How to Choose the Right Fuel Bottle

Step #1 -- Start with the Basics

If you use a liquid-fuel backpacking stove without an integral fuel tank, you'll need a separate fuel bottle (or two) to carry your fuel supply. This bottle should be:

Made of metal- Never use a general storage bottle made of plastic or glass to carry your fuel. Plastics absorb fuel residues and often leak at the closure. Glass is too fragile. The metal most commonly used in fuel bottles is aluminum.
Easy to distinguish- Choose a fuel bottle that's easy to recognize. You don't want any mix ups!
Leakproof- Look for a fuel bottle with a reliable screw-top and a rubber sealing gasket to eliminate leaks.

Step #2: Consider the "Other" Variables

Compatibility- Make sure the fuel bottle you choose is compatible with your stove! Most stove manufacturers recommend specific bottle brands.
Size- Storing your fuel in a single large fuel bottle will cut down on the chance of spills in your backpack. But a couple of smaller bottles may make packing your backpack and distributing weight easier.

How much fuel will I need?
Estimating the amount of fuel you'll need for a backpacking trip can be tricky. It depends upon a number of factors, including:

How efficient your particular stove is
The weather conditions (temperature, wind, precipitation)
The number of meals you actually cook
The complexity of those meals
Whether you're planning to boil water to purify it

Your best bet as a beginning backpacker is to start out conservatively, carrying more fuel than you're likely to need on your first several trips. One liter of liquid fuel per person should be more than enough to get you started on trips up to 3-4 days. After a few trips, you'll have a much better idea about how much fuel you'll need.