Best Camping Gas Heaters for Tents

If you plan to camp in a cold environment, you will want to heat your tent. So here you have my selection of the best camping gas heaters for tents. Keep reading.

Cold weather tents can be effectively heated and this can be done in a safe way either by wood burning tent stoves or by propane gas heaters. The gas heaters are more convenient if you are in an area without wood or when the tent is without a pipe jack.

Though at very high elevations propane heaters may not work properly. But then again, at such elevations you are also without wood. So if this is your case, better check for some insulated tent.

Quality gas heaters usually combine several safety features so they can be used both indoor and outdoor. They are normally designed to work with gas tanks, but they also have connectors for larger gas bottles for an extended heating time. Those presented here are with a burning power that is good enough to heat even the largest cold weather tents.

My list of best portable propane gas heaters

Here are the tent gas heaters ordered by their BTU output from lower higher:

Each of the heaters in the list has something unique that sets it apart from its competitors. These are also products from the best known brands in this industry.

1. Mr. Heater F232017 MH9BXRV Buddy

This is one of the best known and the most popular radiant heaters on the market, with thousands of reports by users, so everything is known about it. The output here is in the range 4000-9000 BTU. So it is a bit modest when compared to its competitors here in the list. Though they claim it can heat enclosed spaces like large tents up to 200 ft² (19 m²).

The heater is designed for propane and this is radiant heating technology developed by the Enerco that is behind this product. The fuel is in a 1 lb cylinder. The heater comes with an integrated Piezo sparking mechanism, and it equipped with the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and accidental tip-over safety shut-off.

In the specifications they write that it can operates at altitudes of up to 7000 ft (2100 m). It weighs 8.78 lb (4 kg), so it is the lightest here in the list.

See more in this video:

What I like:

• The weight.
• Reliability.
• Integrated ignition.

What I dislike:

• Moderate output.

2. Mr. Heater Buddy FLEX Portable Radiant Heater

This propane heater comes with 110000 BTU output, and they claim it can heat a space of up to 275 ft² (25 m²). It is packed with some interesting and patented features.

You have an electric ignition system based on a battery. The heater is indoor-safe because of its numerous safety features that include integrated heater and accessory controls, Quick Connect Accessory Rail system, a patented Thermal Shut-down System (TSSTM), Emergency Low Oxygen Safety System (ELO2TM), and Apex 50° Tip-Switch (A50°TM).

One interesting detail here is that you can attach their Mr. Heater Buddy FLEX Portable Radiant Cooker to this heater. There is an accessory button on the heater and attaching the Cooker is very easy. The Cooker is also designed so that it can be attached under the Heater for transportation.

The weigh of this heater is 11.02 lb (5 kg) and its dimensions (L x W x H) are 15.35 x 10.95 x 16.54 inches (39 x 28 x 42 cm). Fuel consumption and burn rate is 0.121 Gal/Hr. It is designed to work up to 9000 ft (2740 m) of elevation. Here a bit more:

What I like:

• The features.
• The fan.
• Safety features.

What I dislike:

• The price.

3. DEWALT Portable Radiant Heater

This heater has an output in the range of 6000 – 12000 BTU. They claim this is enough to heat up to 450 ft² (42 m²), though on Amazon they show much bigger numbers that do not look so realistic to me.

You have three heating settings, and according to its specifications, its dual tank capacity is for 7 hours run time. It is moderately heavy with its 14 lb (6.35 kg).

Regardless of these optimistic numbers, this is a great design with a reliable electronic ignition. It has a rugged handle with a LED light bar, and it is equipped with a high speed fan.

You have the usual safety features that include tip-over safety switch, Oxygen Depletion System, and they claim it is indoor safe. It is equipped with 3 USB charging ports, and its electronics is powered by their DEWALT 20V or FLEXVOLT battery. See how it works:

What I like:

• Strong construction.
• The LED light.
• USB ports.

What I dislike:

• The weight.

4. Flame King 20000 BTU Dual Tank Propane Heater

This heater comes with an impressive output in the range from 5000 to 20000 BTU. But there is more to this that sets it apart. You can choose any output in the given range, and this is connected with an integrated thermostat. So you can set the desired temperature and the heater will switch on and off whenever it is necessary to maintain the desired temperature.

There is a compartment for batteries that run a built-in fan that helps in dispersing the heat in the tent/room. You also have an auto ignition, and several safety features that include the following: a built in Safety Fuel Shutoff, a Safety Tilt Shutoff, and an exterior Grate Guard.

As you realize from the name, it has a compartment on the back with place for two propane tanks. But it can work with one tank only. The heater is quite heavy with its 20.8 lb (9.4 kg), and its dimensions (L x W x H) are 18 x 12 x 18 inches (46 x 30 x 46 cm).

What I like:

• The output.
• The thermostat dial.
• Built-in fan.

What I dislike:

• The weight.

Final thoughts

So this was my selection of the most interesting camping gas heaters for tents with a variety of output values and features. All of them have integrated safety features that make them safe for indoor use. They are portable and relatively small so they can be transported in the car and used anywhere outdoors.

These are great options for cold weather fishing, hunting, and camping. If you use such a heater in the tent it is essential that the tent is ventilated yet closable so that it preserves warmth. For outdoor use, their output is such that they can definitely heat your relatively small shelter like a hunting cabin, a fishing or camping tent, or a trailer.

Let me know if you have questions, there is a comment box below. Have a nice day.