I see A LOT of people (more than I can count on my toes and fingers) stocking up on 1lb propane bottles. Ask yourself some questions….
Why exactly would you stock up on propane this way? Why would using a 20lb tank be a problem?
Do you plan to grab your stove and run like mad with it on a regular basis?
Do you think it will be more portable? If so how will you carry 10-20 bottles?
Either way you should have just one to two 1lb bottles with you if you need to move quickly without a vehicle, you can’t carry 20 bottles with you or one 20lb bottle.
And if you do have a vehicle loading one tank vs several armfuls is much easier. Once I set my stove up I don’t move it, same mostly for my lanterns.
I doubt most people holed up in their BOL will be dismantling their equipment often.
If you’re moving lanterns around inside often then it’s a good sign that you need to buy a couple more, with the exception of one “walking lantern” (a simple LED Cranklight usually works a whole lot better by the way).
Stockpiling 1lb bottles is a bit silly to be honest. If you plan to use it for lanterns or need some propane for your BOB then buy a couple of bottles and a simple 1lb Propane Tank Refill Adapter.
Buying in bulk saves your money for other preps, propane is no exception. You can get a 1lb to 20lb Propane Hose Adapter for about $20, and the 20lb tanks are $19 for a refill and $45 for an extra tank at Home Depot.
At the average $3 for 1lb it will cost $60 to buy the same amount in 1lb bottles, not to mention all the extra space 20 bottles will take up vs one tank and a 6ft hose. Smarter, not harder!
