Portable generators are often used for a variety of reasons. There are plenty of choices once it involves getting a generator. They are available in all told shapes and sizes, and you initially have to decide that vogue you wish.
So it can be a question for you how many watts do I need for a portable generator. This is often determined by the generator’s application. For RVs, camping, and tailgating, you’ll desire a recreational generator.
For home backup, you wish to associate an emergency generator, either transportable or standby. You’ll then have to size your generator in step with your power desires.
How Many Watts Do You Need for a Portable Generator
One of the primary issues in obtaining a portable generator or any generator can be deciding how many watts you will need to cover your preferences.
Portable generators are typically convenient power choices that are used as key and backup ability options during a sort of thing. You ought to use a light-weight generator simply as:
An emergency thanks to getting power for the house or enterprise institution.
For outside recreation as a key supply of ability for tailgating, tenting out, and RVing.
To change on tools in a job, farm, or maybe a construction website.
Camping Generator Watt Requirement
For a small camping trip, you will probably need a portable small camping generator to power the lights and charge your phone and laptop. For a bit tenting trip, you’ll doubtless have to force the lighting and charge your phone and notebook.
As well, a bit generator hierarchal 1000 W or fewer can do. Major campers, with many instrumentalities that need a heavier power, would want a generator with a raised power rating around 1000W – 2000W. For instance how much watt some of these types of items consume in functioning:
Lights – 100W.
Laptop charger – 200W.
A Blender – 300W.
Coffee maker – 600W.
So, here your acquirable power in the range is 1000 – 2000 watts.
Recreational Generator Watt Requirement
Thanks to light-weight generators, campers, and RVers equally relish similar power edges to those that notice themselves joined to the grid; like for instance having the flexibility to use their cellular devices to stay touching friends and relations. they might use varied appliances for the room to organize dishes and to cool-down the place victimization and cooling.
Home Generator Watt Requirement
The quantity of power that you’ll need in your house depends upon the electrical devices and systems as put in. besides you wish to decide that appliances can undoubtedly be running at the same time just in case there’s an electrical outage.
This could facilitate you establish however huge is that the light-weight generator that you simply must get for the house emergency desires.
If you’re working with a pump motor to draw drink from a well for home create use of, and you’d even currently wish to figure it once the most grid ability fails, you then would force a sturdy generator that’s capable of cardiopulmonary exercise the pump together with different appliances.
A proper pump might require a lot over 3800W of potential for functioning. You, therefore, would like a generator hierarchical 5000W and on top of to utilize the pump motor and power different appliances in your house.
Other household devices that require quite a lot of power to function include:
A small chamber may take away 3000W of capacity.
A pressure washer hierarchal at 3600W.
Electric heaters hierarchal at 4500W and antecedently mentioned.
An electric dress drier hierarchal at 5400W.
Portable generators are found in several power scores, with common within the range of 3000 – 5000 watts. With this specific quantity of ability, you’ll all at once run many devices like for instance your AC, Television, and appliances for the room.
RV Generator Watt Requirement
A portable generator is purchased in handy once running up the assorted appliances among your motor-home. The devices among your self-propelled vehicle consume many more powers than those that you simply can discover with a traditional camper.
That’s thanks to the existence of industrial quality devices for example an air-con instrumentality, a fridge, together with different room appliances sort of a microwave, and an influence kettle.
The AC, that rates as a result of the best power taking in appliance typically in most RVs, will treat 2000W of ability however wants regarding 3000W to start-up. To change one of these devices you’ll require a portable generator rated at 3500 watts and above.
Job site Generator Watt Requirement
The construction-related site requires a lot of power. A median 10 inches saw, as an example, needs 4500W beginning power, and eventually stabilizes at 1800W running power. The power will increase as you increase the load. So, for the job site work, you’ll need an effective generator.
Final Verdict
Moreover, there are lots of advantages to a generator. You’re able to power appliances at home and on camping sites. We tend to can’t select the generator that’s best for you. However, hopefully, we’ve been able to provide you with many nice choices that will fit your desires.
When people think about taking kids camping, their biggest concern is almost always how are people going to sleep, and with good reason, it’s hard for kids to do change sometimes…and even more so when they’re suddenly in a sleeping bag instead of a bed. Because of this we did some extensive testing and rounded up the best sleeping bags for kids.
Best Sleeping Bags for Kids – WHY?
Not sure WHY kid-specific sleeping bags are worth it?
Kids grow. Fast. Many parents will argue that paying full-price for equipment that kids are going to outgrow in one season (or less) is simply a waste of money. I get it. There is a lot of gear out there built specifically for kids that just aren’t necessary. Modifications of adult equipment can be made, cheaper stuff can be purchased and no one is worse for the wear.
Before having my own children, I was absolutely convinced that sleeping bags for kids were a “luxury item”. Something that was cute, weighed a little less, but really served no good purpose.
After getting my facts straight, seeing how my kids manage camping and doing a bunch of research, I would make the claim that sleeping bags for kids are the KEY to keeping kids warm while camping.
The science behind it is actually pretty simple: A smaller sleeping bag means less space that a child’s body has to heat up to keep them warm.
You’ll notice that our focus here is on more serious camping. These aren’t go-on-a-sleepover bags that you would use indoors. They’re not meant to be cutesy, but rather keep your kids warm and happy while camping.
Temperature Ratings
As a parent, it is important to note that sleeping bags for kids don’t always have a temperature rating.
I AM including the ratings in this post because I think they are a great way to help compare the different bags.
However, here’s the scoop: there are a TON of factors and variables that change how warm your child will stay in a bag all HAVE to be factored in:
Your child’s body in general (if they run cold or hot)
Whether or not they are using a sleeping pad (and what kind)
The air temperature
The relative humidity
The wind speed
How many bodies they are sharing the tent with.
Obviously, it’s not very cut and dry. No matter what bag a child is sleeping in, make sure they have dressed appropriately for the weather (wool or synthetics, hat if needed, extra layers to add on if needed, socks, etc. etc.)
Backcountry Quilt Option
While most of us think of only using sleeping bags for kids while camping, there are other options. Backcountry quilts are basically down (or synthetic) quilts that are kid-size.
They are our top choice for backpacking because they are so small and light. BUT, you’ll end up spending more than other sleeping bags.
You’ll notice that both of these above (from Enlightened Equipment) can be used flat as a quilt, or the toe box can be zipped like below (perfect as you adjust for different temperatures).
How Backcountry Quilts Work
With the quilts, you are sleeping directly on your pad. This allows more warmth with less fabric/material. Remember that when you’re in a sleeping bag, the material under you is compressed and really does almost nothing for warmth (which is why sleeping pads are so essential).
Kids that are really sensitive to how things feel may not love sleeping directly on their pads, but our kids are usually just in long underwear anyway so they don’t even notice.
We have used and loved the Protege from Enlightened Equipment. It is a more budget-friendly synthetic option. We also have a Revelation Junior, which is a lot more expensive but is very warm and larger.
Enlightened Equipment quilts are made to order, which means they take a little longer to get to you, BUT you can also decide how warm you want your quilt to be! Since we live in the mountains and nights are almost always cold, we opted for the colder settings.
Note that the Revelation can be built to a colder rating than the Protege. Our Revelation is a 10-degree quilt and the Enigma a 20-degree quilt.
The quilts come with straps so you can attach them directly to your pad to avoid rolling off and losing your warmth. They can also be cinched at the toe box and around the head.
Pros of Backcountry quilts:
They are very small and light for backpacking in particular
They allow more movement than, for example, a mummy bag
Some, like the ones from Enlightened Equipment, have built-in straps that keep kids on their sleeping pads <–this is HUGE!
They can be used for more than just sleeping
Cons of backcountry quilts:
They tend to be more expensive than a sleeping bag
You are sleeping more directly on your sleeping pad, which has no effect on warmth but is just something to get used to
Also definitely check out the review by The Kid Project. They have a great video that shows how these quilts work and how they keep kids on their sleeping pads.
Built-In Sleeve Option
Sleeping pads are key to keeping warm while camping and are important in conjunction with sleeping bags for kids. When you roll off of them (or spin or nudge or whatever your kids do), you lose a ton of warmth.
Big Agnes Sleeping Bags & the Nemo Punk bags have an integrated sleeve that keeps your bag and your pad attached. So, the only way you are going to be separated from your pad is by completely ditching the whole system.
Big Agnes Little Red and Big Agnes Wolverine 15 sleeping bags for kids
Our favorite sleeping bags for young kids are the Little Red 15and Wolverine 15. They’re both synthetic, both have pad sleeves and both keep kids really warm. We also like the “neck pillow” to trap warm air in the bag (see the second photo below).
For most campers camping in colder temperatures, these are perfect. However, they are, obviously, heavier than carrying a down quilt + a pad (like the Enlightened Equipment ones shown above).
Big Agnes Duster Adjustable Sleeping Bag for Kids
The Big Agnes Duster is Big Agnes’ kids’ sleeping bag made to grow WITH your kids so you don’t have to get a new bag every few years. WIN!
It’s a synthetic bag, rated to 15 degrees F with lots of room to move and wiggle as needed in the shoulder area while maintaining heat thanks to the adjustable height clips. It’s slightly wider than the Little Red or Wolverine and works for kids aged ~2 – 10 in my opinion. The photos below show it in three different lengths from the shortest (with my 2-year-old on top) to longest (which is what my 9-year-old uses).
Nemo Equipment Punk
The Nemo Punk also has an integrated sleeve and is another great option for keeping kids on their pads. See more below about the bag and how it is also length-adjustable.
Small and Length-Adjustable Bags Sleeping Bags for Kids
Here are the smallest sleeping bags we know of available in the U.S.
Kelty Big Dipper 30 *blue in the photo below* – Adjustable
Kelty Woobie 30 *pink in photo below* – NOT adjustable, but short
Big Agnes Little Red 15 *red* – NOT adjustable, but short
Big Agnes Duster (see info in the above section) – adjustable
Nemo Equipment Punk – integrated cinch strap to cut down on airflow
You’ll notice in the photos below that the Big Dipper 30 is the same length as the Woobie when it is zipped to it’s smaller setting. You do have the extra bulk in the Big Dipper 30 (for carrying, etc.), which is a reason to choose the Woobie over the Big Dipper.
The Big Agnes Duster and the Nemo Equipment Punk both have a pad-sleeve option AND are adjustable. You can see by this photo below that the smallest setting is about the same (notice the clips on the Duster lining up with the toggle on the Punk).
The Duster has a slightly wider girth at the top that gets smaller closer to the toe-box. See photos in section #2 to see better how the Big Agnes adjusts.
The Nemo Punk has a cinch at the bottom that can be used as the above photo, or tucked inside and then cinched like below to fill in the space slightly more for smaller kids:
At a rating of 20 degrees F and a fleece-lined hood, this bag is another excellent choice to keep kids warm and grow with them.
Sleeping Bags for Kids that Don’t Like Being Restricted
If your child really prefers to have some extra room to move throughout the night, we suggest going with a rectangular shaped sleeping bag over a mummy shape. The following below are the ones we love and recommend.
REI Kindercamp 40
The REI Kindercamp is great for the backyard and car camping for slightly warmer temperatures (opposed to some of the bags rated to 15 degrees above).
We like that REI Kindercamp 40 stuff sack is integrated into a pocket at the foot, makes packing up so much easier!
It also zips to other sleeping bags like it to make a big double or as a blanket, which we use more than we thought we would. The bottom also unzips, so you can ventilate your feet if it gets warm.
Kelty Kids’ Callisto
If you want a sleeping bag for kids that is slightly warmer and slightly lighter than the REI Kindercamp, go with the Kelty Kids’ Callisto. It is rated to 30 degrees, fits kids up to 60″ (slightly shorter than the Kindercamp which fits up to 66″).
Sleeping Bags for Babies and Sleeping Bags for Toddlers
While you can certainly put a baby in a larger sleeping bag with you, it always makes me a bit nervous. Instead, we recommend these infant and toddler sleeping bags from Morrison Outdoors (also available at REI). Note – sizing correctly is very important for safety (AKA don’t size up for your 9-month-old!)
Little Mo
Little Mo is for babies aged 6-24 months. They have two different styles for babies.
