Hiking in the US is fairly restrictive when it comes to campfires or open flames. For example, most of this year there was a burn ban for the state of Oklahoma...not even charcoal was allowed, so it's much easier to continue hiking and just carry the fuel as you say.

Also, when it's pouring down rain...I can still brew up a nice cup of tea using the rain fly and my stove...might not be possible with regular wood fire. Although is you use a hobo stove type set up...it might work, but you would really have to keep the flames low and it might take eons to get the heat up.

Just my opinion <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />