Tent Heater - The Camping Air Conditioner

How hot is a campfire? We answer in this article.

A campfire might be a good alternative for tent heaters. They might provide you with warmth and create a cozy environment for a scenic outdoor night. After a long day, setting up a fire to relax and enjoy a conversation with friends and family is a great idea. But how hot is a campfire?

The temperature of a campfire can range from approximately 900°F (~482°C) to 2000°F (~1100°C). The final warmth level will depend on many things, such as the type of fuel used, the amount of available oxygen, and the fire’s size.

Curiosity: The temperature of 2000°F (~1100°C) is above the melting point for various metals, including aluminium, copper, gold, and silver.

Source: www.metalsupermarkets.com/

What impacts the temperature of a campfire?

Element 1 - The Type of Fuel

There are multiple fuel options to create your campfires such as propane, natural gas, and firewood. Virtually speaking, they all can reach 2000°F (~1100°C). Each of them comes with benefits and drawbacks. Let’s have a look!

Fuel Source 1 - Propane Campfire

You should probably consider buying a portable propane fire pit if you are camping. There are multiple advantages associated with it:

· You don’t need to collect/have firewood or even dry it out

· They produce smokeless flame, which is considerably better for your eyes and respiratory system

· Once you start It, you don’t need to keep “feeding” it with more wood

· They usually come with safety devices, such as buttons to create and extinguish the fire

On the other hand, you might need to continuously monitor your propane tank and check fuel levels to ensure that your fire continues. Furthermore, propane fire is not ideal for cooking and roasting (note: you can still use it for cooking, but remember that they are not the best option for it – woodfire would be a better choice).

Hence, if cooking is the main reason for your campfire, there are better alternatives (woodfire).

Fuel Source 2 - Natural Gas Campfire

Natural gas fire pits is also another alternative. However, using them while camping might become impractical as you probably will need gas pipes and infrastructure to feed the fuel into your equipment.

The advantages of natural gas fire pits are numerous: easy to start the fire, and no smoke or ash production. Similarly to propane fires, they are not ideal for cooking or roasting but can still be used.

Fuel Source 3 - Wood Campfire

Wood was the first energy and fuel resource used by man. Even though its application has declined over the last centuries with the arrival of new resources, campfires are still widely used today.

The advantages of a campfire are numerous, such as:

Low cost – wood can be collected at virtual no cost, and it is a cost-effective solution for warming your night
The quality of heat and ambience is exceptional
You do not rely on energy resources
Your meal will be chemical-free and have a unique smoky taste.
Setting a wood campfire is a fun activity that can be utilized as a social activity.
It might be considered an eco-friendly solution depending on the wood use (renewable/from re-forest).

On the other hand, wood campfires come with some drawbacks as well:

It might become messy, and you might need to chop the logs.
You will need to store and periodically feed the fire with wood to keep the flames going
It might be challenging to set a fire on wet days (wet wood)
Woodfires might induce pollution and breathing problems, depending on which wood quality

Element 2 - How oxygen will impact on a campfire temperature?

Fire is a consequence of a chemical reaction between oxygen and fuel (natural gas, wood, propane). Four factors are required at the same time to produce fire:

· Oxygen for combustion

· Fuel (wood, natural gas, propane, gasoline, etc.)

· Heat to raise fuel temperature to its ignition temperature

· The chemical reaction that initiates a fire

Overall, oxygen enable things ignite at a lower temperature, making the burn faster and hotter. Therefore, theoretically, the more oxygen you have available, the hotter it will get.

That is why we blow air in the fire – to help its ignition and burning speed.

Element 3 - The size and fuel of the fire

According to physics.stackexchange.com, a bigger fire does not necessarily translate into hotter burning. However, it might help to insulate the core of fire from the cold and consequently make it last longer. If more fuel is introduced to the fire, the temperatures might get higher.

FAQ

What is temperature of campfires?

The temperature of a campfire will vary according a number of variables. Overall, it can range from approximately 900°F (~482°C) to 2000°F (~1100°C).

What is the best fuel for campfires?

The answer is: it depends. Overall, we assume that having a natural gas fire pit will not be possible in most campgrounds (gas fire pits are more prone to backyards or places with adequate infrastructure).

