On several Overland trips, I’ve come across locations where the fire danger is so high, that campfires are banned. I’ve also pulled into campsites during a cold downpour where making a campfire seemed impossible. And on some cold mornings, I’ve crawled out of the RoofNest to make coffee desperately wishing there was a campfire to warm up beside. Fortunately, I was recently introduced to the FireCan from Ignik. This little ammo can sized fire pit fits into our FJ Cruiser with little fuss. Unlike the larger circular propane fire pits I’ve seen in use. Since we’re limited on cargo space, the rectangular form factor of the FireCan just works for us.
“Small Can, Big Fire. The Ignik FireCan is safe, easy, and packable for campfire anywhere you go.” ~ignik.com
As a military veteran, I really enjoy the fact that Ignik used an ammo can to design the FireCan around. It has a familiar shape and feel to me. It makes perfect sense since ammo cans are durable, compact and easy to transport and store. So why not design the FireCan with those attributes already baked into the design. Ignik added a set of folding legs to prop the FireCan safely off the ground. Then cut a beautiful triangle grid pattern into the sides of the can to allow both flame and heat to radiate outward.
Ignik FireCan Video:
An “H” shaped propane burner is installed in the bottom along with a directional heat shield to protect the bottom of the FireCan. With a tool less propane quick connect, attaching the included 5 foot hose to a propane tank is quick and easy. An adjustable regulator located on the tank end of the hose controls the gas flow and flame. I only wish there was a premium stainless steel braided hose option. The rubber hoses are stiff, difficult to straighten and take up more space. Especially when the temperatures are cold. However, the included 5′ hose will fit inside the FireCan keeping everything self contained.
Set-up is quick which is key for me. I don’t like adding complexity to my Overland set-up. Everything needs to be compact and simple. Otherwise, it won’t get used. Now, with the FireCan, I have an option for those chilly mornings. Simply connect the FireCan to our vehicle mounted Ignik Growler and light the flame. And bask in the warmth as I start up the Pinnacle Pro Stove and brew my favorite Black Rifle Coffee on the AeroPress. Then all is right in the world and I begin to clear the fog of sleep from my brain.
Ignik FireCan Features:
- REMOVABLE LID: Easy to remove for fire and close for storage.
- SECURE LID LOCK: Traditional ammo can closure for secure storage.
- MORE HEAT, MORE FLAME: Mesh sides increase visibility and transmission of heat.
- 5FT PROPANE HOSE: Hose with propane regulator and quick connection.
- LIGHTING PORT: Lighting hole for easy ignition of burners.
- SILICONE HANDLES: Insulated silicone grips on side handles.
- FOLDABLE LEGS: Foldable legs for easy, compact storage.
- QUICK-CONNECT: Quick-connect stem for easy connection with hose.
After using the FireCan, I noticed a few things. When the wind is blowing, the flames will primarily blow out the downwind side of the FireCan. Not a big problem. But the side of the steel can will start to distort due to sustained heat. I was a little concerned at first. Maybe the grid pattern Ignik used removed too much material. But after it cooled down, the lid still fit securely despite a little bending of the grid area along the sides. Maybe I’ll add the optional Fire Rocks to see if that helps contain the flame. Little touches like the silicone side handles, a lighting hole on the side of the box and silicone bumpers on the folding legs. Show that Ignik put some serious thought into this design.
Final thoughts:
With a smaller vehicle, I’m not really looking to add cargo at this point. I’m actually trying to find those items I’ve been hauling around that get little to no use. Getting back to a simpler set-up. So it takes something special to get me to add anything at this point. The form factor and ease of set-up are the main reasons the FireCan will become part of the FJ Cruisers loadout. Besides, I like what Ignik stands for. Sustainability. We can all reduce waste by using refillable propane tanks. And it’s a fact that most forrest fires start with a campfire. So please consider the FireCan as a safe alternate.
And if anyone knows of a company that can make custom stainless steel braided propane hoses. Please hit me up!
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