Built for 4-season camping, the R4 is like no other fire pit. It cranks out thigh-melting heat in wild winds, monsoon rains, whiteout blizzards, and burn bans – keeping you warm when wood can't.
8-FOOT REGULATOR HOSE INCLUDED | STRAP + TANK NOT INCLUDED
🚚 Ships 3-5 business days
✓ Built to order in Colorado — your production slot is secured at checkout
Real warmth in any weather. BarCoal is the world’s first radiant tube heater that's naturally aspirated and works entirely off-grid. With a 100% primary air combustion, the system is unaffected by wind, while the drain ports shed rain and snow. See how it works here.
EchoHeat Reflector Shields
Put all that heat right where you want it. With this precisely angled, electropolished fin, your torso and thighs will melt. Even your feet get toasty. But just 7” below the 1,300+ ºF BarCoal tube, the ground – and even the R4's legs – stay perfectly cool.
A-Flame Burner
After years of mathematical modeling and experimentation, this is the brightest, cleanest, most weather-resistant flame ever created. The wind screen keeps the flame lit without hiding the light down in a box, while the burner plate is precision-shaped to rapidly shed water.
PRESSBRAKE FRAME
Built to protect your Campfire in a dustup with a dirt road, the R4’s exoskeleton starts as a single plate of 12 gauge stainless steel. We cut it to shape with a fiber laser, bend it to form with a hydraulic press break, then stitch weld the corners to make them like angle iron. This bad Larry isn't built for a landfill. It's built for a lifetime, or maybe three.
JACKKNIFE FOLDING LEGS
Like the blades of a Swiss Army Knife, each leg folds out independently on a friction-controlled steel-bracket hinge. And like a Swiss Army Knife, there's no lock-out mechanism. That way, if your campfire takes a tumble, the legs can move to absorb the impact. The Type 3 hardened anodized aluminum construction steadies your fire. And when it's time to make miles, just flip them in for tight packing, and mash the gas.
Thigh-melting heat. Firelight to tie flies by. Plus, you can huck your truck with it.
Built for all four seasons, the HOWL R4 is the flagship campfire for folks who don't wait for good weather.
It keeps you warm in 120 mph winds, whiteout blizzards, monsoon rains, and any altitude on earth. This is the world's hottest propane fire pit. The one you bring when you want the most heat, the most control, and the fewest excuses.
Twin BarCoal tubes absolutely rip at 1300+ degrees Farenheit, giving you deep radiant like a bed of wood coals. The EchoHeat Reflector Shields push that heat toward you, while keeping the ground completely cool.
There's no fire ring or ash left behind, no embers, and no sparks. The UL and UL-C Certifications make it legal during burn bans across the US and Canada when gas appliances are allowed. Check you local regs.
Want to get really out there? Strap in the tank, strap it to your rig, and haul ass.
Thigh-melting heat. Firelight to tie flies by. Plus, you can huck your truck with it.
Built for all four seasons, the HOWL R4 is the flagship campfire for folks who don't wait for good weather.
It keeps you warm in 120 mph winds, whiteout blizzards, monsoon rains, and any altitude on earth. This is the world's hottest propane fire pit. The one you bring when you want the most heat, the most control, and the fewest excuses.
Twin BarCoal tubes absolutely rip at 1300+ degrees Farenheit, giving you deep radiant like a bed of wood coals. The EchoHeat Reflector Shields push that heat toward you, while keeping the ground completely cool.
There's no fire ring or ash left behind, no embers, and no sparks. The UL and UL-C Certifications make it legal during burn bans across the US and Canada when gas appliances are allowed. Check you local regs.
Want to get really out there? Strap in the tank, strap it to your rig, and haul ass.
BarCoal's air intake is completely concealed, so the system is unaffected by 120 mph winds. The A-Flame wind screen protects the base of the flames from gusts up to 60 mph, but if it does blow out, it simply relights itself from the BarCoal's hot exhaust.
How does it work at altitude?
Perfectly. The HOWL will keep you warm at any altitude on earth. The BarCoal relies only on primary air for combustion. Air density changes with altitude, but the momentum of the fuel jet draws in the correct number of air molecules regardless of air density. It creates a clean and complete combustion from Death Valley to Pikes Peak.
What if it rains or snows?
