Solo Stove Bonfire VS. Ranger: Best Portable Firepit for Camping and Overlanding

[@E52O4]

Just tried my Ranger for the first time. Used piñon wood because we like the smell. It smoked a bit more than expected, but still far less than the traditional fire pit. The fire was easy to start - just rolled up one page of newspaper circular, some packaging cardboard, and two six inch half pieces of wood. Lit the paper, and within five minutes the fire started. It took about 15 minutes before the beautiful flames were created, and we could see the secondary burn. Two more pieces about the same size, and we had a fire for a little over an hour. Even when flames died out, we had plenty of heat from the embers for another 20-30 minutes. It cooled down enough to handle two hours later. Going to dump ashes and wipe off soot tomorrow, and prepare it for our next fire this weekend. As far as heat goes, it was comfortable sitting about three feet away, but looking forward to the heat deflector to arrive so we can enjoy warm legs and feet. If you ever try one, you’ll buy one.

[@gurjeetbansal]

i was looking for this review. thanks for sharing your experience. glad to know the ranger creates 2-3 feet of warmth radius out of the box. how did it go with the deflector? how many feet did the heat extend to? will definitely be needing the deflector with the ranger. :)

[@anslowp1]

We went with a Ranger as we live and camp in Florida, so heat output wasn’t the prime concern for us. The downside is the 12” log limit. But, hey, that’s why I have a battery powered chain saw!!

[@dustoff499]

I just received the Ranger yesterday. I mainly burn pellets, 1/4 of a load produced about 35+ minutes for me. The heat was there (more than expected) and only in winter should you need the heat shield. Took much less time to start than a conventional fire pit. I might add that older folks will appreciate the carry weight of the Ranger. Awesome stove.

[@jasonlynch3936]

i do have the ranger...i normally stand up 3 logs at a time in it and let them burn down in it and it does just fine. I have a small patio so it makes it easy to have a fire for a few hours then watch it burn out

[@scupking]

I agree that the Bonfire would be the best portable to take camping! I have the Yukon 2.0 in my backyard and wouldn't want to go any smaller for a backyard fire pit.

[@uptowndebbie]

We purchased the Ranger today - will hopefully get it in a week. We bought the package that contains a cover, stand and mesh cover. We live in a very wildfire prone area and covers are required in the summer. We picked the Ranger because our patio is too small for a bigger one if we have a few people over and we can easily fit it in for camping

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Sounds great! Let me know how you like it.

[@the2step]

How do you like it so far?

[@boogiedown921]

how have you enjoyed it?

[@PeterLassig]

We have used the bonfire as well as our own yukon. Neither of them puts out much in the way of sparks if you use hardwood. So unless you required to actually have the mesh cover, I'd pass. By the way, these stoves are fantastic!

[@MartzMimic]

Just a note for those with covered patios: I have a Bonfire with the surround that’s great out in the yard, but I absolutely love my Mesa XL for our patio. I primarily use pellets because it’s so hard to find reasonably priced mini logs.

[@michaelsmod]

Thanks for the nice and helpful video from a very sympathic and friendly guy 👍 I am from Germany and over here, company "Höfats" is very famous and populair with the "Bowl". Honestly, I really find it pretty hard to compare Solo Stove with Ranger and Bonfire vs Bowl from Höfats. When it comes to Solo Stove, I most probably would go for the Ranger, because it is a bit smaller and fits much better to the backyards here in Europe. 😊

[@curtisblanco4029]

I have Solo's wood stoves. I found that the smaller the stove is the more wood efficient it is. A given amount will do more cooking the smaller the wood is.

[@wdwnutjm]

Thanks for this comparison - I couldn't tell how big they were from the website/ads. The bonfire is not as gigantic as I thought - I think we'll go with that one, so we don't have to cut the wood. We are just going to use this for the backyard. Good tip about not leaving it outside in the rain - we just got rid of another rusty old firepit that we left outside all winter (oops).

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wdwnutjm]

@@BackcountryRenegade we bought the Bonfire and used it last night for a very quick test - it is excellent! we've been watching the Solo videos and I think we'll be buying the all-weather shelter and lid so that we can keep it outside during the summer. the shield looks interesting as well - might get that (good tip about watching for their sales)

[@BackcountryRenegade]

@@wdwnutjm excellent enjoy. I have a vid coming on the heat deflector so be on the look out for that.

