Homemade Camping Heaters

Camping in cold temperatures can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous even if you have nice gear and a warm sleeping bag. Letting your body temperature drop can lead to serious problems like frostbite and hypothermia. Luckily, it is possible to construct a homemade camping heater that will keep you toasty even in the coldest temperatures. This can be done by most people when following a few steps.

Things You'll Need

• Roll of unscented toilet paper
• 1 lb. coffee can
• 70 percent isopropyl alcohol
• Large can with lid (popcorn cans work great)
• Lighter or matches

Instructions

1. Remove the cardboard center from the roll of toilet paper.

2. Stuff the roll of toilet paper into a 1 lb. coffee can so that it fits as tightly as possible and is below the coffee can's rim. You may need to remove a few sheets of toilet paper to make it fit.

3. Pour 70 percent isopropyl alcohol onto the toilet paper inside of the can until it is well saturated. The amount of isopropyl alcohol you need to bring will vary with how many hours that you will need a heater. Plan on an 8 oz. bottle providing approximately five hours of heat.

4. Place the 1 lb. coffee can with toilet paper into the larger can. Popcorn cans are ideal for this, but any large can will suffice. This will provide a safe, contained area for the heater once you light it.

5. Light the toilet paper with a lighter or match to start the heater. If you are in a tent, you should leave a small opening in the tent flap to allow for fresh air to come in.

6. Place the large can's lid over the can to extinguish the flame when you are finished with the heater.

Tips & Warnings

• This heater is not designed for solo or very small tents.

• Keep other flammable materials away from the heater.

• Use caution with a heater such as this because there is the potential to knock it over and start a fire.

References

• National Weather Service: Winter Survival Heater