Wood or Propane fire pit

[highboy4x4]

Opinions are a plenty!! I like so many of these ideas but being a diy’er and a cheapo, I went with a propane fire pit that has a cast iron grill and a lid. Collapses to a small foot print of 8x19”.

I will say that since I was a young lad, the camp fire was the center of attention. My kids loved our backyard pit and s’mores galore even though I don’t like the combination. I love being mesmerized by the dancing of the fire, the smell of the wood and the taste of just marshmallows. Those memories are what bring me much joy and peace that I like recreating. Reminds me of a simpler time in my life before war and deployments. So a camp fire for me has such a calming effect. I personally don’t think about the smoke and smell. So yes this does present some issues, which I do consider about personal responsibility, night eyes and peaceful sounds.

Thank you all for sharing!

 

[lolzhax]

FireCrate 50cal ammo can fire pit with their 20psi regulator. Produces a good flame and propane is way more convenient than carrying around firewood. You don't get the nostalgic smell but you don't have to worry about fire bans during wildfire season.

I've yet to see something that out performs it, and it's a really small footprint.

FireCrateUSA | Ammo Can Fire Pits & Overland Water Systems

The original DIY Ammo Can Fire Pit and Electric Water Faucet Kits. Premium overland gear designed for the trail, not the markup. Free Shipping on all orders.

firecrateusa.com

 

[highboy4x4]

FireCrate 50cal ammo can fire pit with their 20psi regulator. Produces a good flame and propane is way more convenient than carrying around firewood. You don't get the nostalgic smell but you don't have to worry about fire bans during wildfire season.

I've yet to see something that out performs it, and it's a really small footprint.

FireCrateUSA | Ammo Can Fire Pits & Overland Water Systems

The original DIY Ammo Can Fire Pit and Electric Water Faucet Kits. Premium overland gear designed for the trail, not the markup. Free Shipping on all orders.

firecrateusa.com

I like that diy fire pit burner! Might have to pick one up! Appreciate the link!

 

[DavidinPhx]

Old thread, I know, but for those who want to DIY a gas fire pit, this is a great resource IMO. Used them to build a home fire pit. Great to deal with.

EasyFirePits.com

Transform anything into an easy fire pit with our easyfirepits kits and lifetime warranted stainless burners in 15 minutes or less. Whether you're looking for fire pits in Tampa or a cozy fire pit for your backyard, we've got you covered.

easyfirepits.com

 

[CATCOP]

I've never found hickory flavored propane!

 

[highboy4x4]

I think I am changing directions......I like this!!!! Slicks Fabworks

 

[grubworm]

dont forget a little something for the kid overlanders out there....

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Old thread, I know, but for those who want to DIY a gas fire pit, this is a great resource IMO. Used them to build a home fire pit. Great to deal with.

EasyFirePits.com

Transform anything into an easy fire pit with our easyfirepits kits and lifetime warranted stainless burners in 15 minutes or less. Whether you're looking for fire pits in Tampa or a cozy fire pit for your backyard, we've got you covered.

easyfirepits.com

Just got back to this thread. Will look at this later but I do find it a pain that this site mainly redirects you to videos to see their products installed. So I need to set aside some time but looks like it could be cool

 

[ThundahBeagle]

dont forget a little something for the kid overlanders out there....

View attachment 301088

Ha ha, this is great. The adult kids and our grandkids are here very often. We love it. I was out in the back yard last winter clearing a foot of snow from the driveway and making the obligatory paths out all exits and to and from sheds and swing set.

There is a shed I plan to make into a sauna and a small vintage Scandia wood stove in it. I was starting a fire when the 4 year old grandson - curious about everything I'm doing - wanted to help. So we gathered some leaves and needles and wood slivers I keep in a pile at a corner of a small covered firewood box, and I showed him how to build the little log cabin. Telling him along the way he is too young to handle the actual flame. But we built up the "log cabin", I had him step back while I lit it and he got to see how he helped make that fire. And he was very good about keeping back away from the flame.

I think that's because we've been telling him since he could walk to stay away from the wood stove inside the house (even when there's no fire in it).

Someday we will be out there, and he can light it for real to help "grumpy" out.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Alternative no fire, of any type. Put a mellow lantern on a rock in the fire pit, dress warm and hang out until bedtime. No smoke permeated hair or clothes, no packing firewood, no packing large volumes if propane and fire pit.

My wife and I got turned on to this backpacking, where bans limit fires. We’ve decoupled from the notion that a fire is part and parcel of the camp experience. Can be nice, but we most often forego fires. Solves problems and simplifies the kit.

@Lazynorse and @ZombieCat

Very much like @highboy4x4 has said...The camp fire for me, is a gathering place. A story telling place. A place of warmth that also aids in keeping coywolves at bay even just in my own back 40 (ok, my own back 40 feet). A cooking place. It's a place where I celebrate holidays and birthdays and I'm out there at least in my yard whether it's summer or a foot of snow on the ground.

The flicker and glimmer of the flame is primal. It's glow is mesmerizing and represents survival and comfort.

The smoke and the smell of smoke is part and parcel of the whole experience. It is very different than cigarettes or even cigar smoke. Smelling smoky from campfire is a badge of honor as far as I'm concerned. Sleeping bags can be aired out and washed and aired out again. My truck does not reek of smoke because I clean it out after the trip, and I do like the windows open at every opportunity.

Yes it could be considered a chore. But I don't see it that way.

Having said that I'm up here in the wet North East and can have fire far more often than someone in the dry southwest. I am very cognizant of dry leaves or needles and clear the area as much as possible. At home, the hose is turned on before the fire is started. And I do not call it a night until the fire is completely out, by water or dirt or both. At camp, we get a dirt pile ready ahead of time, and or have water on hand If I am in an area or a time of year where it is too dry or too windy, I simply do not have a fire.

If I were traveling in an area with a ban, I would not have wood fire. If there were no ban, but it was dry or windy, I would not have a wood fire. There is a lot of deadfall and fallen dead branches that can be used for the fire. And if not...raiding nearby abandoned sites is an option as good campers leave unused wood in a neat little stack for "the next guy".

I have a wood fire when possible for all the reasons above, but I think if I traveled wherever it is you are traveling that is challenging, I would not.