From convenience and versatility to environmental friendliness, discover why a portable fire pit is a game-changer this season.
Springtime means a lot of different things to different people. For many, it’s the annual reawakening from that pseudo-hibernation they fall into each winter. Visions of warm sunsets, kayaking on the lake, and the crackle of a good campfire dance in the heads and hearts of all die-hard campers.
It’s that last treat we want to focus on today, since each new camping season also brings with it endless opportunities to upgrade your gear. (Yeah, buddy!)
This year, when compiling your wish list of shiny new must-have camping essentials, consider putting a portable fire pit at the top. It’s the unsung hero of camping gear that guarantees you will never be without that all-important, after-dark camping pastime.
What is a Portable Fire Pit?
Essentially, a portable fire pit is a self-contained receptacle that you can build a fire in. It sits on or above the ground, removing the need to dig an unsightly hole and layer it with rocks or bricks to keep the fire contained. Portable fire pits can vary in design, with some appearing as round, squat basins, and others like modern, sleek steel cages with legs. Some even have portable carrying bags.
Portable fire pits typically function on two types of fuel. You can choose from a traditional wood- or charcoal-fueled pit or go with clean and easy propane power. The choice usually boils down to personal preference.
So, are you a die-hard traditionalist who just can’t fathom a campfire without that real wood-burning appearance and smell? Or are you more pragmatic and looking to save time and effort with a clean-burning gas-fueled fire that flares right up with the simple push of a button?
Either way, portable fire pits offer a safe and convenient way to enjoy the ambiance of an outdoor fire. Keep reading to discover 5 more reasons why this is a must-have addition to your gear this camping season.
Why Buy a Portable Fire Pit?
Looking to level up your outdoor experiences? Investing in a portable fire pit has several advantages.
1. Versatility
Portable fire pits can be set up in a wide variety of outdoor spaces, including campsites, backyards, and even on patios. Thanks to their self-contained designs, they provide the flexibility to enjoy outdoor fires in places where traditional ground fires may not be feasible or allowed.
Many campsites, whether they are privately-owned or part of a national park, have strict regulations where campfires are concerned. Often, this is to reduce the risk of human-caused forest fires and “hold my beer” catastrophes. While portable fire pits do not entirely remove the possibility of these dangers, they do significantly limit them.
2. Portability
One of the most obvious benefits of a “portable” fire pit is that—you guessed it – it’s portable! You can literally take it with you almost anywhere. Set it up on your patio for Wednesday’s backyard pool party, and then take it tailgating over the weekend. These compact, lightweight, and easy-to-move fire pits are ready to go at a moment’s notice.
As noted earlier, some portable fire pits also come with available carry bags for easier storage and transport.
3. Convenience
Unlike building a traditional campfire – which requires gathering wood and clearing out a safe area – portable fire pits are quick and easy to set up. Many models use propane or natural gas, eliminating the need for firewood altogether and reducing cleanup afterward.
Additionally, many fire pits double as barbecues to cook food while you’re camping. Grilling racks and baskets, as well as roasting forks and cast iron cookware make it easy to prepare delicious camping favorites from hot dogs to grilled cheese to classic s’mores. (And, unlike those nasty, grimy grills at many parks and campgrounds, you’ll know when the last time yours was cleaned.)
4. Safety
Of course, let’s not forget about one of the best reasons to get a portable fire pit: safety. Regular fire pits pose risks not only to clumsy kiddos and inebriated neighbors; they’re also a bit unpredictable, being prone to spitting sparks and wayward embers at you and your guests.
Portable fire pits tame the flames and have a lot of built-in safety features, such as high side walls or metal cages and covers that keep errant debris contained. Because of their more compact size, building a fire in a portable fire pit also helps to ensure that the size of the fire itself doesn’t get out of control and put surrounding trees and grass at risk.
Just remember, even portable fire pits have their limits. Take precaution and avoid placing one directly on grass, instead using a fire-resistant mat or non-flammable surface.
5. All-Season Ambiance
Another benefit of a portable fire pit is that its use isn’t just limited to those warm summer or early autumn evenings. You can choose to use your portable fire pit at any time of year. Set it up in your driveway or on your back patio to enjoy a brisk winter stargazing or watch that much anticipated meteor shower next spring while staying warm and cozy beside a mobile campfire.
After seeing all the benefits and pros to having a portable fire pit, the question shouldn’t be whether or not to get one, but how quickly can you find the ideal pit to suit your needs and start roasting some hotdogs or s’mores? Let the fun begin ASAP!