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Posting camping gas

brooke42

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
February 2025
Hi! I will do the fishermans trail and then the nascente.

I dont have a lot of money, so I'm hoping to camp (with permission) most nights

Is it possible to send a parcel containing camping gas within Portugal? (Lisbon to Guarda)

Or should I bring my universal stove that burns any fuel?
 
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Posting camping gas is way too hazardous for most carriers to accept the risk - so I presume Portugal CTT

Depending on what type of cylinder you need it could be available once you reach southern Portugal

Is there a reason you are posting it internally in Portugal? Rather than take it with you?
 
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Unlikely via post. You will get canisters at Decathlon. I use a stove with flexible pipe, and I have adaptors that allow the use of the three main canisters. Screw, click and bayonet.
I was gonna buy from decalthlon for sure. But 50+ days is 1kg (2 large cannisters).

Not impossible, but without dehydrated meals fuel consumption goes up to 3 cannisters, which is getting a bit silly

Other option is to take my big heavy whisperlite that also burns kerosene and diesel
 
Having done a quick look there is a small Decathlon in Guarda itself. And it seems they offer click and collect that you can order in advance online to pick up in store.

(I have done similar before on hiking trips though not specifically with Decathlon in order to make sure campingaz or whatever canister I was using was available)
 
Posting camping gas is way too hazardous for most carriers to accept the risk - so I presume Portugal CTT

Depending on what type of cylinder you need it could be available once you reach southern Portugal

Is there a reason you are posting it internally in Portugal? Rather than take it with CTT isn't answering.

Im flying in, either way I don't want to carry fuel for the while 50 days
Having done a quick look there is a small Decathlon in Guarda itself. And it seems they offer click and collect that you can order in advance online to pick up in store
 
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Oh its on the edge of town so I didn't see it!

Thank you! (I feel a bit silly)
Don't! It can be hard to find specific items in places so asking here on the forum can be a great way of gaining added help. I get that flying in and having to find supplies- its often not simple!
Also the hardware store Bricomarche up the road may carry campingaz too (certainly in France I have bought it there)
But it sounds like quite the trip!
 
I was gonna buy from decalthlon for sure. But 50+ days is 1kg (2 large cannisters).

Not impossible, but without dehydrated meals fuel consumption goes up to 3 cannisters, which is getting a bit silly

Other option is to take my big heavy whisperlite that also burns kerosene and diesel
I also have a refill adaptor that means I can top up a small canister with a bayonet type from a Chinese shop. So you don't have to carry a bulky canister throughout the walk.
 
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Don't! It can be hard to find specific items in places so asking here on the forum can be a great way of gaining added help. I get that flying in and having to find supplies- its often not simple!
Also the hardware store Bricomarche up the road may carry campingaz too (certainly in France I have bought it there)
But it sounds like quite
Don't! It can be hard to find specific items in places so asking here on the forum can be a great way of gaining added help. I get that flying in and having to find supplies- its often not simple!
Also the hardware store Bricomarche up the road may carry campingaz too (certainly in France I have bought it there)
But it sounds like quite the trip!
Aw thanks. I walk a lot in NZ, been in

Hi! I will do the fishermans trail and then the nascente.

I dont have a lot of money, so I'm hoping to camp (with permission) most nights

Is it possible to send a parcel containing camping gas within Portugal? (Lisbon to Guarda)

Or should I bring my universal stove that burns any fuel?
I think I'm gonna stock up on gas and meals at the lisbon decathlon, and ask them to hold another cannister and some meals at the Guarda store :)

I'm from NZ, this will be my first time in europe and it is confusing for me, so thanks everyone!
 
dont have a lot of money, so I'm hoping to camp (with permission) most nights

Or should I bring my universal stove that burns any fuel?
Hi brooke, sorry, but to me this whole project looks out of shape at the moment. Some thoughts -
is it wise to use - or be seen to use - a stove anywhere outside a campsite in a country that has experienced such terrible fires recently?
Have you looked at any back-packing forums about the difficulties in taking any kind of cooking stove/gear on a plane, even without fuel?
How many dehydrated meals are you planning to bring? Food in Portugal is cheap and fresh and often very tasty. Bringing and using meal bags in Portugal is a bit weird, detaching you from the local world that you have come all this way to experience.
Does any backpacker nowadays need to use gas canisters? Make or buy a simple alcohol burner if you really have to have a cooker. Methylated spirits is available in hardware stores and often bioethanol too nowadays. But really, unless you are staying at campsites, I'd think again about whether you really need a cooker at all.
My strategy (which may well fall over when others comment!) would be to aim at having a local hot main meal in the middle of the day or evening, depending on availability. And the rest of the time carrying bread, groceries, fruit, yoghurts etc and supplementing with tasty snacks in any cafés or bars that you find in between
 
is it allowed in New Zealand to send gas canisters per post or other carrier? 😵‍💫

it is forbidden in the EU, look up the rules.
 
