In case you’re low on time, the very best tent heater is Buddy by Mr. Heater.
Four-season tents, thick sleeping luggage, heat winter coats… I’m not simply rambling, all these items share one frequent function. They allow us to benefit from the nice open air year-round, even when Jack Frost comes round.
But, winter tenting can get robust. The temperatures plummet, and your tooth begin chattering.
That’s why nothing is extra important to wintertime tenting than a top quality tent heater. It could be the distinction between freezing your butt off and getting a very good night time’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 inform you why I believe 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 a better BTU (British Thermal Unit) score at 9 000 versus the Little Buddy’s 4 000.
When issues get actually chilly, that additional 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 acquired tons of nice options, corresponding to the automated shutoff in case you unintentionally tip it over. The form of the Buddy additionally makes it much less seemingly that you just’ll tip it over within the first place. It’s wider than the Little Buddy and has a extra secure middle 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 mountain climbing.
Pros:
- High warmth output at 9,000 BTU will hold you heat irrespective of the place you might be.
- Three-hour runtime on max settings means you will get good and toasty.
- The secure form prevents tipping and works on all types of terrains.
- Automatic shutoff in case of an emergency helps you keep protected.
- Works properly with smaller tents and bigger tents. Just modify the warmth degree and revel in your self.
Cons:
- A bit costlier than the Little Buddy.
- Slightly extra cumbersome, however nonetheless extraordinarily straightforward 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 might rank the Little Buddy decrease than the Buddy (as a result of its form and decrease warmth output), it’s nonetheless a superb selection for tenting. It’s somewhat cheaper than the bigger unit, making it a viable choice for many who are quick on money and want a funds variant.
(By the way in which, in case you’re in search of a 4-season tent that gained’t break the financial institution, click on right here.)
It additionally comes with the very best 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 in case you drop the settings). This will allow you to keep heat all night time lengthy.
The Little Buddy additionally weighs much less and is extra transportable than the Buddy. This makes it a stellar selection for campers who prefer to journey mild or don’t have lots 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 transportable, making it a strong selection for these on the highway.
- The flashlight-like grip lets you level the heater proper at your physique.
- A low oxygen sensor and unintentional tip-over swap assist forestall emergency conditions.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, the Little Buddy has a decrease warmth output than the Buddy.
- Its form may not be the very best for uneven terrain.
Best for: solo campers who’re attempting to journey mild, 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 swap
Let me begin by saying that I completely love the look of this tent heater. It appears to be like like one thing out of a science fiction sequence. 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 properly. You can select from three settings relying on how chilly you might be. It even has a fan-only mode, which means you gained’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 in case you plan on tenting in tremendous chilly areas.
It was really a bit tough to check 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 reasonably important discount, however the Comfort Zone nonetheless has a better output than the Little Buddy. If you’re tenting in temperate areas anyway, then it shouldn’t be too large of a difficulty.
Overall, the Comfort Zone is a strong selection at an reasonably priced value that might work properly on most tenting journeys. Just be cautious of its decrease warmth output in case you plan on tenting in beneath freezing temperatures, because it is probably not as much as par in such a situation.
Pros:
- Amazing aesthetic and clear design make this heater straightforward to make use of.
- Three warmth settings, so you may modify the temperature.
- The fan-only mode provides you air circulation, even in case you don’t need warmth.
- Affordable pricing, so anybody can add this to their gear checklist.
Cons:
- It’s acquired a decrease output than the Buddy by Mr. Heater. This may not be the very best for tremendous chilly temperatures.
Best for: funds 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 funds choice for many who don’t need to pay the premium value of Mr. Heater models.
While the worth is decrease, security remains to be prioritized in its design. Like the Buddy models, it’s acquired the automated shutoff characteristic in case you unintentionally tip it over.
However, I’m a agency believer within the rule that you just get what you pay for. It positively comes into play right here. While the worth level of the Texsport is extra economical, the BTU output is considerably decrease as properly. The highest setting doesn’t even hit 2 900 BTU, which poses a difficulty in subzero circumstances.
That being stated, it nonetheless gives glorious worth for the worth in case you simply want a regular heater and gained’t be heading to a northern campsite. You’d be higher off with a Mr. Heater mannequin in case you’re anticipating frigid temperatures although.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing, making this an choice that’s out there to everybody.
- Automatic shutoff, letting you relaxation straightforward at night time.
- This package deal comes with two models, so you may 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 funds 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, sort of like Fallout. (Yes, I could also be “old,” however I nonetheless love Bethesda video games!) The metallic purple design is sort of a throwback to the 50s when family innovation was at its peak.
