Kikerike 22 inch Collapsible Outdoor Fire Pit Review: The Ultimate Backpacker’s Campfire Companion?

There’s a universal magic to gathering around a crackling fire. It’s a primal comfort, a focal point for stories, and the perfect way to cap off a day of adventure. But as an avid camper and full-time RVer, I’ve often faced the frustrating reality of the campfire conundrum. You arrive at a pristine, remote campsite only to find either no designated fire ring or strict “leave no trace” policies that prohibit ground fires. The alternative? Lugging around a heavy, cumbersome steel fire pit that eats up precious cargo space and is a pain to clean. For years, I searched for a solution that offered the authentic experience of a wood fire without the weight, the bulk, or the environmental impact. The goal was simple: a real campfire, anywhere, anytime, that packed down small enough to forget it was even there. This quest for an uncompromised, portable fire experience is what led me to the Kikerike 22 inch Collapsible Outdoor Fire Pit.

What to Know Before You Buy a Portable Fire Pit

A portable fire pit is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking outdoor experiences in places where traditional campfires are impractical or forbidden. It elevates a simple beach outing, a backyard barbecue, or a backcountry camping trip by providing warmth, ambiance, and a place to cook. The main benefit is freedom—the freedom to have a contained, safe, and clean fire that respects the environment by preventing ground scorch. It eliminates the need to build and dismantle messy rock rings and simplifies cleanup immensely, turning what was once a chore into a simple, quick task.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values mobility and convenience: the weekend camper, the overlander, the RVer, the beachgoer, or even the apartment dweller with a small patio. If you find yourself constantly on the move and want to bring the campfire experience with you, a lightweight, collapsible model is a game-changer. However, it might not be suitable for those who need a large, permanent hearth for their backyard. If you’re looking for a substantial, heavy-duty fire pit that acts as a permanent landscape feature and can incinerate massive logs for hours on end, you would be better served by a traditional steel or stone fire pit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to two sets of dimensions: assembled and packed. The assembled size (22″ x 22″ for this model) determines the size of the fire you can build. The packed size is paramount for portability. A model like the Kikerike, which packs down to a mere 13″ x 3.6″, is small enough to fit in a backpack, a car’s glove box, or a small RV storage bay.
• Capacity/Performance: This refers to how much wood the fire pit can safely hold. The Kikerike 22 inch Collapsible Outdoor Fire Pit boasts a 26 lb capacity, which is impressive for its weight and allows for a substantial, long-lasting fire. Performance is also about airflow; mesh designs provide superior oxygen flow from all sides, resulting in a hotter, more efficient burn with less smoke.
• Materials & Durability: Look for stainless steel or high-quality alloy steel for the frame, as these resist heat and rust. The most critical component is the mesh. Kikerike uses a 0.96mm heat-resistant stainless steel mesh designed to hold embers and ash while withstanding intense heat. Proper care, like keeping it dry, is essential for maximizing its lifespan.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The best portable fire pits require no tools for assembly. A simple, intuitive design that can be set up in under a minute is ideal. For maintenance, consider how easy it is to clean. A key benefit of this design is that once cooled, you can simply lift the mesh and pour the fine ash into a trash receptacle, making cleanup remarkably simple.

While the Kikerike 22 inch Collapsible Outdoor Fire Pit is an excellent choice for portability, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially in specialized categories like smokeless technology. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Kikerike: First Impressions and Assembly

Upon arrival, my first thought was that there must have been a mistake. The box was tiny, no bigger than a folded-up camp chair. Inside, tucked neatly into a black carrying bag, were four steel legs, four cross-members, and the rolled-up stainless steel mesh. There was an air of skepticism—could this handful of lightweight parts really create a sturdy, functional 22-inch fire pit? Following the “less than 60 seconds” claim, I began assembly without looking at the instructions. The four legs unfold into a stable X-frame. The four support poles simply slide into sleeves at the top of the legs. Finally, the steel mesh unrolls and its four corner posts drop securely into the tops of the legs. The whole process took about 45 seconds.

The tension from the frame pulling the mesh taut creates a surprisingly stable and robust structure. While incredibly lightweight, once assembled it felt solid. As one user noted, it can seem flimsy during assembly, but “once he put the wood on it, it was good to go!!” This was our exact experience. The entire unit feels intelligently designed for its purpose: maximum function with minimum weight and bulk. You can check the latest price and current offers on this impressively engineered piece of kit.

