Sport Products
Are you an avid camper or outdoor adventurer who relies on a reliable and efficient cooking solution? The Campingaz Valve Gas Cartridge (previously known as CP 250) is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts. This comprehensive review will delve into the design, durability, functionality, portability, user reviews, price, and overall value of this gas cartridge to help you decide if it's the right fuel source for your next adventure.
The Campingaz Valve Gas Cartridge is a butane/propane mix (Isobutane) in a compact cylindrical shape with an integrated valve that allows controlled release of the gas. The cartridge measures approximately 10 cm (3.9 inches) in height and has a diameter of around 8 cm (3.15 inches). It weighs just under half a pound (around 227 grams or 8 ounces), making it lightweight enough to be easily carried on backpacking trips. The sturdy aluminum casing is designed for optimal heat resistance, preventing the cartridge from becoming unstable even when exposed to high temperatures. The valve itself is robust and reliable, ensuring consistent gas flow without leaks or sputtering. Key Features of Design & Construction:
Durability is a crucial aspect of any camping gear. The Campingaz Valve Gas Cartridge excels in this regard thanks to its robust construction. The aluminum casing protects the fuel from impact damage, while the integrated valve prevents accidental release of gas and ensures safe operation even under challenging conditions. Safety features are also prioritized in the design. The valve includes a safety lock mechanism that requires pressing down on the top before rotating it to open, preventing unintentional activation. A pressure relief valve releases excess pressure if the cartridge gets too hot, further minimizing the risk of explosion or rupture. Durability & Safety Highlights:
The Campingaz Valve Gas Cartridge offers excellent performance for a variety of outdoor cooking needs. The butane/propane mix provides a consistent flame output suitable for boiling water, simmering sauces, and frying food. It performs well in both cold and warm weather conditions, making it versatile enough to be used year-round. One of the standout features is its compatibility with Campingaz's range of gas stoves, including the popular Classic and Base Major models. This ensures a seamless connection and hassle-free operation. The integrated valve allows for precise control over flame intensity, enabling you to adjust it according to your cooking needs. Functional Performance Highlights:
As mentioned earlier, the compact size and lightweight nature of the Campingaz Valve Gas Cartridge make it exceptionally portable. It easily fits into backpacks, side pockets, or even a dedicated gas cartridge pouch on your belt. Storage is also straightforward; keep cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to maximize their shelf life (typically around three years). The valve design prevents leaks during storage, ensuring that you won't find yourself with an empty cartridge when you need it most. Portability & Storage Highlights:
User reviews consistently highlight the reliability and ease of use of the Campingaz Valve Gas Cartridge. Many users praise its performance in cold weather conditions, noting that it provides a stable flame even when temperatures drop below freezing. Others appreciate the safety features integrated into the design, particularly the lock mechanism and pressure relief valve. Here's a summary of common themes found in user reviews:
The Campingaz Valve Gas Cartridge is competitively priced compared to other butane/propane gas cartridges available in the market. A single cartridge typically costs around $8-12 USD depending on where you purchase it from (online or brick and mortar stores). Considering its reliability, durability, and performance, many users find that the Campingaz Valve Gas Cartridge offers excellent value for money. The long shelf life also contributes to its overall cost-effectiveness you can buy cartridges in bulk and store them until needed without worrying about expiration dates. Price & Value Highlights:
The Campingaz Valve Gas Cartridge is an excellent choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts looking for a dependable and efficient fuel source. Its durable construction, safety features, consistent flame output, portability, and value-for-money make it stand out from the competition.
Campingaz Valve Gas Cartridges are refillable butane/propane gas cylinders designed for use with Campingaz appliances like stoves, lamps and heaters. They offer a convenient and economical way to fuel your outdoor adventures, compared to disposable cartridges. The CP250 cartridge is a popular choice due to its versatile blend of Isobutane and Propane.
Yes! Valve Gas Cartridges like the Campingaz CP250 are perfect for backpacking. They're lighter than many disposable options, offer longer burn times and can be refilled, making them ideal for multi-day hikes where weight and fuel efficiency matter most.
Refilling your cartridge is easy with the right tools! Youll need a gas cylinder filler adapter that fits both your appliance and your larger propane or butane tank (e.g., from a camping gear store). Ensure you follow all safety guidelines when refilling, using a well-ventilated area and avoiding sparks/flames.
CP250 cartridges are refillable while disposable gas canisters are single-use only. Refillable cartridges offer long-term savings as you can simply buy fuel refills from a larger tank instead of purchasing new cartridges each time.
While Campingaz makes compatible accessories, it's generally recommended to stick with the brand that your appliance is designed for (Campingaz). This ensures proper fit and functionality. Trying a different brand could result in leaks or damage to your equipment.
This varies greatly depending on factors like stove efficiency, weather conditions, altitude, and the type of food being cooked. However, you can expect around 1-3 hours of continuous cooking with a full cartridge.
Yes, when used correctly! Follow all safety instructions provided by Campingaz. Always store your cartridges upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Never overfill the cartridge, as this can cause pressure buildup.
The CP250 cartridge contains an optimized blend of Isobutane (around 60%) and Propane (around 40%). This mix offers reliable performance even at low temperatures, making it suitable for use year-round.
No, it's best practice to disconnect your stove from the cartridge after each use and store them separately. This helps prevent accidental activation of the valve and potential leaks.
You can purchase refills at most camping gear stores or online retailers that sell propane/butane cylinders (often used for barbecues). Alternatively, you could refill from a larger gas tank using an adapter as described earlier.
The valve will become difficult to turn and the stove will likely produce less heat. You can also use a small amount of soapy water on the valve connection points to check for leaks, which would indicate an empty cartridge.
Most Campingaz stoves, lamps, and heaters are compatible with Valve Gas Cartridges, but it's always best to check your appliances manual or consult the Campingaz website for specific compatibility information.
Yes! The Isobutane/Propane blend in CP250 cartridges is formulated to perform well even at higher elevations where other fuel types might struggle. This makes them an excellent choice for mountaineering and trekking trips.
Check the burner head for blockages (e.g., food residue) which could be preventing ignition. Ensure that you are holding down the control knob long enough to allow gas to flow before striking the piezo igniter or using matches/lighter.
Empty cartridges can usually be recycled at designated recycling centers for metal containers (check your local guidelines). Never puncture or incinerate a cartridge as this could cause an explosion.
Always use your stove in a well-ventilated area and never inside tents, vehicles, or other enclosed spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep flammable materials away from the burner head and be careful not to touch hot surfaces.
Ensure that both the appliance connector and the cartridge valve are clean and free of debris before attaching them together. When tightening, turn clockwise until you feel a slight resistance; don't overtighten as this can damage the threads.
Yes! The Isobutane/Propane blend provides excellent cold-weather performance compared to pure butane or propane options.
Yes, they are designed for portability and can easily fit into most backpacking backpacks alongside other cooking gear. They're also available in packs of four which is convenient for longer trips.
CP250 cartridges have a larger fuel capacity than microcartridges, providing longer burn times and more cooking power. Microcartridges are typically used with smaller stoves designed for single-person meals or lightweight backpacking setups.