The Best Deals on Camping, Backpacking and Outdoor Gear [July 2025]
Every camper’s got one—or a dozen. Those familiar green 1 lb propane bottles that fuel your trusty camp stove or portable heater. But here’s the truth: they’re garbage. And not just figuratively—they’re literal landfill-filling garbage. Fortunately, there are alternatives out there whether you need a large growler for week-long trips or a small 1-pound tank for weekend adventures. They’re refillable, sustainable, and worth the investment.
The good news? We’re not stuck in this toxic loop. Reusable propane tanks and home refill kits now exist and they’re awesome. They’re cheaper in the long run, more eco-friendly, and more convenient than you’d expect.
Some national parks have already stopped selling disposable green bottles, and California is phasing them out completely by 2028. So why wait?
The Shocking Problem with Green Propane Bottles
Fun fact: Even though they’re made with recyclable materials (steel, generally), these little tanks are not actually recyclable in most locations. Why? Because they’re pressurized, filled with gas, and classified as hazardous waste. That means once you’re done with your weekend camping trip or picnic at the park, that bottle is heading straight for the trash.
In fact, it’s estimated that 40 to 60 million of these single-use propane bottles end up in landfills every single year. Let that sink in. Fifty. Million. Bottles. In the ground. Every. Year. Or in the corners of dusty gear sheds, which isn’t better. Yes, because they’re made of steel they will eventually rust and break down, but it takes about 100 years for that to happen. And in the meantime, that’s 50 million steel bottles made every year that don’t actually need constructed.
Can’t I Refill Those Green Bottles?
If the YouTube video we made about this told us anything, it’s that there are a ton of folks (mostly Genders and Boomers we presume) who are indeed refilling those green bottles. But here’s the thing: they’re not designed to be refilled. In fact, there are warnings all over the bottles about it. It’s a safety issue. Might it also be a money grab from manufacturers? Maybe. But this is volatile stuff and we have no desire to FAAFO.
Meet the Mr. Heater Fuel Keg Propane Refill Kit
We recently tested the Mr. Heater Fuel Keg Refillable Propane Tank and Refill Kit, which 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, so you can’t just MacGyver your way through this with a wrench and a prayer. Propane is no joke—use the right equipment or risk a backyard explosion.
How It Works (and How Not to Blow Yourself Up)
- Invert your large propane tank and set it securely on the provided legs.
- Attach the refill arm according to the instructions.
- Open the release valve on the refillable tank.
- Press down on the handle to begin filling. It takes about a minute.
- Once gas starts venting from the pressure release valve, stop filling.
- Close the valve, detach everything, and you’re good to go.
Watch how to do this safely in our YouTube video.
Important: Never refill store-bought green Coleman-style bottles. It’s illegal and dangerously unsafe. The refillable tanks from Mr. Heater include overflow prevention and safety valves—disposable ones do not.
Meet the Ignik Gas Growler
Another option is to purchase a larger “gas growler” that can refilled at any propane station. Ignik sells these in 3.8, 5, and 10 lb versions. They even have a new Taprack Refillable Propane System which allows you to fill four of their new 1 lb “Pounder” bottles at once, again, at a proper refill station – no home refills required.
Either way, these smaller sizes have been great to have on road trips as they take up less room in the car. And frankly, we’ve never been on a road trip where we’ve needed anything close to a standard 20 lb tank.
When Small Propane Tanks Make Sense
For folks who only use a camp stove a handful of times a year (like us), these 1 lb refillables hit the sweet spot. They’re great for:
- Weekend camping trips
- Road trips where trunk space is tight
- Backyard BBQs or heaters
- Cooking on the go without lugging a 5 lb tank
But if you’re planning a longer adventure or won’t have access to a refill station, you might want to consider something larger like the Ignik 3 lb Growler (review coming soon!).
The Cost Breakdown: Is It Worth It?
- Mr. Heater Fuel Keg (tank): ~$22
- Refill Kit (one-time purchase): ~$30
- Ignik Gas Growler (3.8 lb): $80
- Cost to refill at home: ~$1 per pound
- Green disposable bottle: ~$9.50 at REI
After about five to six refills of the Mr. Heater, you’ll break even. After 9 refills of the Ignik Gas Growler you’ll break even. Then it’s all savings from there.
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.
The Final Verdict: Ditch the Disposable
Single-use propane canisters are an environmental nightmare, but they don’t have to be your go-to. With the Mr. Heater Fuel Keg system or Ignik Gas Growlers, you’re not only saving money—you’re doing your part to reduce waste in outdoor spaces we all love.
Your wallet—and the planet—will thank you. Wander on.
FAQ: Refillable Propane Tanks for Camping
Are 1 lb green propane bottles recyclable?
No. Most recycling centers do not accept pressurized canisters. Even when empty, they are classified as hazardous waste.
Is it legal to refill disposable propane bottles?
No. Federal law prohibits refilling disposable propane bottles and transporting them once refilled. Doing so could result in fines or imprisonment.
What’s the best refillable propane tank for camping?
We recommend the Mr. Heater Fuel Keg for weekend warriors, and the Ignik 3 lb Growler for extended trips or frequent use.
How much money can I save using refillable propane tanks?
After about 5–6 uses, the refillable tank and kit pay for themselves. After that, each refill costs around $1, compared to ~$9.50 per disposable tank.
Can I refill the Fuel Keg on the road?
No, most propane refill stations won’t top off 1 lb tanks. Bring extras with you or consider a larger refillable tank for longer adventures.
