What Is the Safest Camp Heater?
- It doesn't take a winter situation to create cold conditions that can threaten a camper's safety. Sudden thunderstorms with hail, an accidental dunking or an unexpected wind shift can turn temperatures from cozy to bitter in a heartbeat. The savvy camper will have factored these possibilities into his choice of equipment, possibly including a camp heater.
- Heaters designed specifically for the campsite are of two basic configurations: Electric, which might be line voltage or battery, or fuel-based, which might be butane, propane or gas. Electric models are similar to home space heaters, efficiently converting electricity from their power source (either 120 volt AC or battery) into heat. Fuel-based camp heaters use the same fuel source as many popular camp stoves, achieving a flameless heat output through a platinum and ceramic catalytic element.
- Electric camp heaters need only be connected to an electrical source and be switched on to provide heat. For campers fortunate enough to have electricity at the campsite, the electric camp heater provides a relatively safe solution. The better ones will have a safety tip-over switch, a device to protect against overheating, temperature control settings and a thermostat. Having electrical cords running through the campsite, though, increases the likelihood of tripping and also poses a threat of electrocution.
- Fuel-based camp heaters can make it unnecessary to tote separate fuel because they burn the same fuel as that used for a number of camping stoves. Most can be fired up with just the push of an electric ignition button, which ignites the fuel. They burn without visible flame so are far less likely to combust nearby materials. They also produce some, but not dangerous levels of, carbon monoxide which is a silent and deadly killer. It is necessary to provide good ventilation if the heater is operated in the confines of a tent. Some models are equipped with a small battery-powered fan to distribute the heat.
- There are major drawbacks to using any type of camp heater. Constant vigilance must be maintained. Never leave a heater unattended, and never leave one running overnight while you sleep. Further, any portable heater might create potentially dangerous fire hazards. Electric heat, while inherently safer, might not be practical for all campers.
You should only use the camp heater for its intended purpose, which is to provide warmth inside your tent. Do not be tempted to use it for cooking, for light, or for drying your wet clothing.
Fuel-operated camp heaters come with too many caveats to be a recommended choice for most campers, so, despite their limitations, electric heaters win the safety debate by default. The key is to be prepared and to always make safety your primary consideration while camping.