Putting the Kikerike to the Test: A Deep Dive into Performance

A product can look great on paper, but the real test is how it performs in the field. We took the Kikerike 22 inch Collapsible Outdoor Fire Pit on a multi-day boondocking trip to see how it held up to real-world use, from initial setup to the final cleanup. We evaluated it on its core promises: portability, fire performance, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Ultimate Portability and Swift Setup

This is where the Kikerike truly shines and, frankly, blows most of its competition out of the water. Its packed size of 13″ x 3.6″ x 3.6″ is nothing short of revolutionary for a fire pit of this capacity. We stashed it in a side pocket of a backpack on a short hike to a scenic overlook, something that would be unthinkable with any other type of fire pit. As one user aptly put it, “I keep this little fire pit in my car, and use it at the beach on cool days.” This “grab-and-go” capability changes how and where you can have a fire.

The sub-minute setup is not an exaggeration. After the first assembly, we could consistently get it from bag to fire-ready in under 40 seconds. This speed is a massive quality-of-life improvement, especially when arriving at a campsite late or when you just want a quick, hassle-free fire for an hour. There are no screws, no tools, no confusing parts. The design is so intuitive that anyone can set it up instantly. This ease of use was a recurring theme among users, with many, like one who uses it with a small pop-up camper, praising its convenience for campsites that lack built-in pits. The entire experience feels liberating, removing the friction and planning typically associated with having a campfire on the go. This remarkable combination of size and speed is its defining feature.

The Heart of the Fire: Combustion Efficiency and Heat Output

The magic of the Kikerike 22 inch Collapsible Outdoor Fire Pit lies in its 0.96mm stainless steel mesh. Unlike a solid steel tub that restricts oxygen, the mesh allows for 360-degree airflow to the entire fuel source. The result? A remarkably efficient and vibrant fire. Once we established a small bed of embers, the logs caught quickly and burned brightly with noticeably less smoke than a ground fire. The constant supply of oxygen from below helps the wood burn more completely, converting it into a fine, powdery ash.

We did find, as one user noted, that it can be “a little troublesome to light because there’s so much airflow underneath it.” The trick is to build a small, concentrated pile of tinder and kindling in the center to establish a hot coal bed first. Once that’s going, the pit roars to life. The heat output is fantastic. Because the fire is elevated, it radiates heat in all directions, including downwards. This led to one of our favorite, unexpected perks, echoed by another reviewer: “you can put your feet under to warm them.” This is a level of cozy comfort you simply cannot get from a ground fire or a deep-basin pit. The experience is more communal and comfortable, as heat is distributed more evenly to everyone sitting around it.

Durability and Longevity Under Fire

Skepticism about the durability of a thin mesh screen holding a roaring fire is understandable. We loaded the Kikerike 22 inch Collapsible Outdoor Fire Pit with about 20 pounds of seasoned oak—well within its 26-pound limit—and it held firm without any sagging or signs of stress. The stainless steel frame remained stable, and the points where the mesh connects to the legs showed no strain. Over a week of nightly fires, some burning for several hours, the mesh held up perfectly. After cooling, it showed no signs of warping or damage.

We took note of a crucial piece of advice from a long-term user who owns two models: “If you keep them dry the mesh lasts a good while…Try not to leave them out uncovered overnight after the fire is out.” He explains that dew-soaked ashes can accelerate rust. Heeding this, we made sure to dump the ashes and store the pit in its bag each night. After numerous burns, our mesh shows no signs of wear, confirming that this simple maintenance step is key to longevity. Many were surprised by its resilience, with one user running “BLAZING fires in this thing day and night for a solid week now, and it’s holding strong!!” It’s a testament to the quality of the materials that it can withstand such use, especially given its very accessible price point, which you can see for yourself online.

Cleanup and Maintenance: The Morning After

This is often the most dreaded part of a campfire, but the Kikerike transforms it into a trivial task. The efficient burn reduces logs to a very small amount of fine ash. One of the most incredible features we observed was how quickly the unit cools down. As one backpacker stated, “Best part it was cooled off as soon as the fire was out. I was able to disassemble and return in bag rite away.” We found this to be true; within minutes of the last embers dying out, the frame and mesh were cool enough to handle safely.