Perfect memento/gift in a presentation box. Engraving available, 25 character max.
Hi brooke, sorry, but to me this whole project looks out of shape at the moment. Some thoughts -
is it wise to use - or be seen to use - a stove anywhere outside a campsite in a country that has experienced such terrible fires recently?
Have you looked at any back-packing forums about the difficulties in taking any kind of cooking stove/gear on a plane, even without fuel?
How many dehydrated meals are you planning to bring? Food in Portugal is cheap and fresh and often very tasty. Bringing and using meal bags in Portugal is a bit weird, detaching you from the local world that you have come all this way to experience.
Does any backpacker nowadays need to use gas canisters? Make or buy a simple alcohol burner if you really have to have a cooker. Methylated spirits is available in hardware stores and often bioethanol too nowadays. But really, unless you are staying at campsites, I'd think again about whether you really need a cooker at all.
My strategy (which may well fall over when others comment!) would be to aim at having a local hot main meal in the middle of the day or evening, depending on availability. And the rest of the time carrying bread, groceries, fruit, yoghurts etc and supplementing with tasty snacks in any cafés or bars that you find in between
Thanks but I've been tramping (hiking) in NZ for 20 years. Also been homeless ...a lot.

Alcohol stoves are 100 times more dangerous than my whisperlite

Obviously I'll be buying parmesan and bread and chorizo as I go!
 
I think I'm gonna stock up on gas and meals at the lisbon decathlon
If you are short of money, relying on dehydrated meals makes absolutely no sense at all, they are ferociously expensive and you would probably spend less by simply going into town and buying a menú del (or in Portugal do) día. Gas cylinders are pretty pricey as well. By all means camp but don´t expect to save money by cooking as if you are on a remote trail somewhere.
 
If you are short of money, relying on dehydrated meals makes absolutely no sense at all, they are ferociously expensive and you would probably spend less by simply going into town and buying a menú del (or in Portugal do) día. Gas cylinders are pretty pricey as well. By all means camp but don´t expect to save money by cooking as Sorry i think you're misunderstanding me.

I don't need coffee from cafes. I don't need sugary pastries. I don't need to send my bag forward. I don't need
If you are short of money, relying on dehydrated meals makes absolutely no sense at all, they are ferociously expensive and you would probably spend less by simply going into town and buying a menú del (or in Portugal do) día. Gas cylinders are pretty pricey as well. By all means camp but don´t expect to save money by cooking as if you are on a remote trail somewhere.
Im not relying on dehydrated meals. They are so I don't have to pay for expensive accommodation every single night between scoffing chorizo+bread

It looks like there's a camping shop in Guarda, so, I'll be fine.

My happy place is boiling water for hot chocolate as the sun rises. HYOH
 
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They are so I don't have to pay for expensive accommodation
Welcome to the weird world of this Camino forum.

Here you’ll get all sorts of helpful and unhelpful advice, plenty of opinions and, often, challenges to your mindset.

Dehydrated meals, camping stoves and the ilk will not prevent you from paying for expensive accommodation. You’re perfectly capable of doing that yourself by researching the available Pilgrim accommodations and using the fabulous network of places that will offer you a comfy bed, a warm shower and even cooking facilities sometimes. All for between €10 -20. You could also look into the number of friendly neighbourhood restaurants that will provide you with a three course meal, drink and bread for around €10-15.

That said, if you are planning to mainly subsist on Chorizo and bread then yes, please, bring your tent because I wouldn’t want to be in the same dormitory as you as your digestive biome slowly adjusts to that challenging diet.

