Camping Heater -- catalytic heater

[punk_emo_tx]

Here's a little tent heater I've used a few times. It helps warm a tent but makes me nervous using it. The heating element gets very hot. Knocking it over would burn a hole in a tent or sleeping bag immediately. I would never leave this thing burning while I was sleeping.

It's nice to have a little heat in your tent when looking over maps for the next days ride. Same goes for morning coffee / hot chocolate too.

This heater is small and light and puts out heat for a small tent. Coleman says its safe to use in tents. Puts out 800 BTUs and has a burn time of 13 hours on one can of fuel. There is extra space in the bag for other items.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m20/ArkansasCampgrounds/Coleman%20Heater/ColemanHeater1retailbox.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m20/ArkansasCampgrounds/Coleman%20Heater/ColemanHeater2carrycase.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m20/ArkansasCampgrounds/Coleman%20Heater/ColemanHeater5parts.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m20/ArkansasCampgrounds/Coleman%20Heater/ColemanHeater6assembled.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m20/ArkansasCampgrounds/Coleman%20Heater/ColemanHeater8burning.jpg

[Chirpy]

Yup, that's the one that melted my tent...

Now I use one of these http://www.mrheater.com/images/prod_buddy.gif (http://www.mrheater.com/productdetails_extended.asp?catid=41&id=24)

[DFW_Warrior]

Okay, it may just be me. But heaters in tents scare the you know what out of me. I'm too scared of fires so I think I'll just stick with my Hot Hands thrown down into my sleeping bag.

[punk_emo_tx]

Take note I didn't endorse this heater but I'll prolly use it again.

A heater in a tent...lol....while motorcycle camping...lol.

Now lets get back to talking about hammocks.

[CBAT]

Kay, it may just be me. But heaters in tents scare the you know what out of me. I'm too scared of fires so I think I'll just stick with my Hot Hands thrown down into my sleeping bag.
Like he said.....no fire in the tent, period. If it's going to be cold, use the space for the heater to carry a heavier weight sleeping bag.

[punk_emo_tx]

It's a catalytic heater, there is no fire.

[Squeaky]

Need heat in a tent? Get a tent mate and cuddle! :trust:

[TexasShadow]

Need heat in a tent? Get a tent mate and cuddle! :trust:
Bernard!

:mrgreen:

Someone suggested to me not too long ago:
"Get a campsite with electrical hook up, get an adapter and extension cord and plug in your heated vest."
Hmmmm.........:trust:

[punk_emo_tx]

Need heat in a tent? Get a tent mate and cuddle! :trust:

Thats the best heater no doubt.

Unfortunately I ride alone 99% of the time. Camping in the mountians alone and it's 20 degrees at night forces me turn to the little Coleman.:( Where's all the single woman that like to ride and cuddle?:help:

[TexasShadow]

Unfortunately I ride alone 99% of the time. Camping in the mountians alone and it's 20 degrees at night forces me turn to the little Coleman.:( Where's all the single woman that like to ride and cuddle?:help: I ride alone, too. I'm single and female but not too sure about the cuddlin' stuff ;-)

You're in Arlington; why haven't you come to any of the Tarrant Co. Meet 'n Greets on Tuesday nights?

[TexasShadow]

This thread caught my eye; I'm considering going camping in north canyons again over Xmas. The thought of cold cold cold has me on the fence still. I'm interested in a safe way to warm the tent for a few hours reading before dozing off and in the am before crawling out to get dressed.

aka 'heater'

[3 Foot Half Devil]

I've used a similar catalityic (sp?) heater in my tent when camping, and have had no problems. That is as long as you have enough space in your tent. I used it while hunting, and had a 4 man tent by myself. No problems at all.

[Squeaky]

Where's all the single woman that like to ride and cuddle?:help:

We're a fairly elusive species, but we do exist! :cool2:

I'm interested in a safe way to warm the tent for a few hours reading before dozing off and in the am before crawling out to get dressed.

Well there's your first mistake - don't get undressed for bed. If anything, add a layer and snuggle in!

I'd think the extension cord/heated gear idea would work, but you might get a bit tangled. Plus, the cord would have to be safe for outdoors and pretty long, so it'd be about the size of a hiking boot to pack it.

Have you tried some of the small chemical heat packs? If you put a few between layers of socks, in pockets, etc. it might be enough to keep you warm with the right sleeping bag/liner combo.

