Last Updated: February 27, 2024
Camping allows you to unwind, escape stress, and connect with nature and each other. However, the freedom afforded by camping typically comes at the price of leaving creature comforts behind. While it isn’t a problem most of the year, camping in the winter can get chilly. Trying to sleep when the air in your tent is freezing makes for a very long night. Temperature drops put you at the risk of hypothermia, flu, and other avoidable illnesses. The health risk is even higher for campers aged over 65 and those with pre-existing chronic diseases.
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While bundling up in layers, starting a campfire, or buying a thermal insulated sleeping bag is helpful, it is better to rely on a tool that generates its heat in extreme weather. A safe tent heater can make a lot of difference between a chilly sleeping environment and an inviting space. The right heater can take the edge off on a winter’s evening and turn any tent into an insulated, comfy haven in even the most frigid of conditions and help you extend your outdoor trips into cooler weather, whether you’re camping, hunting, or ice fishing.
Tent heaters are an essential part of the camping gear that allows outdoor enthusiasts to pursue their passions in cold weather. A tent heater lessens your camp loadout by reducing the need to pack heavy layers of clothes and bulkier sleeping bags. Instead of hanging up your boots once the mercury dips, heaters allow you to fulfill your camping appetite, no matter how far the needle plummets.
Type of Tents Heaters
Most portable tent heaters are typically powered by electricity or gas. Each type has its pros and cons, with the key differences coming down to how they run, heating capacity, safety, and convenience.
Electric Heaters –
Electric heaters are easy to operate and are much safer than their gas-burning counterparts as there is no open flame or oxygen-burning fuel that puts out poisonous gases buildup such as carbon monoxide in your tent. Electric heaters can run all night long without concern and can also adjust to keep a consistent temperature.
Electric heaters also have their disadvantages; they are power hogs and are not the type of heater you can take too far off the grid. This limits their use to developed campsites with electrical hookups; furthermore, electric heaters are generally heavier than their gas-burning counterparts. Electric heaters require a direct connection to a power source. You can charge some electric heaters with batteries; however, once the battery runs out of energy, you need to recharge the heater, which might be difficult without active power. Also, carrying multiple batteries to camping can be cumbersome as they are on the heavier side.
Gas –
Gas heaters are lightweight and portable, making them more suitable to carry outdoors. These heaters generate more heat than their electric counterparts, allowing for quicker “heat-ups” in tiny spaces, are easy to use, and generate heat for a longer duration. Gas heaters are powered by easily accessible and affordable fuels like Butane, kerosene, and Propane, making it easier to carry extra fuel as easy as grabbing a spare canister or bottle.
Most of the outdoor heaters run on Propane. Propane heaters are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Propane heater burns quicker than Butane and keeps its liquid form in the chilliest weather, and is the ideal heating option for tent camping in frigid temperatures.
If you use Propane for cooking, a propane gas heater would be suitable as you can use the same fuel to power your heater. Propane is available in easy-to-carry canisters or larger tanks that can be refilled during travel.
Butane heaters are fueled by burning liquefied butane gas and are stored in a small canister. Butane heaters offer excellent heating coverage and usually put out ample BTUs to warm a tent up quickly and efficiently and release less carbon monoxide than Propane. On the downside, Butane requires extremely high temperatures to convert from liquid to gas, which can be challenging in extreme weather. Butane is slightly more expensive than Propane. Also, Butane canisters are disposable and cannot be refilled.
The downsides for gas heaters range from oxygen depletion in confined spaces, increased risk of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide poisoning, and a fire hazard.
Gas heaters should be only used only in ventilated tents as the airflow helps manage carbon monoxide levels. It is essential to check the gas heater hose for leakage regularly; pay attention to any whistling or hissing noises indicating that gas is escaping from a leak in the hose.