The cleanup process is as simple as it gets. Two people can easily pick up the entire unit by the frame, walk it over to a bin, and tilt it to dump the ash. Alternatively, one person can simply lift two corners of the mesh to create a funnel and pour the ash out. The mesh contains everything, so there’s no mess left on the ground. We even followed the lead of one happy customer who “washed the screen in the kitchen sink and wiped the legs off with a paper towel.” It came out looking almost new, with no lingering smell, and fit perfectly back into its travel bag. This level of convenience makes you far more likely to have a fire, knowing the cleanup is a non-issue.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Kikerike 22 inch Collapsible Outdoor Fire Pit is overwhelmingly positive, often bordering on disbelief at the performance delivered for such a low price. A common narrative emerges: a customer, skeptical but intrigued by the design and price, decides to take a chance. That skepticism quickly turns to delight. As one self-proclaimed “don’t leave reviews” user put it, “this thing blew my socks off,” after it far exceeded his expectations on a week-long camping trip.

Many, like a full-time RVer, praise its ability to provide a real fire experience while being compliant with “above ground fire” rules and leaving no trace. The ease of setup and cleanup are mentioned in nearly every positive account. However, the feedback is also balanced. A few users point out its primary trade-off: its ultralight nature means it can be wobbly. One user noted, “Anytime I wanted to poke the fire, I had to put my foot on one of the legs to keep the pit from moving around.” This is a valid observation and a good practice to adopt. Another mentioned that the setup can be “a little confusing at first, but easier the second time around,” a minor learning curve we also experienced. These small critiques, however, are vastly outweighed by the praise for its core function and incredible value.

How Does the Kikerike Stack Up? A Look at the Alternatives

While the Kikerike 22 inch Collapsible Outdoor Fire Pit excels in portability and value, it exists in a diverse market. Understanding its alternatives helps clarify who this product is truly for.

1. Verdeluxe 43 Inch Octagonal Fire Pit

The Verdeluxe represents the opposite end of the spectrum. This is a large, semi-permanent backyard fire pit designed for creating a major social hub. Its 43-inch size can accommodate huge fires and many guests, and its sturdy, decorative design is meant to be a fixture in your yard. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners who want a dedicated, powerful fire feature. However, it is not portable in any sense of the word. If your primary need is a campfire you can take with you camping, to the beach, or on the road, the Verdeluxe is impractical; the Kikerike is the clear winner for mobility.

2. CITYBONFIRES 2-Pack Portable Tabletop Fire Pit

City Bonfires targets a different use case entirely: ultimate convenience and ambiance in a can. These mini tabletop fire pits use non-toxic wax and require no wood or setup—just light the wick. They are perfect for small patios, apartment balconies, or for making s’mores with zero mess. They provide a small, controlled flame for a few hours. This is a fantastic product for quick, easy, and smokeless ambiance. However, it doesn’t replicate the experience, heat, or scale of a real wood-burning campfire. For those who want the crackle and warmth of a traditional fire they can build and tend to, the Kikerike 22 inch Collapsible Outdoor Fire Pit offers a much more authentic and powerful experience.

3. Mystical Fire Color Changing Packets

This product isn’t a fire pit at all, but an accessory that enhances one. Mystical Fire packets are tossed into an existing wood fire to create vibrant, magical blue, green, and purple flames. This is a pure novelty item designed for fun and entertainment, especially for families with kids. It is not an alternative to the Kikerike, but rather a perfect companion product. Using these packets in the Kikerike 22 inch Collapsible Outdoor Fire Pit would be an excellent way to add a layer of spectacle to your portable campfire, making it a memorable experience for everyone.

The Final Verdict: Is the Kikerike 22 inch Collapsible Outdoor Fire Pit Right for You?

After extensive hands-on testing and poring over the experiences of fellow users, our verdict is clear: the Kikerike 22 inch Collapsible Outdoor Fire Pit is an outstanding product that delivers exceptional value and performance. It successfully solves the problem of portable fire with an elegant, simple, and effective design. Its greatest strengths are its incredible portability, lightning-fast setup, and efficient burning that makes for a great fire and a simple cleanup.

This fire pit is the perfect companion for campers, RVers, overlanders, beachgoers, and anyone who wants the freedom to have a campfire wherever their adventures take them. It’s for the person who values space and weight savings but refuses to compromise on the authentic outdoor experience. While it may not have the sheer permanence of a backyard model, it wasn’t designed for that. It was designed for movement, for spontaneity, and for making memories around a fire, anywhere. If you fit that description, we can recommend it without hesitation. For its price and performance, it is one of the best pieces of outdoor gear you can buy. You can grab this game-changing portable fire pit and see its full feature set today.