Hence, if you are looking for an accessible alternative that does not produce smoke, stick to propane pit options. There are multiple portable alternative options these days – check it on amazon.

Alternatively, if you are planning to cook meals and enjoy the ritual of setting a fire (collecting wood, drying it out), woodfire options should be your choice.

What is the best campfire fuel for cooking?

Whilst you can theoretically cook with propane, gas, and woodfire options, we recommend using wood logs. The burning fire coming from them will create a unique ambience and provide your meal with a tasty smoky flavour and aroma.

The unique taste delivered by woodfires results from flames breaking down wood’s organic components. The woodfire smoke penetrates the food, resulting in a delicious dish.

What is the best firewood option?

After reading multiple resources, we found an interesting article produced by the New Mexico State University. It details some firewood facts, including a table summarizing the rating for different wood types when considering their capacity. Overall, Ash, red oak, white oak, beech, birch, hickory, hard maple, pecan and dogwood are excellent alternatives.

How do I build a fire?

This interesting video from Rei.com shows in detail the step-by-step on how to build a fire.

What is the best way to burn wood, in a fireplace or a stove?

Overall, according to an article from the New Mexico State University, stoves are more effective and give three times the heat as a fireplace does. Regardless of your choice, bear in mind that both should be cleaned regularly (at least once per year).

How can I measure my campfire temperature?

We recommend you use an infrared thermometer. They are very easy to use and cost less than $30 (depending on the model). We have a Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 774, which is very robust and easy to use.

Can I safely Roast Marshmallows Over A Gas or Propane Fire Pit?

Yes, there are no problems with it. You can use either gas or propane campfires to roast your marshmallows.

What type of firewood produces the least amount of smoke?

The table above details that ash, red oak, white oak, beech, birch, hickory, hard maple, pecan dogwood, soft maple, cherry and walnut do not produce heavy smoke.

How long does a propane tank last on a fire pit?

A 20Lb (9.1 kgs) propane tank can last from 4 to 9 hours. It will depend on the amount of fire output required.

Can I use gasoline to start my campfire?

As tempting as this might be, we highly recommend you AVOIDING use gasoline to start a campfire. Gasoline is highly flammable and, if not handled properly, can cause a significant accident. Therefore, DO NOT use it.

How to light my campfire?

The video below gives excellent tips when it comes to lighting your campfire – have a look at it!

Some tips:

a) Before starting, check whether there are any fire bans in your area

b) Use a fire pit / fire ring to help with air flow protection

c) For fire starters, you can use cotton, newspaper, dryer lint, or even corn chips

d) Use first small kindling to start it

d) Progressively switch over to larger wood pieces.

Is it important to extinguish a campfire? How do I do it?

It is very important to extinguish your campfire and ensure that re-ignition does not happen. The best way to do it is by drowning it with water.

How can I heat my tent without a campfire?

There are multiple ways you can heat a tent without a campfire. We have drafted some articles that can help you with:

a) Tent Heaters – The Camping Air Conditioner

b) Are Propane Heaters Safe in a Tent? We answer in this post. (thecampingairconditioner.com)

c) How to heat a tent without electricity? (thecampingairconditioner.com)

Conclusion

As seen, the temperature of a fire can reach up to 2000°F (~1100°C). Overall, fires are influenced by: the type of fuel used, presence of oxygen, and fire size.

If you plan to use your campfire to heat yourself on winter days, consider using natural gas and propane alternatives since they are easy to handle and maintain (you can also use a tent heater).

On the other hand, if you plan to use your campfire for cooking meals, woodfires might help you with that particular smoky taste.

How to heat a tent without electricity?

Tent Heater

Camping during winter can be magical – you can enjoy tranquil moments that only the coldest season can provide. Beautiful landscapes, breathing fresh air, escaping the summer crowds, and avoiding mosquitos (they can be annoying!) are amongst the things we like the most.

Recent research has also shown that camping during winter can improve your sleeping patterns. The article was published in 2017 and present surprising results!

However, you might face some heating challenges if your camping site lacks proper electrical infrastructure. So, how to heat a tent without electricity? We have prepared a detailed guide with great tips to help your outdoors adventures during winter.

