Campfires

[Paladin132]

And hammocks....


What are everyone’s general rules? I was thinking of this today as I always try to have a small campfire when camping. It’s bush TV and my assertion of many skills and just part of it. So I try to camp where and when they are allowed but I’m wondering how different it will be doing this with a hammock as opposed to when I used a tent. Any thoughts?

[ObdewlaX]

No different other than building one big enough to provide some warmth into the night, especially this time of year! I agree with the bush TV analogy too... nothing like sitting around the campfire at night before you hit the sack. Peaceful. I try & tidy up my campsite too & leave the area like I found it before I head out the next morning.

[TrailSlug]

A fire is a fire whether you are in a tent or hammock just do not get that fire too close or your tarp may leak.

[ChrisJHC]

I've just gone to a titanium wood stove specifically so I can have a small, controllable fire to provide some heat and light (and bush TV).
The fact that I can cook on it as well is a bonus but not the main reason I bought it.

I will still be keeping it well away from my hammock/tarp.

[Pennsy Camp and Canoe]

A fire is a fire whether you are in a tent or hammock just do not get that fire too close or your tarp may leak.

agreed, and you'd be surprised how far those hot embers float.

[dakotaross]

The only thing that could be different is how you pick your campsite. If you're stopping at a regular campsite with fire ring, then nothing is really different. However, lots of overused campsites aren't very good for hammocks due to the lack of good medium size trees. Usually a lot of small trees along with big widowmakers. Or, you might just want to hike until you're done and camp where you are, which is more possible in a hammock. For me, its too much trouble to build a fire ring, plus I kind of enjoy the darkness and the ambient light. As I've gone along, I've done a lot more just stopping where I am, and as a result I just don't do fires anymore, even when I have a nice fire ring and some available wood around.

[deckster]

I've just gone to a titanium wood stove specifically so I can have a small, controllable fire to provide some heat and light (and bush TV).
The fact that I can cook on it as well is a bonus but not the main reason I bought it.

I started this mini wood stove/bush TV ritual on my past couple of trips. When I lived in Wisconsin I'd build a bigger fire--more decent firewood available, more easily than where I camp in Florida. And I wanted the heat. Now I love the little fire right next to me in my camp chair. Although it's dang cold this morning!IMG_3715.jpgfullsizeoutput_2791.jpg

[OneClick]

I rarely do them for warmth. I like to test/trust my gear and don't like to rely on them. But when it gets dark at 5PM and you're alone, that's a long time to sit without the entertainment factor. As usual, I'll keep them fairly small and low impact. I hate when people feel the need to "build" firepits in the backcountry, digging up rocks and whatever they can find. They're obviously leaving them there when they go and it just turns a nice pristine place into a state park. Then others find them and "improve" the site, making it bushcrafter village. I never needed a "firepit" in my life; clear the ground and don't do anything stupid. I'm sure it may be different out west with -22% humidity in a pine grove, but at that point skip the fire to begin with.

If everyone would keep them modest and clean up afterwards, it would be more enjoyable. Keep the wilderness a wilderness. At least that's my take. I remember Fallkniven doing a nice before/after photo of this...I have no idea which thread, sorry.

[Wilderness Seeker]

When out hiking I skip the fire, but if I fell the need to watch brush TV or just want the companionship of a fire I use a candle lantern. If I am car camping I usually have a fire.

[johnspenn]

I normally don't do fires on a backpacking trip. However, I just got back from a trip with a low of 13 and it was cold for this GA boy, so I had a small fire in the evening to help keep me warm while I cooked dinner. Like OneClick mentioned above, I just cleared a small area in a sheltered spot, had a small fire just big enough for me, and when i was done I stomped it out and the next morning covered it back up with leaves. Unless someone moves those leaves for some reason no one will ever know there was a fire there.