A fire bellows?

I don’t make many fires backpacking but I did just buy one of these as a gift for a freind who loves fire. I’ve not given it to him yet.

Hmm that link didn’t work.

Ah cool. From their website it says:

<b>(Collapses from 21″ to 3.5″ / Weight 0.75 Ounces)</b>

Amazon was saying 1.6oz

At 0.75 oz, I think it may beat a carbon fiber tube because it can shrink down in size, and the weight may be roughly comparable.

And I don’t think it “compresses” air, but with a decreasing diameter, the air velocity is increased if pressure/volumetric flow rate is maintained. I’m not sure if that really make a difference as they claim.

22 grams on my scale without the little storage tube.

I own a EOG Pocket Bellows. Not sure which version. One of my favorite pieces of gear.

I went ahead and bought one.

Hmm that link didn’t work.

https://www.amazon.com/Epiphany-Outdoor-Gear-V3-Pocket-Bellow/dp/B00LDSW5BA

I have one, too. It works well.

A crafty fella might be able to use a trekking pole shaft or a tent pole section in a pinch.

Amazing! A video that demonstrates carelessness and ignorance in the field with respect to fire safety.  Lighting fires without making sure the ground is clear of combustibles is stupid and posting it in a Marketing Video is just plain irresponsible. My 2 cents

I haven’t seen enough carelessness and ignorance today. Link?

Follow the first massdrop link.  Actually, you don’t even need to start the video; the pics are enough.

I guess it saves time gathering tinder if you can just light the forest floor instead.

Ah, but that would require signing up on Massdrop, or the vile Facebook. I’ll have to take your word for it and satisfy my need for carelessness and ignorance elsewhere.

The Thermarest Neoair Mini Pump (2 AAA batteries) should do the job. I use mine on a TiGoat Wifi wood stove and see no reason why it would not work on a campfire.

Edit: I carry the pump primarily to inflate my Xtherm Max thus minimizing the moisture introduced into my winter mat. So it is multipurpose but not something I would carry solely for use as a bellows.

On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZKmUDezsRg&feature=youtu.be

 On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZKmUDezsRg&feature=youtu.be

Thanks, J R. That’s the skireey video? Oh, the humanity!  : )

Sometimes I use a tent pole.  Blow into it.  You can get good airflow to where the fire is.  3/8 inch inside diameter.

^ crafty fella

I use a piece of Ridge rest I use as a seat and to supplement my inflatable pad.

Upon first glance, I thought this thread was ridiculous – carrying something just to blow on your fire?  However, upon reflection on my own experiences, I realize some sort of bellows makes sense.  I went for the Vargo on Massdrop because it has a sparker which is a great backup if your piezo and bic lighters get wet and won’t function.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/27275

If you already carry a hanging water bag / tube / filter element set-up, you could upsize the tubing a little bit and multi-purpose it as a fire bellows, too.  I’ve brought a 3 feet of 1/2″ ID PEX tubing on camping and cabin trips for help with fires using wet wood while keeping my face out of the smoke and my back more upright.

But buying an actual metal tube?  How about the cardboard inner support from two paper-towel rolls?  Jam them together and you have a 22-inch-long tube of much larger diameter.  Wrap the end in a bit of aluminum foil if you want it to last longer in the coals or to constrict a nozzle for higher velocities.  Burn it in your last fire and you won’t have to carry it out.

A length of tubing like David says but for walking a smaller diameter, 1/4″ or 3/8″.  It has been a common device to carry over here for many, many years. Helps with fires but blow gently, not too hard.  Often used to suck water out of small puddles or yabbie holes on dry ridges in SW Tasmania.

I was originally all set to buy a length of carbon fiber tubing to keep in my pack for this purpose. However, for the weight, cost and packability of this EOG V3 bellows, I can’t justify the other options.

I tested this out on the trip this weekend, and it was amazing. Worth every penny and every ounce!

I tested this out on the trip this weekend, and it was amazing. Worth every penny and every ounce!

All one of them. : )

I bought mine after using a Coleman inflator to get a damp fire going in the Yukon. I also remember seeing a competitor on Alone make one by cutting a groove in two halves of a stick and binding them back together. It’s a simple concept that really works well.