Tip 1 - Use a portable gas heater

Portable gas heaters are an excellent option for those who do not have power around
their tents. They are easy to carry around and can provide up to 10,000 Btu.

There are several models in the market today, but our preferred is Mr Heater F23200. It combines unique value for money, quality, and safety features.

If you intend to use them, please read their usage instructions carefully and make sure that you follow their safety instructions. We have prepared a detailed article on how to use propane heaters in a tent safely.

Pay attention to the following points:

Are there safety devices in the chosen equipment (i.e. auto-shutoff mechanisms)?
Check for potential gas leaks and monitor carbon monoxide and oxygen levels.
Do you have minimal air circulation in your tent?

Finally, we do NOT recommend you sleep with the equipment turned on. Place it inside your tent 2-3 hours before going to bed to have a warm and cozy night. Also, remember bringing extra gas bottles as they might not last too long – for example, Mr Heater F232000 bottles usually last for 4-5 hours.

Tip 2 - Pick the right fabric and tent

We have prepared a detailed guide on what tents are made of and how to choose the most suitable material for you.

Overall, canvas tents offer better insulation and better temperature control. However, nylon and polyester tents can be manufactured with specific coatings to improve their insulation and waterproofness capabilities.

If you are camping in extreme cold weather conditions, we recommend looking at the ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian. This is tent with a quick setup made of polyester (options for 2 and 3 campers). It only weighs 3.5Kg, being perfect for those who want a portable tent.

Tip 3 - Pitch your tent at the right spot

Strategy wins the game! Before setting up your tent straight away after arriving at your camping site, check the following tips:

Avoid pitching your tent in open areas and with wind exposure. The freezing airflow might cause the wind chill factor, in which your body temperature drops even further because of the lower temperature air.
Preferably, pitch your tent where your tent can have at least a couple of hours of sunlight exposure. In contrast to summer days, you will probably look for areas fully covered by trees, look for places with partial coverage – for example, partially shaded areas during the day.
If you are camping with snow, be mindful of potential avalanche corridors or place with potential snowfall exposure.

Tip 4 - Bring warm blankets

A warm camping blanket will help you tackling the cold days. You can find a wide variety of them these days on Amazon. We recommend looking for options that are lightweight and easy to carry.

Recland has recently launched a soft insulated option with heavy-duty features and excellent value for money. The blanket is made of nylon, which ensures that it is incredibly lightweight.

Rec-Land Outdoor Camping Blanket – Soft Insulated Blanket

There are also multiple battery-operated camping blankets that will ensure a cozy war night for you while camping.

Battery-powered camping blankets

Tip 5 - Don't forget Warm Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags can be made of different fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, polycotton, silk, , taffeta, and others.

Overall, the insulation mechanisms can be split into synthetic materials and natural fibers. Whilst synthetic options tend to be more affordable, the warming power of natural fibers tend to be superior.

Before buying your sleeping bag, have a look at its temperature rating. Different options suit better specific temperature ranges, and you should pay attention to which option you are buying.

Make sure to check what the weather is like in your preferred camper site and buy a sleeping bag according to the average temperatures. You don’t want to choose an overheating solution that will make you sweat during the night

Tip 6 - Eat more

As a car engine needs fuel to properly work, your body needs enough calories to keep your body temperature high in cold days. Generally speaking, NHS recommends an intake of 2000 calories for women and 2,500 calories for men.

The human organism is very intelligent and increase its metabolism rate during cold days to compensate the temperature drop and keep your body warm. A study undertaken by the National Library of Medicine (NIH) has shown that the average metabolic response was significantly higher (11.5%) in winter when compared to summer days.

Whilst the optimal temperature will depend on a wide variety of variables (age, person, activity, level of fitness, etc.), the accepted average temperature is around 98.6^oF (37^oC)

Stick to healthy food options, such as nuts, red meats, salmon and oily fish, and hot vegetable soups!

Tip 7 - Use a hot water bottle

Using the physics principle of heat radiation, you can use a bottle full of hot water to keep the environment around your body warm. The radiation occurs when heat moves through infrared waves from one point to another.