[@aubreyawinkie2923]

Very helpful! I had the bonfire in my cart and as soon as I saw I needed to cut the wood for ranger I bought the bonfire 😂

[@aubreyawinkie2923]

I am using it mostly for my backyard I’m also getting one for my dad as a present and his will be for a camping trailer and will get him ranger because he won’t have the space

[@diverbrent]

Great post! We went with the Ranger for its mobility and less fuel consumption as we hike a lot and it's for mostly two people. For the deck I'd go for the Bonfire sure. Again, great video!

[@JohnnyLawBMC]

Great info. Looking for a patio fire pit for my daughter and son in law. This helps me a lot. Onto, cooking with it. Thanks for sharing

[@okjunga]

Thanks for your review. We have a Bonfire at home and also take it camping. To optimize space, we were considering getting the Ranger for camping , but after watching you cut the wood to fit, I think I'll stick with the Bonfire. The one drawback I find to the Solo stoves is less heat radiates outward than traditional fires. I would love to see a heat deflector that would direct more heat sideways to those sitting around the pit.

[@BackcountryRenegade]

thanks, glad it helped. Yes it will not have the same lateral heat as a traditional fire, but with the bonfire it is sufficient imo.

[@BrewReview]

They do sell a deflector for them. They’re pricey, almost as much as the Ranger itself. Not sure about the value add but they exist, at least.

[@LadybugAdventures]

They do sell a heat deflector now

[@scotttupper2487]

Skip to 10:05 for the comparison and pros/cons

[@DanDblU]

Thanks for the review. I ordered the Bonfire as I think it's the perfect size :)

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful. I think you will enjoy it

[@mjc6131]

I went with with the Yukon for the deck at home and the ranger & campfire for camping. I’ll probably pick up the bonfire at some point to complete the collection.

[@jshapiro34]

Just bought a bonfire because after measuring logs at my campground they are 14-16 inches inconsistent so I’d rather not cut wood to enjoy a fire especially after being forced to buy local wood Excited to use my bonfire gci rockers with this stove.

[@xray6115]

Thank you for the great comparison!

[@bmacadody9447]

I think most people searched the renegade not to mention talking about hard work where you have kindling next to the Cut would and next to the bonfire you have just the wood but yet you're putting in Kindling!! And if you're cutting your own wood, this is no problem!

[@AngelTorres-se9zf]

What are your thoughts on the stand? What affects did it have on your grass? How good would it do on a wooden deck or on concrete? Thank you for sharing and have a Happy New Year

[@BackcountryRenegade]

It works well. No chard grass at all. I used it on a wood deck and it was fine too. Just watch for flying embers if ur on a wood deck. But the stand works great

[@jasongulak2198]

Great video, really helpful. Based on your review, going with Bonfire!

[@MrsPaulaTorres]

Eyeing the bonfire as that’s what our friends have and that’s what I’ve seen in life but Ranger looks cute for our small kids & the ease of bringing it inside as it rains in Miami all the time. Ranger feels better for everyday cooking on carnivore diet experiments I want the bonfire just wondering how practical it is for everyday grilling And I do mean everyday hmmm

[@BackcountryRenegade]

I have a new video coming soon featuring the new grill that is placed on the bonfire and can be used for everyday cooking if you wanted. Its pretty amazing. Stay tuned.

[@MrsPaulaTorres]

@@BackcountryRenegade hey I ordered the bonfire cooking bundle tonight, I guess we’ll all make videos on it! Happy cooking 🔥

[@Phoenix-pw5id]

@@BackcountryRenegade

[@Utubeisazzho]

I never cut the wood in my ranger. It burns like a champ no damage

[@renebollengier1111]

I cut it into chunks, 3 pieces from a normal log. I either use a bandsaw or a saws all on site. Works for both pits and is easy to use. I keep it in fruit boxes for easy transport.

[@ZKelly22]

Do you you just put it in with a bit sticking out the top? Seems like the only reason to cut it would to make it completely smokeless, but if you're not worried about that as much then big pieces should be fine?

[@STREETFIGHTER50]

Thank you for the comparison. I’m leaning towards the Bonfire 2.0. They’re on sale right now

[@roderickconstantino5354]

Thank for pointing out having to cut wood for the ranger. Going with bonfire

[@BackcountryRenegade]

You bet. Im all for less work lol

[@Fox40-MD]

I got the ranger. I cut my on firewood, and now I have something to do with the extra small pieces...