The BarCoal and A-Flame burners are self draining. Even after multiple days of precipitation, they light right up to make you warm. And if you get a surprise foot of snow overnight, no sweat. Just brush off the HOWL and fire it up.
Is there anything else like it?
Not even remotely. BarCoal is the world's first naturally-aspirated portable radiant tube heater. It makes you warm without fans, batteries, electricity, or anything else that can wear out or break. It's got the heat of a wood fire, but you can use it in places and weather conditions where wood's no good.
Does the R4 MKii really keep a propane tank from rolling?
Yep. And good thing, since you can't get sendy offroad with an unhinged tank smashing around back there. The HOWL straps right to the tank, and together they ride stable like a cooler.
How do I strap it down?
The same way you would a cooler or bundle of firewood. Just run a ratchet strap through the StrapLock slots in the frame, hook the ends to your vehicle's tie points, and tighten.
Can I actually huck my truck with it?
If you can also land your truck, then yes. Strapped down correctly, the HOWL won't budge. The PressBrake frame is made of plate steel, so it's highly impact resistant.
Actually Hot. Like "back away or turn to toast your backside" kind of heat.
Why can't flames get you warm?
Flames make hot air, which rises and blows out of camp. That's why you get so uncomfortably cold around traditional propane fires.
What makes a wood fire warm?
Coals. Wood coals put out infrared heat at the perfect frequency for heating up water. Since you're made of water, wood coals make you warm.
Does more BTUs mean more heat?
Nah. A BTU is just a unit of fuel, like a gallon of gasoline. No one cares how much propane you burn, what matters is how much warmth you make. The HOWL burns fewer BTUs while generating way more usable heat.
How does BarCoal work?
The steel tubes get red hot and shoot Infrared rays with the same frequencies as wood coals. As your body absorbs those rays, your molecules vibrate faster, and you get HOT. Get the full story here.
This thing is METAL 🤘 Built from 304 stainless steel, aircraft aluminum, and brass, the R4 can handle just about anything.
What if I manage to break it?
If you scratch or dent it, those are the marks of a good time. We say wear 'em with pride. If you manage to bust something that changes the warmth or functionality, just send it back to us. We'll repair or replace the affected parts at a reasonable cost.
Is it really built in the USA?
Sure is. All our design, machining, laser cutting, welding, press-braking, riveting, wrench-turning, testing, and packaging are done here on Colorado's Front Range.
Is there a warranty?
Absolutely. Any damage caused by normal wear and tear or accidents, we'll try to repair at a reasonable cost. If the damage is deemed to be caused by a defect in manufacturing, we will, at our discretion, repair or replace the item at no cost to you.
What's it made of, anyway?
This thing is METAL 🤘 Built from 304 stainless steel, aircraft aluminum, and brass, the R4 can handle just about anything.
What if I manage to break it?
If you scratch or dent it, those are the marks of a good time. We say wear 'em with pride. If you manage to bust something that changes the warmth or functionality, just send it back to us. We'll repair or replace the affected parts at a reasonable cost.
Is it really built in the USA?
Sure is. All our design, machining, laser cutting, welding, press-braking, riveting, wrench-turning, testing, and packaging are done here on Colorado's Front Range.
Is there a warranty?
Absolutely. Any damage caused by normal wear and tear or accidents, we'll try to repair at a reasonable cost. If the damage is deemed to be caused by a defect in manufacturing, we will, at our discretion, repair or replace the item at no cost to you.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 91 reviews.
Well for $1450 dollars I’d say it’s the best option out there but, I have yet to see a 32” flame. I’d say 24” is normal. It gets hot but on a 51 degree night you still have to sit pretty close to feel enough to warm everything. I knew this but the fact that you can’t cook on it, above it and there’s no attachment out there to be able to cook, kind of leaves me feeling like I spent too much. It’s cool but not $1450 cool. I guess I expected more heat coming out the sides. Really don’t want to carry a grill and this in or on my van. Oh well. Setup was straightforward and it goes through propane pretty quick on full blast. And remember you’re spending $26-30 for 4-6 hrs of fire. Every time. That’s $182 a week for a fire that you can’t cook on.
This has to be the only propane fire pit on the market that actually keeps you warm. The bar coals are amazing and I have to step back from them sometimes. While pricey the engineering and quality is top notch and my wife and I have gotten great enjoyment out of it. So far we have not tried it lower than 50 degrees, but was not turned up all the way and I didn't need any layers at all. Thanks for thinking out of the box on this product, excited to test it some more.