If you fill a bottle full of hot water and bring it inside your tent, it might help in increasing the tent’s temperatures. However, be thoughtful and careful:

Choose hot water bottles of high-quality (picture below)
Be careful when handling them, as they will be hot – we suggest using gloves.
Do not sleep with it under your sleeping bag or cover (they might leak and drench your bed)

We recommend leaving the bottle inside your sleeping bag for 10-15 minutes before you use it. Then, remove it.

Overall, this method is a “short-term” solution, as the water will exchange heat with the environment and will probably cool down in hours. On the other hand, it is a highly affordable and easy solution.

Tip 8 -Try light exercise before going to bed

Light exercises like jogging might increase your internal temperature. Overall, body movements produce body heat induced by your organism’s metabolism. A 20-minute walk around your camping site might not only increase your temperature but also relax your mind – enjoy it!

Tip 9 - Drink hot beverages

We found a terrific budget-friendly alternative for a portable coffee maker. Conqueco has created this 12V espresso machine with a rechargeable battery that provides flexibility and practicality. It can be charged in your car and comes with a 15bar pressure system.

Check the video below and see how it is simple to handle.

Tip 10 - Insulate your tent

Simple insulation steps might create a cozy environment inside your tent. You can:

a) Insulate your tent floor – you can use an aluminum reflective between your tent floor and your sleeping bag. This will help to trap the hot air inside your tent. You can also use a heating carpet, but most of them come with electrical requirements.

b) Close tent openings during the night – make sure that your tent is insulated from air circulation to avoid wind chills.

c) Cover roof and walls with thermal insulations – Yes, this is possible. You can buy them on amazon and completely cover your tent with them (we only recommend this option for freezing weather). Overall, it is a cheap and easy to maintain option.

Bottomline

There are multiple options to heat your tent without electricity. We hope that this article helps you with creative ideas and easy solutions to improve your winter camping days. You can combine multiple tips to provide you with the best heating solution.

If you still think that you are going to be cold in your tent, have a look at your guide on how to pick the best tent heater for you.

Are Propane Heaters Safe in a Tent?

Tent Heater

Camping can be a lot of fun, but if you’re not prepared for the cold, it can be miserable. Even in the summertime, it can be chilly at night, and if you’re not prepared with the proper equipment, you risk ruining your camping trip.

One way to stay warm and comfortable is by using a propane heater in your tent. But are propone heaters safe to use in a tent?

The quick answer is – yes, it is safe to use them in your tent. However, you need to pay attention to proper setup, good ventilation, and knowing when to turn it off.

This article explores safety tips for using propane heaters in tents and reviews the best propane heater for tents in the market.

Propane Heaters - Top Recommendations (Summary)

Our top recommendations are shown below, and you can find a detailed review of the product below. We also recommend you read our detailed guide on choosing the best tent heater for you.

The best portable propane heaters for your tent in the market are:

Mr Heater F215100 (Little Buddy) – up to 3,800BTU (best option for backpackers, hikers, and small tents)
Mr Heater 232000 MH9BX Buddy – up to 9,000 BTU (most efficient portable propane heater for your tent – best value for money)
Bluu Heater – up to 20,000 BTU (Powerful heater for over-sized tents)

Best option for backpackers, hikers, and small tents

Mr Heater F215100 (Little Buddy)

Most efficient portable propane – best value for money (mid-sized tents)

Mr Heater 232000 MH9BX Buddy

Powerful heater for over-sized and family tents

Bluu 20,000 BTU Heater

Are propane heaters safe to use in a tent?

Mostly, propane heaters are safe to use in a tent thanks to the top-notch safety mechanisms and features embedded in this equipment.

However, if a propane heater is not handled correctly, it can cause fatal incidents, such as fire hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, and burn injuries. The majority of tent heater incidents reported by campers are related to equipment misuse and unsafe practices when handling the equipment, such as leaving the device running for long hours without monitoring conditions.

A significant part of the accidents could have been avoided by simply sticking to elementary safety instructions. All devices come with a detailed user manual that guides you on setting it up, turning it on, and switching it off.

