I use a milk crate. What I can fit in there is what I bring. I don’t think there’s a solution to the firewood conundrum. The only thing I can think of is burning scrap lumber as it will pack the best. The other solution is camping in places where firewood can be gathered. I used to live in California and I think that gathering wood was prohibited. I don’t remember specifically. NM allows dispersed camping almost everywhere and we can gather wood at will. Though, I have to say that the dry SW campfire bans have made the firewood thing a non-starter… Ha! JK. Honestly, not having fires in recent years is sad, but not that big of a deal, imo.
I’ve mostly switched to a propane fire pit. I know, it lacks the feel of a good campfire. But I get a good amount of burn time (8-10hrs) off a single 20lb propane tank that I share with the campstove. So it saves a lot of space in the back of the truck. Also, the propane is often allowed when fire restrictions prevent a wood fire. It’s also pretty nice to have the option to not smell like smoke on longer trips.
I don’t typically make campfires when I’m camping so no need to bring firewood. I have a camp stove to heat water and cook with. If I’m cold, I put on another warm layer or become more active. If its really cold, I’ll climb into my sleeping bag to warm up.
Campfires are an over-rated part of the outdoor experience.
Agreed. Drinking a beer or two around a fire is always something to look forward to after a long day outdoors. I seldom have the opportunity to have a fire but when I do it is always a highlight.
Are these quotes for real or are you just trolling us… Campfires are overrated but spending $7,000 to put a tent on top of your truck is okay.
Why do you need a sleeping bag to keep you warm? I just kill a large animal and climb inside of its carcass.
When you get cold you get more active? The rest of us sit around the fire drinking a beer well you’re doing sit ups in your GFC? Come on now
Not at all. I don’t build campfires. Never had a need for it. Drink hot drinks before bed, stay active, dress appropriately for the conditions and you won’t need a campfire. I spend my time hiking and breaking up illegal fire rings. There are alternatives to burning firewood. Sitting on my ass drinking a beer I can do at home for a lot cheaper and I’m still not making a campfire.
I get that some people find it enjoyable to smell like smoke and burn holes in their clothing. I never got the attraction. I also don’t smoke and rarely drink.
I just wanted to point out that one doesn’t “need” fire, nor firewood to enjoy being out in nature
Dude didn’t realize having a fire struck such a chord. You really spend all your time hiking and breaking up “illegal fire rings?” I get that people can be morons when/where they have fires at times but to devote your outside time to that is pretty impressive.
I would have to disagree with you though on the “need” for a fire. For fairweather camping, yes, not necessary but sure as hell enjoyable. For crazier conditions, it can be life or death which is why people have utilized fire for thousands of years. Ive been on hunts where they are 100% necessary to dry clothes that are soaked or add warmth in addition to drinking warm fluids/dehydrated meals etc. In several instances, no fire = you’re done on the mountain and headed to a hotel.
As for the “I get that some people find it enjoyable to smell like smoke and burn holes in their clothes.” I got nothin’ for that one other than chill dude…its just someone enjoying a campfire…not people cooking meth in a trailer lol.
I like a fire. I simply wrap my firewood in a tarp and pack it in the bed with my other gear. I pack it such that its first to come out when unpacking. The tarp keeps all the woody junk together and out of my cabaña living room…
I live in the northeast and there are commonly restrictions on moving wood across state and county lines to reduce spread of pests. So sometimes it’s not an option.
I don’t trust people that don’t like fire. As a CA camper, too often open fires aren’t an option and its awful. As for the original question, I’d be willing to give up precious bedspace to firewood, and there are worse things than lifitng heavy bundles, like shivering next to a propane fire ring.
Sorry man, I’m in the disagreement camp here, (pun possibly intended). I love the campfire, the smell, the light, the feel- In fact, if I might actually wear cologne if it smelled like campfire. I camp by myself most times, and my favorite part of the night is watching the embers burn down while sipping my whiskey and leaning back to watch the stars.
I’ve had them my whole life - Then I spent waaaay too many years in the field freezing my balls off. No fires, can’t get in the sack because of duties, no desire to be in the TOC with the officer guardians of the pot belly stove unless I had to, and can’t ever get warm enough no matter how much gear you put on. I was never stationed anywhere warm like…HI…lol
Fire, fire, fire, all the way. - But, I’m just the peanut gallery, to each their own
