In case you’re low on time, the perfect tent heater is Buddy by Mr. Heater.
Four-season tents, thick sleeping luggage, heat winter coats… I’m not simply rambling, all this stuff share one widespread goal. They allow us to benefit from the nice outside year-round, even when Jack Frost comes round.
But, winter tenting can get powerful. The temperatures plummet, and your enamel begin chattering.
That’s why nothing is extra important to wintertime tenting than a top quality tent heater. It may be the distinction between freezing your butt off and getting an excellent evening’s sleep.
Best Tent Heater: Our Top Recommendations
Mr. Heater – Buddy
Type: Propane | BTUs: 9000 | Weight: 9 lbs | Heats Up To (Sq Ft): 225 | Indoor Safe: Yes | Safety Features: Low Oxygen Shutdown, Overheat Safety Shutdown, Wind Guard
When speaking about tent heaters, Mr. Heater is the primary producer that involves thoughts. It ought to come as no shock that Mr. Heater really made it on this checklist twice!
Let me let you know why I feel the Buddy heater is healthier than the Little Buddy although. Does the Little Buddy have an extended operating time? Yes, however there are nonetheless different elements that play into the Buddy’s favor.
First of all, Buddy has the next BTU (British Thermal Unit) ranking at 9 000 versus the Little Buddy’s 4 000.
When issues get actually chilly, that further warmth output will repay. It’s just a few bucks greater than the Little Buddy anyway, so why not get the Buddy as an alternative?
It’s received tons of nice options, reminiscent of the automated shutoff if you happen to by chance tip it over. The form of the Buddy additionally makes it much less probably that you simply’ll tip it over within the first place. It’s wider than the Little Buddy and has a extra steady heart of gravity.
Lastly, the Buddy will run for 3 hours, even on max settings. That’s greater than sufficient time so that you can go out after an extended day of climbing.
Pros:
- High warmth output at 9,000 BTU will preserve you heat regardless of the place you’re.
- Three-hour runtime on max settings means you will get good and toasty.
- The steady form prevents tipping and works on every kind of terrains.
- Automatic shutoff in case of an emergency helps you keep secure.
- Works nicely with smaller tents and bigger tents. Just alter the warmth degree and luxuriate in your self.
Cons:
- A bit dearer than the Little Buddy.
- Slightly extra cumbersome, however nonetheless extraordinarily simple to hold.
Best for: tremendous chilly climate campers who want a excessive warmth output to heat them up.
Check Price on Sportsman’s Guide
Mr. Heater – Little Buddy
While I’d rank the Little Buddy decrease than the Buddy (attributable to its form and decrease warmth output), it’s nonetheless a superb selection for tenting. It’s a bit of cheaper than the bigger unit, making it a viable possibility for many who are quick on money and wish a finances variant.
(By the way in which, if you happen to’re on the lookout for a 4-season tent that received’t break the financial institution, click on right here.)
It additionally comes with the perfect characteristic of the Buddy, which is the automated shutoff.
The redeeming characteristic of the Little Buddy is its prolonged runtime. It can run for round six hours straight (extra if you happen to drop the settings). This will aid you keep heat all evening lengthy.
The Little Buddy additionally weighs much less and is extra moveable than the Buddy. This makes it a stellar selection for campers who prefer to journey gentle or don’t have plenty of room of their pack.
Pros:
- Cheaper than Buddy, however with the identical Mr. Heater high quality I’ve grown to like.
- Longer runtime (because it’s smaller and outputs much less warmth).
- Super light-weight and moveable, making it a strong selection for these on the street.
- The flashlight-like grip permits you to level the heater proper at your physique.
- A low oxygen sensor and unintentional tip-over change assist stop emergency conditions.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, the Little Buddy has a decrease warmth output than the Buddy.
- Its form won’t be the perfect for uneven terrain.
Best for: solo campers who’re attempting to journey gentle, save a buck, and don’t anticipate unusually frigid circumstances.
Comfort Zone – 1500 Watt Compact Utility Heater
Type: Electric | BTUs: 5120 | Weight: 5 lbs | Heats Up To (Sq Ft): 150 | Indoor Safe: Yes | Safety Features: Overheat safety and tip-over change
Let me begin by saying that I completely love the look of this tent heater. It seems to be like one thing out of a science fiction collection. In truth, my boys and I had a debate on whether or not it hails from Star Trek or Star Wars (Spock ceaselessly).