After 15 years, we finally upgraded our Camp Chef fire pit and went with the mighty R4 and this thing did NOT disappoint!
This thing is built like a tank and puts out an incredible amount of heat. Living in Northern Idaho, we’ve been searching for a campfire that can actually keep us warm when the temperatures drop, and we finally found it! Plus, it’s perfect for making s’mores with the family.
We absolutely love this fire pit and only wish we had bought it sooner! If you love camping in colder weather, the R4 is a game changer!
Got the R4. Impressed by this product. Heated up 6 adults and had to turn off the bar coals because it got too hot. 58 degree night. The ability to turn on/off the barcoals is great. The fire kept us warm through the rest of the evening.
Absolutely love the R4 MKII! it is built solid, puts out amazing heat and always the star of the campsite. If you have to deal with Firebans, the Howl R4 is the answer!
Love this thing, couldn’t be happier! it’s been a centerpiece for driveway drinks and communion with the neighbors and friends!
Also, PLEASE make a Rally mount for the R4mkII!! Will buy it immediately! ♥️
I just started using my new Howl R4. It’s been great for our small in-city back yard. I took it this weekend to Cub Scout camp. The Phase 2 burn ban went into effect after the first night, but no problem! It worked great for kids roasting marshmallows because the flame doesn’t put out too much heat. I also used it on the chilly mornings.
The R4 appears to be really durable. The stainless steel couldn’t be easier to clean. The radiant heat tubes are well worth it in cold weather. It’s lived up to the hype.
Awesome Dual Purpose unit. Amazing that the Heat tubes on the side really put out heat without feeling like they're going to burn you. Very cool watching it burn at night as the heat tubes light up. Look forward to using this during the winter
Our new R4 arrived in its custom box. The unit is amazing and got to use it during our 10 day trip this month through three states and several RV sites one being Yellowstone. Definitely a head turner and conversation piece.
Test run in the backyard tonight - We’re close to the Pacific coast and get a cool breeze throughout the day and into the evening. Wind doesn’t bother this thing a bit. It’s actually really nice to get the warm air blown at you when the sun sets and the air cools down rapidly. Now it’s 9:30 pm, the wind has died down and we keep turning the heat down and keep moving away from the flames because it is getting warmer and warmer around the fire pit. I kept my shorts on just to better feel the heat that would come off this thing. I have no words! I have never been around a gas fire pit that puts out this kind of warmth! Awesome! And if it lasts for the next 5 years, I will look back at the investment and say absolutely worth it!
Great camping fire system. Easy to use, stays within its diameter, generates heat that unlike normal fires doesn't get too hot forcing me to move away from it a bit. Had an amazing time taking it out i couldn't recommend this enough. The best part is if you don't like bugs it's absolutely perfect as they'll just wander into it making it easy for me and my boys to enjoy the night without being eaten alive by mosquitoes and other bugs.
I swear I should be a spokesman for this product. Im always excited to tell people that are curious about this massive flame coming out of the box ! Price was worth it given the recent fire bans. Staying out late is easier when you’re warm. I love using this in the morning to warm up !
This thing cranks some heat! I’ve used it 3 nights now in the Uintah mountains where it’s still dipping into the 20’s at night and it definitely held its own. Worth every dollar!
We love our new Howl R4! The foldable legs make it feel a lot more portable than the original version and it puts out tons of heat. We also use it on our patio when we aren’t traveling. It’s a game changer!
Amazing! Outstanding product, superior craftsmanship, and it’s backed with some of the best customer service I’ve ever experienced. I own both the R1 and the R4 MKII. I couldn’t be more pleased with howl. They have truly gone the extra mile.
Awesome build quality, love the barcoal tubes for warmth and cozy feel, overall very happy.
Only observation is that with 12-15 mph winds the A flames were getting blown around and suppressed a bit more than expected (65F in Anza Borrego).
Ordered the new bag as well, looking forward to to many more happy camp nights!
This is one of those rare products designed by enthusiast and not engineers with a build to cost directive. I suspect it will outlast me and my children will eventually be enjoying it. Yes it is expensive, but it is built like a tank by hand in the US, and it puts out a significant amount of heat. I have only tested it on the patio, but we will soon be testing it on the trail and I can’t wait.
