Propane tent heaters

[LadyStitch]

So that I don't take the fire at the campground discussion off topic I thought I would move the conversation here.

Right now we just do not have coins for a propane tent heater, but I'm thinking we might invest in one for those cold nights.  Our clan monarch's wife demanded one the past couple years for their tent because she just does not like the cold.  

The pink pirate detests the cold, but he got use to it when we lived in NZ but that doesn't mean he likes it much.  We typically only go to TRF 1-2 times a year, and didn't get to Sherwood at all due to Theater commitments. So not sure if it would be worth the investment.

Which one's do all of you have?  And what precausions do you recomend?

[Lady D1]

http://www.campingcomfortably.com/coleman-blackcat-portable-propane-catalytic-heater-with-electronic-ignition.html

I have one of these and it works very well.    Precautions - it gets hot and can burn.  Keep away from anything that might catch fire.  It is a bit awkward if you are tight for space as well. Big thing to look at also is the size of your tent as does make a difference (ours is huge so takes a while to heat and to keep warm).  Best for smaller type tents.   Does not work all nite long - about 6 - 7 hours on a full tank.

If I got another one, I would get something more like this:

http://www.heatershop.com/mr_heater_portable_buddy.html 

[Yrose]

We have one of the Buddys at work and I love it. A lot safer than the other ones.

[Singed]

I've never messed with a tent heater, but I've given them some good looks a few times and I have hundreds of camping nights under my belt in almost any weather that can be imagined.  Knowing tents, hikers, Rennies and campers, I really looked at them and said this was one of the most unsafe ideas I've ever seen. 

PLEASE (yes I'm yelling that) be careful if you choose to use one.  It is a fire hazard, burn hazard and trip hazard all rolled in to one.

I am about as far from the safety police as you will ever find, but those things really scare me, especially the idea of leaving one running overnight while folks are asleep or groggily getting up and shuffling around to head to the privy. 

[Tipsy Gypsy]

We've used a Coleman at Scottish festivals that's basically an element and shield that screws onto a propane bottle, and has a small kickstand. The shield keeps you away from direct contact withthe element, but it still gets blazing hot, so beware! Found it at Academy, I think. The bottles last about 7-8 hours, burning full blast. The one thing I advise is, regardless of the type you choose, be sure it's rated for indoor use.

[LadyStitch]

Just wanted to ask to get opinions out there.  To be honest the best bed warmers I have seen  (other than having someone else in the bed with you)  Has been these large chemical hand warmers.  I put on of those between the sleeping bag, and the extra blankets.  It takes 5 minutes to  warm the bed, and last all night with out worry of a flame.


If I really had the coin I would do the whole set up of this.
http://tinyurl.com/2u6yxka
The floor, the stove, the roof protect... everything.  And get the 13x27. Just put up a wall in the back so I have a bed room, and set up the tables, coolers and such in the main area. 

[DonaCatalina]

Research very carefully. Some of the older cheaper models are not safe for tent use.
http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/camping-heaters.html

[Singed]

Just wanted to ask to get opinions out there.  To be honest the best bed warmers I have seen  (other than having someone else in the bed with you)  Has been these large chemical hand warmers.  I put on of those between the sleeping bag, and the extra blankets.  It takes 5 minutes to  warm the bed, and last all night with out worry of a flame.

Those things are awesome.  We used to put warm water bottles, either nalgines or platypus bags down in the feet of our sleeping bags, keeps your feet warm overnight and you have water in the morning instead of ice. 

A reflector screen, like the ones for car windows, shiny side up between your sleeping pad and bag can also help more than you imagine because they help keep the heat from being drawn out of your body in to the ground.  Doesn't work so well with air mattresses, which are kind of a pain for cold weather anyway because they tend to lose pressure as the air cools.   

Anyway, back on topic.  My admittedly somewhat silly and likely dated opinion, is just don't use them.  Layer up, get a good sleeping bag, ditch the air mattress and make a comfy nest on the ground with 2 or 3 layers of egg crate foam (cheap at Academy).   

[LadyStitch]

What is bugging me is that unless I go to a large sporting goods store I can't find hand warmer packs.  I still have 2-3 left over from last year but with the temps droping into the low 40's I would like a few extra, even if all they end up doing is going in my bodice during faire to keep me warm.

We have tried 3 walmarts and no heat packs.  By now we can typically find them everywhere.  Must be the warm fall.

[SethB]

As someone said above, be sure it is UL rated for indoor use as an outdoor one carries a huge carbon monoxide risk.

[Ozium]

The only heater i would even suggest is a Mr. Heater, aka buddy heater. It has low O2 shutoff, tip sensors
and the big boy even has a battery operated blower. They work very good and are safe, we use them out
on the lake when we are ice fishing and even if it is in the 20's we are still down to t shirts after a time.

[Tipsy Gypsy]

What is bugging me is that unless I go to a large sporting goods store I can't find hand warmer packs.  I still have 2-3 left over from last year but with the temps droping into the low 40's I would like a few extra, even if all they end up doing is going in my bodice during faire to keep me warm.

We have tried 3 walmarts and no heat packs.  By now we can typically find them everywhere.  Must be the warm fall.

Academy is where I got mine, but I actually saw some in a Walgreen's store on Sunday, too.

[Rapier Half-Wit]

This is the one I bought this weekend at Walmart for $45 and I can't say enough good about it. Very low height profile with widely spaced feet make for very stable foot print. It stayed lit for 6 - 7 hours on one propane can.


http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=2000004165&categoryid=3000&brand=

[angusmacinnes]

I have one very simular to it and it was a life saver over the weekend. 

[Tipsy Gypsy]

That's a newer model of the one we bought, too. Spent most of a weekend trying to hatch it . It put out a bunch of BTUs, for sure.