Safety Measures for propane heaters in a tent

Unlike traditional propane heaters, the modern ones are equipped with advanced safety mechanisms. If you want to use a propane heater in a tent, be cautious and put the following safety measures in place.

Monitor Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Oxygen Levels

Exposure to high levels of monoxide carbon (CO) can lead to a wide variety of consequences in the human body, such as vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, blurred vision, and difficulty of thinking.

The severity of symptoms will vary in accordance with the exposure length and CO concentrations levels. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, CO levels below 70ppm (parts per million) should not trigger any major reactions and are considered safe.

However, as CO levels go up (above 70ppm), the poisoning effects start to appear, and you might experience some shortness of breath and nausea.

Above 150ppm, the difficulty of thinking and loss of orientation is likely to happen. Exposure to high levels for prolonged periods can lead to death. Therefore, be mindful of these risks.

If you ever experience one of these symptoms while using a propane heater, watch out and turn the equipment off. We always advocate for safety first; hence we recommend using a portable smart CO detector and constantly checking the concentration levels.

Safety Dispositives

A tent is a natural confined environment with limited internal space. This increases the risks of clashing, tipping, and/or dropping the heating device, which is dangerous.

When selecting your heater, check if they have the following safety dispositive:

Carbon monoxide detector (you can this item separately – look for battery-powered versions)
Overheating detector
Fall Detector (tip-over)

We recommend only acquiring heaters with auto-shutoff mechanisms. They are electrical safety devices installed in the equipment to prevent it from working if any incident is detected.

Precaution Measures to use a propane heater in a tent

Precaution Measure 1 - Hoses connections and leaks

Always check hose connections and look for potential gas leaks.

The National Fire Protection Association created the video below to check potential leaks in hoses and connections in gas grills. However, the same safety procedures apply to your propane gas heater. It is straightforward – you only need:

A brush
A water sprayer to check gas leaks.

Precaution Measure 2 - Monitor Temperature

Make sure it has high-temperature safety guards to prevent accidental burns. After shutting off the equipment, make sure you place it in a cool area and isolate it.

It shouldn’t touch any flammable thing that can lead to a fire. If you are camping with kids or pets, isolate the cool-down area. Also, keep an eye on any animals that might collide with the equipment.

Precaution Measure 3 - Never sleep with the heater turned on or unattended

Always shut the heater off before you go to sleep. Even though this is a straightforward measure, many people forget to do it!

Precaution Measure 4 - Place the equipment in the right position

Ensure that the equipment is placed on a flat surface increase stability and decrease falling risks. Further, make sure that there is proper ventilation around the equipment.

The best (and safest) propone heaters for camping

Now that you know it is safe to use a propane heater in a tent, choosing the most reliable and functional heater is time. Below, we present our top-3 recommendations that you can safely use.

Mr. Heater F215100 (Little Buddy)

Mr. Heater provides the latest evolution in portable heating with this user-friendly propane heater. Mr Heater F215100 (Little Buddy) is designed to be used safely in cabins, garages, tents, workshops, patios, hunting blinds, or porches to heat spaces up 95 sq. ft.

It has a low-oxygen sensor that alarms you when oxygen levels have dropped. With its improved safety features, you comfortably use this eater in small spaces such as tents.

It has on/off simple buttons that allow you to switch your best working temperature. It requires a vent area of 4 square inches for maximum ventilation during operation.

The heater has a sturdy and stable base that keeps the unit in one position to prevent falling or causing accidents. Carrying it will be simple because it has a comfortable handle. Thanks to its compact design, if you have little storage space in your tent, this is the best to purchase.

Pros

Runs up to 5.6 hours
Equipped with safety detection systems
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor
Excellent alternative for small tents

Cons

It takes longer to light up
Less powerful, therefore not suitable for medium to oversized tents

We recently wrote a detailed review of Mr Heater F215100 (Little Buddy) and recommend you reading it.

Mr Heater 232000 MH9BX Buddy

Mr Heater 232000 MH9BX Buddy is North America’s most popular heater, and it is suitable for heating small and large tents. The 4,000-9, 000-BTU heater can heat spaces of up to 225 square feet, providing an incredible heating efficiency.