[CBAT]

It's a catalytic heater, there is no fire.

Try parking a car, with a catalytic converter, in tall grass. I know it's a different device than the heater but it will still burn. Someone mentioned having enough space in the tent. That's the key to being safe with any space heater. It needs space. Always follow manufacturers directions on the space needed to stay safe.

"Well there's your first mistake - don't get undressed for bed. If anything, add a layer and snuggle in! "

This is also a mistake. Any moisture you may get from perspiration, yes you perspire even when it's cold, can keep you cold. The key to staying warm is staying dry. Even just riding a motor you will develop moisture in your clothes. After a day of activity you should always change into a fresh dry under layer. If you need another layer the best place to add a layer is to drape your rain coat or another jacket over the outside of your sleeping bag. Your bag should be rated for the temps you expect to encounter. This will keep your body heat trapped but will still let your perspiration pass away from your skin. Like always this is IMHO from years of experience backpacking in the high rockies in temps down to 20 below. YMMV I've never needed a heater in the tent.

[Big Bandit]

I have never personally tried this, but I heard about it and filed it away in my mental attic. I heard about a guy who car camped in very cold weather and he would take a metal five gallon bucket and put his Coleman lantern inside the bucket. Coleman lanterns give off quite a bit of heat and being inside the metal bucket certainly increased the safety factor. However, I still do not know if I would do it.

On a bike you might take along that small catalytic heater and put it inside a metal paint can or similar small metal bucket to increase the safety factor. You could even put the lid on, if you puched holes in the can sides and lid. If you stuffed the bucket full of clothes or other gear it would not add signifigantly to the bulk of your gear. You could also use it as a pot, for cooking, if you did not punch holes in it. Just an idea. Once again I do not know if I would do it. I am a big man and my problem is more along the lines of staying cool than getting cold.

[CBAT]

I never tried this but have heard of people in campers with a stove, propane or white gas, placing a clay flower pot over the burner on low. The pot heats up and radiates out to the space. IMPORTANT NOTE: Anytime you are using a flame source to heat make sure you have adequate ventilation in order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. A single wall tent could trap enough to cause a problem. Inside a car is definatley a problem without an open window.

[TexasShadow]

Well there's your first mistake - don't get undressed for bed. If anything, add a layer and snuggle in! Well, I will admit I have all but one or two nights while camping thus far worn the UnderArmours to bag (for lack of 'bed'). And only cold one night: freezing rain, gusty winds and snow on a CO mountain. I even had socks on my hands that night.
Have you tried some of the small chemical heat packs? If you put a few between layers of socks, in pockets, etc. it might be enough to keep you warm with the right sleeping bag/liner combo.I have two of those for gloves in an emergency. I think adding a microfleece liner to the two bags would work.
Or invite one of the coyotes to crawl in the bag for added warmth.

[TexasShadow]

This is also a mistake. Any moisture you may get from perspiration, yes you perspire even when it's cold, can keep you cold. The key to staying warm is staying dry.I agree. This is one reason why I like the UnderArmours for sleeping in as well as wearing under gear: they wick moisture away from the skin.
I have woken warm in two bags with moisture on the outside of the bags.

[Chirpy]

Or invite one of the coyotes to crawl in the bag for added warmth.

Yeah, I saw that movie...
http://video.movies.go.com/redesign/assets/boxart/large/786936144505DDfsL01.jpg

Actually I my catalytic heater was quite safe, and saw extensive use. The way it melted the tent was a buddy crawling in to change, and on the way out kicked it off the stand and didn't think it would matter:eek2:

Not sure I can blame the heater...

[TexasShadow]

Yeah, I saw that movie.....I didn't!

[Teeds]

Like he said.....no fire in the tent, period. If it's going to be cold, use the space for the heater to carry a heavier weight sleeping bag.

I'm gonna have to agree with Bruce on this issue. Heaters have to consume fuel and air for combustion. Carbon Monoxide and Water Vapor are both byproducts of combustion. Neither are desirable in a tent.

I have awoke in Colorado with snow more than halfway up a tent and been warm enough in the tent to be quite comfortable. My winter bag is polyfil and rated for -20 degrees F. I hate nothing more than being cold and have always appreciated the added loft. For winter camping on my bike I would gladly carry the bag, although it does not compress down to a very small package (10 inches in diameter x 16~18 inches long).

