bonfire stand

The necessity of a bonfire stand, how to choose one, and the necessary tools

A ``fire pit'' is essential for a fulfilling camping time. The flickering orange flames on the bonfire illuminate the surrounding area, warming your body from the core and soothing your soul. Many people also enjoy cooking food over a bonfire.

Even if you want such a fire pit, when you actually go to buy one, there are so many different types, sizes, and shapes that you may be confused as to what to base your selection on.
Therefore, here we will introduce how to choose a bonfire stand that will not fail, and the items necessary when using a bonfire stand. Please use this as a reference when searching for the fire pit that suits your dreams.

Why do you need a fire pit in the first place?

Having a bonfire outdoors will liven up the atmosphere and allow you to cook some delicious food. For this reason, many people want to light a bonfire while camping.
But why do you need a bonfire stand to light a bonfire? Some people may think so. In fact, you may be able to start a bonfire without using a bonfire stand if you want to. However, there is a reason why a fire pit is an essential item for outdoor bonfires.
The main reasons why you need a fire pit are as follows.

・Increase in campgrounds that prohibit open fires
・To protect the surrounding environment
・The hurdle for starting a bonfire has been lowered.

I will explain each one in turn.

Increase in campgrounds that prohibit open fires

Recently, more and more campgrounds are banning open fires. This is because the number of campers who burn their homes and return home without cleaning up after themselves is increasing.
As the number of people violating etiquette, such as throwing away charcoal on the spot and burning it near the roots of trees, has increased, more and more campgrounds have adopted a ban on open fires as a measure to protect the campsite. For this reason, if you want to light a bonfire while camping, it has become mainstream to bring a bonfire stand.

To protect the surrounding environment

Even if you are using a campsite that does not prohibit open fires, lighting open fires will lead to environmental damage at the campsite. This is because it burns the growing lawn, grass, tree roots, etc. and kills the bacteria in the soil. In addition, some people may think that if you are in the mountains or on a riverbed where there is no manager, it would be okay to have an open fire, but when you think about the environment, this is actually a no-no. Fires caused by starting a bonfire can also be reduced by using a bonfire stand.
Many local governments prohibit open fires. It can be said that using a fire pit is essential to protect the environment.

The hurdle of starting a bonfire is lowered

The advantage of using a bonfire stand is that it is easy to start a bonfire. Compared to an open flame, a fire pit allows air to enter and circulate inside, increasing combustion efficiency. In particular, deep fire pits have a chimney effect that makes it easier to light the fire and increase the firepower, so even beginners will be able to make a good fire.

In this way, a fire pit has become a must-have item if you want to light a bonfire. By using a bonfire stand to start a bonfire, you can enjoy it while being considerate of rules and the environment.
Also, if you have a bonfire stand, you can enjoy cooking by placing grill grills and plates on it, and you can also attach optional items to create a bonfire in the form of a hearth. If you would like to light a bonfire outdoors, please use a bonfire stand to safely and enjoyably light a bonfire.

How to choose when buying a fire pit

When purchasing a fire pit, there are several points you should check.

・Choose the size according to the number of people
・Depending on the purpose, such as cooking or bonfire main
・Check the storage capacity to see if it can be carried properly

I will explain each one in turn.

①Choose the size according to the number of people

The first thing to consider is the number of people who will be using the fire pit. The size of the fire pit you need will depend on whether you are using it for solo camping, family or group camping, and the number of people using it.

If you are going to be using it for solo camping, then something compact, easy to carry, and lightweight is best, while if you are going to be using it for family or group camping, something larger and capable of cooking food is best. Additionally, the size of firewood commonly sold is 30 to 40 cm. If you have no experience chopping firewood, consider the size of the firewood and choose a large fire pit, so you can enjoy a bonfire right away without the hassle of cutting firewood.

②Choose according to your purpose, such as cooking or bonfire main

Next, think about the purpose of using the fire pit. The type of fire pit that is suitable for you will depend on whether you use it just to stay warm and watch the flames, or whether you want to enjoy cooking over a bonfire.

If the purpose is to make a bonfire itself, a standard type bonfire stand is suitable. A simple shallow fire pit shaped like a plate is easy to set up and carry. Firewood is also easy to handle, as it is easy to put it down.

If your purpose is to cook, a deep fire pit is the way to go. Because it is deep, it can hold a lot of firewood and create a strong fire. The advantage of deep fire pits is that they have high walls, making it difficult for sparks and ash to scatter.

Also, some products come with cooking accessories, so check whether you need those accessories. For example, if you want to grill meat or vegetables, you'll need a grill or a plate, and if you want to boil water or cook in a pot, you'll need a trivet to stabilize your cooking utensils.

Furthermore, if you want to enjoy authentic cooking using a Dutch oven, you should also check the weight capacity of the fire pit. You need to add the weight of the ingredients to the weight of the Dutch oven itself, and choose a fire pit that can withstand more than that weight.

③ Check whether it can be carried properly and whether it can be stored properly before choosing.

Once you have decided on the size and purpose of use, be sure to check out the convenience of the fire pit.

The first thing to look at is the weight of the fire pit itself. If you are traveling by car for family camping, it would be good to have a weight that can be carried by two people. For solo camping, we recommend a lightweight fire pit weighing less than 1 kg that is easy to carry by one person.

Also, storage capacity is important. Fire pits are easy to carry if they can be folded compactly or disassembled. It does not take up storage space even when not in use.

Items needed when using a fire pit

When using a bonfire stand, there are other items required in addition to the bonfire stand. Below we will introduce some of the most representative items.

1. firewood

Firewood has a large flame and is relatively cheaper than charcoal, so it is suitable for making a bonfire to watch the flames and keep warm. There are two types of wood used for firewood.

2. charcoal

Charcoal does not burn as hot as firewood, but it burns for a long time, and once lit, it continues to burn, making it suitable for cooking. It produces less smoke and produces stronger firepower, but it is more expensive than firewood. For barbecues, types such as black charcoal, white charcoal (Bincho charcoal), and ogre charcoal (ogalite) are ideal.

3. charcoal extinguisher

When extinguishing charcoal, it is helpful to have a fire extinguisher. Ceramic and metal fire extinguishing pots are also sold, but the ones that come with tongs to transfer the charcoal into the pot are easy to use.

Four. igniter

Fire starters are a must-have item for beginners, as they allow you to easily start a fire in a short amount of time. There are solid types, tube gel types, and pack gel types.

Five. Chukkaman Gas Torch

What you need to ignite the igniter is a chukkaman or gas torch. We recommend choosing a Chukkaman with a long handle so you can safely light the fire without getting too close to it. If the gas torch is the type that attaches to a household cassette cylinder, it is easy to attach and detach. Gas cylinders are also easily available at supermarkets and convenience stores.

When enjoying a bonfire using a bonfire stand, you will need the items listed above. You can also enjoy camping more comfortably by wearing genuine leather gloves to protect your hands from the flames of the bonfire and thorns from the firewood, as well as fire pit sheets that prevent ash and sparks from the bonfire from spreading to dead leaves.

Enjoy some great outdoor time with a fire pit

Having a bonfire, which is difficult to do in everyday life, is a pleasure that can only be enjoyed while camping and other outdoor activities. By lighting a bonfire using a bonfire stand, you can enjoy the bonfire safely while following the rules.

When purchasing a fire pit, choose one that is suitable for your purpose, such as keeping warm or cooking. In addition to the bonfire stand, it is also important to stock up on the items needed for a bonfire.

Please choose the bonfire stand that is perfect for you so that you can enjoy a bonfire safely and kindly to nature.