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FIELD TEST · Outdoor & Gear
Fire in the wilderness
01 / The Fennek hobo stove
tested off road
The sun disappeared behind the pines long ago, and only the chirping crickets accompany the silence in camp. The Jeep stands at the forest edge, the tent is up — now it is time for the heart of every trip: a warm meal over a real fire. This is where the Fennek hobo stove comes into its own.
02 / FIELD NOTE
German craftsmanship — robust and precise
Fennek’s hobo stove is made in Germany from high-quality stainless steel or ultralight titanium. Laser-cut and CNC-bent, every edge feels carefully considered. The material resists heat and is exceptionally tough — ideal when the stove has to cope with daily overlanding life among tools, recovery gear and supplies.
The clever part: with a few simple movements, the contents of a flat storage bag become a stable firebox. The individual pieces fit precisely together, with no screws or extra tools required.
03 / FIELD NOTE
Efficiency in campfire form
The secret is the chimney effect: the vertical design draws oxygen in from below, producing a clean, hot flame. Small twigs, pine cones or a few pieces of wood are enough to bring water to the boil quickly. You can also use alcohol or solid fuel — that versatility makes it a true all-rounder.
Accessories such as a grill grate, pot support or ash tray extend its uses. Morning coffee water, a quick soup or grilled meat in the evening — the Fennek handles them all.
04 / FIELD NOTE
Advantages for overlanding and outdoor adventures
Compact and light: the Hobo fits in almost any side pocket or vehicle drawer. The titanium version in particular saves weight without sacrificing stability.
Independent and flexible: no gas or cartridges — the fuel is literally lying beside the trail.
Sustainable and efficient: good airflow allows the wood to burn with very little residue.
Robust and durable: here, made in Germany means a stove that stays reliable for years, in the forest, mountains or on the coast.
My personal verdict on the Fennek hobo stove: it is versatile, pleasantly light and robust enough for demanding outdoor use. The support surface is mainly designed for mugs, small pots or pans, but is perfectly adequate for quickly making coffee or a small meal on the road. For precisely those moments — warm drinks or simple dishes — it is a reliable companion I would not want to travel without. I particularly appreciate being able to fuel it with a piece of wood or a few twigs, staying independent of gas and cartridges. That saves space in the Jeep and makes the journey feel more elemental. When overlanding, it is reassuring to have a compact, dependable fireplace within reach at any time.
05 / Nice to know about
Fennek
Behind FENNEK is not a start-up but the experienced WWS Metallformen GmbH from Hatzenbühl in Germany’s Palatinate region, founded in 1982 with extensive metalworking expertise. The outdoor and BBQ brand FENNEK launched in 2017. Since then, its portable grills, hobo stoves and fire bowls have been developed and manufactured entirely in Germany, using materials and quality standards from the aerospace and automotive industries. FENNEK also places strong emphasis on sustainability, consistently avoiding plastic packaging in favour of recyclable cardboard and cotton or jute shipping bags.
06 / Verdict
A small fire for a big adventure
The Fennek hobo stove is more than a camping gadget — it is a dependable companion for real outdoor experiences. It represents freedom, independence and the luxury of making a warm meal in the middle of the wilderness.
If you are looking for a compact, robust and versatile cooking system for your travels, Fennek’s Hobo will not disappoint. It brings adventure straight into your cooking pot, wherever your Jeep takes you.