Camping in the Cold
Don’t let a little cold weather ruin a perfectly good camping trip. There are many good space heaters available online. Here, we’ll highlight five of the best space heaters, and their benefits.
While space heaters are great for keeping you warm, it’s crucial to take proper space heater safety precautions. Make sure any space heater you buy is safe for indoor use. Do not place any object next to it, because it may start a fire. Always follow safety instructions listed on the product and refer to the owner’s manual for additional fire hazard details.
Types of Tent Heaters
There are multiple types of heaters including gas, electric, halogen and wood-burning. Gas and electric are by far the most common. Gas heaters are usually powered by propane, butane or kerosene.
Gas heaters lacking a tip-over safety shut-off carry an inherit fire risk. There is also the potential for gas leaks. Electric heaters might overheat and are dangerous if you spill water on them while in use. Electric heaters also require a plugged in power source, which isn’t an option for all camping set-ups.
Regardless of the type of heater you have, never leave it unattended while it’s running. The products listed below are safe to use indoors.
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
One of the most popular options available, the MH9BX Buddy by Mr. Heater provides ample heating for enclosed spaces like large tents up to 225 sq. ft. Propane-powered and approved for indoor and outdoor use, it automatically shuts off if it is tipped over, the pilot light goes out or if it detects low oxygen levels.
Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy
The propane-powered Little Buddy by Mr. Heater, only five lbs., easily clips onto backpacks for simple transportation. It lacks power compared to other heaters on this list; it’s designed for spaces 95 sq. ft. or smaller.
Honeywell 360 Degree Surround Heater
The electric-powered Surround Heater by Honeywell with an adjustable thermostat provides 360 degree heat on low and high settings. It needs to be plugged in, however, so it’s only good for campsites with a power source.
Mr. Heater MH12B Hunting Buddy
The propane-powered MH12B Hunting Buddy by Mr. Heater is a little bulkier than others at nine lbs. But it heats more than 300 sq. ft., making it a great choice for indoor or outdoor use. It rates 4.6 stars on Amazon with more than 550 reviews; roughly 79 percent of reviewers give it five stars.