There’s something about a real fire that just feels right. The flickering flames, the warmth on your face, and the way it naturally pulls people in—it’s wired into our DNA. But in today’s world, traditional campfires aren’t always an option. Fire bans, high winds, or just not wanting to deal with the mess of ash and half-burnt logs mean that sometimes, an open flame just isn’t responsible.
That’s where the Howl R4 Portable Propane Campfire comes in. I’ve tried plenty of propane fire pits over the years, and most of them have been underwhelming at best. The flames barely flicker above the burner, they don’t put out any real heat, and they end up being nothing more than an expensive decorative light. The Howl R4 is different. It throws big, bright flames, puts out serious heat, and actually feels like a campfire—not just a gas burner pretending to be one.
The Closest Thing to a Real Fire
The first time I fired up the Howl R4, I was impressed. It sounds like a jet engine when it starts—a deep, satisfying roar as the flames come to life. Then, as the BarCoal heat generators warm up, the stainless steel tubes begin to glow red-hot, radiating warmth like a bed of embers. Unlike most propane pits that only provide convective heat from the flame, the BarCoals kick out serious radiant heat, meaning you actually feel warm even if the wind picks up.
The flames themselves are substantial, not just a tiny blue flicker barely escaping from the burner. There’s movement, height, and a real visual presence, making it something you actually want to gather around. It’s the first propane fire pit I’ve used that tricks my caveman brain into believing it’s real.
Built to Outlast You
A lot of portable fire pits feel like they were built as an afterthought—thin metal, rattly components, and a general sense that they’ll last maybe a couple of seasons before rusting out. The Howl R4 is the exact opposite.
Made entirely from 1/8-inch thick 304 stainless steel and built in the USA, it’s one of those rare pieces of gear that feels like a lifetime purchase. You don’t need to baby it, and it’s designed to handle years of heavy use in all conditions. The burners are self-draining, so even if it rains or snows, there’s no lingering moisture to cause issues—just fire it up when you’re ready, and it burns like nothing ever happened.
Designed for Real-World Conditions
It’s one thing for a fire pit to work perfectly in calm conditions, but real-world camping is rarely that forgiving. The Howl R4 was built with that in mind.
The first time I used it, the wind was howling—gusts that would have instantly snuffed out the weak flames of other propane pits. But the Howl’s A-Flame windscreen kept the flames steady, and even when a strong gust did manage to blow them out, the BarCoals stayed hot enough to reignite the fire automatically. That’s a big deal if you’ve ever had to fumble with a lighter in the middle of a storm.
I’ve also used propane stoves at high elevations where the flames struggled to stay lit, but the Howl R4 doesn’t have that problem. The BarCoal system doesn’t rely on secondary air combustion, meaning it works just as well in the mountains as it does at sea level.
And then there’s the rain. The Howl R4’s self-draining design means that even if it’s been sitting out through a downpour, you don’t have to worry about dumping out water or drying anything off. Just hook it up, turn it on, and enjoy the fire.
A Responsible Fire for High-Risk Areas
The first time I used the Howl R4, I technically could have had a real fire—there was no active fire ban. But the desert was bone dry, and the wind was ripping. Lighting a traditional fire just wouldn’t have been responsible.
In most of the American West, summer fire bans are the norm. It’s just assumed that from late spring through fall, wood campfires aren’t going to be an option. But propane fire pits, including the Howl R4, are legal under most fire bans up to Stage II in national parks, state parks, Forest Service land, and BLM areas.
Of course, always check local fire regulations before you head out, since extreme fire danger can lead to additional restrictions. But in most cases, the Howl R4 lets you enjoy a campfire when traditional fires just aren’t an option.
Final Thoughts
Most propane fire pits are just expensive, flickering decorations—they don’t put out enough heat to be worth carrying, and the flames are too weak to really feel like a campfire. The Howl R4 changes that.
With big flames, real heat, and bombproof construction, this is the first propane fire pit I’ve used that actually feels like a campfire. Whether you’re avoiding fire bans, dealing with windy conditions, or just want a cleaner way to have a fire at camp, the Howl R4 is hands down the best option I’ve tested.
Pick one up here at Overland Kitted and enjoy real campfire heat—without the risk.
