What Is Hot Tent Camping?

by Alex Wittle

Hot tent camping is a popular outdoor activity. It involves using a tent equipped with a wood-burning stove or other heating devices. It's ideal for cold weather conditions since it offers a solution to stay warm and cozy inside your tent. In this post, we'll dive further into what hot tent camping is actually all about.


What Is Hot Tent Camping?

 

tent set up with camp fire in winter
Credit: Envato Elements/ Shaiith


Hot tent camping or hot tenting is a type of camping where you use a specially designed tent that allows you to set up a wood stove or another heating source inside. This setup allows you to stay warm and comfortable even in freezing temperatures. The tent is usually made from a durable, fire-resistant material.


What Type of Hot Tent Should You Use?

 

woman in tent in winter tying up shoes
Credit: Envato Elements/ Mint_Images

When choosing a hot tent, it's best to go for ones made from canvas, polyester, treated nylons, or other heavy-duty, fire-resistant fabrics. Make sure the tent comes with a stove jack, which is a reinforced opening for the stove chimney, to safely vent smoke outside the tent. Also, look for tents with windows, mesh panels, or vents that you can open and close as needed.

For shape, bell or wall tents are great choices. Bell tents have a conical shape, are easy to set up, and provide good headroom with space for a stove in the center. Tent wall designs, on the other hand, have vertical walls and a peaked roof, offering more usable interior space and better ventilation options.


What Type of Stove Should You Use?

 

gas stove set up in tent
Credit: Envato Elements/ cait00sith

Wood stoves are the most popular choice. As the name suggests, it uses wood, which you can often find around your campsite. Make sure the stove has a chimney or flue pipe to direct smoke outside. Also, look for adjustable vents so that you can control the heat and airflow. Some stoves have a damper to help with this.

If you don't want to use wood, you can go for propane or butane hot tent stoves. These are easy to use, but remember you’ll need to bring fuel canisters.


How to Set Up a Hot Tent

 

man set up a tent during winter
Credit: Envato Elements/ Image-Source

Step 1: Find a flat, clear spot away from overhanging branches. Clear the ground of debris, rocks, or snow to create a smooth surface for your tent.

Step 2: Lay out your tent and stake it down. Make sure it’s taut to prevent any flapping. Follow the instructions that come with your tent. Most hot tents have a built-in stove jack for the stove chimney. Make sure this part faces where you want to set up your tent stove.

Step 3: Once your tent is set up, it’s time to set up the stove. Place the stove on a flat, stable surface inside the tent, far enough from the tent walls to avoid any fire risk. Attach the chimney or flue pipe to the stove and extend it through the stove jack. The chimney should be high enough to direct smoke well away from the tent.

Step 4: If your hot stove or tent has guy lines, use them to secure the chimney. Make sure the chimney sections are tightly connected to prevent leaks.

Step 5: Next, prepare your wood. Use dry, seasoned wood for the best results. Wet or green wood can create a lot of smoke and doesn’t burn as well. Chop the wood into small so that it can fit into your stove.

Step 6: Before lighting the stove, open any vents or windows in the tent to allow fresh air to circulate.

Step 7: Now, light the stove. Start with small pieces of kindling and gradually add larger pieces of wood as the fire gets going. Adjust the stove vents to control the airflow and heat output. Keep an eye on the fire and add wood as needed to maintain a steady burn.

Step 8: As the stove heats up, the tent will start to warm. Arrange your sleeping area and gear away from the stove to avoid any accidents.

Note: Never leave the stove unattended while it’s burning. Keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies. Also, make sure the stove area is free of flammable materials.


What Else Can You Do To Keep Yourself Warm?

 

people setting up a tent in winter in front of a lake
Credit: Envato Elements/ Mumememories

Hot tents offer multiple benefits but at times they might not be enough to keep you warm. Here are some additional tips to help you out:


  • Wear multiple layers of clothing to trap heat. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer, such as a fleece or down jacket, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
  • Use a good-quality sleeping bag rated for cold weather. You can also use a sleeping bag liner and sleeping pad for extra warmth.
  • Keep your head, hands, and feet warm. Wear a hat or beanie, gloves, and thick socks. You can also use hand and foot warmers for extra heat.
  • Eat warm, high-calorie meals. Your body generates heat as it digests food, so eating regularly helps keep you warm. Hot drinks like tea or hot chocolate are also a good idea.
  • Use additional heating sources. Besides the stove, you can use hot water bottles or heat packs inside your sleeping bag.
  • Bring extra blankets or a thermal blanket. You can use these to layer over your sleeping bag or wrap around yourself while you’re inside the tent. Wool blankets are particularly good because they retain heat even when damp.

Summary


Hot tent camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in cold camping weather. With the right gear and safety measures, you can stay warm and cozy while exploring nature.

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