Though camping is a lot of fun in summer, it doesn’t mean you can’t go for an adventurous trip in winters. If you decide to go out on winter camping, you need to be prepared for the weather to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping trip. Along with wool blankets and thick sleeping bags, a top-grade camping tent heater is great for keeping you warm and having more fun with your friends and family. There are various types of tent heaters that you can invest in for your next outdoor trip in winter. If you are looking for a camping heater that you can depend on, you have come to the right place. Here, we have brought to you some of the best heaters for tent camping that will be your best friend during your outdoor adventure trip in the cold weather. We have also put together a concise buyer guide to help you understand various features in a tent heater that will make your trip much better. So let’s get on to it.
Various Types of Tent Heaters
This type of heater runs on electrical power. If you plan on buying this one you will need an electric power source at the campsite. Electric heaters are more expensive than other types of heaters for tent camping. They can be super reliable as you won’t be running out of gas. These heaters have automatic shut off features that come in handy to prevent fires.
Battery-powered heaters are versatile; you can use it inside as well as outside the tent. But, you will need to charge the batteries to keep it running. Another downside of these heaters is that they are not very powerful.
These tent heaters run on gas. They are convenient and a bit inexpensive as they are powerful enough to reach high temperatures. They are a reliable source of camping in the colder climates. However, you will have to carry the gas to the campsite to keep it running.
Various Factors to Consider While Buying the Best Heater for Tent Camping
Tent heaters are available in a variety of sizes to suit every individual’s needs. A big heater will be unwieldy if you are camping solo with your partner. Pick a compact heater that fit in a two-person tent without taking too much space.
Bigger tents for families need a large tent heater to warm up the interior. Bigger heaters give more heat and have fans that distribute warmth in the larger spaces. A larger heating unit is adequate for large tents even if they have different rooms. The size of the heater determines how easy it is to store and transport. Smaller heaters can easily fit into backpacks, and you can easily store it as well. Large tent heaters are more suitable for car camping, and their size and weight will not matter as you will be carrying it in the trunk of the car.
The conditions where you are going for camping determine which tent heater is suitable for you. Consider if the campsite has a supply of electricity and whether you will have to pay extra to use electricity. This will help you figure out which heater is the right one for you. If you’re going to some remote area where it is hard to get electricity, you will have to consider other options. Scouting out the location beforehand will have you in knowing which model to buy for warmth and comfort.
Size of the heater also affects its BTU ratings. BTU is a measure of the amount of heat and how far it can reach from one unit. You have to find out the required BTU in the tent to choose a suitable unit. It is also necessary for your safety as more BTU than required can burn the interior. For winter camping needs, the recommended BTU is from 2,000 to 6,000. If you buy a unit that gives more BTU, you will have to regulate the temperature settings to get comfortable warmth.
To find out the BTU, simply multiply the width, length and height of your tent to get a value of cubic ft. of the space. Now subtract the exterior temperature from the expected temperature inside the tent. This is approximately the temperature your heater will have to achieve to make it comfortable. This is the amount of BTU you need per cubic ft. in the tent.
Make sure your heater doesn’t disturb the calm environment of the campsite by making noise. Camping is a great way to relax and shed off the stress of strenuous work; a loud heater is the last thing you want. Some heaters get noisy when they are producing heat which can disturb the people around. It is the internal fan of the heater that makes a sound. Remember to check the decibel level of the heating unit to avoid disturbing other campers. All heaters make some noise, but some heaters make more noise than others. Generally, the larger heaters make more noise than the smaller ones.
A tent heater circulates heat in the interior of the tent. If it generates more heat, it can be hazardous to other people. Many heaters come with various safety features. Understanding these features ensure the safety of your loved ones. Most of these heaters have a “cool-to-touch body” feature that makes it safe to touch it even when running and you can easily move it around. Some units have a tipping feature which comes in handy if you accidentally topple the heater. It also prevents fire in case the heater falls while you are asleep as it will automatically turn off. Most of the tent heaters come with automatic cut-off features. This feature turns off the unit automatically if it has been running for too long. Some heaters have to overheat protection features which are essential to prevent the heater from getting too hot and damage its internal mechanism.
