How To Heat A Tent With A Candle: Should You Really Try It?

how to heat a tent with a candle

Introduction

Do you have an old tent that you are trying to keep warm this camping season?

Wondering if it is a good idea to heat your tent with a candle?

Fortunately, we have done the research and put together this guide for you.

Continue reading to discover how to heat a tent with a candle, and if you should really even consider doing it.

The Truth About Heating A Tent With Candles

It is certainly possible to increase the heat in your tent with a few small candles, however, it is important to note that this can be extremely dangerous and is not recommended.

Why? Because you are dealing with open flames.

Any number of things can happen – the candles can be knocked on the floor while you sleep, a fire could spread, etc.

But fear not – there are a lot of safe ways you can heat your tent that does not involve open flames.

If you absolutely have to heat your tent with candles, make sure that they are elevated off the ground safely.

This is to ensure that the ground doesn’t overheat and catch fire.

Additionally, make sure they are placed in a safe area where they won’t be disturbed.

If you can pick up a candle lantern this is even better. However, you need to make sure you blow this out before you go to bed.

Let’s take a look at some better ways to help heat your tent.

Do The Water Bottle Trick

how to heat a tent with a candle

The water bottle trick is a simple and safe way to create heat in your sleeping bag while you sleep.

Simply boil hot water at your campsite, pour it into your hard plastic water bottle, and then seal it tight.

From here, you simply put the water bottle in your sleeping bag and it will provide you with warmth throughout the night.

If the water bottle is too hot initially, feel free to wrap it in a sock or sweater first. Make sure you are careful not to burn yourself.

Get A Space Heater

Space heaters have come a long way and are now safer, more portable, and easier to operate than ever.

Using a space heater is a fantastic way to keep your tent extremely warm while you are camping.

Space heaters have come a long way and are now safer, more portable, and easier to operate than ever.

Of course, you will need to make sure you have a way to power the heater and make sure that it is properly set up and will not tip over.

However, if you can figure all of these things out, a space heater is a phenomenal way to heat your tent and tends to be much safer than a candle.

Utilize Hot Rocks

how to heat a tent with a candle

One great way to help keep your tent warm is to use the hot rock trick.

It is simple – place a few rocks around your campfire and allow them to get hot.

When it is time for bed, pick them up (with gloves that can handle the heat), wrap them in extra layers of clothing, and then place them in your sleeping bag.

If the rocks are too large or hot, you can place them inside your tent instead.

However, make sure that they are elevated properly and won’t burn the bottom of the tent.

It is also important that you only use dry rocks – do not use rocks that you found in a river.

Upgrade Your Tent

how to heat a tent with a candle

Perhaps the best way to stay warm while camping in cold conditions is to have the right tent.

If you are serious about camping in colder weather, it is absolutely crucial.

Many novice campers think that they can get away with camping in mild colds by using a summer tent, but this is a recipe for disaster.

Do your research ahead of time. Look for tents that use silnylon, polypropylene, or other water-resistant materials to help keep you dry.

Make sure the tent is 3+ or 4 season and it will help keep you warm.

Keep in mind that smaller tents are easier to heat, so unless you are planning to camp with multiple people, less is more.

Planning on cooking inside of your tent? Make sure you look for a tent with a stove.

Use A Sleeping Pad

how to heat a tent with a candle

Using a sleeping pad is crucial – it won’t actually raise the heat in your tent or sleeping pad, but instead, it will help you retain heat.

This is because using a sleeping pad prevents you from sleeping on the cold ground, and doing this quickly sucks out all of the body heat you are generating.

Think of the sleeping pad as a buffer that locks in your warmth.

Additionally, it also makes sleeping in a tent significantly more comfortable.

Get The Right Gear

Using a sleeping bag to stay warm in your tent

It is crucial to get the right gear when you are camping in cold conditions.

If you are going to be camping out in an environment where it gets cold, make sure you have a high-quality sleeping bag that can handle this type of cold.

Additionally, make sure you have extra wool merino socks, plenty of layers, and have insulated your tent.

If temperatures drop you can stuff your sleeping bag with these extra layers to help keep you warm.

If you are going to be doing outdoor activities such as winter hunting, make sure you have the proper gear for that as well.

One of the best things you can do is research what the expected temperatures are supposed to be and then prepare accordingly.

Never take chances – make sure you have gear that can handle the temperatures you are expected to encounter.

Should I Use A Candle To Heat My Tent?

lantern on a tree

No, we do not recommend using a candle to heat your tent. It can be extremely dangerous and a serious fire hazard.

Plus, there are better ways to heat your tent that are significantly safer.

What Else Should I Do to Stay Warm?

There are a number of other great ways to stay warm while you are camping.

We recommend always covering your head with a beanie, as this will help retain heat.

Also, feel free to pick up a couple of packets of disposable hand warmers and use these all the time.

You can even place them in your sleeping bag with you to help generate warmth.

Conclusion

Can you heat a tent with a candle? Yes, using a few candles can provide some warmth. Should you?

We do not think so. Heating a tent with a candle can be extremely dangerous.

Instead, we recommend using the many useful methods on this list to help keep you safe and warm.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Have a wonderful camping season!