Beyond the futuristic design that this tent heater brings to the desk, you’ll additionally discover that it performs fairly nicely. You can select from three settings relying on how chilly you’re. It even has a fan-only mode, which means you received’t have to purchase a separate tent fan.
While this heater is certainly cheaper than the Buddy, it doesn’t give off as a lot warmth. This might pose an issue if you happen to plan on tenting in tremendous chilly areas.
It was really a bit tough to match the warmth output as this heater’s output is listed in watts, whereas Mr. Heater’s is listed in BTU.
After changing the 2 values, I noticed that the BTU output of the Comfort Zone sits at round 5 000 BTU in comparison with the Buddy’s 9 000 BTU. That’s a fairly important discount, however the Comfort Zone nonetheless has the next output than the Little Buddy. If you’re tenting in temperate areas anyway, then it shouldn’t be too massive of a problem.
Overall, the Comfort Zone is a strong selection at an reasonably priced value that may work nicely on most tenting journeys. Just be cautious of its decrease warmth output if you happen to plan on tenting in beneath freezing temperatures, because it might not be as much as par in such a state of affairs.
Pros:
- Amazing aesthetic and clear design make this heater simple to make use of.
- Three warmth settings, so you’ll be able to alter the temperature.
- The fan-only mode provides you air circulation, even if you happen to don’t need warmth.
- Affordable pricing, so anybody can add this to their gear checklist.
Cons:
- It’s received a decrease output than the Buddy by Mr. Heater. This won’t be the perfect for tremendous chilly temperatures.
Best for: finances campers who’ll be sticking to milder temperatures.
Texsport – Portable Propane Heater
Type: Propane | BTUs: 3000 | Weight: 2 lbs | Heats Up To (Sq Ft): 70 | Indoor Safe: No | Safety Features: Auto Shut Off Valve
Texsport is one other nice finances possibility for many who don’t need to pay the premium value of Mr. Heater items.
While the value is decrease, security continues to be prioritized in its design. Like the Buddy items, it’s received the automated shutoff characteristic if you happen to by chance tip it over.
However, I’m a agency believer within the rule that you simply get what you pay for. It undoubtedly comes into play right here. While the value level of the Texsport is extra economical, the BTU output is considerably decrease as nicely. The highest setting doesn’t even hit 2 900 BTU, which poses a problem in subzero circumstances.
That being stated, it nonetheless gives wonderful worth for the value if you happen to simply want a regular heater and received’t be heading to a northern campsite. You’d be higher off with a Mr. Heater mannequin if you happen to’re anticipating frigid temperatures although.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing, making this an possibility that’s obtainable to everybody.
- Automatic shutoff, letting you relaxation simple at evening.
- This package deal comes with two items, so you’ll be able to place your radiators round you for a “surround sound” impact.
Cons:
- BTU output is means decrease than any Mr. Heater mannequin.
- Comfort Zone’s heater is across the similar value however has about double the BTU output.
Best for: these seeking to go tenting on a finances in hotter areas.
Neiko – Emergency Camping Heater
Type: Butane | BTUs: 4400 | Weight: 5.4 lbs | Heats Up To (Sq Ft): 115 | Indoor Safe: No | Safety Features: Pressure sensing security shut off system
When I first noticed this ceramic heater, it gave me an apocalyptic vibe, form of like Fallout. (Yes, I could also be “old,” however I nonetheless love Bethesda video games!) The metallic crimson design is sort of a throwback to the 50s when family innovation was at its peak.
Sadly, whereas the aesthetic of this unit is beautiful, it wasn’t precisely designed for in a single day use. Don’t get me unsuitable, it’ll work simply positive if you happen to’re attempting to remain heat earlier than heading to mattress. But, you received’t have the ability to use it as a nighttime companion since a full can will solely final two hours.
There have been some considerations that it would emit carbon monoxide because it wasn’t designed for indoor use. It’s a good suggestion to maintain it proper exterior your tent slightly than inside, since you’d slightly be secure than sorry.
Much just like the Texsport, this isn’t constructed for combating frigid snowstorms, since its BTU output is just 700. Nothing spectacular by way of efficiency, however it undoubtedly has a fairly look to it.
Pros:
- Retro (Fallout 4) design seems to be cool subsequent to any tent, new or previous.
- The steel housing is sturdy and dependable – it received’t break.
