When it comes to camping in the great British outdoors, staying warm and comfortable through chilly nights is essential, especially in the UK’s often unpredictable weather. Whether you're an avid winter camper or simply enjoy the extended camping season, finding a reliable and safe heat source for your tent is key. For members of UKSN, choosing between a portable wood stove and a diesel heater for a hot tent can be a bit of a puzzle. Both options come with unique benefits and considerations, and the best choice depends on your needs, experience level, and how much work you’re willing to put in for warmth.
In this post, we’ll explore the advantages and limitations of each option so you can make an informed decision and make your next UKSN camping experience as enjoyable as possible.
Portable Wood Stoves: The Traditional Heating Solution
Portable wood stoves bring a charming, rustic feel to your camping setup, and their popularity in the UKSN community is well-founded. Not only do they provide a dry, radiant heat that cuts through even the coldest dampness, but they also offer an element of control. You can adjust the amount of wood to increase or decrease the warmth.
Advantages of Portable Wood Stoves
Cost-Effective Fuel Source: Wood is an affordable, renewable resource that can often be gathered on-site (check local regulations and permissions before gathering wood, as UK conservation laws vary). With wood stoves, you’re unlikely to run out of fuel if you’re camping in a forested area, making them ideal for longer stays.
Immediate and Radiant Heat: Wood stoves produce a dry, radiant heat that warms the area around them quickly and thoroughly. Unlike electric heaters, which take time to warm a space, a wood stove will immediately cut through the cold, damp air in your tent.
Environmental and Traditional Appeal: Burning wood has a certain rustic charm that diesel simply can’t match. Wood stoves also have a smaller carbon footprint, especially if you’re sourcing wood locally, aligning well with UKSN’s values of sustainable and self-sufficient living.
Cooking Food and Water Heating: In addition to providing warmth, many stoves are multifunctional and can be used for cooking food and heating water!
Challenges of Portable Wood Stoves
While wood stoves are a great option, they require more hands-on effort. Here are some important considerations:
Regular Fuelling Required: Wood stoves need to be topped up every few hours, even through the night. This means you’ll have to wake up periodically to add more wood, which may disrupt your sleep.
Potential Risks with “Night Bricks”: Some campers try to extend burn time by using dense “night bricks” (compressed wood or other high-density fuel), which can indeed keep a fire burning for longer. However, night bricks pose unique risks in tent setups. For instance, they expand significantly as they burn, and if not carefully monitored, this expansion can force the stove door open, potentially resulting in a fire hazard. UKSN members can attest to the importance of cautious use here, as accidents do happen!
Ventilation and Carbon Monoxide Risks: As with any burning fuel, a wood stove emits carbon monoxide. Always ensure that your tent is properly ventilated, and invest in a reliable carbon monoxide detector to alert you to any danger.
Cleaning and Soot Management: Wood stoves require regular cleaning, as soot and ash build up quickly. Be prepared to empty the ash pan frequently and, if possible, bring a small brush or similar tool to keep your stove’s chimney clear.
Processing Wood: We all know processing wood can be laborious. It takes forever and can be depressing in bad weather. In ideal situations it also needs to be left for extended periods to reduce moisture content. With all this said, it sure makes for a good workout! Its time to get that axe sharpened!
Safety Tip: Never use a portable wood stove without both a carbon monoxide alarm and a fire alarm in your tent. These detectors are absolutely essential for any enclosed space where fuel is burned.
Diesel Heaters: Reliable, Efficient, and Low Maintenance
Diesel heaters, on the other hand, are becoming increasingly popular among the UKSN community for cold-weather camping. Known for their efficiency, diesel heaters are often used by van lifers and overlanders. They operate independently and require minimal tending once set up, making them ideal for those who want consistent warmth without the hassle of a traditional wood fire.
Advantages of Diesel Heaters
Consistent and Extended Heating: Diesel heaters can run for hours on a single tank, providing steady warmth throughout the night without needing to wake up for refuelling. They’re a low-maintenance alternative, perfect for campers who prioritise convenience and uninterrupted sleep.
High Efficiency: Diesel heaters are exceptionally fuel-efficient. When used in combination with a portable battery pack, such as an EcoFlow Delta 2, they provide warmth for extended periods with minimal fuel. These heaters require a small amount of power to ignite and run their fan, which can be conveniently managed with a quality battery setup.
Effective Heating Power: Diesel heaters are known for their high output and can easily warm larger tents or cabin-like setups, making them versatile for group, Charter, or family camping.
Challenges of Diesel Heaters
Despite their benefits, diesel heaters come with a few considerations worth noting:
Power Supply Needs: Diesel heaters typically require both diesel and a battery source to power the glow plug ignition. Most portable power stations such as models from EcoFlow aren’t capable of delivering the higher amps needed for this ignition, which is why an AC to DC converter might be necessary. While this setup can be more complex than a wood stove, it still offers unmatched efficiency and will practically run 'unattended' during the night.
Limited Fuel Accessibility: Diesel is not as readily available in the wilderness, so you’ll need to plan your fuel requirements carefully and ensure you bring enough diesel with you. Running out of fuel mid-camping trip can lead to discomfort, especially if you’re relying solely on this heater for warmth.
Carbon Monoxide Risks: Like wood stoves, diesel heaters produce carbon monoxide. It’s essential to use them in a well-ventilated space and to install both a carbon monoxide and smoke detector in your tent.
Environmental Impact: Diesel fuel is a fossil fuel, so it has a larger carbon footprint than wood. UKSN members may prefer wood stoves for this reason, particularly if they’re committed to sustainable camping practices.
Safety Essentials for Using Wood Stoves and Diesel Heaters
For both options, safety is paramount. Here are some non-negotiables to keep in mind for any UKSN adventure involving these heating methods:
Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Carbon monoxide is odourless and deadly. Ensure you have a functioning detector in your tent, and test it regularly to make sure it’s in good working order.
Use a Smoke Alarm: Fires can start quickly and spread rapidly, especially in tents. A quality smoke alarm will alert you if there’s an issue, giving you precious time to respond.
Ventilation Is Essential: Both heating methods emit gases that can be dangerous in enclosed spaces. Always ensure there’s ample ventilation, either through designated tent vents or by slightly opening windows or doors.
Have an Emergency Exit Plan: Make sure your tent’s layout allows you to leave quickly in case of an emergency. Avoid placing heaters too close to the door, as they can block your exit path if a fire breaks out.
Making the Right Choice for Your UKSN Camping Trip
When choosing between a portable wood stove and a diesel heater, consider your own needs, the conditions of your camping location, and the nature of your trip. If you’re looking for a more traditional, hands-on heating solution and plan to camp in a wooded area, a portable wood stove may be your best bet. But if you prefer a low-maintenance, reliable heat source that will keep your tent warm all night without interruption, a diesel heater could be the way to go.
No matter which option you choose, staying warm safely should always be your top priority. As any UKSN member knows, preparation and knowledge are the keys to a successful and enjoyable outdoor experience. By taking the time to understand and mitigate the risks of each heating method, you’re ensuring that every member of your camping party has a warm, safe, and memorable adventure.
Remember: camping in the UK can be unpredictable, and the more prepared you are, the more rewarding your experience will be. So, stock up on fuel, check those detectors, and get ready for an unforgettable time in the great British outdoors. Happy camping!
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