Does anyone use a portable gas heater for camping? If so, what make is it? is it any good? Does it cause condensation. We're in two minds whether to get one, but have read some reviews on Amazon about condension.
"Don’t rely on a carbon monoxide (CO) detector to keep you safe in a tent or awning. They may be useful at home, in a caravan or in a motorhome, but they are not designed for the conditions found in a tent or awning."
- advice from the Camping and Caravanning Club (amongst others), full article here.
Basically, "adequate" (how long is a piece of string?) ventilation is needed with a gas heater, to let fresh air in (draughts!) and allow the warmer, moist air out to escape to the atmosphere, so a rather pointless, expensive and more importantly, potentially dangerous exercise.
We have one which works off the aerosol type gas cartridges,it gives off around 1.1KW of heat,and the cartridges last around 2and1/2 hours.It is ok for taking the chill off the tent,(ours are large family type tents),but we never leave it on when we're not in the tent or overnight ever.We only use it when we have no EHU,and as ours are large tents if we wanted to heat them thouroughly we would need to use two.As for condensation,you will get that anyway in an unheated tent..We have found the best way to keepit out of the tent is to leave a fan heater switched on low overnight.
Post last edited on 29/04/2013 14:27:45
------------- If the moon reflects the suns light,why does it not reflect the suns heat?
portable gas heaters are fine for keeping the chill away- but do be careful with ventilation etc.I often use mine for sitting under the canopy on a chilly night. Got mine from B and M for about £15 and it is fine .No big issue with condesation
IMHO it's much safer to have an EHU and fan heater.
Just my opinion as gas equals flames and that is a bigger hazard than spending £50 (ish) on a EHU....That said during life before EHU I did use a portable gas cartridge thing but I was very very careful to ensure it was sealed etc etc....
------------- Snowmen fall to earth in kit form........
Every day is a gift..That's why it's called the present.
We've got the Black Cat and the Blue Cat heaters, but they don't throw out as much heat as the Parabolic. We only use a gas heater to take the chill off the tent when we come back late evening, and to get undressed for bed without turning blue with cold We never, ever leave it on overnight, and we only use gas when we're on a campsite without electric. We also use it in a canvas frame tent which is more breathable than a synthetic tent, and we unzip the door a little way too.
I'm not stating that it's safe to use a gas heater. We are two adults who know the risks. I certainly wouldn't use gas if I camped on my own, with children or with dogs. I certainly wouldn't use a gas heater if the campsite offered EHU, we only take electric heaters then.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Anyone got a portable gas heater?
We never, ever leave it on overnight, and we only use gas when we're on a campsite without electric. We also use it in a canvas frame tent which is more breathable than a synthetic tent, and we unzip the door a little way too.