- Its strong body makes it helpful on any terrain and even within the snow.
- It may be carried and used wherever because of the handles.
Cons:
- Short runtime and low BTU make this unsuitable for subzero temperatures.
- Potential carbon monoxide menace.
Best for: campers who prioritize model over operate, and don’t want that a lot warmth.
GiveBest Roll Portable Electric Space Heater
Type: Electric | BTUs: 5100 | Weight: 2.9 lbs | Heats Up To (Sq Ft): 200 | Indoor Safe: Yes | Safety Features: Automatic Shutoff, Overheat and Tip-Protection
I at all times preferred getting two-for-one offers, even after I was a child.
That’s why I used to be so excited to seek out this electrical house heater – it doubles each as a tent fan and as a heater (…a fan heater? A heater fan? I’ll get again to you on that).
The controls are remarkably easy – it solely has three settings: fan, 750W, and 1 500W. If you translate 1 500W to BTUs, it turns that this compact heater packs fairly a punch – it generates over 5 000 BTUs!
Despite being an electrical heater (and thus quite a bit safer than fuel ones) it’s nonetheless jam-packed with security options reminiscent of computerized shut-off and tip-over prevention.
Pros:
- It doubles as a heater AND a fan, which means you need to use it throughout each the summer season and winter.
- Despite being small, it gives a powerful 5 100 BTUs – greater than sufficient to warmth up most tents.
- Like most electrical heaters, it’s reasonably priced (even for folks on a finances).
- An adjustable thermostat means you’ll be able to at all times keep a cushty temperature with out lifting a finger.
- Built-in security mechanisms (computerized shut-off and tip-over prevention) make it tremendous secure to make use of.
Cons:
- Like all electrical heaters, it requires an electrical wire to make use of.
Best for: campers searching for a powerful and reasonably priced electrical tent heater.
Martin Portable Outdoor Heater
Type: Propane | BTUs: 3100 | Weight: 1.9 lbs | Heats Up To (Sq Ft): 75 | Indoor Safe: No | Safety Features: Auto shut-off gasoline valve if the flame goes out, massive paddle foot base for stability, and a security grid
Looking for an excellent fuel heater at an reasonably priced value?
Then you would possibly need to try this moveable heater from Martin.
It’s small, sure – however it greater than makes up for that with its adjustability. It has a steel dish you’ll be able to level wherever you need, and easy controls you need to use to regulate the temperature to simply the way in which you prefer it.
Add to the truth that each the heater and its propane bottles are extraordinarily reasonably priced and you may see why that is one among our favourite tenting heaters.
However, with solely 3 100 BTUs it received’t be of a lot use in harsh climate circumstances. It’s ultimate for {couples} tenting in a smaller tent when the climate isn’t too dangerous although.
Pros:
- Affordable – nice selection for folks on a finances.
- The steel dish permits you to focus the warmth the place you want it essentially the most.
- A deal with makes this tenting heater simple to hold round.
- Its propane bottles solely weigh 1 lb. – making them simple to hold in bulk.
- Comes with an extendable base for further assist, which means you don’t have to fret about it tipping over.
Cons:
- Low BTUs make it unsuitable to be used in extraordinarily chilly climate.
Best for: campers on the lookout for a small and reasonably priced propane tent heater.
Types Of Tent Heaters
When it involves tent heaters, your selections principally boil down to 2 most important sorts:
- Electric heaters
- Gas heaters
Electric Heaters
When it involves security, electrical heaters are the perfect by far. That’s as a result of there are not any emissions so that you don’t have to fret about inhaling carbon monoxide. They are additionally quite a bit quieter and may safely run all evening.
On the draw back, they want an outlet and a TON of energy to run, so you’ll be able to solely use them in case your campground can hook you up with an electrical energy supply. (You would possibly attempt utilizing a battery-powered electrical heater, however they’re solely good for shorter journeys since their battery capability is extraordinarily restricted.)
Pros:
- No danger of carbon monoxide poisoning
- Quiet
- Cheaper
- No further gasoline to hold
Cons:
- Requires an influence supply to run
- Uses a TON of energy
Gas Heaters
When it involves fuel heaters, you’ll be able to choose between propane and butane heaters.
Out of the 2, propane is a bit of higher for winter tenting because it retains its liquid type in colder climates. However, the best solution to resolve between the 2 is to check out the remainder of your gear. Does your range use butane gasoline? Then purchase a butane heater, since you’ll be able to pack only one kind of gasoline to your journey.
