Alpenflow – Fuel Transfer Valve – by Alpenglow

Another great gadget from Alpenglow: Alpenflow, a fuel transfer valve that allows you to transfer gas from one (full) gas canister to another (somewhat emptier) gas canister.

How often do you want to go out, pack your gas canister, and then notice when you lift it that it’s not as full as you hoped? Is it enough, or should you take a full one with you? Personally, as a result of my own anxiety, I have at least three half-empty cans here because I rather take a full one, knowing  I have enough gas. But with the Alpenflow, you can easily refill your gas canister with another full canister. And the thing is really super small and weighs nothing (which is also its only disadvantage: don’t lose it).

How does the Alpenflow work

1. Warm Your Donor Canister and/or Cool Your Recipient Canister

   • This transfer requires a pressure difference to push the upper liquid fuel down into the lower canister

   • The donor canister can be warmed in the sun, never use an oven or flame

   • The larger the difference, the faster the transfer will run

2. Place Warm Canister on TOP, Cool Canister on BOTTOM (no threading needed)

3. Press Down Hard for 5 – 10 seconds

4. Repeat as Needed, especially if filling a near-empty lower canister.

   • Once the warm donor fuel mixes & heats the lower liquid fuel sufficiently, the transfer will slow and eventually stop.

BE CAREFUL

• To reduce the risk of liquid butane expanding when the can is heated, never refill it beyond its original fill level (~80%). (see video).
• Gas cans do not meet D.O.T. requirements for commercial transport after refilling (it is therefore illegal for companies to transport refilled cans).
• Never use a flame or oven to heat gas cans.
• Never fill gas cans with pure propane.

Specifications Alpenflow fuel transfer valve

• Weight: 2.4 gram
• Works with all threaded isobutane canisters (built per EN 417) Like the MSR or Jetboil cans
• 100% Made in USA
• You need a refrigerator (or cool river) and a heat source such as the sun or some warm water to allow the gas to move between the cans (from warm to cold).

The story behind the Alpenglow brand

Alpenglow is the pink sunlight that reflects off the peaks of the Alps. Alpenglow Gear was founded by Tom, also known as “Gadget.” He came up with the idea for Alpenflow as follows: “Alpenflow was dreamt up along the Pacific Crest Trail in 2023, after seeing piles of semi-filled rusting fuel canisters in hiker boxes. You can borrow fuel from hiker boxes, split canisters amongst friends, or consolidate your pile of half-filled canisters.”