I've come to understand that campfires have nearly as much psychological value as physical. I made the decision one summer to forego the saw and axe, and try tripping without fires. I wasn't a happy camper. I don't mind cooking on stoves, but something seemed missing in our day and evening without the comfort of a small fire. It not only takes the chill off my bones, but warms my soul and lifts my spirits as well. And for that reason, campfires are as integral a part of our canoe tripping experience as paddling, walking, and swimming through the landscape; they all help to connect us to the place sensually and emotionally.
An axe is now an important part of my gear, along with sharpening stone and folding saw. I really enjoy the whole routine of gathering and preparing wood. Forays into the surrounding forest is a magical little glimpse beyond the "tamed" campsite, and I tend to spend more time stopping and smelling the earth and trees than foraging for wood. If I paddle down the shoreline in my searches, my wife knows it'll be some time before there's a fire in the hearth. When I eventually wander back to camp, I have the sawing and splitting to look forward to. I sometimes grumble "how much work all this relaxing vacation stuff is." My wife smirks knowingly, humming while she gets to work in her outdoor kitchen.
Of course, all of my blab doesn't take into account the ease of making stick fires, without the need of axes and saws. A sturdy fixed blade knife for splitting can be all one needs for this. I haven't tried this approach to fires, though I've taken the first tentative step by purchasing a twig stove. I'll see where it takes me, though I doubt I'll ever leave my axe at home again.
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