I want to ditto the comment about getting into “dry” gear before getting into your bag. That alone will add 5~10 degrees of warmth. I carry an old pair of cotton socks that are only used for sleeping in. They are loose, floppy and oh so comfortable.

I am not apposed to and have enjoyed the warmth wafting into the tent while I prepare coffee and breakfast under the porch of my tent.

I have found a candle lantern to be a very credible heat and light source for many situations. Not as nice as a snugglebunny though ...

[tx246]

Here is a thought. Try hanging the cat heater from the apex of the tent. Make some sort of deflector to radiate the heat back down. At least you wont knock it over or lay a sleeping bag on it. A cat heater would be great. Ive had some cold nights where I stayed warm in my bag but the condensation inside the tent would rain on me when I bumped the tent. Makes for wet sleeping bags and I hate packing a wet tent.

[kstrs]

Beer & chilidogs before bedtime:eat: , be sure to stake the tent down well though.

[Tracker]

Beer & chilidogs before bedtime:eat: , be sure to stake the tent down well though.
:rofl:
I thought the goal was to AVOID melting holes in the side of the tent.

[punk_emo_tx]

No one fears a catalytic heater as much as someone that has never used one. These same folks think its OK to lite candles and lanterns in tents for heat.... carbon manoxide build up....death.

I think some are missing the point by posting get a warmer sleeping bag etc. I use the heater while sitting in my tent reading maps , drinking hot chocolate, etc.....never sleeping with it on. I only take it with me if spending muliti nights under 30 degrees.

Catalytic heaters have no open flame other than at start up. Because of their extreme heat it can ignite things. Use at your own risk.

Catalytic heaters are a controversial subject. I hope everyone enjoyed the posts.

[Teeds]

No one fears a catalytic heater as much as someone that has never used one. These same folks think its OK to lite candles and lanterns in tents for heat.... carbon manoxide build up....death.

I'm not debating with you the merits or dangers of catalytic heaters. I have multiple myself. I am simply pointing out that they consume oxygen and result in an increase of carbon monoxide and moisture within a tent. A candle lantern is a significantly smaller consumer of oxygen. They are enclosed in glass and are usually hung overhead from the loft or loop in the top of the tent. This thread is far broader in range than just talking about heating a tent, hence my comment about sleeping bag choice. If I am in my tent, I am in my sleeping bag. Shoes and outergear are stripped off as I enter the tent. If they are wet (usually), they stay outside. I have cooked many a meal in the door of my tent, under the awning, never exposing more than my lower arms and my head, which is always covered with a watch cap. Most of the heat is lost through our skulls anyway.

My "Mr. Heater" and my wall mounted heater in my Pace trailer both have O2 sensors. I use them at night in the trailer. But then, it has no insulation and the door is cracked to let out the propane hose.

Regarding the comment about enclosing the lamp/heater within a can ... I would never seriously think about the use of a can to shield a lantern or a heater. Coleman is very specific about the operational range of their lanterns and the heat reflected back into the tank of white gas (aka bomb) WILL result in a catastrophic event that will be unpleasant, if not deadly.

The problem is that unchallenged comments can be taken as fact instead of “ideas” to be discussed.

Not trying to step on anyone’s toes. :sun:

[DFW_Warrior]

IMO, any heaters of any types (catalytic, candles, lanterns, or any other types of combustion) are off limits for me while in a tent. If I wanted a warm and cozy place to stay then I would get a motel or something. Again, I don't want to step on toes either, but any type of combustion inside a big flammable human roasting bag(tent) scares me enough not to use them. When I do my map planning I either lay in my sleeping bag, or get up and put on my riding gear and plan away.

And again, that's just my opinion, and I know other people have different ones.

[CBAT]

Well said Teeds.

[punk_emo_tx]

I didn't find anything specific about the dangers of catalytic hearters but (I know they are dangerous) I did see these (links) about lanterns and stoves. I'm sure someone can find catalytic heater danger links.

I do wonder why a reputable company like Coleman would sell these as tent heaters.

I did find this from Coleman.... a catalytic heater burns at a lower temperature than a normal flame do to evenly distributed platinum. This heater has a low burn temperature ( no flame ) but can still burn clothing, sleeping bags, etc. that might fall on the burner surface. When used in any inside area, provide a freash air opening of at least three square inches. Do not use other burning appliances inside.

