Howl Campfires R1 Review: Compact Propane Fire Pit, Built Like a Tank & Cranks Serious Heat

The HOWL R1 is built around a few core principles: big flame without the bulk, and durable enough to take on any adventure. It really does just that. It’s small yet mighty, and it’s built like a micro-tank. And above all, it puts out more than enough heat to keep you and a circle of homies warm through the night.

Spoiler… I love this unit.

Most propane fire pits take up a surprising amount of room in a truck, let alone an SUV like the 4Runner. The HOWL R1, on the other hand, folds down to roughly the size of a shoebox and weighs in at a whopping 10 lbs.! Insane.

They designed this thing for off-roaders, overlanders, and car camping crews that push the limits, but it can tackle anything: vehicle-based travel, multi-day trips, and anyone trying to maximize cargo space while still having a portable propane fire pit at camp.

Let’s jump in and see what this little unit is all about.

Find It Online:

• Howl Campfire R1: Check Price

Features & Specs At A Glance

• Burn Time: 8 Hours (Full Blast, 20 lb. Tank)
• Flame Height: 32 Inches (Calm Air)
• Weight: 10 lbs.
• Operating Temperature: 800ºF
• Folded Dimensions: 13.275 x 8.43 x 6.05 in.
• Roughly the Size of a Shoebox
• 1 A-Flame Burner
• Collapsible Design
• FlexDome Windscreen
• Stage II Burn Ban Compliant (Check Local Regulations)

Fits In A Drawer System

One of the best parts about the HOWL R1 for 4Runner owners is how easily it fits into a drawer system. This was one of the biggest selling points for me. After seeing one in crank heat in person and then test-fitting it in the drawer system… I was sold.

With the legs folded in, the entire unit measures just over 13 inches long and packs down to roughly the size of a shoebox. That’s insane! I did have to remove the four rubber feet on the bottom to get it to clear, but it does fit.

For anyone running a drawer system in the cargo area, you know how limited the space is. For me, this was a huge win.

Small & Compact

Outside of fitting in a drawer system, the HOWL R1 is one of the most compact propane fire pits on the market, next to the Ignik FireCan. I debated on the Ignik FireCan, but the optional hot stones to take the heat to another level were just another thing to worry about. I didn’t want to hear them rattling in the can while wheeling or storing them somewhere outside of the can.

The Howl is one solid unit, folds down, and packs just about anywhere you want with no additional add-on pieces or parts, which I like.

For weekend camping trips, overlanding, or even wheeling the Rubicon, the compact size is perfect for the 4Runner.

Incredibly Portable

At only 10 lbs., the HOWL R1 is incredibly easy to move around camp and from vehicle to vehicle.

You can grab it with one hand, carry it around, and position it in place with the built-in handle. Just be careful trying to move the unit around when it’s hot. You can burn yourself after the pit has been roaring for a while. Let the pit cool down before you grab it again.

I have found that the legs provide enough space for the tip of your boot to slide underneath if you need to nudge it closer to you. Just hook the toe of your boot under the unit and drag it towards you if you want the unit closer to your body.

Easy To Use

Using the HOWL R1 is dumb simple.

Unfold the legs, connect propane, light it, and you have an instant roaring flame.

The adjustability has a pretty wide range, too, and the adjustment is pretty sensitive. If you barely turn the dial, the flame jumps fast.

Super Hot Flames On High

For such a small fire pit, the flame output is impressive.

HOWL rates the flame height at up to 32 inches in calm air, and that feels pretty accurate in real-world use when there is no wind.

The flame is tall, bright, and creates a genuine campfire feel that naturally becomes the focal point of camp. It’s never going to replace a real campfire, but it’s pretty damn close compared to most of the other propane firepits on the market I have seen.

It feels like an actual campfire the way it floats around on top of the stainless. It’s a vibe for sure.

Real-World Burn Time

HOWL rates the R1 at roughly 8 hours on full blast using a 20 lb. propane tank.

I tested this unit on a three-day trip in the Northern Nevada desert and then back into Tahoe for the last night. I ran the HOWL for 3-5 hours per night using a 3.8 lb. growler propane tank on mostly medium-low because the weather was pretty good.

It lasted both of the first nights without any issue, but on the third night, it blew through the last of the propane. I was also shooting photos on the last night by the river with it cranked pretty high, so that didn’t help.

I have already upgraded my 3.8lb growler tank to a Flame King 10lb tank and will be testing that out on an upcoming trip to the Rubicon soon.

For two nights, I feel like the 3.8lb tank is enough for most people, but if you want to be on the safe side, a 10lb or even 20lb tank is the safer move so you never have to worry about running out of propane.