The flame is beautiful but the B flame and the tubes when they are glowing radiate a tremendous amount of heat! Sitting here on a spring morning at a campground in the Smokies and the B flame turned fairly low, my legs and body are nice and warm!
The legs sit more vertical than the r1 which makes it harder to set up initially. The legs want to fold back under fairly easily. Once set up, it is nice and sturdy. We use it as a table for books, meals and drinks after our hikes, when the Howl is nice and cooled off.
Very pleased.
Apologies for this delayed review. I received my R4 MKii in February shortly before a Moab trip. I tested the Howl in my driveway before departing, and all was good. Thank you to the Howl crew for quickly shipping my R4!!
For my trip I decided to pair the R4 with several accessories.
During use I decided I wanted it a bit higher off the ground. I am using it with a CampChef Lumberjack 18” x 36” “Over Fire Grill” with folding legs. This raises it up 8” allowing you to safely snuggle up closer to the R4. The R4 fits perfect on it! It also provides a perfect extra space at the non-hot side of the R4 (controls, hose connector) for drink cups, small plates, your lighter, iPhones, a speaker, cigar stuff! - whatever you want. It keeps everything out of the dirt, sand, mud, snow, etc. It also acts as a perfect place for my small grill and a 2nd, low table during various food preps. Plus it folds up flat for easy storage or transport in any vehicle or on a roof rack. Highly recommended. And, maybe at some point, the Howl folks could set up a dual marketing opportunity with CampChef!
I also decided I wanted a heavy duty, long term storage solution for my R4 and accessories. So I bought a Condition1 25” hard case which holds the R4 and accessories perfectly (lighter, welder gloves, manuals, main hose, and a Y hose). I cut and fitted some foam for each end, so that the R4 sits slightly elevated with protection from bumps, and allows space for the accessories underneath. This makes for a heavy kit, but the Condition1 has several handles, an extendable luggage handle, wheels, a rubber seal, is lockable and I can tie it down on my roof rack. Keeps the R4 out of sight; and I can stash the whole kit on my back deck when not in use with no concerns for weather!
I love the R4. Super easy to transport, light and use..it’s a serious backwoods - or back deck - piece of gear! Thanks Howl.
Don.
It was well worth the wait.
Compact, simple to set up, puts off so much heat.
Customer service was great and took great care of the initial shipping issue promptly.
The only thing I could suggest for it is a heavy duty dual purpose travel bag/cover.
Absolutely love it! Exceptional quality and really gives off the heat. We have an R1 as well and with both the detailed craftsmanship shows. Thank you Howl !!
The Howl R4 MKii is unlike any other propane fire pit. Until I experienced it I thought it was too expensive, but it feels just like a camp fire! Also no worries about the lingering smoke smells in my clothes and camping gear.
Top notch. Questioned the price vs value. It’s high quality and produces some serious heat. Gauged how good it was with the wife saying it’s hot and had to back away a few feet. 👌🏽
I recently purchased the Howl MKII and just now doing my first burn. The quality built into the Howl is amazing. It’s a work of art it look at! Every piece, part, and assemble oozes precision quality. The bar coals are a game changer when it comes to propane pits. While the A flames dance around nicely, even in a strong wind, those bar coals have me backing up my chair! I’m surprised the amount of radiant heat they provide. I’m only on my first burn with this pit and am highly pleased with its function. Just buy this and be the coolest kid in camp!
I have waited 2 years to purchase this product and could not be happier. It was 25 degrees that evening and the heat from this unit is unbelievable even with a stiff coastal wind.
Howl R4 Mark ii - is truly amazing device. You have to sit down next to it to really 'feel' the warmth and wicked heat that the BarCoal radiates with the added pleasure of the A flame licking bright long flames from the surface. All of this in a compact package you can fold down and strap to your propane tank and hit the road.
Great product! This thing is built like a tank. I’m very impressed by the quality and durability of this R4 MKII. Easy setup and takedown as well as performing as expected! It really puts out the heat! Highly recommend!
Have only just tested it. Had a small leak at the barcole valve that I had to fix which was a bummer. Excited to start using. Puts off excellent heat. Built like a tank
⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer [and/or] birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