It's a given that catalytic heaters are dangerous but it also seems that lanterns i.e. open falmes are more dangerous.

I think this topic has been beaten to death. Anyway here's the links, hope they work.

http://www.registerguard.com/news/2005/09/19/b2.or.campersdies.0919.p1.php?section=nation_world

http://zenstoves.net/COHazard.htm

http://www.wemjournal.org/wmsonline/?request=get-document&issn=1080-6032&volume=015&issue=03&page=0157

[CBAT]

It's a given that catalytic heaters are dangerous but it also seems that lanterns i.e. open falmes are more dangerous.


I agree with this totally. I don't use any flame inside my tent. Only battery flashlight. The fire stays outside. Time to move on. Happy camping. :rider:

[punk_emo_tx]

What is flashlight you speak of? Is that what campers used before LED headlights?:mrgreen:

Think I'm gonna start a camp stove thread. Everybody will beat their chest saying theirs is best.:rofl:

[Voltar]

I cold camp often. Matter of fact I'll be doing it in chilly AZ next week.
I would never put a heat source like that in my tent. :eek2:

Here is the best (and safest) tip I can give provided that you have a camp fire:

Put about six softball size rocks around the campfire. They will get hot as heck. Get two of them and wrap then in a shirt or towel and put them in your sleeping bag about 10-30 mins before you go to bed.

Trust me this will keep you warm!!!

When you wake up to pee, switch the rocks in your bag for some fresh hot ones.

Oh.... and wear a stocking hat.

[Chirpy]

And if you're a diver, don't confuse your sleeping bag for your wet suit! You'll be warm for a little while, but then...

[CBAT]

What is flashlight you speak of? Is that what campers used before LED headlights?:mrgreen:

Think I'm gonna start a camp stove thread. Everybody will beat their chest saying theirs is best.:rofl:
I guess I did just date myself. I do use an LED headlamp now. Love 'em. A thread about which stove is best is like asking which brand of motorcycle is best. ;-)

[Teeds]

I guess I did just date myself. I do use an LED headlamp now. Love 'em. A thread about which stove is best is like asking which brand of motorcycle is best. ;-)

Hee Hee

http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1d/gallery.rei.com/media/936989.jpg

Foolproof

http://images.rei.com/media/819264.jpg

Complete with LED ... best of both worlds ...

Choosing the best motorcycle depends only on the terrain expected, rider ability, yada, yada, yada ...

Best ...

Is there one, I have 4 that I can ride, all off road or DS ... no street bikes ... yet

[CBAT]

Hee Hee

http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1d/gallery.rei.com/media/936989.jpg

Foolproof

http://images.rei.com/media/819264.jpg

Complete with LED ... best of both worlds ...

Choosing the best motorcycle depends only on the terrain expected, rider ability, yada, yada, yada ...

Best ...

Is there one, I have 4 that I can ride, all off road or DS ... no street bikes ... yet
I have the one in the top photo. :thumb: I used it mosly on my sailboat in the cabin to preserve battery power. Puts of a nice mellow light. I didn't carry it backpacking since I carried the headlamp and was shaving as many ounces as I could to keep weight down. I just couldn't have the duplication.

[Teeds]

I have the one in the top photo. I didn't carry it backpacking since I carried the headlamp and was shaving as many ounces as I could to keep weight down. I just couldn't have the duplication.

Are you a follower of Colin Fletcher? Do you remove the core from your roll of toilet paper and cut off the handle on your tooth brush? :lol2:

[DANNYROTH]

One thing I like to do when I'm out in the woods is to try to imagine what the early explorers did to stay dry/warm as they were traveling through the unfriendly low lands of southeast Texas and similar terrain. I bet many of them would have quickly given up their left thumb to have a catalytic heater.

[CBAT]

Are you a follower of Colin Fletcher? Do you remove the core from your roll of toilet paper and cut off the handle on your tooth brush? :lol2:
:lol2: Not quite that extreme. But I do avoid duplication of equipment and trim weight whenever I can. Ounces add up to lbs. I've saved up to 10 lbs on some trips and when hiking at elevations above 10,000 feet I feel every ounce I have to carry. As it is, I usually end up carrying about 65 lbs of essential gear. :giveup: Not as young or physically tough as I used to be.