Burns Through Propane Fast On High

The biggest downside to the HOWL R1 is propane consumption at the highest setting. I cranked the unit up to high a few times and could just hear it pulling an insane amount of propane. Because of that, I dropped it down to medium low to conserve fuel, and it ended up being more than enough to get me through the weekend.

If you leave it cranked all the way up for hours, you’re going to burn through fuel faster. That’s not really a knock on Howl; massive flames just require massive fuel.

If you want to maximize runtime even more, just turn the flame down while you’re moving around camp, and once you sit down, crank it back up. This is one of the downsides of propane firepits: you just really have to watch your fuel consumption, especially on longer trips.

Does Okay In Extreme Wind

The HOWL does okay in extreme wind. Out on the Northern Nevada desert playa, I tested the unit under extreme gusts. When the wind gusts pick up, the flames get pulled away from the unit, and you won’t feel much heat. Just the nature of a wind gust hitting you with cold air and pulling flames away at the same time makes for a brief cold stint.

I ended up repositioning the pit in front of my rear tire to block the wind, and that helped a lot! If you know it’s going to be windy, just reposition the Howl and your vehicle accordingly.

The FlexDome Windscreen kept the flame lit through the night, but once the wind picked up… It’s hard to stay warm.

Regardless, fires never do well in the wind. Whether it’s propane or a real fire, wind is never on your side. Just something to keep in mind.

Great For Fire Bans

This is one of the biggest reasons to buy a propane fire pit in the first place. I frequently go to the Rubicon, where there is essentially a year-round fire ban at the Rubicon Springs, and having a propane fire pit is a must. Fire restrictions have become increasingly common throughout the West, and there are countless situations where traditional wood fires simply aren’t allowed… and it’s just not smart.

The HOWL gives you an alternative that still delivers the campfire experience without relying on wood or putting the forest in danger.

For anyone who regularly camps in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, or Washington… You should consider a propane pit for the hot/dry seasons.

Always check local National Forest regulations before use, but having a propane fire pit can be a lifesaver… and a forest saver.

Great Where There Are No Designated Fire Pits

Another major benefit is using the HOWL in places that don’t have designated fire pits.

A lot of dispersed campsites and even just random remote spots don’t have established fire rings, and creating new ones isn’t always encouraged or allowed. It’s just disrespectful to go build a fire pit in an area you’re not familiar with. For these spots, a propane pit makes sense.

No ash. No burnt wood. No coals. No trace.

Great In The Morning

One underrated benefit of the HOWL is using it first thing in the morning.

When you wake up cold, the last thing you want to do is gather wood and start a new fire before coffee.

With the HOWL, you simply turn it on. Instant flame. Instant warmth. Shut it down when you’re ready to roll out. Amazing.

It’s perfect while making coffee, cooking breakfast, or slowly packing up camp before hitting the trail.

No Campfire Smell

Some people love the smell of a campfire. Some hate it. The HOWL gives you all the benefits of sitting around a fire without your clothes, sleeping bag, truck interior, and gear smelling like smoke for the next several days.

In addition to that, I can’t even think of how many times I’ve left the liftgate open on the 4Runner while a campfire is roaring, only to find a ton of ashes piled up on my bedding.

It happens almost every time we have a fire; it’s either ashes in the back of the 4Runner or up in the RTT… depending on my sleep setup. It’s just part of camping. But if you’ve been in the same situation, and you’re over it, a propane pit will never sprinkle ashes on your setup like a traditional fire.

Easy To Clean

Cleanup is super easy. I just took the Power Tank with a blow tip and blew off the film on top of the unit. Done.

There’s no ash to deal with. No burnt logs. No coals. No partially burnt wood left behind. When you’re done, shut off the propane, let the unit cool, fold it up, and put it away. For quick weekend trips and efficient camp breakdowns, the simplicity is hard to beat.

Final Thoughts

The HOWL R1 is one of those products that becomes more appealing the more you actually use it.

At first glance, it’s easy to think of it as just another propane fire pit, but look at how it’s built. The build quality of this unit is on another level. I don’t think there is another pit on the market that is built like the Howl. If you want something that is going to last you season after season, all while taking an insane amount of abuse… the Howl is arguably the best option.

The size is also incredible. It weighs 10 lbs., folds down to the size of a shoebox, fits in a drawer system, and still throws an impressive flame/heat.

The only real downside is propane consumption on high, but that’s also just the nature of propane.

All the other benefits are self-explanatory.

If you’re considering a propane pit, there are lots of options, but I don’t think there is anything else out there that comes remotely close to the build quality of a Howl.