ROAD TEST
Goldilocks' grills: One is
just right
Home Edition, Travel, Page L-9
Features Desk
4 inches; 613 words
One of the highlights of any camping trip is sitting down to a meal cooked over an open grill, the scent of flame-broiled vittles wafting through a pine canopy. To eliminate the hassle of hauling a bulky, heavy campfire grill into the backcountry, outdoor-gear makers offer various models of portable, collapsible grills -- some so small they can fit into a backpack. We tested three versions in a camp-like setting. OK, so we cooked burgers on them in the backyard.
MIDDLEWEIGHT
First look: The Rebel campfire grill has a simple design: A grill and a charcoal pan clamp onto a steel spike that you hammer into the ground. Slide the grill a few inches above the hot charcoals and you're ready to cook. Loosen the bolts that hold the grill to the spike and you can swing the grill away from the heat once your food is done. It all fits into a carrying bag and weighs about 7 pounds.
Likes and yikes: The Rebel is small enough to fit into a big backpack but might be too heavy to take on long hikes. Still, it is sturdy, with enough space on the 10-by-12-inch grill to cook for two or three people. The grill has a raised 1-inch edge to keep food from sliding off, a plus. We also liked how simple it was to assemble. Two minutes from the time we opened the package, we were lighting the charcoal.
411: $45 at www.campfiregrill.com; REI, (800) 426-4840 and www.rei.com; and other sporting-goods retailers.