The synthetic 40 degrees Little Mo bag is for warmer weather and has handcuffs you can open up for warmer weather.
The down 20 degrees Little Mo has enclosed hand areas, perfect for really cold temperatures.
Big Mo 40° Kids Sleeping Bags
Big Mo is for kids aged 2-4 years and just keeps them warm and snug. Again, the synthetic is rated for warmer temperatures and has handcuffs that open; the down version does not.
Sooooo….which one do I want?
If you’re backpacking and can afford it, go with the Enlightened Equipment Backcountry Quilts
If your kids roll a lot, go with a Big Agnes Bag or a Nemo Punk sleeping bags for kids.
If you need more of a summer weight and want the sleeping bag to last longer as they grow, go with the Kelty Big Dipper, Nemo Punk, or Big Agnes Duster.
If your kids prefer being a little less restricted in their bags and you don’t worry about weight, go with the REI Kindercamp or Kelty Callisto.
Because they’re rated for colder temperates, grow with the child, AND have the pad sleeve, we choose the Big Agnes Duster or Nemo Punk for our kids.
RVs may come in every size and shape to reflect the specific interests of owners. But when grilling makes it to a camper’s list of activities, any grill can’t be okay.
There, you need an RV grill. Let’s assume this picture a unit that is lightweight/ portable, easy to place/ mountable, and has enough heating power. This pretty much tells you what the best portable grill for RV looks like.
Countless models are on sale, and the list of popular grills isn’t very small. You need just one or two, and when you need to buy, the choice may not come easy.
Over the years, our taste buds have grown, and so is our sense of judgment that gives us one name ‘Cuisinart CGG-306 Professional Tabletop Gas Grill’.
Here’s an account of our experience with four other RV BBQ grills and a suggestive buying guide to ease your way to purchase.
4 Best Portable Grills for RV Reviews
Since you’re reading our very original RV grills review, you need to know that the following choices are the ones we’ve put after a lot of testing. No exaggerations, no hypes! Only the truth!
1. Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle – Editor Choice
You can’t be wrong to take it for the best portable grill for RV. Unboxing the package, you’ll see an all stainless-steel grill that costs a reasonable sum but cooks with much power.
Cooking Experience: The two burners, 20,000 BTUs, and 285 square inch cooking surface are the key specs to take it on top. It may not give you the luxury of design but will perform brilliantly. It may reach a whooping maximum of 700° heating temperature. Be aware!
Mounting System: We didn’t really seek any mounting support for this one. Its tabletop design suffices every time while we’re out with RVs.
Design and Material: Starting with the housing, moving inside the lid, touching the grate, and getting down to the burner, you’ll see one remarkable thing – the mastery of stainless steel which gives it a shiny look. The twist-start ignition works smoothly, and the thermometer with the heat control knobs yields ease of use.
Pros
Great cooking performance
Large primary cooking surface
Heavy-duty burners and durable housing
Particularly affordable (considering the strength of specifications)
Lightweight with excellent portability, thanks to the large carry handle
Cons
The latch may not hold the lid securely after a few months of use.
Sometimes, the heat output may be unnecessarily higher and uneven.
To avoid getting undercooked/ overcooked meal, you should use the thermometer and burner knobs carefully. Also, don’t allow too high temperatures because it may melt the latch.
2. Flame King RV Or Trailer Mounted BBQ – Best Value
Anybody would take the price as the only strong suit, but we looked deeper and came to conclude that this Flame King RV grill offers great value even with all its limitations included Specifications:
Cooking Experience: You’ll have stainless steel cooking grates for the primary cooking space and a warming rack of the same material makes a total of 214-square-foot surface that receives sufficient heat delivery through the couple of stainless steel burners. It seems almost an unmatched advantage from a gas grill under 100 dollars.
Mounting System: Not many RV grills come with a complete bracket system such as this one. Added to it are locking retainer pins which allow for secure mounting. For a freestanding grill, the hanging rack serves well but with a little support.
Design and Material: Considering the extended (20″ x 17″ x 8″) and folded (11-1/2″ x 20″) dimensions, you’re going to save some space if that matters most while on an RV day. The lid has a dual locking system that makes it secure all the way.
