How to choose a camping heater

A camping heater will help keep you warm and cozy on your trip, whether it's a cool summer night or a cold winter evening. Here's how to pick the best one for you.

Proper preparation can literally be the difference between a lousy, uncomfortable trip and a memory to cherish for a lifetime.

Because most people camp in the summer, there’s one thing they often forget when preparing for their trip: camping heaters.

It might seem like a waste of time to get a heater in the summer, but we forget that no matter how warm it is during the day, it can be quite chilly at night out in the wilderness, especially by water.

Of course, if you’re planning to go camping in the off season, spring, fall or even winter, a camping heater is a definite must to stay toasty and comfy.

First thing’s first – camping heaters can be hazardous if not properly employed.

• The possibility that your tent catches fire or starts to melt is real, so be sure to choose the right heater and set it up in a safe way.
• If you’re planning to use the heater inside the actual tent, get a heater specifically designed for that job, and only use it when you need to.
• Never leave it running unattended, especially since tents are small spaces that heat up very quickly, so there’s never a reason to leave it running until you’re settling down for the night.

There are a couple of different styles of heater out there:

Electrical heaters: If you have access to electricity while camping,from an RV for example,you can take an electrical heater with you.

• You can also use an electric heater if you have a portable generator, but this kind of complicated setup is only really necessary in harsh conditions for serious camping trips.
• You must be wary to conserve battery power in all cases.

Gas heaters: Usually when you're camping, you’ll want a heater that can run on its own.

• These are probably the most common and easy to use camping heaters, and there are plenty of options out there on the market.

Don't be left out in the cold on your next camping trip. Consider the best camping heater for you and bring it along for cozy evenings, no matter what the weather.