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My friends and I have taken a total of 4 backpacking trips and every one has included being able to have a fire. We are thinking of doing Kinder Crossing this weekend and of course, no fires allowed. We can filter water and use my backpacking stove, so it should be okay. My question is, what are some things to take into consideration about camping without a fire that I may not be thinking of? Do you find it a pain to camp without a fire? Does it put a damper on the mood? Camping without a fire just seems to alien to me. Tell me everything is going to be okay ;)

tharris wrote:Tell me everything is going to be okay

It will be OK.. bring extra batteries for your needed flashlights/headlamps ;)

Everything will be fine. Sometimes my friends and I will bring a few of those little LED light candles for some artificial fire ambiance. Otherwise, just enjoy the stars

I rarely have a fire while camping; never when I solo. It's a different experience, but one I find enjoyable. You get more attuned to the stages of sunset and moonrise and the stars coming out. You hear a lot more wildlife, especially if you sit quietly. In a group, you can still sit around and talk as you please. It's somehow more intimate because you're not all there because of the fire, you're there because it's an interesting conversation. I especially enjoyed our last night on the trail in Grand Gulch, when most of us slept out on the ground, tired after a long day, mostly just watching the sky as we dropped off to sleep one by one.

tharris wrote:Camping without a fire just seems to alien to me.

I used to think the same thing. Camping without a fire sucks. Backpacking without a fire... aint so bad. It's pretty cool to look up and see so many stars. Not to mention, you dont have to get all that dam firewood.

Camping without a fire is just fine. I usually don't have them when I am alone. It is much better to enjoy the ambient light and sounds of nature. With a group, it usually becomes a party where the fire is part of the celebration. However, those who insist on having a fire when conditions aren't safe are people I don't wish to camp with.

Building a fire has always been pretty optional for me. I have done a lot of backpacking in the Grand Canyon, no fires allowed, and the Sierras, which don't allow fires in some areas. I agree, you see the stars better, etc. I really like a fire if it is going to be below about 40 degrees or so at night. That's nice to have, and it's especially nice to get it going again on a chilly morning. But in summer, pretty optional.

Was hiking in Wilderness of Rocks this past weekend and it was very nice and warm at bedtime. We didn't miss having a fire.

Pick up a set or two of ENO Twilight Lights. They provide plenty of light for hanging out into the night. With no campfire, these are the next best thing. And combine the two for even more fun!

Here are my lights in action
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=186829

And here they are at REI for 20 bucks. Money well spent!
http://www.rei.com/product/807914/eno-t ... ght-string

I haven't tried it yet, but reading all your comments here encouraged me to.