Pros
A two-way cooking system allowing large surface
Pretty much affordable for an RV grill
Lightweight with space-saving design
An integrated bracket system making it mountable to both motorhome and RVs
Hassle-free mounting plus freestanding
Cons
The hanging rack doesn’t serve as the legs, making the grill unstable and unbefitting when equal heat distribution is expected.
Using a table may be the solution to the stability issue. Bring an LP gas (female) connection system for your RV or trailer. Otherwise, you’ll need a compatible (quick connect) LP gas line for this Flame King grill.
3. Coleman RoadTrip LXX Portable Grill – Best For Propane Grill
This RV gas grill comes filled with features like interchangeable cook-top, sliding side tables, utensil hooks, and collapsible stand with wheels to take your grilling pursuits anywhere desired.
Specifications:
Product Dimensions: 19.1 x 34 x 13.6 inches
BTU: Total 20,000 BTUs, adjustable 2 burners each 10,000 BTUs
Cooking Experience: 22,000 BTUs through 2 burners should fire up whatever you put on the cast iron cooking grate. Also, the 285-square-inch surface isn’t a joke since you can have the grills/steaks for your family ready in just minutes.
Mounting System: If you want one of those RV camping grills with a freestanding design, you’ll love it. No brackets, no additional mounting systems! Grab either of the side tables and pull each stand (leg) out until you have them fully extended. Just lower the unit and slide back to allow the leg extensions to lock into the brackets. It’s ready!
Design and Material: Even you’ve to put the beauty aside, you can’t ignore the material profile stainless steel for burner and side table, steel for bottom and lid, and cast iron for cooking grate.
Pros
Big on heat delivery with large cooking surface
Modern, stylish look with a convenient collapsible design
High-quality materials
Easy setup and extension with a smooth sliding mechanism
Hassle-free maintenance
Cons
Too heavy to carry, especially when you’re to lift it
So much for the weight! It can’t stop Coleman RoadTrip from being your favorite compact camping grill, thanks to the rugged wheels!
4. Weber 51040001 Q1200 – Best For Liquid Propane Grill
A quick look at the propane grill will clear any confusion regarding its efficiency and worth. We can’t deny that we fell for its look/feel, but its specs are strong too.
Specifications:
Product Dimensions: 24.6 x 20.5 x 40.9 inches
BTU: Total 8500 BTU Per Hour, Stainless Steel Burner
Cooking Experience: Heat output may not be as much as the others on our list, but the even distribution of heat across the large cooking space pays off.
Mounting System: With the freestanding design, you really don’t want an additional mounting support. Extending the legs, you can put it somewhere inside the RV.
Design and Material: If you’ve any idea about the utility of cast aluminum, you’ll love the body and durable nylon frame. The cast iron grates have porcelain enamel coating. The burner tube is also built to perfection. The lid thermometer allows good control. The folding side tables with the removable catch pan expand your comfort zone.
Pros
Elegant and lightweight design
Large primary surface with side tables for added convenience while cooking
High-quality materials
Easy to use and clean
Seven attractive colors
Cons
The regulator, according to many users, doesn’t do its job.
The complaint seems a little overrated because we found the same issue twice in three months, but it doesn’t always work weirdly. In your case, you can get a replacement if the issue persists.
Best Portable Grill for RV Buying Guide for 2020
You might be interested in learning what makes some gas grills for RVs better than others, and this curiosity isn’t atypical of someone with the desire to buy the best RV gas grill.
Let’s start with the type and then move forward with the standard components and features of an RV propane grill.
Types
Considering the usage of fuel, there’re three types of grills to choose from, such as gas grills, the most popular ones; charcoal grills, the right option for purist and those who love smoky flavor; and electric grills, ideal for people who either want a unit ready at home or are amenable to fire regulations.
One distinctive style of grills that uses either gas or charcoal is a portable BBQ model which is a sure choice for BBQ camping enthusiasts or big fans of RV barbecue. It can be an RV mounted grill or a freestanding unit.
One of the variations of charcoal is a Kamado grill which is known for even heat distribution mostly due to small cooking surface. Do you look for something of a combo? A pellet grill is the answer that gives you the best of both charcoal and gas.