[@annjessup1670]

Ranger for me as I travel light and usually no more than 2 around a fire

[@_Tim_Allan_]

As someone that works for the Forest Service I acualy like the propane sfire pits. they are the only type of fire your a aloud to have during fire restrictions (pro tip)

[@69bigwahoo]

Love that Red Raiders Chair!

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Wreck’em!

[@David-vz1yj]

Great vid, thanks for posting it!

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sreykimsear]

Great review...I would go for the Solo because I live in the city and can't have a big fire.

[@2121Jroc]

Which one is better for a balcony. Bonfire 2.0 or Ranger 2.0?

[@kaylee8765]

​@@2121Jroc It depends on the size of your balcony but watching this video again at 10:00 may help. Unless you don't mind cutting wood and your balcony is small, you may like Bonfire better.

[@Ayam-Hutan]

this is what i need thank you for sharing the video

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Your welcome! Glad it was helpful

[@shakeyfly]

once you said full size logs fit... sold...

[@heybulldog137]

There's a larger size yet...the Yukon, I believe...

[@mikedowling3569]

I’ve had one of the original bonfires for years and I like it a lot. It’s a pain in the neck to clean though, but the 2.0 addressed that with the removable tray. I’d like to get another for camping and I’m struggling picking one over the other. On one hand I like the larger size, but I’m tight on space. Burning pellets in the adapter they sell is a great idea for camping and it also would probably work better (i.e. more efficient) in the ranger. Solo pellets are ridiculously expensive (like 2-2.5x vs market), but I guess folks like the convenience of small packaging.

[@BackcountryRenegade]

I went through the same thinking. I know I wouldn’t be doing pallets and didn’t want to have to do all the work of making the wood smaller to fit In the Ranger. I think the bonfire is a good compromise

[@mikedowling3569]

@@BackcountryRenegade Yeah, I’m not a big pellet guy either, but I’m planning a cross country trip to Alaska in my Airstream and they don’t allow you to bring firewood into Canada. It can also be expensive to purchase. I was thinking that pellets might be a good idea to save space, be in compliance and not have to hunt for and overpay for firewood.

[@orrinbelcher6593]

Great video fun and informative, I agree with you both great but for me the bonfire, thank you

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Thanks for watching and great choice

[@dennysivells9977]

I went with the Bonfire. Haven’t used it yet because it just arrived. Seeing you having to cut the wood to a smaller size made my decision.

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Awesome. Let me know how you like it once you use it

[@boogiedown921]

have you used it yet?

[@michaelgloistein523]

For my Ranger I just get chunk wood from my local firewood guy and it works fine without having to cut down normal size logs.

[@watchman9198]

Rumour has it that guy still hasn’t tried his stove

[@SkunkfaceNF]

You are starting the fire in your grass?

[@robertdewalt8711]

I went with ranger because I have small concrete deck.

[@Catman1798]

How long does the fire last till it burns out for both?

[@sumaitapurna1905]

Can I use the ranger for my apartment balcony?

[@BackcountryRenegade]

would need spark catcher.

[@anthonyestavillo.1842]

You should avoid the fisheye lens when making a video showcasing the size differences between the two models. I had to go to another persons tutorial to get a more accurate assessment. Just FYI

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Was a wide angle but no fish eye. But thanks for the feedback. Won’t do so wide next time

[@marshabackels9950]

Can these be used on a covered patio? Also, how long to they burn since you can't put them out when you are finished using them?

[@TheDude613]

No. Too much smoke for covered area in my experience

[@thirstbuster78]

Did it kill the grass under it? If not I'm sold!

[@BackcountryRenegade]

no grass was harmed. as long as you use the stand should be good

[@thirstbuster78]

@@BackcountryRenegade Great thanks! I want one for my yard when I bbq n cold nights!

[@gg80108]

Can you use the grocery store manufactured quick start logs?

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Yes

[@oinc7320]

What happens if it rains and it's still burning?

[@BackcountryRenegade]

light rain should be okay, but heavy rain the seams can bust, because of the sudden change of heat. If you anticipate rain. getting the lid would be good to kill the fire or be under some covering to not let the rain hit it.

[@ProdigiousReturn]

Do these give off any heat? I am thinking of using the ranger inside my house. I have an old sleeve insert type fire place that has a limit of 2-3 logs at a time and thought the ranger might work perfectly for the space.