Sadly, whereas the aesthetic of this unit is gorgeous, it wasn’t precisely designed for in a single day use. Don’t get me incorrect, it’ll work simply nice in case you’re attempting to remain heat earlier than heading to mattress. But, you gained’t be capable to use it as a nighttime companion since a full can will solely final two hours.
There have been some considerations that it’d emit carbon monoxide because it wasn’t designed for indoor use. It’s a good suggestion to maintain it proper outdoors your tent reasonably than inside, since you’d reasonably be protected 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 positively has a reasonably look to it.
Pros:
- Retro (Fallout 4) design appears to be like cool subsequent to any tent, new or previous.
- The steel housing is sturdy and dependable – it gained’t break.
- Its sturdy body makes it helpful on any terrain and even within the snow.
- It could be carried and used anyplace due to the handles.
Cons:
- Short runtime and low BTU make this unsuitable for subzero temperatures.
- Potential carbon monoxide menace.
Best for: campers who prioritize type 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 all the time favored getting two-for-one offers, even once I was a child.
That’s why I used to be so excited to search 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 lots safer than gasoline ones) it’s nonetheless jam-packed with security options corresponding to computerized shut-off and tip-over prevention.
Pros:
- It doubles as a heater AND a fan, which means you should utilize it throughout each the summer season and winter.
- Despite being small, it gives a formidable 5 100 BTUs – greater than sufficient to warmth up most tents.
- Like most electrical heaters, it’s reasonably priced (even for folks on a funds).
- An adjustable thermostat means you may all the time keep a cushty temperature with out lifting a finger.
- Built-in security mechanisms (computerized shut-off and tip-over prevention) make it tremendous protected to make use of.
Cons:
- Like all electrical heaters, it requires an electrical wire to make use of.
Best for: campers looking 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 a very good gasoline heater at an reasonably priced value?
Then you would possibly need to take a look at this transportable heater from Martin.
It’s small, sure – however it greater than makes up for that with its adjustability. It has a steel dish you may level wherever you need, and easy controls you should utilize 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 in all our favourite tenting heaters.
However, with solely 3 100 BTUs it gained’t be of a lot use in harsh climate circumstances. It’s very best for {couples} tenting in a smaller tent when the climate isn’t too unhealthy although.
Pros:
- Affordable – nice selection for folks on a funds.
- The steel dish lets you focus the warmth the place you want it probably the most.
- A deal with makes this tenting heater straightforward to hold round.
- Its propane bottles solely weigh 1 lb. – making them straightforward to hold in bulk.
- Comes with an extendable base for additional help, 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 in search of a small and reasonably priced propane tent heater.
Types Of Tent Heaters
When it involves tent heaters, your selections mainly boil down to 2 fundamental varieties:
- Electric heaters
- Gas heaters
Electric Heaters
When it involves security, electrical heaters are the very best 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 lots quieter and may safely run all night time.
On the draw back, they want an outlet and a TON of energy to run, so you may solely use them in case your campground can hook you up with an electrical energy supply. (You would possibly strive 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 extra gasoline to hold
Cons:
- Requires an influence supply to run
- Uses a TON of energy
Gas Heaters
When it involves gasoline heaters, you may choose between propane and butane heaters.
Out of the 2, propane is somewhat higher for winter tenting because it retains its liquid kind in colder climates. However, the best option to determine 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 may pack only one sort of gasoline on your journey.
When it involves gasoline heaters normally, one of many positives is that they don’t require electrical energy to function.
This means you should utilize them everytime you go – even in case you camp means off the overwhelmed path. This is particularly helpful in case you’re going tenting outdoors of established campgrounds, because you gained’t have an influence supply close by. The gasoline can also be actually low cost and so they can burn actually sizzling, heating your tent up very quickly.
A giant unfavorable is that you just run the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning in case you’re not cautious. That’s why having correct air flow and taking different precautions is essential – extra on that beneath.
Another challenge that may come up, is with out correct tent air flow, propane warmth will trigger condensation.
Pros:
- Less costly gasoline
- Can use them anyplace
- Burn purple sizzling
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 contemplate earlier than you choose a tent heater. Here are just a few of the vital particulars to take a look at.
Safety Features
Safety ought to all the time be your primary precedence. It could seem a bit cliché, however you need to all the time deal with how protected a selected tent heater is.
The Mr. Heater models that I listed above are an important instance of tent heaters that put security first.
Yes, they do value a bit extra, however the state-of-the-art security options are properly value the fee. I do know for a indisputable fact that the second you tip one in all them over, it’ll shut off instantly, guaranteeing that nothing catches hearth.
Mr. Heater models additionally shut off if the oxygen provide will get too low, frequent at altitudes exceeding 7 000 ft. This may not be a priority for folks tenting in, say… Georgia. But in case you’re tenting within the Rockies, hold this in thoughts.
