Campingaz invented the refillable camping gas cylinder in 1949 and remains the most widely recognised gas brand on UK and European campsites. But with multiple cylinder sizes, cartridge formats, and connector types, choosing the right Campingaz product for your stove, BBQ, or lantern can be confusing. This guide cuts through the complexity and tells you exactly what you need.
We stock Campingaz gas at our showroom at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ — one of the most reliable places to pick up Campingaz in Cornwall before you head to your site.
Campingaz Cylinder Sizes — 901, 904, and 907 Explained
Campingaz refillable cylinders use a proprietary bayonet connector — you push and twist to connect, no thread required. The three main sizes you'll encounter in the UK are the 901, 904, and 907.
Campingaz 904 and 907 Cylinders
The 907 is the most popular Campingaz cylinder in the UK — a 2.75kg butane cylinder that provides a generous amount of gas for extended campsite use. It's the right choice for running a large stove, a Cadac BBQ, or a caravan cooker over a longer holiday. The 904 is a smaller 1.8kg butane cylinder — more portable than the 907 and useful when you want a mid-size cylinder without the weight and bulk of the 907.
Both use the same Campingaz bayonet connector and require a Campingaz regulator to connect to your appliance. Exchange your empty cylinder for a full one at any Campingaz stockist — you pay for the gas, not the cylinder.
Best for: Caravan cookers, larger camping stoves, Cadac BBQs, and patio heaters on campsites with more than a couple of nights' use.
Important: Campingaz 904 and 907 cylinders contain butane, which performs poorly in cold temperatures (below around 5°C). For winter camping or cool autumn nights in Cornwall, consider a propane-mix cartridge instead.
Campingaz Threaded Cartridges — C206, CV300, and CV470
As well as the refillable cylinder range, Campingaz produces a range of disposable threaded cartridges in EN417 format. These screw directly onto compatible stoves (including most backpacking stoves, the Vango Firestorm range, and many Campingaz stoves) without the need for a regulator or hose.
Campingaz C206 — Isobutane Mix
The C206 is Campingaz's classic small cartridge — a 190g net isobutane/propane mix in the original Campingaz format. The C206 uses a non-resealable screw valve — once connected to a stove, you should use it until empty before removing. Compatible with a wide range of Campingaz stoves and lanterns.
Best for: Short weekend trips, Campingaz lanterns, and stoves designed specifically for the C206 format.
Campingaz CV300 Plus
A 240g net isobutane/propane mix cartridge in Campingaz's resealable CV format. The CV300 can be disconnected mid-use and reattached later without losing gas — a significant practical advantage over the C206. Compatible with all EN417 threaded stoves including the Vango Firestorm range and Go System stoves.
Best for: Weekend to short week trips where you want a mid-size resealable cartridge.
Campingaz CV470 Plus
The largest standard Campingaz cartridge — a 360g net isobutane/propane mix in the resealable CV format. More gas per cartridge means fewer changes and better value per gram. Available individually or in a 4-pack for better value on longer trips or when kitting out a group.
Best for: Longer trips, regular campers, DofE groups, and anyone who wants the best value per gram from a Campingaz cartridge.
Campingaz Lantern Mantles
Campingaz gas lanterns use replaceable mantles — delicate mesh sacks that glow when heated by the gas flame. We stock replacement mantles in two sizes:
- Campingaz Mantle Size S — for smaller Campingaz lanterns
- Campingaz Mantle Size L — for larger Campingaz lanterns
- Campingaz Insta-Clip Mantle 3-Pack — the push-fit Insta-Clip format for compatible lanterns, available in a three-pack
Always carry a spare mantle — they're fragile and a broken mantle means no light. They're inexpensive and weigh almost nothing.
Which Campingaz Do I Need?
Here's a quick decision guide:
- Running a Cadac BBQ or large stove on a longer trip? — Campingaz 907 cylinder with a Campingaz regulator
- Backpacking or DofE with a lightweight stove? — CV470 Plus or the CV470 4-pack for groups
- Weekend camping with a mid-size stove? — CV300 Plus
- Using a Campingaz lantern or older C206-format stove? — C206 cartridge
- Caravan with a Truma system? — Truma Campingaz adaptor to connect a Campingaz cylinder to your Truma gas system
Campingaz in Cornwall — What to Know
Campingaz is one of the most readily available gas brands in the UK, but availability varies significantly across Cornwall's campsites and outdoor shops. Larger sites like Hendra, Monkey Tree, and Trevornick usually stock C206 cartridges, but CV format cartridges and 907 cylinders are less consistently available at smaller farm sites. We always recommend stocking up at our Newquay showroom before heading to your site — particularly if you're heading to more remote locations near Land's End, the Lizard, or north Cornwall's clifftop sites.
Campingaz 904 and 907 cylinders operate on a cylinder exchange scheme — return your empty cylinder to any Campingaz stockist and exchange it for a full one. We participate in the exchange scheme at our Newquay showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Campingaz C206 and CV300/CV470?
The key difference is the valve type. The C206 has a non-resealable valve — once attached to a stove, it should be used until empty before being removed. The CV300 and CV470 have a resealable valve that lets you disconnect mid-cartridge and reattach later without losing gas. For most campers, the CV format is more practical and worth the small price premium.
Can I use Campingaz cartridges with a Vango Firestorm stove?
Yes — all Campingaz CV cartridges (CV300 and CV470) are EN417 threaded format and are fully compatible with Vango Firestorm stoves and most other backpacking stoves. The C206 uses a different connector and is only compatible with C206-specific appliances.
Does Campingaz work in cold weather?
Campingaz 904 and 907 cylinders contain butane, which loses pressure and performs poorly below around 5°C. The CV cartridges contain an isobutane/propane mix which performs better in cold conditions — though still less effectively than a pure propane setup. For winter camping or cold autumn nights in Cornwall, the CV cartridges are the better choice over the 907 cylinder.
Where can I exchange a Campingaz 907 cylinder in Cornwall?
We offer Campingaz cylinder exchange at our showroom at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ, open Monday to Friday. Some larger camping and outdoor shops across Cornwall also participate in the exchange scheme — look for the Campingaz logo in store.
Are Campingaz cartridges allowed on Cornwall campsites?
Yes — Campingaz cartridges and cylinders are permitted on virtually all UK campsites. Some sites have restrictions on open fires and charcoal, but gas appliances connected to Campingaz cartridges are almost universally accepted. Always check your specific site's rules.
Shop Campingaz at Newquay Camping Shop
We stock the full range of Campingaz gas products at our Newquay showroom, including the C206, CV300 Plus, CV470 Plus, CV470 4-pack, 904 and 907 cylinders, regulators, and lantern mantles. Visit us at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ, open Monday to Friday, or browse our full Campingaz range and camping cooking equipment online. UK-wide delivery available.
