Staying warm at the campsite has challenged adventures for as long as people have been pitching tents. Down sleeping bags and hi-tech, warm clothing can do only so much, especially first thing in the early morning when you have to peel yourself out of that toasty sleeping bag and face the chill of the day. Catalytic, propane tent heaters are gaining in popularity. Using one safely means heeding several warnings and taking prudent precautions.
Creative Heating
In an effort to keep a tent warm, campers have been known to get creative. Most commonly, people use their camp stove or lantern as a heating element. This is dangerous since those implements are not designed for space heating and can therefore increase your chances of contracting carbon monoxide poisoning or being the victim of burns and fires. Other creative heating ideas, such as using a candle in a jar or tucking rocks under your sleeping bag after they've cooked for a couple hours in the campfire are equally dangerous. The safe bet is to only use units specifically designed to heat a tent.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas found in combustion fumes, is an odorless and colorless gas that can accumulate in enclosed spaces and, potentially, cause injury or death according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tent heaters omit CO while operating, and a tent is certainly an enclosed space. The CO can build up quickly, and symptoms like headache, nausea, confusion and dizziness can set in. To avoid CO poisoning, tent heater manufacturers tell you to keep your tent well ventilated so the CO can escape. A window zipped open at least six square inches should be sufficient.
Fire and Damage
All tent heaters get hot when they are in operation. If the hot surfaces of the unit comes in contact with the tent itself or the belongings inside, damage is likely to occur. If the tent catches fire, all your gear could be destroyed. To avoid destruction of your property, manufacturers advise campers to use a tent heater in a six-person or larger tent so there is plenty of room to keep the gear away from the heating unit. You should position the heater off the floor of the tent, perhaps by setting it on your cooler, and you need to avoid putting anything within 6 to 12 inches of the unit when it is in operation. Also, keep a fire extinguisher within reach, just in case.
Burns
Manufacturers make a point of cautioning campers not to sleep while the tent heater is in operation. The concern is that you might roll over into the unit and sustain a painful burn. Additionally, if you're sleeping, you may not realize your gear or tent has caught on fire, and by the time you do, it could be too late to prevent serious damage and injury.
Transporting a Heater
Care and caution should be used when you travel with your tent heater. Manufacturers tell you to detach the propane cylinder from the heating unit and to secure it with the cap it came with. When you load it into your vehicle, be sure it is situated in an upright position and propped so it won't jostle around once you're in motion. These steps lessen the occurrence of leaks and damage. If you're traveling by airplane, don't even bother packing the propane cylinder, since they are banned. The tent heater itself should be perfectly safe for transport once the cylinder is detached.
