Portable fire pits

Whispered wrote: »

Quick question. I'd like to use some type of fire pit. Just for warmth, not for cooking. Something we can clean up and take away with us rather than building a fire on the ground.

I have in mind something the size of a small circular garden barbecue on short legs with an ash pan underneath. I think I might have seen something similar before but can't find it now. Any ideas?

I'd guess that you are thinking of something like this:
It's described as portable, but I'd say that you'd have trouble fitting that in a rucksack.



This is portable BBQ, but you could use it as a portable fire pit.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gelert-BBQ008710-Foldable-Barbeque-Silver/dp/B006OU30I4/ref=pd_cp_sg_1

Similar
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yellowstone-BB002-Pac-Flat-BBQ-Silver/dp/B00AOLGPEU/ref=pd_cp_lp_0

This portable flat-pack fire pit weighs 1kg. Costs £62 plus p&p, which is a bit saucy.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Boutique-Camping-Flat-Packed-Portable/dp/B00IEC3SHI/ref=sr_1_13?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1396030439&sr=1-13&keywords=fire+pit

Like to suggest a cut away( top 1/3) large oil can. Basically a larger version of a hobo stove(Youtube). On bin day outside of some restaurants, they would throw out veg frying oil cans(about 14"highx12"diameter). I drill holes on sides & bottom for air circulation & presto!....cheap fire pit. To pack for camping, I cut round the bottom, leaving small bit attached to side for convenience. Then bend bottom piece INWARDS & then squash it flat(beware sharp edges). At campsite, using a multitool, push it back into shape & attach wire at certain points round bottom to hold in place. As to an ash pan, I wouldn't need one. I'll carefully cut out a section of turf under the fire pit, & replace when I leave. Use either thick branches or large rocks to prop up fire pit for ventilation. Also possible to BBQ/cook over this "contraption". Hope this has been helpful. Feel free to make changes to suit your needs. Happy camping!

In case anyone is still interested, Lidl has a portable, foldable BBQ on sale this coming Thurs. 24/04/14 for €16.99. A good size too. Saves on all the work of making one(as I'd posted above!). Could be good as fire pit. I'll be sure to get one for myself.

mike_ie wrote: »

If that kind of weight is okay, then an old wheel hub or truck brake drum does the job nicely. If you're handy with a welder you can even weld legs onto it if you wish.

duncli1628 wrote: »

Like to suggest a cut away( top 1/3) large oil can.

If it does not have to be extremely portable or fit in a rucksack, a gas cylinder can make a good brazier or fire basket. I suppose that it would probably be more suitable for car camping, as it is going to be reasonably bulky.

It wouldn't have to be anything as elaborate as the homemade stoves in the pictures. You could drill vent holes in the bottom, cut a large hole in the side, another hole on top, and leave it at that.

Link




Link



http://www.instructables.com/id/Wood-stove-made-from-scrap/step1/Gas-cylinder-from-the-sea/
http://jackofalltrades1980.tripod.com/theimprovisationcenter/id33.html
http://makingyourown.ludlowsurvivors.com/

This fire basket is in IKEA for €30.

IKEA stuff comes flat packed, so I wonder if you could replace the nuts with wingnuts and make this into a collapsible fire basket. Still weighs more than 7kg, which is a lot to carry.

Whispered wrote: »

I'm hoping to find something that will stay within regulations, does no harm to the surrounding ground (or grass underneath) but still gives a bit of a "campfire feel" you know.

I don't think I'd get that with a small gas one.

Whispered wrote: »

Would this count as a camping stove
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_914937_langId_-1_categoryId_212483

My 2c. I could be shot down in flames, but it's my opinion.

1. A campfire is a different animal to portable BBQ. It's a fire set on the ground. The main impact is the damage to the ground, and leaving hot embers.

I'm going to differ slightly from Mike here, but I think that folding BBQ is okay. It won't damage the ground, and if you tidy up properly, you'll leave no trace.

If a Wildlife Ranger comes along, it could be a different kettle of fish. He could ask you to extinguish it, I don't know. I'm not trying to give legal advice. I'm saying that I'd have no difficulty using one of those BBQs, myself. Worth noting that I've never met a ranger in my life.

2. Although I suggested portable BBQs earlier in the thread, I tried one out and I was wrong. As regards atmosphere, they give off very little light when the coals die down. I think that they have an inner tray to hold the coals, so I don't think that you just could pile on a load of firewood for a big blaze. They are okay for a BBQ, but not much else besides. Just my opinion.

The IKEA fire basket might work though. Would be worth somebody trying it. I've heard of people using candles, shielded from the wind.