Campfire Wood Estimator
How many armloads of split wood you actually need to cook dinner, stay warm, or just watch for an hour.
Inputs
Result
A natural placement between the calculator and the explanation.
What this solves — and what it doesn't
Most people over-buy firewood or under-buy and end up cutting wood in the dark. This estimator converts your fire purpose into ‘armloads’ of split wood, a unit backpackers can eyeball. We start with a base (15 min = 8 armloads-equivalent; 90 min = 40) and adjust for wood density, altitude (oxygen-thinner fires need more fuel), and group size.
How to read the result
Read the result as ‘X armloads (Y kg)’ and ‘about Z sticks’. Then size-check against what you can pack or find. A realistic armload is 4 to 5 kg of wrist-thickness pieces.
If you’re in a designated fire area with wood piles, this gives you the pick-up count. If you’re gathering, this tells you how long to spend foraging.
Limitations
- Wood density values are averages; species varies widely.
- Doesn’t model fire-pan restrictions where wood is rationed.
- At very high altitude the burn is incomplete; the multiplier is conservative.
Frequently asked questions
Does kiln-dried really burn better?
Yes — moisture content below ~20% is the single biggest predictor of burn quality. Home kiln-dried wood burns ~30% longer per kg than air-dried.
Should I bring a stove instead?
Usually yes. A stove uses 1/10 the fuel, produces no smoke, and is allowed in more places. Use a fire for ambiance, not warmth.
Where is fire prohibited?
Most desert and alpine areas, all wilderness above treeline, and many national park zones. Check local regulations.