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Hi

we are new to camping so are slowly building our kit up. We got a bargain weekend away for the first weekend in October.I have 2 children aged 1 and 2 so would like to keep the tent fairly warm if we can...so does anyone have any tips if we have no electric hookup? Is there any heaters you can use without it. SOrry if the question seems silly I havent any idea about this sort of thing yet. thanks

Oh and thank you everyone your tips on this board have been great especially about poundland UFO lights! They are fantastic!!!

This is a very popular gas heater.

I've just got one of these. They are designed to slot on the ring of one of those cheapo flat stoves. I haven't used it yet so can't say if it's any good or not. They are available on eBay.

Hi lisanat,  I will go with Bob61 on this, espeacially if you have children. I feel that this product seems safer even though i have not owned one.  I have been thinking for a while about buying the blackcat or something similiar as they are flameless.  

But I do have the other type which riddle has given you a link for.  I have used a few times but don't feel safe with it for a number of reasons: 

 It has a flame. I have found that there can be flair ups when you light it.  So I take it out side the tent to light it, then take it inside, but being carefull when moving it.  but the heat can be regulated. 

The outer casing becomes extremly hot, If accidently touched it will burn. extreme caution needs to be taken. needs to be placed on a small metal table rather than on the floor because of this reason.  It does heat up the tent, (well my tent ) so it's great first thing in the morning, last thing at night,  when getting dressed.  Taking it in the bedroom would be a no no(safety reasons)

I bought mine, because it uses the same cannisters as my suitcase stove.  I did  think about the funnel type which goes on the stove for heat but never used it, so can't comment, but  with children I would think twice.

I do have ehu now, but having the gas heater, gives you the flexibility the type of pitch you want and where you want to camp.  Also go with lianas advice, and dress for the cold weather lots of thin layers, which you can take of and put on accordingly.  For the two us. We wear base layers, fleece and wind proof jacket, then put on a water proof rain jacket and wear the good old thick walking socks plus base layer socks. ( I hate cold feet) and a good pair of shoes.  I am sure some one eles will add a few more bits..  I hope this post is not too long.  lol 

Hope this helps

Heather

I have to admit that if I really need to heat the tent I just put on my suitcase cooker on low setting and it doesn't take long to heat a small tent. I once used a folding toaster on top and that seemed to be as good as a small heater. Make sure the tent is well ventilated. 

However, I camp on my own, no kids running around, and I make sure it is nowhere near anything that can catch fire. I wouldn't leave it on for more than half an hour or so and certainly not when I am asleep or out of the tent. I use it just to take the chill off if it gets particularly cold...so don't do it at home folks.

Quote: Originally posted by Safeway56 on 02/9/2009

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I've just got one of these. They are designed to slot on the ring of one of those cheapo flat stoves. I haven't used it yet so can't say if it's any good or not. They are available on eBay.

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We've had one of these for several years and use it when we have no EHU.

Pros:

It grips onto the top of a suitcase style burner so is very stable.

It heats up very quickly and pushes out quite a bit of radiant heat.

Takes up less space than an extra gas appliance would.

Cons:

It is a radiant heater, and so gets very hot while in use and for some time after (not ideal with small kids)

We did have one occasion where it was too cold for the butane to burn properly and so it didn't work.

Best advice is to use hot water bottles (get some cute furry ones for the kids - not only will it stop them burning themselves, but it will help retain the heat throughout the night.) Sit around in your sleeping bags, with the 'hotties' already in them, so that everything is warm before you get to bed.