The Best Deals on Camping, Backpacking and Outdoor Gear [July 2025]
Going camping but hate wasting money on those overpriced single-use green propane canisters? You know, the ones destined to end up in a landfill next to 50 million of their identical twins? Or more importantly, are you headed somewhere like Yosemite that doesn’t sell them (California is well on its way to the start date of their full ban)? Then you need a refillable propane growler. Save time, save money, save a heckuva lot of waste. Here are a few options that make excellent eco-friendly replacements.
The Problem With One-Pound Disposable Propane Tanks
Why ditch those single-use green propane canisters? Because they’re extremely wasteful, that’s why. Fifty million of those green one-pound tanks get trashed every year (or more accurately, get sold, then either get sent to a landfill or sit in someone’s garage until their grandkids inherit 75 half-empty, rusted canisters hiding under a tarp).
And here’s the kicker: even though they look recyclable, they’re not. Because they used to contain flammable gas, they’re nearly impossible to recycle properly. Which means every time you pick one up for a weekend camping trip or a park BBQ, you’re basically buying something that will be garbage forever. Or at least for 100 years or so, which is how long steel takes to rust away.
There Is a Better Way: Refillable Fuel
Thankfully, there are alternatives that save money and reduce the environmental impact: Refillable propane tanks like the Ignik Gas Growler and Mr. Heater refillable 1lb bottles. They’re not just better for the environment—they’re more convenient, cost-effective, and easier to refill than you may think.
Ignik Gas Growler: More Propane for the Long Haul
One refillable option we love is the Ignik Gas Growler, which comes in both 3.8-pound and 5-pound options. And yes, we’ve tested both over multiple seasons to see if they hold up to the hype.
They do.
Here’s why they’re awesome:
- Growlers are refillable, just like a full-size 20-pound propane tank.
- They’re smaller and more portable than a full-size tank, but hold more fuel than those tiny green bottles.
- They fit in the trunk of your car without hogging space.
- DOT-approved, so you’re good to take them on the road.
- Compatible with everything the green bottles work with (including the Ignik FireCan and the Fuel Keg) thanks to an adapter hose.
What we love most: You can refill it practically anywhere. Hardware stores. Gas stations. Campgrounds. We’ve even topped up ours halfway through road trips at RV parks. That kind of flexibility is gold for last-minute planners (guilty). No need to scramble or pray you packed enough disposable tanks.
We think the 3.8 lb size is in the sweet spot for most of weekend trips. But for longer road trips, we sometimes opt for the 5 lb growler instead. Especially if we’re bringing our Ignik FireCan to roast marshmallows or stay toasty or the Skullet to prepare meals.
Mr. Heater Fuel Keg: Portable and Refillable
If a growler seems too big and you’d rather stick with the smaller canisters you’re used to, the Mr. Heater Fuel Keg Refillable Propane Tank and Refill Kit let you refill a small 1 lb bottle directly from your standard backyard propane tank.
It’s designed to work exclusively with its companion refill kit—use the right equipment or risk a backyard explosion.
Here’s why the Fuel Keg is awesome:
- For folks who only use a camp stove a handful of times a year.
- Ideal for weekend camping trips.
- Work on road trips where trunk space is tight.
- Can cook on the go without lugging around a 5 lb tank.
- Compatible with everything the green bottles work with.
Let’s Talk About Price
Yes, the upfront cost requires a bit of an investment. Here’s how it shakes out:
- Ignik 3.8 lb Growler: $80
- Ignik 5 lb Growler: $90
- Ignik Deluxe kits (with carry case and hose): Slightly more
- Mr. Heater Fuel Keg (tank): ~$22
- Mr. Heater Refill Kit (one-time purchase): ~$30
- Cost to refill at home: ~$1 per pound
- Green disposable bottle: ~$9.50 at REI
So it costs around $3 to $5 to fill an Ignik Growler and only about $1 to fill a 1 lb tank. Opt for the smaller Ignik Gas Growler and you’ll break even after about 9 refills. After about five to six refills of the Mr. Heater, you’ll break even. Then it’s all savings from there (about $8.50 per fill-up).
So instead of tossing your money (and a tank) in the trash every time you cook outside, keep one of these babies in your gear shed and refill it on the cheap.
Final Verdict
Refillable propane tanks and canisters are convenient, more eco-friendly, they save you money and make single-use canisters look like the outdated garbage they are.
So check out our reviews of the Ignik FireCan and the Fuel Keg.
Then get out there, stop buying single-use propane tanks that are destined for the dump, and wander on.
