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Hi all

I realise this may be a silly question but I have only camped with EHU so far but as I can only get a std pitch at easter weekend I asked at the camping shop ref gas/Petrol lighting and heating. However they have  really put me off as they said with two large dogs and Children they would not use them at all because of the fire risk and to stick to the rechargeable lights and go with out heating. Can I have your thoughts please.

They're right. Gas appliances in the tent are a fire risk. It would be risky enough with a couple of staid adults, but add in kids and dogs running around and the chances of something getting knocked over are a lot higher.

However you could use battery lamps, wear a few more clothes and take some extra blankets as they say. I've done this most sucessfully for all of my camping career (I have never owned a tent heater of any sort), even when the kids were babies.

Thanks Val, That has confirmed it for me, not too worried about the heater as we have thermal layers but I will look into the battery Lamps.

Thanks again

I have a couple of battery lamps with energy efficient tubes that I bought at Lidl a couple of years back for about £8 each. Very satisfactory and the batteries last for several nights of use. I think they were by Osram.

I use rechargable batteries rather than a rechargable lamp, on the principle that you can't use most rechargable lamps while charging them, you need EHU to charge on site (I take a couple of sets of charged batteries) and you can substitute ordinary batteries if you need to.

Incidenbtally, a good old fashioned hot water bottle is very cosy on a cold night and warms up your sleeping bag a treat.

I camped for years without heating without really knowing any better - I think I must be getting soft now 'cos I love my fan heater!  As long as you have plnty of warm clothing & a good sleeping bag you'll be fine.  As for lighting, I agree with the rechargeable option.  Plug them in the lighter socket whilst out driving in the day time to top them up.  Gas/petrol lights are a safety issue especially if knocked over.  Portable gas heating is only for outdoor applications, ie. not inside a tent.  You can keep food fresh for a couple of days in a cooler box.  Most camp sites will re freeze your ice packs over night for coppers.

Steve.

The big problem with gas heaters inside confined spaces is that they can give off Carbon Monoxide gas.  See page 2 here.  It is colourless, odourless & deadly in tiny portions.  It works by first gently putting you to sleep, then asphyxiates you.  That is why they say suitable for outdoor use only.

Steve.

Thanks Everyone - Lots of very helpful tips.

If the weather stays like this I think we are all in for a very good year camping.

Fingers crossed.

Buy some lightsticks for the kids - great fun and no batteries required....you can buy them cheaply on ebay. Also useful keeping track of the dog during walkies if they are let off the lead in the dark - just make up a "collar" from two lightsticks joined together.