Things to Consider While Selecting a Tent Heater For Camping
Size and Weight: Portable tent heaters weigh as little as 1 pound and go up to 15 pounds or more. If your camping trips require a lot of gear, carrying a heavy tent heater can be cumbersome. It doesn’t make sense to bring the biggest and baddest heater if you have a small tent. Heaters are fire hazards; hence the heater needs to be compact enough never to touch you or any linens while you sleep. Also, note that oscillating movements of the heater may compensate for a smaller size and help fill the tent with heat. Small heaters use less fuel and are easier to carry.
Heat Output
Getting the right amount of heat from a heater is crucial as you want to ensure that it is powerful enough to warm your whole tent but not that powerful that it overheats your small tent. Conversely, picking a heater that is too small for the job will require the heater to work overtime, burn more fuel without the desired results.
Gas heaters are rated by British Thermal Units (BTUs) that measure heat output per hour. A gas heater that generates between 2,500 to 5,000 BTUs per hour is ideal for medium-sized tents. To determine the right BTUs required for your tent, consider the tent’s cubic volume, insulation factor, and the required temperature rise.
For example, a 7′ x 5′ x 3 tent size equals 105 cubic feet. If the night temperature is expected to reach 32° and you want to maintain the temperature at 50°. You also need to consider the efficiency rating of the heater since they lose energy when burning fuel. A tent heater that puts out 10,000 BTUs and has an 80% efficiency rating will only generate around 8,000 BTUs per hour.
Putting this into the formula: Cubic Volume in Feet × Temperature Rise × Insulation Factor the Tent = BTUs/hour. Equals to 105×18×0.20= 378 BTUs/hour
Electric corded heaters measure heat output in watts, while for battery-powered heaters, it is calculated in volts. Generally, the coverage area of a heater is calculated by dividing the product wattage by ten. This means a 1500-watt model is suitable for heating up to 150 square feet connected to a standard power source of 120 volts.
Noise Level
Propane and butane heaters create a loud humming sound while in use. Generally, electric heaters operate more quietly than gas models. Some manufacturers indicate the decibel (dB) level of the heater so users can determine whether it will be too loud.
Portability
Consider how easily you could transport the heater. Is it difficult to carry it, and is it powerful enough to operate for the required time? Most tent heaters are portable, self-contained, and can be re-positioned even during operation.
Reliability
If you are camping in frigid temperatures, you need to ensure that it works flawlessly every time. That’s why durability is such a pivotal factor to consider. Consider the build quality of the heater and whether it is durable enough to survive the rough and tumble of the rugged outdoors. It is best to have something that will not break while operating and leave you in the cold.
Tent Heater Safety Features
- Tip-Over Switch: This switch automatically turns off the tent heater if the device tips over or is knocked over.
- Automatic Cut-off: An automatic cut-off will turn your device off after a certain amount of hours of uninterrupted use and will ensure you don’t fall asleep with your heater running.
- Overheat Protection: To keep the heater from getting too hot, you will want to look for an overheat protector feature. When the internal working mechanisms become too hot, a temperature sensor shuts the whole thing down.
- Carbon Monoxide/Dioxide Sensors – High concentrations of carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide gases in a confined space can be toxic. Most propane and butane tent heaters will come with sensors to detect this and shut down the fuel source. Premium versions also include low-oxygen sensors to perform similar auto-shutoff maneuvers.
- Low-oxygen sensors in some camping heaters can inhibit their operation in high altitudes, mostly at heights of over 6000 feet above sea level. It may lead them to shut down prematurely, even if there’s no build-up of exhaust gases.
6 Best Tent Heater For Camping You Can Buy
1. Campy Gear 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove for Ice Fishing Backpacking Hiking Hunting
Take the load off on your next outdoor adventure with the Campy Gear 2-in-1 Heater & Stove. The portable device cooks meals during the day and stays warm at night with just the click of a button during backpacking, camping, ice fishing, and hunting.
The Campy Gear 2-in-1 is equipped with a high-efficiency robust burner that delivers 9000 BTU and a unique 360° radiant heating design. The compact stove is fitted with adjustable flame control to cater to various cooking purposes, whether boiling water or cooking meat. It also features a sturdy pot stand with an anti-slip grip that is compatible with multiple size cookware and supports up to 12 inches pans and pots. The Campy Gear 2-in-1 is compatible with 110g & 230g butane/isobutene/propane fuel canisters that can be nested inside the stove or a 1 lb. propane cylinder for prolonged usage (hose needed to be purchased separately).
