I like the traditional campfire and use it where it is permitted and not too dry. Unfortunately, on most of the public land around here campfires are prohibited, except for one or two designated "fire rings" at drive-up campsites.

For instance, in the area where I've camped numerous times, the rules say:
Quote:
Self-contained stoves are permitted; ground fires are prohibited. Charcoal stoves and grills are prohibited.

(http://www.nps.gov/dewa/Activities/Hikes/hikeAT.html)

So, is a more-or-less enclosed wood burning stove "self contained"? I don't know. I do know that the smell of wood smoke will get you a visit from an Ranger who is probably expecting to find a bunch of drunken, rowdy kids who stumbled into the woods to build a bonfire and do who knows what else. He may not be in a good mood.

Now, if you are in trouble, don't worry about the rules - go ahead and build a fire. If it does get you a visit from a ranger, that's a good thing, even if he isn't in a good mood.

Finally, there are times when it is just too dry to build any type of wood fire, survival situation or not.
_________________________
- Tom S.

"Never trust and engineer who doesn't carry a pocketknife."