What Is Rick of Wood?

Fire is the heart of almost every campsite. It cooks your food, dries your gear, and keeps you warm long after the sun drops behind the trees. To get all of that, you need wood, and the moment you start buying firewood you run into a term that trips a lot of campers up: the rick.

A rick of wood is simply a stacked heap of firewood that measures roughly 4 feet high by 8 feet long. The width is where it gets flexible, since logs are usually cut to 12, 18, or 24 inches and a typical rick runs about 16 inches deep. This guide breaks down what a rick is, how it relates to a cord, which woods burn best, how much you actually need for a trip, and how to keep a fire going safely.

What a Rick of Wood Really Is

When it comes to most camping activities, from cooking to simply staying warm, fire is an unavoidable asset. People rely on it mainly for heat, especially in hard winters, and camping sits right behind that. There are no real camping plans without fire, and to make that fire, wood is the primary requirement.

A rick of wood is nothing more than a heap of firewood that measures 4 by 8 feet. The width normally varies depending on the place. Usually the logs are cut into 12 inch, 18 inch, and 24 inch lengths, and the common width of a rick is around 16 inches. Because that width is not standardized, it is always worth asking your supplier exactly how deep their rick is cut before you pay.

• Dimensions: The footprint is the same as a cord, 4 feet high and 8 feet long.
• Weight: A rick weighs less than a full cord, and the wood can run anywhere from 670 lbs to 2000 lbs depending on the species and moisture.
• Volume: The volume of a rick does not exceed 128 cubic feet.
• Cost: A rick is comparatively cheaper than a cord of wood, which makes it a friendly amount to buy for a single trip.

One thing to plan around: many popular camp areas restrict moving firewood in from elsewhere unless you have the right permits and pass inspection, so buy local where you can.

Is a Rick of Wood the Same as a Cord?

This is the question that causes most of the confusion at the woodpile. A cord of wood is a stack that measures 4 feet in width, 4 feet in height, and 8 feet in length. Though a rick and a cord are equal in length, a rick is only a portion of a full cord.

In short, a cord of wood can hold several ricks inside it. To know the actual number of ricks in a cord, you have to check the individual width of a single rick, since that width is the part that changes from seller to seller. Once you know the rick width, the math is easy and you will not get shorted.

How Much Firewood Is in a Bundle?

If a rick is more than you need, firewood is also sold in small bundles. Generally, one bundle of firewood contains around 4 to 5 sticks. Longer pieces tend to burn brightly and steadily, which is why they are popular at a campsite.

Because the size and quality of each stick matters, it pays to think about what type of wood you are using before you buy a stack of bundles. The species changes how hot the fire burns, how much smoke it throws, and how long it lasts.

Types of Firewood Used for Camping

To make a camping trip memorable, a good campfire is a must, and a good fire means low smoke and few sparks. That comes down to the type of wood you burn. Freshly cut wood that has been fully dried is best for a campfire, and seasoned wood is usually what is sold to meet that need. Here are the species you will run into most often.

• Ash Wood: Also known as American wood, ash burns slowly and steadily. Its best advantage is that it is lightweight and easy to split. It burns hot, so many people reach for ash in wintertime.
• Cherry Wood: Cherry gives off a pleasant aroma as it burns. It is not as hot as ash, but it is easier to split and handle, and it throws less smoke than most woods. It is a favorite for smoking meats like chicken, pork, beef, and fish, where it adds good color and a smoky flavor.
• Beech Wood: Beech is best after seasoning for at least a year. It burns for a long time at high temperatures and gives off little smoke or spark, which makes it well suited to camping.
• Oak Wood: Oak is one of the most popular choices. Its dense bark lets it burn slowly and last a long time, and the heat it produces is high without much spark or smoke.
• Maple Wood: The thick density of maple makes it tough to split, but it is a strong choice for burning because it lasts and keeps the flames going. It puts off plenty of heat without spark or smoke.
• Birch Wood: Birch sits on the softer side of firewoods, so it is easy to split and lights quickly. The heat is good and it gives off very little smoke as it burns.

Which Wood Is Best for a Campfire?

Before you choose your wood, figure out its purpose. Wood meant for an indoor fireplace can be different from what you want in an open campfire. For a campfire you should always lean toward dense firewood, and oak and maple are the best suited for the job thanks to their long, hot, low smoke burn.

Some wood throws smoke that is irritating and can cause health issues, so choose seasoned wood over fresh whenever you can. Fresh wood is also heavier to carry because of its high moisture content, and that same moisture is what makes it hiss, smoke, and struggle to catch.

How Much Wood Do You Need for Camping?

This is one of the most frequently asked firewood questions, and the short answer is that you may need a minimum of 2 to 5 bundles per day. That range shifts with how you use the fire and what you use it for, since cooking on top of a campfire eats through wood faster than warmth alone. It is always wise to have a clear idea of the amount you will need before you go. A few factors make the estimate easy.

• Cold weather: Cold makes a big difference. You may want continuous fire through most of the day to stay warm, which can push you to 3 to 5 bundles per day, and some campers report burning 6 to 7 bundles. It all depends on the climate.
• Summer: In summer you usually only need fire for a few hours at night, so 3 to 4 bundles is often enough. Add extra if you plan to cook.
• Length of the trip: Before ordering, map out where you are camping, the climate, and how long you are staying. Since hauling wood in from distant places is often restricted for safety reasons, it is smart to plan ahead and calculate the right amount.

How to Make a Campfire Last Longer

Getting a fire going is the easy part. Start with some twigs and softwood rather than wasting good firewood in the lighting stage. As the fire builds and the flames climb, you can begin adding your hardwood, which is where the long, steady burn comes from.

• Check the shape: When you want a fire to last, mind its shape. A pyramid style is preferred because it helps shield the coals from wind that would otherwise burn through your wood faster.
• Large logs are good: People often skip large logs because they take longer to catch, but if your fire pit can hold them, larger logs are exactly what make a fire last. Add them once you have a solid bed of coals.

Tips for a Safe Campfire

A campfire is a fun, social part of camping, but if it is not planned and handled well it can quickly become a hazard. Understanding how to run a fire safely matters as much as choosing the right wood.

• Use a fire pit: A fire pit, sometimes called a fire ring, keeps the fire contained. Set your fire only inside a pit. If your spot has none, dig one in a safe, clear area away from power lines and other threats, then surround it with rocks or bricks.
• Know the rules: Before you settle on a camp area, learn the current rules and regulations for camping and campfires there. It keeps everyone safe and your trip peaceful.
• Watch kids and pets: Teach children about the danger fire poses, never leave them unattended, and keep both kids and pets from sitting too close to the pit.
• Buy firewood nearby: Find a local supplier for your wood. Moving wood in is often illegal because seasoned wood can carry insects and diseases that spread to and damage local trees.
• Never leave it unattended: Make sure the fire is never left alone so it cannot spread or get out of control. A small gust of wind is enough to push it wide, so even for a few minutes, do not walk away without putting it out.
• Put it out fully, every time: When the fire is done, extinguish it well. Pour water over the fire and the pit, make sure the pit is cold, and check that no hidden embers are smoldering underneath nearby.
• Keep water ready first: Prevention beats cure, so never start a campfire without water on hand. It is also smart to wet down the ground around the fire ring before you light it.