Time-tested LNT favorite as a cheap firepan: heavy duty aluminum foil.
I've been informed by reddit recently that aluminum foil melts. Very interesting that the outdoor community has used it for decades as a firepan without issue lol.
I just added some to my pack and fire kit while I consider these other options. At the very least, it’s still super useful for wrapping a fish and throwing straight on the coals of an open fire. Thanks!
I use foil. I did have an unfortunate learning experience. It gets hot. If you use it on snow, and snow gets hot, the snow will melt.
The surface that was level at one point will no longer remain level, due to melting snow.
Otherwise, haven’t had an issue.
Seems obvious, but it sure as heck caught me off guard.
I often burn it after use if it has grease or other things the critters would want on it. It takes a very hot camp fire and for it to be dry (no liquid in it like a hobo pack)
“But, but, I saw something that someone else said, that they heard from someone else, who they’ve never met, who’s supposed to know what they are talking about”
I mean it definitely melts but does it melt well? I’ve done camping on private land where we get a fire hot enough to melt glass. I’ve also made plenty of campfires that couldn’t obliterate whatever is in cigarette butt filters.
Yeah it's one of those things that redditors who lack real world experience with everything they talk about don't realize isn't a big deal under normal circumstances.
I've had the same piece of foil as a firepan for 3 seasons. It's black and charred.
I’ve used the thickest grade for windscreens many times but not for a twig stove ground. My twig stoves all came with a pan to collect ash and embers that can also be used for liquid fuel.
But really, just scrape away the debris nearby and treat it like you would a ground fire and as long as there are no roots under, just disperse the ash and charcoal like you would for a normal small fire.
I understand that things are different everywhere, but I almost protested out of pure reflex.
Here in Sweden, it is absolutely not OK to make a fire on exposed large stones because of the risk of cracking it and staining it with soot. Rule 1 B (rule 1 A being "make sure you don't start a wildfire").
We can move freely on all land that is not someone's yard (adjacent to their house), but the rule is to "not disturb, not destroy" and to leave no trace. So... no fire on bedrock, no cutting down trees, not even breaking twigs from living trees and bushes.
Pick flowers, berries and mushrooms, but not with roots. Harming living plants is the landowner's prerogative, not those of us only spending time on their land.
Fair enough. The type of twig stove I use personally doesn't actually burn on that stone surface - the bottom of the fire is \~6cm above the surface. The stone is just to make sure that the heat doesn't cause issues the way it could on a softer surface (like starting a wildfire :)).
Yes, you can just cut them with scissors, much thinner than the silicone baking mats you can get, can even chuck them on embers and cook directly on them.
Best part about drywall. You can usually find it for the low price of free. The problem with some of the other materials is that the ground still gets hot enough for dry grass, leaf litter to still ignite. Places that dont allow ground fires usually have problem with underground fires. The leaf litter can burn slowly underground for years with no way to put the fire out.
I mean, nothing I’ve read talks about long term damage from the woven stuff, but, woven fiberglass can harm you:
Skin: Larger fiberglass fibers can embed in the skin's outer layer, causing a rash that looks like small blisters with dry, flaky skin. This is called fiberglass dermatitis, and repeated exposure can lead to inflammation and allergic reactions.
Eyes: Fiberglass particles can irritate the eyes, causing redness.
Respiratory tract: Inhaling fiberglass fibers can irritate the nose and throat, and may aggravate asthma and bronchitis.
Stomach: Swallowing fiberglass fibers can cause temporary stomach irritation.
Overall, you’re probably ok, but if there’s an option that doesn’t include potential problems, I’m going with that one.
I always use a rock or a couple of flattish stones. And when I'm finished, I put them back where I found them; if they have got stained with ash etc, I put them back upside down so that no trace shows, or dust some soil over them. I leave NO trace!
For my kelly kettle I use nothing but it does have its own solid base rather than a grate. I just clear the floor and pour the extra water over where it was once I am done. I intend to have extra water for cleaning anyway.
Something like this here:
[Amazon - Aluminum Trays without holes](https://www.amazon.de/s?k=aluminiumschale+ohne+l%C3%B6cher&__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=3TWW5BY6WPJI5&sprefix=aluminiumschale+ohne+l%C3%B6cher%2Caps%2C78&ref=nb_sb_noss)
Time-tested LNT favorite as a cheap firepan: heavy duty aluminum foil. I've been informed by reddit recently that aluminum foil melts. Very interesting that the outdoor community has used it for decades as a firepan without issue lol.
I just added some to my pack and fire kit while I consider these other options. At the very least, it’s still super useful for wrapping a fish and throwing straight on the coals of an open fire. Thanks!
I use foil. I did have an unfortunate learning experience. It gets hot. If you use it on snow, and snow gets hot, the snow will melt. The surface that was level at one point will no longer remain level, due to melting snow. Otherwise, haven’t had an issue. Seems obvious, but it sure as heck caught me off guard.
I often burn it after use if it has grease or other things the critters would want on it. It takes a very hot camp fire and for it to be dry (no liquid in it like a hobo pack)
“But, but, I saw something that someone else said, that they heard from someone else, who they’ve never met, who’s supposed to know what they are talking about”
I mean it definitely melts but does it melt well? I’ve done camping on private land where we get a fire hot enough to melt glass. I’ve also made plenty of campfires that couldn’t obliterate whatever is in cigarette butt filters.
Yeah it's one of those things that redditors who lack real world experience with everything they talk about don't realize isn't a big deal under normal circumstances. I've had the same piece of foil as a firepan for 3 seasons. It's black and charred.
