Tent Heater

[woodyjdh]

Anyone ever use a tent heater? The type I am referring to is a heater that is outside, with hoses that run the heat inside the tent. Thus no danger of CO2 poisoning or fire hazard. I don't think it would be enough for winter camping, but would be nice to take the chill out in late fall/early spring.

[Powerstroke]

I don't understandf the point of a tent heater unless you plan on spending lots of time in your tent for activities....this would require a bigger tent and thus its more space to heat. TO me a quality 0* or -20* bag would be money better spent.

The only thing I use in my tent while winter camping is a candle lantern. It actually raises the temp a good amount..to the point I can't see my breath in there, and it keeps the condensation from forming or freezing to the inside of the tent. Well worth the $15 and you can buy one that uses 3 candles instead of just one. I'm sure this would make a difference.

A tent heater just seems like more bulk, more fuel, hoses (?!?) and then you would ned an inlet hole blah blah blah. You're better off with something like the Coleman catalytic series of heaters like the sportcat or something like that.

[federline]

I've seen this type of tent heater in Sportsmans Warehouse. It would do what it is designed to do - heat air in your tent, and you, indirectly. Not what your body needs directly to stay warm. And the walls of a synthetic tent act as a real good heat radiator for Nature.

As Powerstroke is saying, you need to help your *body* stay warm. The thing that goes the longest towards this goal are dryness and warmth of the air directly against your skin, not the air outside your clothes and sleeping bag. A bag matched to you and the weather is the single-most important item.

I second a quality cold-weather rated bag. I personally use a +20* mummy bag for late fall and early spring camping. Vary this for hot or cold bloodedness. Then, all the rest of cold weather camping basics take over.

In the winter I *do* use a Coleman propane lantern while going to bed and getting up to take a pinch off the nip while changing clothes. I'd use a heater only during the periods spent in the tent outside of a better sleeping bag.

[woodyjdh]

Thanks for the input. My wife has never gone camping, and is always cold. I thought this might make her feel more comfortable about going. Personnally, I think more layers of clothing, and like you both said a mummy bag would be the way to go. Not to mention, those heaters are darned expensive! Besides, who needs more bulk to carry? Thanks again for the responses!

[echotrail]

In the past, knowing it was going to be cold at night, we use a campground or resort that has electric hookups. We bring a couple of small 1500 watt heaters. We use just one (the other is the backup system) Stays about 60 degrees in the 12x12 tent when it's around 25 degrees outside. Works great, but the site cost of $30 was being split 3 ways.

[fishermn]

I agree on the mummy bag. I dont bother with atent heater, too dangerous for my liking, and just one more thing to carry. Also remember to bring a good quality ground pad, it will help a lot!

[Powerstroke]

I have to agree with fishermn, a quality sleeping mat made of CLOSED-CELL foam is the best. This can make a 40*F difference between you and the ground. I use 2 of them to create a wide base cause I roll around.

They have them at Walmartfor less than $6 a piece. I bought 4 cause I couldnt' carry anymore than that.

[shouldbefishn]

dido fisherman Good pad and right bag and you will be toasty.

[fubar]

if your campsite has electrical hookup, we use an electric blanket.

[barebackjack]

We used a mr buddy heater one year for fishing opener, worked well till the other tent came and stole it and burned a hole in the tent! I dont think if I was packing I would be dragging this along.

[Guest]

I have camped in Montana in some fairly cold weather.Some of the nights being 0-10 below.We have a medium sized cabin tent.Always use a folding cot,with a closed cell foam pad and a pretty good bag rated at o degrees.We usually take along a Mr buddy heater with small canisters along as there are nights when we turn it on in the morning when we clean up and get dressed. Nice to take the edge off while getting dressed.The cot,pad and good bag will do the jod in o degree weather.

[fishermann222]

I have used an oil stove inside a wall tent for camping in out on the tundra in alaska. I have also used just a alaskan guide model tent from cabelas and stayed in that also. a buddy and I camp out ALOT in the winter up here and thenumber 1 thing you need is a great mummy bag. plan on spending around 200 bucks for a good one. it is WELL worth it. I bought a mummy rectangle bag, that way i have room for my boots in my bag with me. If you snowmobile to get to camp, you tend to get a little wet while you ride. First winter camping two years ago I left my boots out in the tent and I could hardly get them on the next day. In the bag they stay nice and warm.

another little tip is when you go to bed, boil some water and fill a nalgene bottle with it and put it in yoru bag with you, makes for a perfect body warmer.