Top Collapsible Fire Pits for Backpacking and Travel
I’ve done enough hiking and road-tripping to know one truth: if it doesn’t fold up, it’s not coming with me.
That’s why I’m obsessed with collapsible fire pits. These aren’t just compact — they’re brilliant. Whether I’m backpacking through the woods or taking a last-minute weekend road trip, having a lightweight, foldable fire pit means I’m never without warmth, good vibes, and s’mores-ready flames.
Below are my top collapsible fire pits for adventurers who want gear that works hard and packs small.
Table of Contents
Why I Switched to a Collapsible Fire Pit
When you’re carrying everything on your back, every ounce counts. I used to bring a basic grill grate and make do with a campfire — but it was messy, inconsistent, and often not allowed in certain parks.
Then I found my first folding fire pit, and it changed everything.
Here’s why I won’t go back:
- Ultralight and easy to pack
- Some weigh under 3 lbs
- Quick setup and cool-down
- Can be used even in fire-restricted areas (where allowed)
- Cleaner burns and less environmental impact
Best Collapsible Fire Pits for Backpackers and Travelers
UCO Flatpack Portable Stainless Steel Fire Pit and Grill
This is the fire pit I recommend the most for backpackers. It folds completely flat (just 1.5 inches thick!) and doubles as a grill. Lightweight, sturdy, and it even fits in a laptop sleeve.
Check it on Amazon
Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit
The Pop-Up Fire Pit gives you a bigger flame surface than you’d expect for something that fits in a backpack. It folds like a camp chair and offers a fire-safe, leave-no-trace setup that meets many national park rules.
Buy on Amazon
Wolf and Grizzly Fire Safe
Designed for ultralight adventures, this one breaks down into two sleek metal sheets. Weighing just 2 lbs, it’s a top pick for serious hikers who don’t want to carry bulk but still want the comfort of a real fire.
View on Amazon
Campfire Defender Fire Pit – Collapsible & Weather-Resistant
Built tough, this one folds flat but handles heavy wood loads with ease. I love it for car camping, desert trips, and van life. It includes heat shields and a durable case, so I know it’ll last.
Buy on Amazon
How I Pack a Fire Pit While Traveling
When space is limited, I do this:
- Wrap my fire pit in a heat-resistant pouch or roll-up sleeve
- Pack fire starters or a flint striker in a dry bag
- If wood is scarce, I bring compressed sawdust logs
- Use a folding grill top if I plan to cook
I’ve even tucked my UCO pit into the side pocket of my hiking pack — it’s that compact.
Are They Really Safe in the Wild?
Yes — if used correctly. Most collapsible fire pits have heat shields or mesh bottoms to allow air flow and prevent ground scorching. I always recommend placing a fireproof mat or foil sheet underneath for extra safety.
And always double-check local fire restrictions before lighting up.
Perfect for Minimalists and Eco-Conscious Travelers
These pits don’t leave burn scars on the ground and burn wood more efficiently. So you get less smoke, less cleanup, and leave nothing behind. For me, that’s the perfect combo of freedom and responsibility in the wild.
They Cool Down Fast, Too
Most of these foldable fire pits are made with thin stainless steel, which helps them cool down faster than bulky ones. I can usually break mine down within 20 minutes of the last flame. That means less waiting and more moving.
No Truck? No Problem
You don’t need a van or SUV to carry these. I’ve taken collapsible fire pits on bikepacking trips, overnight hikes, and even public transit camping trips. If you’re limited on space, these open up a whole new world of campfire freedom.
Ideal for Last-Minute Bonfires
Sometimes plans come together last minute. With a collapsible fire pit, I keep it stashed in the car or closet and grab it on the fly. No prep, no mess — just pack, go, and light it up safely.
They Make Great Gifts for Hikers and Travelers
If you’re not buying for yourself, these are awesome gift ideas. Anyone who loves camping, hiking, or even just having fires in small patios would appreciate one. I’ve gifted the UCO and Pop-Up pits more times than I can count.
Final Thoughts
If you love the outdoors but hate the hassle of setting up big fire pits or hauling logs, a collapsible fire pit is the game-changer you’ve been missing. I use mine all year — hiking in spring, camping in summer, beach fires in fall. They fold flat, fire hot, and travel anywhere I do.
Designed for Leave-No-Trace Adventures
One of the reasons I made the switch to collapsible fire pits is because they help me follow Leave No Trace principles. These pits keep the fire contained, elevate it from the ground, and avoid scorching the earth — making them ideal for state parks, beaches, and backcountry zones.
No More Burn Scars on Campsites
There’s nothing worse than arriving at a beautiful spot and seeing a blackened circle in the middle of the grass or sand. With a pop-up fire pit, I can enjoy a real flame without leaving any trace. That alone is worth the price.
Better Airflow = Better Fires
A lot of these foldable fire pits are designed with mesh bottoms or open vents that allow air to circulate from below. That means the fire burns hotter, cleaner, and with way less smoke — which is a blessing for my eyes and my tent.
Fuel Versatility Adds Flexibility
Some models are built strictly for wood, but others can be adapted to work with charcoal or biomass briquettes. If you’re traveling somewhere wood is hard to find, having that flexibility makes your fire pit even more useful.
They Weigh Less Than a Gallon of Water
Most collapsible models I’ve tested weigh between 2 to 6 pounds, depending on size and material. That’s lighter than a gallon of water — and easier to carry in a pack or strap to the side of a backpack with carabiners.
Easy to Clean on the Trail
Cleanup used to be a pain with old fire pits, but collapsible pits with mesh bottoms drop ash straight down or contain it in a simple tray. Once the fire is out and cool, I just shake the ash into a bag or bury it. No scrubbing, no heavy lifting.
Fits in Any Travel Style
Whether you’re into car camping, van life, hiking, or even kayaking, these fire pits fit. I’ve packed mine into a dry bag and floated down a river. I’ve also wedged it between camp gear in a Mini Cooper trunk. You don’t need a big rig to enjoy a fire.
Campgrounds Often Prefer Contained Fires
More and more campgrounds are updating their rules. They allow self-contained fire pits but not open fires. Having a collapsible fire pit gives you that flexibility to still enjoy a night fire — legally and safely.
Great for Backyard Use Too
You don’t need to be deep in the woods to use these. I often pop mine open in the backyard when friends come over. It’s a great way to turn a small patio or deck into a cozy hangout, especially if you’re renting and can’t install a permanent fire feature.
Built with Heat-Resistant Materials
The stainless steel or high-temp aluminum used in these pits holds up extremely well, even after repeated heating and cooling cycles. I’ve used one model over 40 times and it still folds perfectly and shows zero warping or damage.
Affordable and Long-Lasting
Most of the top-rated collapsible fire pits cost between $40 and $130, and I’d argue they’re well worth it. You’ll use it far more than you expect — and because it folds up neatly, you’ll actually want to bring it on every trip.
It’s Fire Freedom, Simplified
There’s something powerful about knowing I can build a safe, beautiful fire almost anywhere I go. No stress, no restrictions, no bulky gear. Just a compact piece of steel that unfolds into a warm, glowing centerpiece. That’s the magic of a collapsible fire pit.