Furthermore, it comes with a low oxygen auto shut-off feature that alerts you when oxygen levels are critical in your tent to increase your safety. The mechanisms automatically shut the unit down if the heater is knocked down or when not functioning well.

The mechanisms automatically shut the unit down if the heater is knocked down or when not functioning well.

Mobility is its surname – carrying it will be simple because it has a sturdy handle, and you can keep it in tight areas thanks to its small design.

The heater has high and low settings, allowing you to choose a setting that will suit your tent warming needs. A wire guard surrounds the heating surface to prevent accidental burns.

Other than camping, this heater can be used in job sites, workshops, decks, patios, porches, garages, tailgate parties, storage buildings, sporting events, and many more.

Pros

It has low oxygen shutoff feature
Powerful enough to heat both small and large spaces
Small and portable
Simple to use
Good value for money

Cons

You can find cheaper version in the market

Bluu Propane Heater

This heavy-duty heater from Bluu is constructed with top-notch technology to give you the best outdoor experience. Compared to other heaters in the market, this one has a broader coverage and more heat. The heater is efficient enough to warm a 300 square foot space.

Bluu 20,000 BTU Heater has an automatic shut-off feature that turns the unit off when the oxygen is low or when the heater is tipped over.

Its reliable safety features ensure anyone using this unit is safe. It comes with an adjustable thermostat, where you can pick your preferred temperature, and it has knobs that allow you to make adjustments for your ideal environment.

It is one of the best energy-efficient heaters in the market, meaning when it reaches the desired temperature, it slowly reduces the core temperature.

This ensures it is safer and energy-efficient. Besides, the heater can run up to 5 hours on low setting and 2 hours on the highest setting.

Pros

Thermostat facilitates temperature control
Heavy-duty components and enhanced durability
Very Safe
Convenient and easy to operate
Ideal for family tents

Cons

None identified
Not suitable for small tents

FAQ

What propane heater should I use for backpacking?

If you are backpacking or camping in a small group, we recommend using Mr Heater F215100 (Little Buddy) . It offers a good heating output with excellent portability.

What propane heater should I use for big tents (i.e. family camping)?

You probably will need a bigger heater if you are camping with a large group. We recommend the following:

Mr Heater 232000 MH9BX Buddy – For groups up to 6 campers
Bluu 20,000 BTU Heater – For groups with more than 6 people

Is it safe to sleep with my propane heater on?

We do not recommend you sleep with your propane heater on because of carbon monoxide poisoning and other potential hazards (i.e. fire initiation).

Which safety mechanisms should my heater have?

It would be best if you looked for options with the following safety mechanisms:

Carbon monoxide detector (you can this item separately – look for battery-powered versions)
Overheating detector
Fall Detector

How can I insulate my tent?

You can:

Use special insulation material in your tent
Insulate your tent floor
Assess which tent is most suitable for winter camping
Use smaller tents
Avoid pitching your tent in open areas.
Use a suitable sleeping bag.

We have prepared a detailed article with terrific tips – read it here.

How can I heat my tent without electricity?

We have prepared an article with 10 easy tips to help you heat your tent without electricity. They are:

Choose the appropriate tent material
Pitch your tent at the right spot
Use warm blankets
Bring the adequate sleeping bags
Intake enough calories
Use a hot water bottle.
Try light exercise before going to bed
Drink hot beverages
Insulate your tent
Use a portable propane heater

Verdict

So, after reading our guide above, you’ve seen it is safe to use a propane heater in your tent. However, you need to make sure you follow all the safety measures and manufacturer’s instructions and strictly follow safety instructions.

All products detailed above are excellent, but each will suit you better according to your heating requirements, as detailed below.

Best option for backpackers, hikers, and small tents

Mr Heater F215100 (Little Buddy)

Most efficient portable propane heater for your tent – best value for money (mid-sized tents)

Mr Heater 232000 MH9BX Buddy

Powerful heater for over-sized and family tents

Bluu 20,000 BTU Heater

Don’t forget, always check whether your preferred device has the following safety dispositive:

CO detector
Auto shutoff mechanism for both tip-off and overheating events.

We hope this article was helpful and you have a cozy and warm night in your tent!