Leaving no trace with Fireside Outdoor’s Pop-Up Pit

Last year, we made the 7 hour trip to the tip of Michigans Upper Peninsula to attend KOAR. This offered us a perfect opportunity to test a cool new product from Fireside Outdoor. Due to the nature of the trip, the area we used as our base camp did not allow personal ground fires. Only the centrally located fire pit was designated as a communal gathering spot. Which is fine. But cooking dinner and enjoying a cocktail at our campsite would have sucked without a personal fire. Luckily, we brought a new product from Fireside Outdoor, the Pop-Up-Pit.

Well constructed of sturdy and lightweight aluminum, the Pop-Up Pit stores in a bag smaller than a camp chair. Set-up is pretty straight forward. Simply extend the aluminum frame, attach the thermal blanket, place the four side panels in position and drop in the stainless steel mesh screen. Once fully assembled, it’s time to build a fire. Although we like to use hardwood, the Pop-Up Pit can also handle charcoal, wood pellets and even those cheater wax logs.

Pop-Up-Pit Video Review:

What really got me excited was the fact that this item meets the strictest federal standards. There were times while camping around Moab that portable fire pits were required. And it feels good to literally leave no trace behind when you pull out of a beautiful campsite. Preserving the natural beauty and allowing the next adventurer to feel as if they were the first ones there.

Pop-Up-Pit details:

• Kit Weight: 7.4 lbs.
• Opened Dims: 24 “x 24″ x 15”
• Packed Dims: 27″ x 5″ x 5″
• Max Capacity: 125 lbs.
• Materials: Stainless Steel & Aluminium
• MSRP $139.95 Sale: $119.95

We’ve all sat around one of those established “fire rings” at public campgrounds before. Barely seeing the top of the flames as they try to climb out their steel cage. And providing the onlookers with little to no radiant heat. The low side walls of the Pop-Up Pit allow ample heat to those within proximity. And the constant airflow provided by the stainless steel mesh bottom produce up to 80% less smoke. Further enhancing the campfire experience.

On one occasion, my wife and I decided to relocate the campfire as the night progressed. We each grabbed a leg of the Pop-Up Pit and walked it to a new location. I mean…ya can’t do that with a conventional fire pit. And once the fire is extinguished, Fireside Outdoor claims it takes a mere 90 seconds to cool down enough to handle and repack it. Although we didn’t see the need to repack it that soon after calling it a night, I can see the convenience of it at a tailgate party.

Final Thoughts

If you prefer to cook over an open fire or charcoal, the accessory Grill Grate is…well…great? We typically cook on a two burner propane stove and choose foods that prepare easily with it. Since I’m now completely sold on the Pop-Up Pit and it’s become part of my standard Overland loadout, I might as well start packing some meat for the grill option. Next step is trying charcoal too. From what I’ve seen so far, the sturdy construction of the Pop-Up Pit should provide years of enjoyable campsite and Overland use. And allow us to both tread lightly and leave no trace behind.