Ep 6 - Do You Need a Portable Firepit?

For links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out our show notes here: www.snowys.com.au/blog/podcas...
If you've been considering whether a firepit will benefit your camping setup, then in this episode of the Snowys Camping Show - Ben and Lauren dig into your options and lay out all the pros and cons to make your decision a no-brainer.
They cover the strengths and weaknesses of portable firepits and campfires, pot belly stoves, electronic models and how they all fit into different styles of camping, plus more - so check it out above for all the details.
0:00 - Intro
1:15 - What’s good about fire pits
3:34 - Pros of having a campfire
6:38 - Use in your backyard at home
7:12 - Weight considerations + efficiency
7:38 - Cooking with firepits and campfires
9:27 - Ozpigs and potbelly stoves
11:30 - Social aspects of a campfire
12:00 - Electronic Firepits
15:24 - Portable firepit options
16:05 - Figuring out whether it will work for your setup
Join the conversation over on our Facebook group: / snowys

[@tjeffs00]

Interesting discussion. Good to see you both give honest opinions rather than just a info commercial. Very refreshing.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Tony. ~ Ben

[@graemeandrews5535]

Great discussion and agree with most of what you say. Many caravaners are using portable fire pits as it is becoming an option in a lot of caravan parks. Some provide pavers for you to set up on. Great option rather than NO FIRE.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

That's an ideal scenario, Graeme, no impact on the ground, all the mess is contained to one spot and it encourages people to have to cleanup their own mess. ~ Ben

[@joshobrien7708]

When I was younger I was always just have a fire straight on the ground type of guy...now I prefer a fire pit. I think to picking the right fire pit to begin with is really important. Size, ease of set up etc...fireside pop up pit is my current one I'm using now, super quick to set up, can handel 80kg of wood, and one of the largest & lightest pits on the market.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I've heard good things about the Fireside Firepit, Josh, I might give our purchasing team a nudge on it again to see if we can include it in our range. ~ Ben

[@lisabaker9777]

We have a snow peak and use it more for cooking over gidgee charcoal than as a fire pit to sit around. The flavour is amazing and you can control the heat much better. It also combines well with other cooking accessories like an ozbraai and other hot plates which you can rest across the bridge. We always take it camping and always use it.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

A lot of people are mentioning that they prefer the heat control of a firepit for cooking purposes. And, if you take charcoal then your impact is minimised further on many levels. ~ Ben

[@chihweiteng253]

Great discussion. Have been using ours for some time and love it. If you're time poor, esp when you need to rush food to the table, this is not for you. Weber Q has more space. We like to take our time. BBQ-ing with heatbeads first, then throw in the logs after cooking.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Great feedback thanks, Chih Wei Tang. ~ Ben

[@EatSleepVan]

That's a great discussion, way more interesting thanks to the different styles of camping you guys do! I'm considering a folding flat firepit for travel in my campervan, where I often park at random campsites, or airfields, where I don't want to leave a mess, but a fire would really add to the ambiance. Also it would be great to cook on it and save some gas, or if I run out of gas, as an alternative. Hard to know how practical it'll be yet until I try it out...

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm glad you enjoyed the episode, Eat Sleep Van. ~ Ben

[@bignedau]

Good topic, both are fantastic ways of warmth and cooking but, there are a lot of places who allow a fire but not on the ground, and there's the unknown of what's been in the old Fire ashes that might taint your food. There both necessary. Another use is to keep your back warm..

