In this video I break down HOWL’s new R1 fire pit and explain why it isn’t “better” than the R4—just different. The R1 is the compact little brother to the R4 I’ve had on basically every trip since late 2023/early 2024, and it directly addresses the biggest criticisms I hear: price, size, fuel consumption, and those folding legs. At $350 (vs. the R4’s $1,300 before shipping), it lands in the same price neighborhood as other compact propane pits—but it doesn’t look like something made in a garage out of surplus parts. It’s precision manufactured, feels overbuilt, and it’s certified to international safety standards. I walk through the build quality, the quick-disconnect hose setup, and how it packs—my favorite method is tossing it in a STEP 22 Stingray bag (after it cools, obviously). Performance-wise, the R1 uses a flame panel design with 160 micro emitters and an infinitely adjustable valve, so you can go from low burn to belt-high flames. It’s a legit 800°F “real heat” fire, not just camp light pretending to be a campfire, and it stays efficient because the flame sits right on top. But here’s the point: it’s not an R4 replacement. You don’t get that same infrared, campfire-like radiant heat the R4 puts off, there’s no integrated ignition, and you can’t really cook on it without adding a separate grate. If you’ve been dreaming of the R4 but can’t swallow the price—or you’re tired of janky ammo-can pits—the R1 is a slick, professional option that I think is absolutely worth it.