I don’t learn about you, however the wellbeing of my boys is value any value. I extremely advocate that you just choose a unit with adept security options. Even if it does go away your pockets feeling somewhat 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 most likely don’t want a heater that runs for a whole night time’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 gained’t discover it shut off. The temperature in your tent is sure to remain hotter for just a few extra hours even after it runs out of steam. Cheaping out and going for a unit with a brief runtime could seem financially sensible, however you’ll remorse it when issues get too chilly.
However, in case you really feel such as you gained’t be utilizing the heater that usually, then a heater with a shorter runtime could also be a wiser selection. Plan accordingly and choose a heater that runs lengthy sufficient on your wants.
Warranty
You may not suppose that the size of the guarantee is that necessary, however you’d be shocked 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.
guarantee does greater than defend 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 tools, you need to issue within the unit’s weight earlier than making your selection. When you’re on the retailer, poundage doesn’t appear to be an enormous deal. However, it positively comes into play in a while while you’re mountain 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 due to a strong, secure design and comfy handles.
Rather than simply lifting the heater up, strive holding it in a single hand for a minute and see if it causes any pressure. Be positive to stretch your arms out all the way in which.
This is the check I do every time selecting out new gear because it helps me gauge the load and get an thought 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 strive my technique out. It helps you really feel how important the load of a selected merchandise is in an effort to determine if it’s an excessive amount of to hold or not.
How To Safely Use A Tent Heater
Using a tent heater could be completely protected – so long as you comply with all the security tips (and select the proper heater).
So what makes for a protected tent heater?
Here are just a few of crucial issues to concentrate to.
Proper Placement Is Vital
Before you do anything, just remember to’ve positioned the heater properly.
What does that imply?
For starters, ensure that your heater isn’t touching the partitions of your tent. In truth, ensure that it’s a good distance from them because it doesn’t should be touching them to set them on hearth. Putting it within the middle of your tent would possibly all the time not be sensible, so attempt to place it in a means the place it’s going to heat you up whereas nonetheless being far-off from something it’d unintentionally set hearth to.
This applies to what’s underneath your heater, too. If your heater already comes with a stand that’s nice, however keep away from placing your heater on a makeshift stand like a field or a crate, since these can catch hearth fairly simply.
Finally, make sure you filter out any leaves or branches you discover mendacity round, until you need an impromptu campfire inside your tent.
Choose The Heater With These Features
My father all the time instructed me that you would be able to by no means be too protected.
Apparently, lots 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 crucial ones are positively:
- Automatic shut off techniques
- Tip-over prevention
- Carbon monoxide detection
So they’ll mechanically 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 in case you’re utilizing a gasoline heater that is an absolute should.
And you needn’t fear – you gained’t freeze to loss of life. Propane heaters are greater than able to retaining your complete tent blazing sizzling even when you’ve got a number of home windows open.
Does burning propane in a tent create condensation?
Yes, in case your tent isn’t correctly ventilated, a propane heater will trigger condensation in your tent. Propane reacts with oxygen and types water, carbon dioxide and warmth. So sure, propane warmth creates extra water vapor.
However, it’s not simply propane…ANY warmth supply may cause condensation in your tent as properly.
“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 irrespective of your warmth supply, you need to be sure that it’s properly ventilated to attenuate condensation.
Switch It Off Before Going To Bed
While there are methods to sleep whereas the heater is operating all night time lengthy (see the video beneath), I nonetheless wouldn’t advocate it. Please take each precaution when utilizing a propane heater!
You can do it utilizing an electrical heater, however it’s nonetheless actually not definitely worth the danger.
Just purchase a top quality sleeping bag and an honest four-season tent and also you gained’t freeze your behind off when 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 you comply with any extra tips advisable by the producer.
After all, they’re those that made the heater, in order that they’ll be capable to inform you exactly how you can use it within the most secure means potential.
Tent Heater FAQs
What sort of heater is protected to make use of in a tent?
There are numerous tent heaters which are protected to make use of in a tent, however we advocate these that include the utmost variety of security options together with computerized shut off techniques, 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 guarantee that the transportable heater has the entire required security options to maintain you protected, and by no means sleep with the heater on.
Can you sleep with a Mr Buddy heater in a tent?
Absolutely. But ensure that 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 all the time higher to be protected 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 offer you a comfortable tenting expertise.
That being stated, I’d have to present the win to Mr. Heater Buddy, solely as a result of it has the best output. The #1 function of investing cash right into a heater is in order that it might probably hold you heat irrespective of how chilly issues get, and the Buddy does simply that. The security options are the icing on the cake, retaining you protected it doesn’t matter what occurs.