Tents are great at keeping out wind and rain but they offer very little insulation. Camping in the cold is no fun. But with a tent heater, you can keep cosy and quickly warm up your sleeping space. This one device can help extend your camping season into the colder months so you can enjoy many more opportunities to camp throughout the year. Often campgrounds will be a lot less busy too.
Safety is the most important consideration when choosing a tent heater. Tents are usually flammable so it’s important to get a heater that automatically shuts off if it tips over. They are also confined spaces so you must be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a barbecue inside and invest in a carbon monoxide alarm. Always follow the manufacturer's advice when using a tent heater. Once you’ve ticked all the safety boxes though, being able to warm your tent will make your camping cosy whatever the weather is like outside. Here are the tent heaters we recommend:
Mr. Heater MH9BX portable propane heater
Powerful with safety features
Approved for indoor and outdoor use, this heater puts out 4,000- to 9,000-BTU which is enough for spaces up to 225 square feet so your tent will be toasty. There’s auto shut-off if tipped over, the pilot light goes out or low oxygen levels are detected. A fold-down handle helps when carrying and it has a run time of three hours at maximum temperature.
Portable Gas Catalytic Heater
Quiet, efficient and safe
This flameless heater uses advanced catalytic technology to provide efficient low-cost heat – up to seven hours from a 1lb propane cylinder. Foldable legs make it easy to take to where you need the heat. It's safe to use camping, providing comfortable warmth at the push of a button.
Campy Gear 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove
Turns into a dedicated heater
You can cook meals on this burner and then use it to stay warm at night with a click of the button. The max output is 9,000 BTU with a unique 360° radiant heating design. It runs on butane/propane canisters or attach to a propane cylinder for longer usage. The flame is adjustable and for cooking, you get a complimentary 5.9-inch pan.
Fltom Camp Tent Stove
Portable and you can cook on it
This traditional wood burning stove can quickly heat a tent or tipi. The height is adjustable to fit different spaces. Cook on the flat top or heat water there. It can burn wood chips, twigs and foraged firewood. The stove needs to be vertically vented by running the stainless steel walled chimney pipes out of the top of the tent. It’s collapsible to store and carry.
Bottom line
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A tent heater makes a lot of sense if you want to camp when it’s cooler. While it’s important to have sleeping bags and mats that can cope with lower temperatures, for the relatively small cost of a heater you can extend the season you can sleep out in and keep everyone warm. The tent heater we would recommend is the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4. It has the safety features you want and puts out a lot of heat nice and quickly.
If you want to try a traditional wood burner and have a tent that can accommodate it, the Fltom Camp Tent Stove is worth considering. The fact you can forage for your own fuel when you get to your campsite means less to carry and cooking on the stovetop is fun and surprisingly effective.