When it involves fuel heaters typically, one of many positives is that they don’t require electrical energy to function.
This means you need to use them everytime you go – even if you happen to camp means off the overwhelmed path. This is particularly helpful if you happen to’re going tenting exterior of established campgrounds, because you received’t have an influence supply close by. The gasoline can be actually low-cost and so they can burn actually scorching, heating your tent up very quickly.
A giant unfavorable is that you simply run the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning if you happen to’re not cautious. That’s why having correct air flow and taking different precautions is essential – extra on that beneath.
Another concern that may come up, is with out correct tent air flow, propane warmth will trigger condensation.
Pros:
- Less costly gasoline
- Can use them wherever
- Burn crimson scorching
Cons:
- Have to take precautions to stop carbon monoxide poisoning
- Pricier than electrical heaters
- Propane heaters trigger condensation in a tent that’s not ventilated correctly
What To Look For In A Tent Heater
Whether or not you’re hungry for one of many heaters listed above, there are some issues that it is advisable take into account earlier than you choose a tent heater. Here are a couple of of the important particulars to take a look at.
Safety Features
Safety ought to at all times be your primary precedence. It could seem a bit cliché, however you need to at all times deal with how secure a particular tent heater is.
The Mr. Heater items that I listed above are an ideal instance of tent heaters that put security first.
Yes, they do price a bit extra, however the state-of-the-art security options are nicely price the associated fee. I do know for a incontrovertible fact that the second you tip one among them over, it’ll shut off immediately, guaranteeing that nothing catches fireplace.
Mr. Heater items additionally shut off if the oxygen provide will get too low, widespread at altitudes exceeding 7 000 toes. This won’t be a priority for folks tenting in, say… Georgia. But if you happen to’re tenting within the Rockies, preserve this in thoughts.
I don’t learn about you, however the wellbeing of my boys is price any value. I extremely suggest that you simply choose a unit with adept security options. Even if it does depart your pockets feeling a bit of lighter, security is essential.
Runtime
If you’re going to be utilizing your tent heater in a single day, then you need to choose a unit that may run for lengthy sufficient.
Unless you’re a lightweight sleeper, you in all probability don’t want a heater that runs for a whole evening’s sleep. A heater that runs for 3 hours ought to be adequate to get you deep into your REM cycle.
Once you’re in REM sleep, you received’t discover it shut off. The temperature in your tent is certain to remain hotter for a couple of extra hours even after it runs out of steam. Cheaping out and going for a unit with a brief runtime could seem financially good, however you’ll remorse it when issues get too chilly.
However, if you happen to really feel such as you received’t be utilizing the heater that always, then a heater with a shorter runtime could also be a wiser selection. Plan accordingly and choose a heater that runs lengthy sufficient to your wants.
Warranty
You won’t assume that the size of the guarantee is that essential, however you’d be stunned how important it may be down the road. Therefore, you need to get insurance coverage to ensure that your heater stays in good working order, even after heavy use.
A very good guarantee does greater than shield your funding. It additionally reveals the producer’s confidence within the product.
I’ve discovered that merchandise with a brief guarantee (and even no guarantee in any respect) usually tend to break down. A brief guarantee reveals that even the producer doesn’t think about its sturdiness.
Weight
As with any piece of tenting gear, you need to issue within the unit’s weight earlier than making your selection. When you’re on the retailer, poundage doesn’t look like a giant deal. However, it undoubtedly comes into play in a while while you’re climbing in direction of your campsite.
While weight is a precedence, the form additionally comes into play. A bulkier heater would possibly really really feel extra pure to make use of because of a strong, steady design and comfy handles.
Rather than simply lifting the heater up, attempt holding it in a single hand for a minute and see if it causes any pressure. Be certain to stretch your arms out all the way in which.
This is the take a look at I do every time choosing out new gear because it helps me gauge the load and get an concept of simply how a lot it’ll hinder me in my travels.
Even if you find yourself utilizing a scale, it’d nonetheless repay to attempt my technique out. It helps you really feel how important the load of a particular merchandise is so that you could resolve if it’s an excessive amount of to hold or not.
How To Safely Use A Tent Heater
Using a tent heater may be completely secure – so long as you comply with all the protection pointers (and select the correct heater).
So what makes for a secure tent heater?
