How are you powering your heaters?

[jonsun]

It is indeed less efficient. But you dont have to crack the windows 4 inches to prevent death and wake up soaking wet. Its also much easier to find gas and keep extra with you.

My $175 generator running a space heater on low you will burn just under 1 gallon a night. Propane on low will consume about 2lbs. Or 10 days from a grill tank. So 3 fills per month - $45 vs about $2 a night - $60....

So not bad especially sans the death part.

 

[jonsun]

Sorry my mistake they dont fill propane 100% so thats really about 4 fills per month. @ 15 per bulk fill - $60 or $90 with tank exchange

 

[John61CT]

I am not comparing to unvented, nor propane only.

No danger from the parking heaters mentioned above, which fuel directly from your vehicle tank, nor HS2211 and other vented units.

Electric bar heaters are in fact dangerous.

Carrying and storing petrol other than vehicle fuel tank is not convenient nor safer than propane. Larger under-chassis tanks of propane same as vehicle fueling.

That genny (what model? ) won't last long before needing a rebuild.

And IMO silly wasteful to run a heater all night, much less a genny! Your fellow campers must love that. . .

Parking heater on a timer best way to go by far.

 

[jonsun]

You love making wild unfounded claims. Wont last long, huh. In 20 years ive never had a generator fail. If you have you might need to brush up on ordinary care.

I prefer not to have neighbors so gennie is a win-win.

 

[John61CT]

Then you haven't lived off-grid for very long periods depending on them.

There is no portable genny rated for more than a few thousand hours.

If you're just going on weekend trips NP.

 

[LilNomad]

space blankets should only be used in emergency situations,  imo.  it's like sleeping inside a trash bag.  you will be soaked.  highdesertranger

There are various ways to use the blanket. Many use as a layer under or on top of their sleeping bag, tent, sheets etc. You dont need to have skin to "trash bag" contact. In fact you can lay on either side depending on your goal. You use it same as any other blanket, however it can also be used to block sun, retain heat, waterproof shelter etc. In my opinion is a great flexible item for minimal investment. There are several videos on Youtube describing how this item can be used.
I plan on using it to bake a very large potato
LilNomad

 

[lenny flank]

space blankets should only be used in emergency situations,  imo.  it's like sleeping inside a trash bag.  you will be soaked.  highdesertranger

Second this. The "trash bag" thingie is a trick that some backpackers use (like a waterproof bivy bag). It keeps the heat in pretty well. But it also keeps the body moisture in pretty well, so you are essentially sleeping in a sauna bath. So you need a way to dry out your clothes and/or sleeping bag in the morning, or you will have a wet non-insulating bed. Not a good thing.

 

[lenny flank]

My heater is powered mostly by cheesesteaks, pierogies, and the occasional Big Mac. *I* am the only warm thing in my van.

Of course, I move with the weather so I never have to face very cold temps. And I keep three different sleeping bags, each with a different temp rating. So I'm good down to about zero JIC.

 

[highdesertranger]

"Of course, I move with the weather so I never have to face very cold temps. And I keep three different sleeping bags, each with a different temp rating. So I'm good down to about zero JIC"

THIS EXACTLY, highdesertranger

 

[akrvbob]

I've been looking at the Prius. Not sure of other hybrids but the Prius runs the heater and AC off of the 12V battery. The engine comes on every once in a while to keep the battery charged.

This is commonly misunderstood. The heater on a Prius uses hot water from the engine just like all cars, so it really is no better than any other car for heat. 

However, you could easily get an inverter and power an electric heater or a 12 volt heating pad from the big drive battery bank. That would work well I would think.

 

[LilNomad]

For clarification purposes the Blanket is a BLANKET not a BAG..therefore unless you happen to sew yourself inside of it like a mummy theres plenty of circulation. I have been using it for several days and have not yet drown under it or had to dry out my clothing or bedding! However in the interest of precaution maybe tonite ill go to bed with floaties on my arms heehe.
LilNomad

 

[tx2sturgis]

However in the interest of precaution maybe tonite ill go to bed with floaties on my arms heehe.

Pictures!

 

[Genie]

The Canadian military sleeping bag system for Arctic use is rated for -23C (-9F). It is expensive new but good, clean, used ones can at found at Army surplus stores and online.


In my experience, it is best to warm up the space first and sleep nude in the inner bag- very toasty. Additionally, you can put a hot water bottle or one of those Hot Shot packets in the bottom to initially heat up the feet area.

Anything near or below those kind of low temperatures, I would find a place to sleep indoors. 

 

[UptownSport]

US issue says -50°F on that big, long tag. (Army standards are probably 50% of your body not frozen solid, LoL)
Consists of an OD outer, and Black inner combined to get the rating.
There's also a Goretex bivy that's supposed to allow you to sleep out in elements. Never tried it.

The old, issued down bags would be fine down to -20°F, at least. For drill we'd build a snow fort, or sleep in an unheated GP tent.
I recall one guy came in late drunk and laid perpendicular on his P-mat. Wasn't good in AM.
Other than that, everyone was always fine!

And there's nothing worse than getting out of a nice, warm sleeping bag into the cold.