Propane Fire Pit Question

[Kansafornia]

Do any of you bring propane fire pits in your Alaskans?

I ask as - more than once - we've experienced camping locations during fire restrictions where other campers had propane systems that could be used when wood/charcoal burn was disallowed. If you do carry a propane fire pit, which? Do you like it? Would recommend it? Is it legal to use in fire restricted areas?

Thx in advance for your insights and comments!

 

[Vic Harder]

Not in an Alaskan, but I carry a Little Red Firepit. A few folks here recommended it and we've been happy with it - but it is NOT a wood fire and does not build up "infra-red" or other heat, meaning it isn't anywhere near as cozy as a nice fire. Nor can you cook anything that drips (aka, burgers). That said, park rangers and such are totally OK with us using it during a fire ban.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

We also have the Little Red, but I’m beginning to think it’s just one more thing that we don’t really need to take on travels.

 

[CPT Davenport]

We love our "LRC", and use it every time we camp. It is light weight, takes up very little space in our rig and runs off of the aux tank provided in our FWC. It is so nice to just turn it off and know that our fire is OUT. Then in the morning, it is awesome to quickly fire it up again while we enjoy our coffee. As Vic mentioned, its heat does not compare to that of a wood fire, but it does produce some heat. Unless it is really cold out, half of the benefit is just the comforting charm of the fire. We do camp in the winter and even in the snow. We find that with the awning out and angled down a bit, it traps the heat and keeps it pretty enjoyable to sit outside the camper.

As for fire regulations, they vary from state to state, season to season, ban to no ban and even somehow campground to campground. Best to check the regs before you go. When dispersed camping common sense goes a long way. Our propane fire pit has definitely been allowed where wood fires are not permitted. They put off no spark, are super convenient and in my opinion worth bringing along on our adventures. There has been times when absolutely NO open flame is permitted.

Amazon.com

 

[rando]

We have a propane fire in an ammo can that I made a number of years ago. It is nice how small it is.

We only really take it with us in the winter, but on the few occasions that we use it has been great. It helps overcome the urge to go to bed at 7:00 on winter evenings.

 

[craig333]

I have one that some guy was selling at the International Sportsmens Expo years ago. Never seen it again. Haven't used it in year. I either forgo a fire or we're using wood in a campground where its allowed.

 

[fish more]

We have a Outland Fire Bowl. It makes the wife happy while camping in fire resticted areas.

 

[Vic Harder]

We love our "LRC", and use it every time we camp. It is light weight, takes up very little space in our rig and runs off of the aux tank provided in our FWC. It is so nice to just turn it off and know that our fire is OUT. Then in the morning, it is awesome to quickly fire it up again while we enjoy our coffee. As Vic mentioned, its heat does not compare to that of a wood fire, but it does produce some heat. Unless it is really cold out, half of the benefit is just the comforting charm of the fire. We do camp in the winter and even in the snow. We find that with the awning out and angled down a bit, it traps the heat and keeps it pretty enjoyable to sit outside the camper.

As for fire regulations, they vary from state to state, season to season, ban to no ban and even somehow campground to campground. Best to check the regs before you go. When dispersed camping common sense goes a long way. Our propane fire pit has definitely been allowed where wood fires are not permitted. They put off no spark, are super convenient and in my opinion worth bringing along on our adventures. There has been times when absolutely NO open flame is permitted.

Amazon.com

We’ve actually got a 12’ CLAM shelter, with the add-on side walls. In cold weather having the LRC on a very low flame keeps the shelter nice and toasty. Dangerous? Maybe. Recommended? Never, but I might do it again. ;-)

 

[Occidental]

We have one from camp chef. It puts out a lot of heat, even on a very low setting, but it uses a lot of propane. We used to use it when we camped at a high lake that was usually cold but included in fire restrictions with the rest of the national forest, that was warmer and drier. I don't remember the last time we used it. If we take something we is it is usually the buddy heater, more efficient and more compact.

 

[revbec]

We picked up a lightly used LRC on e bay a few years ago... I really like it and the hubs likes not hauling as much wood! We use it when the burn ban is on, it extends the evening and our conversation. I kinda miss the campfire smell of wood, and it is more ornamental than for cooking. But is stows easily in it's own carrier (kinda like a cake carrier) and is super convenient! It is a nice back up when we can't have a wood fire.