Happy planning
 
@brooke42 , welcome to the forum.
I understand your desire to camp along the way when possible, it can be a good option especially on the Fisherman's trail. There are quite a few official campsites, they're well equipped - just like NZ. Unfortunately they are often the same price as a hostel bed, or close to.
As you mention, I have heard of people who have approached farmers etc and received permission to camp.
Wild Camping along the coast is strongly discouraged (you're a hiker, you know how it goes: set up late, leave early, leave no trace).

is it wise to use - or be seen to use - a stove anywhere outside a campsite in a country that has experienced such terrible fires recently?
Have you looked at any back-packing forums about the difficulties in taking any kind of cooking stove/gear on a plane, even without fuel?

Does any backpacker nowadays need to use gas canisters? Make or buy a simple alcohol burner if you really have to have a cooker. Methylated spirits is available in hardware stores and often bioethanol too nowadays. But really, unless you are staying at campsites, I'd think again about whether you really need a cooker at all.
My strategy (which may well fall over when others comment!) would be to aim at having a local hot main meal in the middle of the day or evening, depending on availability. And the rest of the time carrying bread, groceries, fruit, yoghurts etc and supplementing with tasty snacks in any cafés or bars that you find in between
Hikers routinely carry camping equipment on planes including cooking Gear, there's no difficulty what so ever. Even in carry-on luggage. No gas cylinders naturally, but that applies to many appliances including ladies curling irons!
The only issues for a hiker are exactly the same as for a pilgrim : Blades and Hiking poles.

From a purely environmental perspective I much prefer an alcohol stove.

However, many campers do still use gas stoves because they are far safer. Some of us carry alcohol stoves, they have their advantages. Safety is not one of them.
If you tip over an alcohol stove the flame goes everywhere: far more dangerous both to the individual and the environment. Hikers are inherently very careful of the environment: we live in it!
We do try : as mentioned by @duncanwhyte refill adapters are available, & refillable gas canisters are becoming more common.

As to snacking in cafes or bars: I appreciate the advice is well intentioned however the OP mentioned his funds are limited.
please, bring your tent because I wouldn’t want to be in the same dormitory as you
Considering that you've several times lately commented that your daily 'budget' is a hundred Euros I think it highly unlikely! 😉

I agree with one point raised by several of you above: the store bought dehydrated meals are prohibitively expensive. Last time I looked a dehydrated meal in Portugal was 9/10 euros.

Personally I pick up cheap meals from the supermarket: there are many, many options, some of which simply require adding boiling water or heating thru, and I can eat well for 3-4 euros. I have to say, I also enjoy the creativeness.
By eating relatively frugally I am then able to splurge on the excellent local restaurant specialities, rather than just the menu del dia.

There is little difference from eating food that requires minimal cooking in an Albergue vs a campsite. There are a few threads that discuss good cheap nutritious food, I recall one in particular this year that had many excellent picnic lunch suggestions. I think some of you participated, perhaps one of us can find it for the OP.
 
Personally I pick up cheap meals from the supermarket: there are many, many options, some of which simply require adding boiling water or heating thru, and I can eat well for 3-4 euros. I
That Peter I can fully agree with. On our Italian trip this spring the perfectly edible and satisfying Knorr brand instant risottos were usually €2.50. Some cheese, salami and a bag of salad - and a bottle of wine seldom came to more than €15 for two. Unfortunately the bed with kitchen attached wherein to heat the risotto seldom came in under €75.

On a long trip I budget €100 a day because that’s how much it costs between food, shelter, replacing lost or broken gear, laundry, local travel and even the occasional drink that comes out of a labelled bottle with a cork. Some days I spend €50, some days I spend €200.

The days when I travelled with no money and little idea where I would sleep or what I would eat are behind me. I can’t say I miss them but I have treasured memories 😉
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Welcome Brooke - you are in for a wonderful mind changing experience.
I have travelled (by air) in Canada with the stove, but never never with any fuel. The EU will be the same.
I can understand that you are on a budget, and want to make your NZ $’s last as long as they can, but you have not mentioned when you plan to travel. It can be cold in Portugal, and in Spain. Research Albergues. They are quite an experience. I always choose those that have some sort of cooking facility. There will always be some sort of shop or supermarket along your days walk. The European food is fabulous. Simple, Non GM, and very affordable. Time in an albergue will let you experience the very best of peregrina/os. Kitchen and dining room time in the albergues will often be the most memorable time on Camino.
All the best to you. Ultrea!
 

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