Construction and Materials
As long as the frame/housing of a grill machine is in your thoughts, you’ll come across RV stainless models, but a cast iron portable gas grill is durable too despite being a little unconventional. The materials used for the different parts of the grill are important too. You’ll find notes on them in the following discussion.
Features
When it’s a travel trailer BBQ grill you’re talking about, you shouldn’t skip certain features that make the unit worth your while. These features include the cooking grates, temperature control settings, burner, and mounting systems (when intended for an RV).
Cooking Grates and Surface
Remember where you put all the meat or food when it’s time to grill them? That’s called the grate which can be made of either cast iron or stainless steel. The size of the grate determines how much of the cooking surface you’re about to get.
On average, you’ll get 150 to 300 square inches of primary space. Some grills include a warming rack that provides an additional of 50 to 100 square inches of space. Make sure the grate you choose offers a non-sticky surface that is easy to clean after cooking.
Temperature Control
Gas grills usually come with a built-in temperature control system that consists of temperature gauges located typically on the lid. One of the reasons why these grills are loved so much is this particular feature that is available on a charcoal grill but in a little intriguing way. You need to know the right ways to control the temperature since no knobs are there to let you.
Burner
It’s an important component that can barely be seen but always found to do the job you need a grill for. Yes, it’s the part of your grill that does the burning and lets you prepare your recipes.
Burners are usually made of stainless steel. An average gas BBQ camping grill has one burner to deliver 5,000 BTUs to 11,000 BTUs, but a larger RV outdoor grill may contain a couple of burners for delivering a larger amount of BTUs.
RV BBQ Grill Mount
The best RV BBQ grill is the one that has all of these features plus strong and secure mounting brackets. Some may not include any sort of mount, in which case, you need to buy one. So, choose the one that comes with integrated brackets or an RV grill mount rail.
Other Features
Some more features become relevant when you’re looking for a travel gas grill. One of them is the ignition system which needs to be reliable. While a push-button igniter is common, you may count on the electronic version too because of its reliability and ease of use.
Look for the ones with collapsible legs so that you can take it out in the woods when needed. Most models come with an appropriate hose and valve, and the ones without them will require the users to buy them anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you prefer getting the best grill for RV living to a few moments of fun only, it’s okay to have more questions even after the above details. So, let’s get deeper into the common knowledge.
What is an RV grill?
Not much of a deviation from a typical unit, an RV grill is designed to be portable with some considerations to make it lightweight. With special thoughts about durability, any outdoor grill with a piece of mounting hardware should be good for your recreational vehicle or trailer.
What are good RV grill brands?
You might have heard so much about a trailer hitch grill Weber, but there’re other reputable brands like Coleman and Cuisinart. You may also look at the units from some emerging manufacturers like Flame King, Smoke Hollow, Blackstone, Camco, etc.
What are the Different Types of RV Grills?
If you know what an outdoor grill is, you really have few things to notice in an RV grill. So, the concept of ‘type’ comes down to how you position the grill on your vehicle. You can mount it on the specific rail or setup or use it as a freestanding machine. Follow the ‘Types’ section for more details.
What is the advantage of gas grills?
Gas grills offer benefits that make them special and preferable under different circumstances.
These grills come quickly to the required cooking temperature.
Most units are easy to set up, light, clean, and preserve. The control knobs add to your convenience when heat control matters.
Gas, as a fuel, costs less and is eco-friendly making you worry less about your commitment to a better world.
How to clean an RV grill?
Once you have the best RV grill, you’ll want to make sure your grill gives you a healthy cooking surface and lasts for years. Here’s the guide.
Turn off the fuel supply system
Remove the cooking grates and burner covers.
Inspect them and clean them thoroughly by scrubbing them in warm water.
Scrape the grill using a putty knife but be careful not to damage any spot inside it.
Rinse the dip tray or waste disposal box.
Clean everything that is removable.
Dry the separated parts and put them back to their places.
Check the igniter switch and batteries, pressure regulators, the thermometer and on/off switches to see if they’re working properly.
You need not undergo these steps every day. Just make sure you do them once after using the unit 3-4 times.
