty, then puncture the valve before recycling as metal. Many local recycling centres accept them. Do not dispose of pressurised cartridges in general waste.