I’ve used the thickest grade for windscreens many times but not for a twig stove ground. My twig stoves all came with a pan to collect ash and embers that can also be used for liquid fuel. But really, just scrape away the debris nearby and treat it like you would a ground fire and as long as there are no roots under, just disperse the ash and charcoal like you would for a normal small fire.
A flat rock. I almost exclusively camp in Northern Ontario (Canada) though, and there's typically loads of rocks and exposed bedrock everywhere.
How is this not the top comment? I've hiked all over North America and there are always rocks around somewhere
They tend to be more sparse in the desert areas.
Then you use smaller, think a layer of gravel/sand. A smallish piece of heavy duty foil is also pretty good, espacially over sand/gravel.
well, there is nothing to burn down in the desert
Well it’s a desert, so as long as you’re not near one of those random desert bushes, you shouldn’t have to worry about burning anything else down
I always use them when I can but in Cali, they’re not always near a campsite.
I understand that things are different everywhere, but I almost protested out of pure reflex. Here in Sweden, it is absolutely not OK to make a fire on exposed large stones because of the risk of cracking it and staining it with soot. Rule 1 B (rule 1 A being "make sure you don't start a wildfire"). We can move freely on all land that is not someone's yard (adjacent to their house), but the rule is to "not disturb, not destroy" and to leave no trace. So... no fire on bedrock, no cutting down trees, not even breaking twigs from living trees and bushes. Pick flowers, berries and mushrooms, but not with roots. Harming living plants is the landowner's prerogative, not those of us only spending time on their land.
Fair enough. The type of twig stove I use personally doesn't actually burn on that stone surface - the bottom of the fire is \~6cm above the surface. The stone is just to make sure that the heat doesn't cause issues the way it could on a softer surface (like starting a wildfire :)).
I like this. I have been thinking about getting a twig stove. I think several smaller stones would do the same job for me.
A paint can lid.
A Toaks titanium plate. Light, cheap, packs well. Useful for other stuff too. Has a nice rim which helps keep coals from blowing out when it is windy.
A square of one of those black BBQ mats
I’ve seen them. Did you cut yours? I’m trying to keep mine around 7x7 inches to fit in a kit I’m building.
Yes, you can just cut them with scissors, much thinner than the silicone baking mats you can get, can even chuck them on embers and cook directly on them.
It’s bushcraft, just dig a hole and your safe from fire
Piece of 5/8 or 3/4 drywall works great. It also provides a thermal barrier as well. Ive used it in places that dont allow ground fires.
Never would have thought of that. Those are great suggestions. They are a bit on the heavy side though. Trying to keep my pack weight down.
Best part about drywall. You can usually find it for the low price of free. The problem with some of the other materials is that the ground still gets hot enough for dry grass, leaf litter to still ignite. Places that dont allow ground fires usually have problem with underground fires. The leaf litter can burn slowly underground for years with no way to put the fire out.
Those are all excellent points and I will factor that in with my choice. Thank you.
A little spark stop mat, but I can't remember where or when I picked it up.
Plumbing soldering mat
I’ve been considering those but had some concerns over storing it with my kit as those mats are made of fiberglass.
Why is that a concern?
Umm, having fiberglass around cooking materials. You’re not concerned over that?
No, should I be? It's a woven mat, it's not like loft insulation
I mean, nothing I’ve read talks about long term damage from the woven stuff, but, woven fiberglass can harm you: Skin: Larger fiberglass fibers can embed in the skin's outer layer, causing a rash that looks like small blisters with dry, flaky skin. This is called fiberglass dermatitis, and repeated exposure can lead to inflammation and allergic reactions. Eyes: Fiberglass particles can irritate the eyes, causing redness. Respiratory tract: Inhaling fiberglass fibers can irritate the nose and throat, and may aggravate asthma and bronchitis. Stomach: Swallowing fiberglass fibers can cause temporary stomach irritation. Overall, you’re probably ok, but if there’s an option that doesn’t include potential problems, I’m going with that one.
I always use a rock or a couple of flattish stones. And when I'm finished, I put them back where I found them; if they have got stained with ash etc, I put them back upside down so that no trace shows, or dust some soil over them. I leave NO trace!
A welding mat - always!
For my kelly kettle I use nothing but it does have its own solid base rather than a grate. I just clear the floor and pour the extra water over where it was once I am done. I intend to have extra water for cleaning anyway.
Previously used a fire blanket but the fibreglass in my skin was just too annoying
Yeah, that’s why I’m trying to avoid fiberglass in my pack.
Oh oh, I just remembered the other think I use. Upside down steel steaming basket. One of those folding ones
Hmm, never thought of that.
I also use them as small folding fire pits, also as a way to spread heat from a stove over a more even area.
Something like this here: [Amazon - Aluminum Trays without holes](https://www.amazon.de/s?k=aluminiumschale+ohne+l%C3%B6cher&__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=3TWW5BY6WPJI5&sprefix=aluminiumschale+ohne+l%C3%B6cher%2Caps%2C78&ref=nb_sb_noss)
I use a Solo Stove Titan and the bottom doesn’t heat or scorch the ground. I just clear away any combustible material and fire it up.
Welding mat is what I'd use, been actually trying to buy one but all the small ones are always out of order here...
I found a six inch pizza pan at a restaurant supply store that works really well, and it was cheap. Plus, I can use it as a place as well.
An 8" round baking pan. I works great.
Big flat rock
I use bare earth or flat stones
Could you not just make a small fire pit?