Here are a couple of of a very powerful issues to concentrate to.
Proper Placement Is Vital
Before you do anything, just be sure you’ve positioned the heater nicely.
What does that imply?
For starters, be sure your heater isn’t touching the partitions of your tent. In truth, be sure it’s a good distance from them because it doesn’t should be touching them to set them on fireplace. Putting it within the heart of your tent would possibly at all times not be sensible, so attempt to place it in a means the place it’s going to heat you up whereas nonetheless being distant from something it would by chance set fireplace to.
This applies to what’s underneath your heater, too. If your heater already comes with a stand that’s positive, however keep away from placing your heater on a makeshift stand like a field or a crate, since these can catch fireplace fairly simply.
Finally, make sure to filter any leaves or branches you discover mendacity round, except you need an impromptu campfire inside your tent.
Choose The Heater With These Features
My father at all times advised me you can by no means be too secure.
Apparently, plenty of heater producers agree together with his recommendation, since most newer fashions include some fairly nifty security options.
Out of these, I’d should say that a very powerful ones are undoubtedly:
- Automatic shut off methods
- Tip-over prevention
- Carbon monoxide detection
So they’ll routinely shut off if and when your oxygen ranges get too low, in case your heater falls over, or if there’s an excessive amount of carbon monoxide current. What’s to not love about that?
Ventilation, Ventilation, Ventilation
This ties in with the “prevent death by poisoning” stuff I discussed earlier.
You merely should have correct air flow in place and good airflow, so carbon monoxide can exit the tent.
This is much less true with electrical heaters, however if you happen to’re utilizing a fuel heater that is an absolute should.
And you needn’t fear – you received’t freeze to loss of life. Propane heaters are greater than able to conserving your complete tent blazing scorching even you probably have a number of home windows open.
Does burning propane in a tent create condensation?
Yes, in case your tent shouldn’t be correctly ventilated, a propane heater will trigger condensation in your tent. Propane reacts with oxygen and kinds water, carbon dioxide and warmth. So sure, propane warmth creates extra water vapor.
However, it’s not simply propane…ANY warmth supply could cause condensation in your tent as nicely.
“When warm air contacts a cold surface, condensation can happen. You see this effect in a mug of cold beer on a hot day. The same thing can happen in a tent” – REI.com – How to stop condensation in a tent
So regardless of your warmth supply, you need to make sure that it’s nicely ventilated to reduce condensation.
Switch It Off Before Going To Bed
While there are methods to sleep whereas the heater is operating all evening lengthy (see the video beneath), I nonetheless wouldn’t suggest it. Please take each precaution when utilizing a propane heater!
You can do it utilizing an electrical heater, however it’s nonetheless actually not well worth the danger.
Just purchase a top quality sleeping bag and an honest four-season tent and also you received’t freeze your behind off whilst you’re chilly climate tenting.
And Finally…
Since each heater is totally different and there’s no means I might cowl each security measure, make sure to comply with any further pointers really helpful by the producer.
After all, they’re those that made the heater, so that they’ll have the ability to let you know exactly find out how to use it within the most secure means potential.
Tent Heater FAQs
What form of heater is secure to make use of in a tent?
There are varied tent heaters which can be secure to make use of in a tent, however we suggest these that include the utmost variety of security options together with computerized shut off methods, tip prevention, and carbon monoxide detectors.
Finally, by no means sleep with the heater on. Use it to heat your tent previous to sleeping.
Can you place a conveyable heater in a tent?
Yes, however make it possible for the moveable heater has all the required security options to maintain you secure, and by no means sleep with the heater on.
Can you sleep with a Mr Buddy heater in a tent?
Absolutely. But be sure to show it off earlier than going to mattress, to make sure your and your tenting mates’ security. Even although Mr. Buddy heaters include in-built security options and low oxygen detection, it’s at all times higher to be secure than sorry.
Our Verdict
When it involves tent heaters, there’s no scarcity of choices to select from. But, there are just a few that I’d deem worthy of your money. The seven choices listed right here all have one thing distinctive about them in their very own proper, and can all give you a snug tenting expertise.
That being stated, I’d have to provide the win to Mr. Heater Buddy, solely as a result of it has the very best output. The #1 goal of investing cash right into a heater is in order that it might probably preserve you heat regardless of how chilly issues get, and the Buddy does simply that. The security options are the icing on the cake, conserving you secure it doesn’t matter what occurs.