Portable Tiki Torch...any suggestions?

Archy88

New member
Good Afternoon,
I've been lurking these boards for a few days while looking at the camp kitchens that I can't afford. However, I do have a little project up my sleeves and I figure some of you might lend me an idea or two.

I would like to create a portable version of the bamboo tiki torches that you see everywhere. I use a Jeep Liberty while camping and a normal size torch takes up too much room.

I want to incorporate the use of either a beer bottle or wine bottle to spice things up a bit. I am SLIGHTLY worried about someone viewing this as a molotov cocktail lol. From here I was thinking of getting a 5' section of 3/4" pvc and cutting it in half. In the same aisle, I found a coupler which can be used to reattach these lengths. The bottle would be glued to a 3/4"->2" adapter. The bottom end of the pole would be cut at an angle for easy earth insertion :)

This is the best..and most importantly, cheapest idea that I've come up with. Should I run with it, or are there better methods out there that I have overlooked?

Thank you so much! I also look forward to visiting this forum often!
 

Mc Taco

American Adventurist
Wal Mart had some table top version of Tiki Torches. Shaped like a figure 8 when seen from the side. $5 range I think.

Googled Wal Mart Tiki. They popped up. $12. for a set of 4.
 
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Archy88

New member
What advantages are there in having a tiki torch in camp?
I've always felt that they cut down on the mosquito issue when placing 2-4 around the campsite.

I have looked at the tabletop versions at walmart, but I don't feel that leaving one on the picnic table will be as effective. I haven't really tried to be honest, it is just an assumption. If I can't find anything which will work towards my idea, I may spend the few bucks and give one a chance.

Thanks for the replies thus far!
 

overlander

Expedition Leader
Big fire in glass doesn't sound like a good idea to me. A couple citronella candles in the little pails will do the same thing more safely.
 

robert

Expedition Leader
Jeez, what a bunch of buzzkills. Who needs a reason for tiki torches other than they're cool. :beer: I have a couple of the bamboo ones that I carry in the bus on occasion; citronella and a party ambiance in one package.

That said, I'd forgo the glass bottle idea and stick with the metal cans. I've seen them several places with take apart metal poles, but I couldn't tell you where off the top of my head (maybe Target or World Market?).
 

Archy88

New member
Jeez, what a bunch of buzzkills. Who needs a reason for tiki torches other than they're cool. :beer: I have a couple of the bamboo ones that I carry in the bus on occasion; citronella and a party ambiance in one package.

That said, I'd forgo the glass bottle idea and stick with the metal cans. I've seen them several places with take apart metal poles, but I couldn't tell you where off the top of my head (maybe Target or World Market?).

Lol. I was starting to feel a little silly for posting the question. Thanks for the humor :) I agree they're cool, and we have always taken some along with us...more habit now than anything I guess.
I agree with the glass bottle, I will forego that idea and stick with a plastic one, or a metal can. I'd hate for something to happen, or for someone to call me out on it.

I've been looking online and in my local stores. The only idea that I came up with is an extendable curtain rod. But I'm not too sure they'll be steady enough to hold the liquid/can weight. Or even one of those cheap flag pole kits. I believe most of them come in sections.
 

RHINO

Expedition Leader
i think they cut down on bugs too but who cares tikis are awesome around all nightime activities!! i have several and am actually incorporating some into the roll cage i'm currently building for my trail pig. gonna be cool. i'll take a pic or two when its done for ya.

i like the beer bottle idea and i cant imagine a problem unless it got knocked over and broke. home depot has/had some with two section poles and they take a prefilled can refill.
 
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Desert Dan

Explorer
I am going to try some solar garden lights on the next trip.

Keep them on the roof rack during the day to charge and then the should go all night??
 

Archy88

New member
i think they cut down on bugs too but who cares tikis are awesome around all nightime activities!! i have several and am actually incorporating some into the roll cage i'm currently building for my trail pig. gonna be cool. i'll take a pic or two when its done for ya.

i like the beer bottle idea and i cant imagine a problem unless it got knocked over and broke. home depot has/had some with two section poles and they take a prefilled can refill.

I think I found what you mentioned. The Tiki brand sells a 4 in 1 torch. I broke down and spent the $ last night. They can be incorporated into a table top flame, garden flame(roughly 3' tall), or a full torch @ 63" tall. Thank you for the heads up! This is exactly what I wanted to purchase!
 

Archy88

New member
I am going to try some solar garden lights on the next trip.

Keep them on the roof rack during the day to charge and then the should go all night??

I definitely considered a few of these to light up the guy lines of my tent. Got to chill on the spending right now lol. Began the season by buying a new tent and all new supplies...:Wow1:
 

robert

Expedition Leader
I've got a couple of the inexpensive solar LED garden lights that I put near the stake for the guy lines for my awning if I put it up. I've never paid attention to how long they last since they're still going when I head to bed. The only problem I've had with them is the plastic stakes don't penetrate well; I keep meaning to make some sort of metal stake that I can drive in then sit them on but I never seem to get around to it. The tiki torches I put a bit further out if I have the nylon awning/tarp out.

The reflective type line that you can buy for guy lines works pretty well too.
 
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Fireman78

Expedition Leader
Tiki torches are SWEET! THATS WHY! If you come up with a finished product of a compact Tiki post pics for sure. Ive posted a few Tikis up in camp when, for whatever reason, I couldnt or didnt make a campfire. Lazy perhaps? Gotta love those mellow Tikis...
 

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