Tourism is an exciting but risky activity. One of the dangers that await tourists is the cold. Multi-layer tents and warm sleeping bags do not always save you from the cold, especially in winter. In one night you can catch a serious cold, because of which the trip will have to be stopped, and it’s good if everything goes without health consequences. Tent heaters are the most comfortable solution to cold problems.
Content
Heaters and heating pads are widely used as camping equipment. Heaters differ in the method of heating and the fuel used, as well as in size and cost (all these are the main characteristics). In specialized stores, there is a large selection of this type of equipment, so choosing a good heater for your needs is not so easy, especially if you do it for the first time.
To choose the right heating system for a tent, you first need to figure out what they are and how they work, and only after that choose the right option for a particular case.
What are tent heaters?
The main criterion by which heaters are distinguished is the type of fuel that they use during operation. In fact, the type of fuel affects all other characteristics: the compactness of the heater, its cost and efficiency, its safety and functionality.
There is no universal fuel, and it cannot be said that one fuel is better than another, since everyone has different tasks. Some heaters are suitable for winter fishing, others for camping with cars, and still others for a difficult multi-day hike in the mountains. Choose the type of fuel based on the conditions in which the heater will be used.
Kerosene
Kerosene heaters are a classic for camping trips. Such heaters are “average” in everything: in terms of price, size, fuel consumption, and efficiency. Such heaters work on liquid kerosene. They are quite safe, although they lose in this parameter to heaters on other types of fuel.
Kaalytic
They work on one of the above types of fuel, but heat is not released during combustion, but from ongoing chemical reactions. The safest type of burners. The disadvantage of catalytic heaters is the high prices for both the devices themselves and consumables. They can also be used only for heating - cooking food will not work on them.
Petrol
Gasoline heaters quickly heat even large tents, but they have disadvantages: fast fuel consumption and an unpleasant odor emitted during operation. Such heaters are inexpensive, but they are only suitable for car trips and camping because of their bulkiness and the need to constantly get fuel.
Solid fuel
Solid fuel heaters run on wax or paraffin and are distinguished by a simple device. In fact, they are similar to an ordinary candle, only insulated for fire safety purposes. Solid fuel heaters are easy to use and safe, but not very efficient.
They are suitable for summer, spring or autumn trips, but in winter they do not perform well as a serious heater. In addition, solid fuel heaters will not cope with heating large tents.
Alcoholic
The most primitive type of heaters. In fact, it is the simplest metal structure into which liquid alcohol is poured or several tablets of dry alcohol are placed.
Such heaters are universal: they heat tents and are suitable for cooking.
Fuel consumption is high, but alcohol does not emit any odor when burned. In addition, alcohol burners are absolutely safe (they do not emit harmful fumes, unlike other types of burners).
Alcohol is the only fuel that has a 100% chance of igniting even at very low temperatures.
Gas
Gas heaters use little fuel and quickly heat up any size tent. Such a heater can be taken even on a multi-day difficult hike. The only serious drawback of gas heaters is that in severe frosts they need to be heated. It is also worth remembering about fire safety.
Solar
Oversized heaters that are only suitable for large tents and campsites. They are very effective and versatile, but for obvious reasons, they cannot be taken on a real trip due to their large weight (including fuel) and overall dimensions.
Rating of the best heaters for tents
We have compiled a list of the best tent heaters.The list includes devices that run on different types of fuel, so that each reader can choose the type of heater that suits him.
When compiling the list, we took into account the popularity of the heater, the reviews of the owners about it, as well as compliance with the price-quality characteristic. For convenience, we have also added a table to each heater, which shows its average cost in stores and its main characteristics.
Aeroheat IG 3000
Gas-fired catalytic heater. Very efficient, compact and cheap. This heater is the perfect choice for camping or ice fishing, as well as short weekend trips.
It will quickly heat even a large tent. The efficiency of the device is high, fuel consumption is minimal. Of the shortcomings, only one - the tent will have to be aired, because the heating pad 
burns out oxygen, and in a confined space it is dangerous.
Characteristics:
- Heater type - Catalytic / gas
- Power - 2900 W
- Heating area - 28 sq.m
- Fuel consumption - 0.23 kg / h
- Price - 1500 rubles
TOURIST MINI AFRICA
Infrared catalytic heater powered by gas. Unlike the previous one, it is much more compact and economical, so if you wish, you can take it on long hikes, where every extra gram of weight counts.
Such a heater is universal and suitable for any small and medium-sized tents. It consumes little fuel and is safe to handle due to the fact that there is no open flame during its operation.
Characteristics:
- Heater type - Catalytic / gas
- Power - 1200 W
- Heating area - 12 sq.m
- Fuel consumption - 0.1 kg / hour
- Price - 2500 rubles
Kovea Handy Sun
Small gas hob heater. Quickly heats small tents with low fuel consumption.Suitable for drying clothes. The heater is suitable for any time of the year, is not afraid of water. Equipped 
power regulator, which allows you to adjust the microclimate inside the tent. Safe as there is no open flame.
Characteristics:
- Heater type - Catalytic / gas
- Power - 900 W
- Heating area - 10 sq.m
- Fuel consumption - 0.9 kg / hour
- Price - 3500 rubles
SOLAROGAS ON
Universal compact heater that runs on diesel or kerosene. Suitable for heating the tent, and for cooking. High work efficiency and low fuel consumption.
Compact enough, but only suitable for camping or a short trip, as its dimensions are not designed for a long trip. During operation, an unpleasant smell and soot are emitted, the tent will have to be constantly ventilated.
Characteristics:
- Heater type - solarium / kerosene
- Power - 4 kW
- Heating area - 25 sq.m
- Fuel consumption - 200 kg / hour
- Price - 2500 rubles
Clever OK3-3KW-V
A compact kerosene heater that is suitable for both heating a tent and for heating small spaces. Differs in economical fuel consumption. Unlike previous models, this heater works on the open flame principle.
On the one hand, it requires more careful handling, and on the other hand, you can cook food on it. There are adjustable nozzles that allow you to control the heating power.
Characteristics:
- Heater type - Kerosene
- Power - 3.3 kW
- Heating area - 15 sq.m
- Fuel consumption - 200 kg / hour
- Price - 5500 rubles
Questions and answers
Yes, but you must make sure that the heating pad does not tip over and things inside the tent or the tent itself are not set on fire.In addition, it is necessary to ventilate the tent or even slightly open the entrance to it. The air inside quickly burns out, and it becomes difficult to breathe, so you need to ventilate even in severe frost.
Tiled (catalytic) heaters are safe and easy to use, do not emit soot and odor. Open flame heaters are more efficient and can also be used for cooking/drying wet clothes.
On difficult, extreme hikes, it is worth having a backup option for heating tents. An alcohol or solid fuel burner should act as a second heater. Such heaters are the lightest and most compact, the fuel for them weighs little, and they work flawlessly due to their simplicity. Ideal as a backup heater.
When it comes to camping with cars, then there are usually no questions. Much more difficult is the case with hiking. Usually, manufacturers supply heaters in covers or special cases, so there are no problems with carrying them in a backpack. Liquid fuels are carried in bottles (kerosene, gasoline).
Conclusion
For winter outdoor recreation, a heater is an indispensable thing. It can be cold inside the tent even with clothes and sleeping bags, so a heater is vital. There are different types of heaters, the main difference between them is the type of fuel they run on. All types of heaters are good, but you need to choose them for specific needs.
Video review of the infrared gas heater Aeroheat IG 4000
