A Wood-like Propane Fire Pit Warms the Campsite

When you venture into unfamiliar territory, fire bans or restrictions on collecting firewood can extinguish your campfire plans before they even begin. Carrying a portable propane fire pit is a wise choice to mitigate risks or avoid the hassles associated with wood fires. However, while these fire pits capture the essence of a real fire, they often fall short in key aspects, particularly when it comes to heat. Howl Campfires in Colorado aims to create a superior solution with a sturdy, high-quality 61,800-BTU portable fire pit that generates intense 1,200 °F (650 °C) heat from radiant tubes, delivering a level of warmth akin to a robust wood fire.

How the Howl R4 Fire Pit Was Born

Similar to numerous other innovations in the camping and RV industry, the development of the Howl R4 fire pit was born out of practical experience and adversity. A group of Howl’s founders faced a bone-chilling November camping excursion in the Utah desert, leaving them shivering under the expansive night sky. The propane fire pit they had acquired for the sole purpose of warding off the impending cold proved inadequate, offering little more than a radiant but feeble source of light, which they huddled around while pacing and dancing to stave off the cold. It was at that moment they resolved to discover a more effective solution.

Overcoming Vertical Heat Dissipation

After the trip, some contemplation and investigation led the Howl team to the realization that the flames from a typical propane fire essentially generate heat that rises vertically and disperses into the night sky. This is suitable for warming a grill or griddle positioned directly above a propane burner but proves less effective for keeping a group of people gathered in a circle warm, unless everyone is willing to huddle over the fire as if they’re in a tight football formation during a crucial 4th and 8 play in overtime.

Howl decided to deconstruct the fundamental principles of fire to reconstruct a fire pit in a unique manner, aiming to match the heat output of any wood fire. They investigated why wood fires excel in providing warmth and identified the key factor as the presence of glowing coals at the fire’s base. These coals emit omnidirectional thermal radiation, which is responsible for effectively warming the body.

Innovative Heating Technology with ‘BarCoals’ for All-Weather Comfort

While many propane fire pit manufacturers incorporate rocks or inserts to enhance heat, Howl opted for a more striking solution called “BarCoals.” These are two inner tubes where propane mixed with air undergoes combustion, reaching a scorching 1,200 °F to emit radiation similar to that of a wood fire. Howl refers to the R4 as the first “naturally aspirated portable radiant tube heater” and claims that it can keep a group of four people warm under any weather conditions, at any elevation, and on any terrain .

The R4’s combustion powers the A-Flame burner, creating a lifelike fire with flames rising through the top grate. Howl’s thoughtful design drains water efficiently from the burner plate, while a windscreen withstands winds up to 60 mph, ensuring the flame persists in harsh weather.

To prevent the R4 from heating the ground and posing a fire risk to dry vegetation, Howl uses mirror-coated reflectors to direct the heat outward, keeping the ground cool.

The Efficient Shape of the Howl R4 Fire Pit

Howl’s innovative approach departs from the conventional round shape found in most gas fire pits. The R4, though not compact or lightweight at 22 x 16 x 13 inches and 34 pounds, offers a more efficient packing solution. Its legs are spaced to accommodate a propane tank, reducing the packing size and providing stability when attached to the tank. The legs also include strap points for securing the fire pit to a pickup bed or trunk floor, resulting in a semi-rectangular shape for tidier storage alongside coolers, cargo boxes, tables, and camping stoves.

Howl emphasizes the R4’s durability, claiming it’s designed to last a lifetime or more. The fire pits are made in Colorado using high-quality materials like 304 stainless steel, aluminum, and brass components.

Is the Higher Price of the Howl R4 Justifiable?

While the R4 isn’t a budget option at $1,299, it offers superior design and performance compared to cheaper portable propane fire pits. Many of Howl’s serious customers have likely tried less expensive alternatives for heating during overlanding, winter adventures, or full-time RVing. They might find the investment justifiable.

Even if such discerning buyers don’t constitute a large customer base, this approach suits a company that specializes in limited batch production. The next release is scheduled for October 26, with a $100 deposit securing a reservation.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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