The Campy Gear 2-in-1 features a removable dual-function handle design that helps carry the stove and adjust the vent for easy mode changes. Effortlessly fit the heating hood or fuel canister inside the antirust steel body for easy cooking and heating. The machine has a burn time of 1.5 hours with 230g of fuel at the maximum firepower. The compact heater comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Compact but powerful
- Compatible with multiple fuel types
- Tip-over safety shutoff
- Quick set-up
Cons
- Slightly bulkier-
2. Hotaitai Outdoor Butane Heater with Convenient Handle for Outdoor Camping –
The Hotaitai butane heater is your best companion on the road. This gas space heater is suitable for outdoor activities such as camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, washing your pet, etc.
The Hotaitai heater is equipped with a four-step ignition that can heat in 5 seconds without waiting. The outdoor heater features a safety shut-off valve and has a swivel body that provides more comprehensive coverage. The machine is also CE certified. Its small size, lightweight, and convenient carrying handle can be carried and moved around easily. The device has an output of 1.3 kW and will work for 2 hours at max power. Please only use LPG and do not add a gas tank external connector.
The Hotaitai heater can work at 8000 feet or above. But please also note that the external environment temperature cannot be lower than 41 degrees Fahrenheit; otherwise, the heater will not normally ignite because the pressure of the cylinder is not enough. Before use, place the heater on a level surface, put a portable butane gas cartridge inside, and start the device. The machine comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Rapid Heating
- Small and portable
- Overpressure protection
- Easy to use
Cons
- Butane tanks are not readily available
3. Mini Desk Heater, 400W Low Wattage Personal Ceramic Heater with Tip over Protection –
The Mini desk heater puts out tons of heater to heat 100sq. Ft in minutes to keep your knee, face, feet, hands, and body warm. The machine is ideal for indoor personal use such as office desk, table tent, and camping desktop.
The Mini desk heater comes with a single on/off switch on the back of the office heater. It emanates a little red glow from the power light to let you know the unit is on. Its bright orange color makes it easy to see. The machine comes with a 5 1/2 feet cord with a two-prong connection. The manufacturer recommends only using this on a 120V AC / 60Hz outlet. This ETL-listed desktop heater is made of flame retardant material, and will shut off automatically if you happen to tip it over.
The Mini Desk ceramic heater is compact and comes with a built-in carry handle, making it easier to move around. Designed with a safe ceramic element interior and cool-touch exterior, the machine with an automatic overheat protection system will shut down the unit when it reaches the overheat limit. The Mini desk heater generates lower than 45 dB while working, quiet enough for indoor sleeping, reading, and working.
Pros:
- Compact, very easy to transport
- God amount of heat
- Overheat protection
- Tipping over protection
- Quiet
- Great price
Cons
- Some users have complained about a strong odor that smells faintly like burning plastic.
4. Martin Portable Outdoor Camping Infrared Propane Gas Heater Parabolic –
Take the warmth of home wherever your travel takes you with this portable propane heater from Martin. This 3,100 BTU portable outdoor propane radiant heater can make any camping, hunting, or fishing trip comfortable in the colder months.
The Martin portable heater comes with adjustable heat control that allows you to set it to low, medium, or high at your discretion. The device works with a 1 lb. (16.4 oz.) propane bottle sold separately and a metal dish that helps to focus the heat where you want it. Includes a large extendable cylinder plastic base for greater stability regardless of what is placed on it, offering tip resistance. The device cools down very quickly once turned off, which is essential, so you can just throw it back into your bag for the endeavor.
The Martin portable heater’s safety features include an auto shut-off fuel valve if the flame goes out, a large paddle foot base for stability, and a safety grid. A very convenient and affordable heater, this product has a neat carry handle and a nice extendable cylinder base for stability. Martin propane infrared radiant heater is sturdily built, ready to take on whatever the outdoors throws at it. The device takes very little space and can hang on a hook on the side to use.
