Kristin and I loaded our converted van and headed for a month in Colorado. At first we really didn’t know what to expect from the trip, but we had a few goals to summit peaks, trail run a total of 50 miles, and spend time around the Estes Park area taking photos and rock climbing. Turns out the weather on this trip didn’t really cooperate with us, but in hindsight, my favorite memories from the trip come from hanging in woods making s’mores over the Packfire fire pit at the end of the day, here’s why.
While there was a fire ban at the end of the our trip that prevented us from having any open flame, at the start of the trip, we settled into the habit of having a fire at the end of each night. Sometimes roasting hot dogs or bratwurst over the fire for dinner and maybe some marshmallows for desert, but we always sat and talked. Recalling our high’s and low’s from the day while Chestnut, our dog, ran around as we tossed sticks and balls for the rambunctious puppy.
Since we are traveling in a van together, you would think Kristin and I would have roughly the same day, but far from the truth.
Often I went on my own adventure and she on hers. When the adventure was something we both wanted to do, we would go together. Those nights around the fire were my favorite.
What I Liked About PackFire:
The backpack container keeps it all in once place and makes transporting easy
Fits in the back of the van super easily
I can use full logs without having to cut them
Easy clean up, just dump the ashes in a trash or dig a hole
Using it felt safe, something I was worried about as it comes in three peices
I typically travel with the small Solo Stove, so this trip was an “experiment” to bring the Packfire and I will say I couldn’t be happier. The Packfire is way more practical for vanlife and overlanding because it packs down and is easy to carry. It doesn’t get the back of the van dirty as backpack holds in the leftover ash, if you don’t clean it when packing the fire can up.
PSA: I was dumb and touched the outside while it was hot and burnt my hand. I was an idiot, but I just wanted to say this so you don’t do it yourself! Long story short, make sure the fire can has cooled before you attempt to put it away.
I know, I waited till the end to say this, but yes, I do recommend the Packfire if you are in the market for a fire can and I would take this over any of the competition (which I have used most of the main competition). The collapsable feature is a true innovation in the space and I don’t know why this hasn’t been done before!
Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com
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Packfire Trip Gallery
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.