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Good tip regarding not knowing what has been in the ashes, I'm often wary about digging to deep in an established firepit as they unfortunately get used as rubbish pits and all sorts of materials end up getting burnt within. ~ Ben

[@shaunmatthews9680]

Great episode guys. I agree with the scaring of the ground. As you’ve said, it’s inevitable of some scaring in a real small area, But when people make massive fires that scorch everywhere and nearly burn trees down, That’s where I get pissed. Unfortunately when some people go out camping and light a fire, They haven’t educated themselves on how to control a fire and what I’d call the appropriate size. Make it for functionality, Don’t go all Texas on us.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Spot on, Shaun. ~ Ben

[@gearhead-do1xh]

Leave no Trace 👣 firepit are a game changer for convenience, versatility and fuel efficiency. I invested in the snowpeak large and original bomb proof firepit which is built to last vs cheap Chinese knockoff. Good job covering this topic 🔥

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your feedback. ~ Ben

[@Dave_Hunter]

Maybe if you used firepits like the Drifta version with 'X feet' you'd see that there is no trace left behind on the grass. I use one on the deck and lawn at home. No issue. P.S. Love the massive picture of a huge fire pit on the wall behind you!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm not against campfires, DOT.038, they are an awesome part of winter camping. I just think that many people need to be more educated and considered before they burn all the dry material they can get their hand on around the campsite. ~ Ben

[@swaggingsisters]

We sit in the middle of you two. We have to have a fire (unless firebans), it's just how we camp. But, we don't like leaving a mess/scar behind us. Love the convenience of our portable firepit & how conservative it is with the wood. We've used a Snow Peak large firepit for 8/9yrs constantly, camping and at home & do a mix of both your camping styles - touring (swag trips stopping daily) and longer 'stay put' ones. We usually cook on the firepit plus sit around it as the campfire. Favourite and most used piece of kit.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against fires, I just think we can all be a little more considered. ~ Ben

[@swaggingsisters]

@@SnowysOutdoors 👍totally agree, we see many massive fires & nobody actually sitting around them, or arrive at our camp spot to a fire left smouldering covered in sand or dirt. For such a fire-prone country we should be experts at safe campfires 🤷🔥.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@swaggingsistersyou're spot on there. ~ Ben

[@samhaveaguess4284]

I'm with her 100% !! We do all our cooking and use it for warmth as well as a permanent hot water on the side for dishes and the like with a big stainless drum next to fire .. you can't get anywhere near enough coals in those pits !! And when we leave there is basically zero scaring as we put it out and rake out all the ash witch then turns into natural compost for the bush !!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your views on this, Sam, it sounds like you're a considerate user of campfires. ~ Ben

[@TasHikingAdventures]

great topic lets go..... i reviewed a firepit from bcf 9 months ago i absolutley love it when i go camping...1. no mess left behind esp here in my hometown...2 elevates the heat up to your body more and when you sitting in front you can put your feet under it , 3. packs away easy....so far soo good no complaints here....i use it for car camping/glamping cause here in tas we have regulations etc and even in some places we cant have a fire or any campfire even in winter cause of heritage parts etc, so its different strokes for different folks, when i can go hiking and im in an area to have a fire i will dont get me wrong i just find the firepits stand up off the ground breathe better and give out alot more heat and less smoke in ya face etc

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your feedback, Tas Camping & Hiking Adventures, I think you've hit the nail on the head when you say 'different strokes for different folks". ~ Ben

[@RK-py4gd]

You guys should consider selling the winnerwell nomads , awesome piece of kit that also not only gives great heat but great for cooking

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your feedback here, R K, I'll pass this onto our purchasing team. ~ Ben

[@task82]

Great video as usual. I think the portable stainless steel fire pits have a place, but very much dependent on the type of camper. If you're doing more of the day/overnight camp and looking to have a fire to cook over, as well as a heat source for a few hrs with a small group of people, then these are perfect. But if you're camping somewhere for more than a few days and your fire is where you cook and keep warm, then these are not ideal.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Yep, good points, Task. Firepits aren't going to suit every situation, and there may be better options at some campsites. ~ Ben

[@yeahnah4561]

Surprised you don't stock the Fireside Popup Fire Pit. It was the only one I could find that is BIG (60cm x 60cm) and PORTABLE. One of Ben's classic setup videos would show how amazing these are. The snow-peak/darche style is just too small for a group, even in the bigger sizes. The biolite is very cool but packs down to the size of a hippo.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I have seen that one, Yeah Nah, not sure why we don't stock it. I'll bring it up with our purchasing team and see what they come up with. ~ Ben