Pros
- Simple to operate
- Cools down quickly
- Multiple Heat settings
- Affordable
Cons
- Slightly loud
- Heat only comes from the top of the heater
5. Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor Safe Propane Heater –
Mr. Heater’s Little Buddy heater provides the perfect solution in portable heating. The patented radiant 3,800 BTU Liquid Propane heater connects directly to a 1 lb. cylinder and is ideal for heating small enclosed spaces up to 95 sq. ft. It can be used to provide comfortable heating solutions in garages, tents, workshops, cabins, porches, patios, picnics, hunting blinds, shelters, and ice fishing shanties.
Mr. Heater’s Little Buddy heater comes with an included base that takes up little space. The integrated handle makes this heater easy to move around. To start the heater, push and hold the ignition button, and the integrated Piezo sparking mechanism will take care of the rest. The propane heater provides a continuous odor-free, 45-degree heating angle. The device has a maximum elevation of 7000 feet.
Mr. Heater’s Little Buddy heater features an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and an accidental tip-over safety shut-off to ensure that you enjoy years of comfortable indoor safe heat. The portable heater has a run time of 5.6 hours at maximum BTU. The manufacturer recommends not operating the heater in moving vehicles. This heater requires a minimum vent area of 4 square inches for adequate ventilation during operation.
Pros
- Accidental tip-over safety shut-off
- Lightweight, easy to carry
- Quiet, clean, odor-free operation
Cons
- Takes a long time to start
6. Lasko Heating Space Heater –
Lasko’s MyHeat personal heater series provides concentrated personal heat. At 200-Watts and 682 BTUs, this low-wattage mini space heater is ideal for keeping your feet and legs warm. Since it is low wattage, it won’t keep tripping the circuit breaker every time you turn it on.
Standing at 6 inches with a 4″ x 4″ footprint, this cute, small electric heater takes up minimal space and is intended to heat up your immediate area. The machine is easy to use and requires no assembling. Take out the unit from the box and plug it in a standard 120v wall outlet. This energy-efficient indoor ceramic heater draws about two amps and turns on with a flip of a switch. The portable heater comes with a 6-foot cord and a 2-pronged plug.
Lasko’s MyHeat is ETL Listed and comes with automatic overheat protection. The machine’s on/off switch lights up to let you know the unit is on. The automated, safe ceramic heating element keeps the exterior cool to the touch. The compact ceramic heating element heats up, and the built-in fan quietly distributes the warm air. This personal electric space heater weighs under 3 pounds, so it’s easily portable.
Pros
- Built-in Safety Features
- Energy Efficient
- Quick Heat with Fan Delivery
- Lightweight and Portable
- Low energy usage
- Affordable
Cons
- No safety shut-off if knocked over
Tips for Safely Using Tent Heaters
Never leave a burning heater unattended; a tent heater can quickly burn someone or cause a fire if objects are placed on or near it.
Do not sleep with a tent heater running. You can use them to warm up the tent before going to bed and right after you wake up. Additionally, you can also buy a CO2 monitor inside the tent for an extra layer of protection.
Ventilation is critical when running a heater in an enclosed area. Ensure a constant flow of air into the site where the heater provides adequate combustions for the heat source and ventilation to guard against asphyxiation.
Ensure to keep all flammable materials far away from the heater to prevent fire. Some heaters come with a minimum safe distance marked on the unit.
Consider purchasing a tent heater with safety shut-offs features if you plan to use it indoors, so the heater stops running if it tips over or if the unit senses oxygen depletion.
Do not place the heater directly on the tent floor; some heaters are equipped with a stable base to put the heater; you can also use a flat stone or fire-resistant mat as a base.
Never place a heater where it might block the tent exit in case of an accident.
Always keep the heater at least 3 feet from flammable surfaces such as tent walls, sleeping bags, fabrics. While tents are coated with a flame-retardant coating, they can still be flammable on some parts.