[@BackcountryRenegade]

They do give off heat, but the ranger gives off the least since its the smallest. The heat is more vertical then horizontal for it but they have a heat deflector that really enhances the horizontal heat experience, ill be doing a review on it soon

[@iltrainu1]

If you get caught out in an unexpected rainstorm. What does the company say to do to reduce damage to the stove?

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Solo stove makes a lid that you can put on and it will put off the fire and then you can put on the water proof cover.

[@iltrainu1]

@@BackcountryRenegade thanks for the reply.

[@gostrongorgohome]

Will SOLO STOVE consider adding an optional heat deflectors to provide radiant heat?

[@BackcountryRenegade]

the larger ones provide plenty of radian heat for me, but that would be a interesting suggestion to them they may run with

[@okjunga]

Solo Stove made a teaser announcement this week that hints at a deflector coming early next year!

[@BackcountryRenegade]

@@okjunga awesome I’ll review it if I can get it

[@wiliamsantana572]

@@BackcountryRenegade could you get one yet?

[@BackcountryRenegade]

@@wiliamsantana572 you can order them now, at this link for pre-order but not available until April. I have one being sent to me and ill have a review vid soon. www.solostove.com/?rfsn=6011011.1c0670f

[@lxmzhg]

If they come up with a better design, regarding the emptying of the ashes, then perhaps I would consider it.

[@BackcountryRenegade]

They just released the 2.0 version that has a removable ash tray. Click link in description to check it out

[@bradgilbert4986]

Wreck ‘Em Tech! Nice video!

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Thanks! Wreck’em !!!!

[@davidpeters5362]

Do you feel the Bonfire is big enough for a backyard; I was thinking of going for the Yukon.

[@BackcountryRenegade]

I use mine for mainly travel and the occasional backyard. If it was going to be a dedicated backyard I’d go with the Yukon

[@MemeKingChangwei]

yep ordering a bonfire

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Awesome, let me know what u think when u get it. Love mine! Use the Link in description if this vid helped.

[@ZKelly22]

I still can't decide lol

[@brandonandersen8026]

Haha same here after days of thinking about it 😂

[@dustoff499]

Think about getting older, how weight do you wish to lug around.

[@DJ-pp9yg]

I found not a lot of warmth generated below the top on devices. I will wait for something else !

[@BackcountryRenegade]

I would say from my experience for the ranger that is true, but not so the bonfire. There were numerous times I had to step back because it was too warm. All depends on the amount of fuel you are using.

[@stevecleans]

Probly not very good wood. Operator error

[@wiliamsantana572]

have you found anything yet?

[@CitizenDrew]

Why is there a ton of smoke pouring out of the stove that the boys are huddled around in your video. Tons of smoke!!

[@BackcountryRenegade]

we were in the pnw and i had them gather wood, but they brought in some that were still wet lol

[@TheBigWanger]

Go Tech ! 👆👆

[@BackcountryRenegade]

oh yeah. Wreck'em

[@nickpappas5437]

Would these be safe to use indoors

[@BackcountryRenegade]

I would not recommend it, sparks can still fly out every now and they depending on how full it is

[@sidneezingara1976]

Not too safe unless you can vent outside somehow, is my guess. Carbon monoxide is by-product of combustion and is deadly.

[@marilynevans5763]

I saw this video after I purchased the ranger. Wish I had purchased the Bonfire.

[@BackcountryRenegade]

They allow returns before 30 days from purchase if it has not been used. Ranger is still a good one just requires a bit more work and prep

[@insertgoodname4809]

I feel like a goddamn sexual tyrannosaurus after listening to this

[@annakihara4156]

Bonfire for me, we car camp and it’s less work!

[@neiljones4496]

I don't think they are that portable, A bit bulky and heavy to take up a mountain 😆

[@BackcountryRenegade]

Fits in my Jeep just fine

[@davidwelsh1487]

what do you have on your feet.????? i call bull...

[@tomhesse2015]

You never showed if it burned the grass

[@BackcountryRenegade]

😂 nothing to show. No burned grass at all when u use the base

[@ericd9538]

Does the Solo Stove mow the lawn as well? If not, you need to stop buying fire pits and buy a lawn mower instead to cut the grass in your backyard.

[@BackcountryRenegade]

😂

[@sidneezingara1976]

Lol, that’s what kids are for. 🐐🐐🐐, too🤔😛

[@wranglermaxfield8384]

I just can’t take advice from a man in flip flops

[@robertjasoncanha]

Thank u

[@caribengonzalez7088]

No funciona sale mucho humo