[@andrewford80]

Just got a generic 450mm version that appears identical to the darche 450. Seems like you need way less wood to enjoy some warmth. Seems like it lights much easier. Probably due to being off the ground and having airflow. Cooking on it is pretty easy. Kind of heavy, but in my opinion, well worth it. One thing I'd love to know, how do you best clean the stainless grill? Any tips or suggestions out there?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I've just used a wire brush for mine, I dont generally stress about it too much. You can burn off and food based stuff, and brush away any carbon based stuff. If its extra grimey, just give it a soak and a scrub when you get home. ~ Lauren

[@andrewford80]

@@SnowysOutdoors thanks Lauren :)

[@mickg9563]

I personally rather have the camp fire for heat and cooking but given it is not always needed or practical. I will only use a camp fire that is already established be it a rock ring or built fire pit. Some places don't allow that so a fire pit like these is good. I find that is mostly in caravan parks etc but as I free camp mostly I find a camp site with a camp fire already established. Regarding using at home I've got a small out made from an old gas bottle, a Keg turned into a fire place and a small fire bbq. All of which I love and work great, especially the BBQ as I love cooking on coals

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I agree, there's nothing quite like cooking on coals, Mick. ~ Ben

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

What's the brand mentioned at around 12:14, please? Hard to tell the name.

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

It's alright. I found it. BioLite. 👍🏻

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You beat me to it, Coralie, glad you found what you were after. ~ Ben

[@bernie_d]

So true Ben with the scars left behind. Is one thing that annoys me. Use fire responsibly.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Yeah, I get that we will leave some scarring, just as our native ancestors have done, but we can be considerate about how far and wide we spread them. ~ Ben

[@dx80cruiser]

@12:30 know as the Peltier effect, it is how the cheap thermoelectric fridges work

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@dx80cruisergood one, I knew there was a fancy name for it, just couldn't think of it at the time. ~ Ben

[@szejim1757]

If you need to pay for the wood and hand saw , portable is great as don’t need much wood. Also not thing to consider size, weight of fire pit.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Less wood means less mess to clean up afterwards too. You're right about weight too, some of them get pretty heavy. ~ Ben

[@dx80cruiser]

@9:10 same here, up late drinking

[@SnowysOutdoors]

😂😂😂 ~ Ben

[@randallbailey1306]

Is it worth the hassle an time again worth the money

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Are you saying it is worth the money, Randall? ~ Ben

[@randallbailey1306]

Have to see them in action before I can give a thumbs 👍 or down

[@randallbailey1306]

I dont mean no disrespect respect it better tested in use

[@MrWinger1951]

The Darche is a direct rip off of the Snow Peak. How do they get away with an almost exact copy of another's design?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It happens all the time with a whole range of products, MrWinger1951. ~ Ben

[@joneff9713]

Patents and copyright doesn't apply to China.

[@robsouthoz]

@@joneff9713 But it does here, it doesn't matter where it is made. There is a range of reasons they could copy without legally infringing rights - maybe it's licensed from a third party patent holder for example. I don't know - I'm just saying there are many legit ways this can happen.

[@franks9759]

I've lost count of the number of campsites I've been to where like Ben said, old fire pits everywhere. It is so annoying and ugly. Soon national parks will require portable fire pits, like portable toilets.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Some already have built in pits aswell, @Frank S...I think you're right about possible future requirements. ~ Lauren

[@ronmac4725]

Are you ever going to let him finish an sentance

[@SnowysOutdoors]

There's plenty of times where I've asked Lauren to get to the point, and it's a better conversation if we just speak our piece naturally. ~ Ben

[@jareddiamond6607]

When your ideology has to be run through on every product.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Not sure what you mean sorry, Jared. ~ Ben