Product details
The middle HOWL
Real BarCoal heat. Built to travel.
The HOWL R3 delivers serious radiant warmth and tall, visible flames in a compact package made for three-season adventures. It strikes the balance between the ultra-portable R1 and the cold-weather-focused R4 MKII—giving you dependable heat without taking over your truck, van, camper, or gear drawer.
Campfire atmosphere without the campfire cleanup
The R3 combines two purpose-built burners to deliver both warmth and atmosphere. Its BarCoal burner produces deep radiant heat that feels like glowing wood coals, while the A-Flame burner creates lively, exposed flames for the light and character of a traditional fire. There is no firewood to haul and no smoke, flying embers, or ash to clean up afterward.
Radiant BarCoal Heat
Operating temperatures above 1,100°F create powerful radiant warmth that reaches beyond the flame itself.
Tall A-Flame
Fully exposed flames reach approximately 24 inches in calm conditions, creating usable light and unmistakable campfire ambiance.
Packable by Design
Folding legs reduce the R3 to a compact 18-by-12-inch footprint that is easy to store between trips and quick to deploy at camp.
Serious enough for cold shoulder-season nights. Compact enough to keep in your rig all year.
Specifications
| Heat output | 64,750 BTU |
|---|---|
| Burners | 1 BarCoal burner + 1 A-Flame burner |
| Operating temperature | 1,100°F+ |
| Flame height | Approximately 24 inches in calm air |
| Burn time | Approximately 6–9 hours with a 20 lb. propane tank |
| Dimensions | 18 × 12 × 5.8 inches |
| Weight | 19.6 lb. |
| Fuel | Propane |
| Manufacturing | Made in the USA |
Questions & answers
HOWL R3 FAQ
Built for unpredictable forecasts, rough camps, and the conditions that send ordinary propane fires packing.
Works in gnarly conditions
What does it do in strong wind?
The BarCoal air intake is completely concealed, so the system is unaffected by winds up to 120 mph. The A-Flame windscreen protects the base of the flame from gusts. If the visible flame does blow out, it can relight from the BarCoal burner’s hot exhaust.
Does it keep you warm in the wind?
Up to approximately 20 mph, yes. Above that, the R3 keeps burning, but you will probably want a jacket.
How does it work at altitude?
The R3 is designed to keep running at any altitude on Earth. Although air density changes with elevation, the momentum of the BarCoal fuel jet draws in the correct quantity of air for clean, complete combustion—from Death Valley to Pikes Peak.
What if it rains or snows?
No sweat. The BarCoal and A-Flame burners are self-draining. Even after extended precipitation, they are designed to light normally. If you wake up to a surprise layer of snow, brush off the HOWL before lighting it.
Why radiant heat works
Why don’t normal propane fires keep you warm?
Most propane fire pits primarily make flames. Flames heat the surrounding air, which rises or blows away. That can leave you cold even when the fire looks impressive.
What makes a wood fire feel warm?
The coal bed. Glowing wood coals emit radiant energy that your body absorbs directly, which is why a healthy coal bed can keep you warm even when the air is cold or moving.
How does BarCoal keep you warm?
The steel U-tube reaches approximately 1,100°F and emits infrared radiant energy similar to glowing wood coals. Your body absorbs that energy directly instead of waiting for hot air to circulate around you.
Does a higher BTU rating always mean more usable heat?
Not necessarily. A BTU rating measures how much fuel an appliance consumes, not how much warmth reaches your body. At maximum output, the R3 uses 64,750 BTUs of fuel per hour. The BarCoal system is what converts that fuel into 1,100°F radiant heat you can feel.
Built & supported
What is the R3 made from?
This thing is metal. The R3 is built from 304 stainless steel, aircraft-grade aluminum, and brass.
What if I manage to break it?
Scratches and dents are marks of a good time. If something breaks and affects the R3’s functionality, HOWL can inspect the unit and repair or replace the affected components at a reasonable cost.
Is it really made in the USA?
Yes. Design, fabrication, cutting, press-braking, assembly, testing, and packaging are completed in Colorado.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Damage caused by normal wear, use, or accidents may be repairable at a reasonable cost. If HOWL determines that damage resulted from a manufacturing defect, it may repair or replace the affected item at no cost, at its discretion. Refer to the manufacturer’s current warranty terms for complete coverage and eligibility details.