Conclusion
Have you already figured out your best portable grill for RV? We know it’s not about the specs only. Focus on the materials of the different components, and choose the design and capacity of the burner carefully because you don’t want to have hot and cold spots while cooking.
Don’t preoccupy your mind with any single consideration like the BTUs, or the mounting facility, or even the fuel supply system. Remember that good products are always the ones with the perfect balance of features and performance, and each of the above grills makes a good impression on that account.
Really, do you know how to use a wood-burning stove in your tent?
Not many people know that you can use this camping and backpacking stove inside your tent. If you are camping in the rain, you might need to use the stove inside your tent.
However, you have to be very cautious.
A wood stove for camping is a fire risk in a tent. Flames and sparks from the stove can cause a fire while gas fumes can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
However, if done correctly, a wood-burning stove can be used in the camping tent to give you warmth especially on those cold alpine nights.
Caution for how to use a wood-burning stove in your tent
If not used carefully, the wood-burning stove can turn into a hazard inside your tent. The good thing is that it is not too hard to use it safely.
Here are a few things to note:
Choose an appropriate tent for camping
You should not use a wood-burning stove in any tent since some tents can burn easily. A good tent should be made of poly-cotton or canvas because these materials cannot burn easily and the tent can be well ventilated.
The design of the tent should allow fresh air to enter. It should have a chimney flue that allows fresh air to get in and gets rid of toxic gas.
Never use the wood-burning stove in a tent that does not have ventilation. Always make sure that the tent has a vent.
Be cautious with the stove
You should be careful when handling the stove since it can be dangerous and can cause a fire.
Place a flame retardant mat around the stove to provide protection in case sparks and hot embers escape. Do not place the stove on the groundsheet. Instead, roll it and place the stove on the ground.
The sparks can cause a fire if they land on the tent as they leave the flue (chimney). To prevent this, put a spark arrestor above the flue so that the sparks do not drop in the tent.
Do not place combustible items near the stove.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case there is fire.
Make sure you have cold water in the tent.
Now that you know how to take caution when using the wood-burning stove in the tent, here is how to actually use it.
Using the wood stove in your tent
Before you start using the stove, make sure you set up your tent in a campsite that is not prone to fire. Ensure no deadwood and branches above the tent can catch fire. You don’t want sparks from the flue to ignite a fire.
You need a spark arrester
A wood-burning stove will produce sparks. These sparks can cause fire by burning the tent or the dead wood nearby. To prevent this, you should fit a spark arrester in the vent pipe at the top.
If you don’t have the arrester, poke holes on the top part of the stovepipe. The holes help to cool the sparks before they leave the stovepipe.
Insulate the stove
Prepare the wood-burning stove so that you can light it. Start by insulating the bottom of the stove with sand to protect the metal from coming into contact with burning wood and weakening it. Normally, the metal on the bottom of the wood-burning stove is thin and direct contact with the hot coals can weaken it.
Choose the right wood
Avoid woods that give out many sparks such as larch, pine, and spruce since they can cause a fire. Instead, use these softwoods sparingly as tinder.
Hardwoods such as oak are preferred because they form coals that produce heat for longer, unlike the softwood that has little coaling. Also, you can get more heat from a piece of hardwood than you would from a similar piece of softwood.
Hardwoods burn at a slower rate and you can get more heat for longer than you could from softwood since they burn fast.
The best place to put the woodstove is in a corner close to the door. This will make it easy to reach the wood outside and put it into the stove.
You do not want the wood stove to burn the fabric wall of the tent. As such, make sure that the stove’s metal is at about 2 feet away from the fabric.
Do not leave the stove burning overnight because of carbon monoxide poisoning. In case you want to leave it, have someone stay up to watch over is and ensure there is enough ventilation.
Why use a wood-burning stove
Knowing how to use a wood-burning stove in your tent is good. But really, in this age of technology, why should you use one?
Well, there must be something good about it to make it a preferred choice by many for their heating needs.
There is the magic that comes with enjoying the warmth from wood fire when it is cold. A wood-burning stove provides you with warmth. It is also cleaner, more efficient and it can be accommodated in a small space, unlike the traditional fireplace. No wonder these stoves can be used in a tent.
Other than the euphoria of burning fire, here are more reasons why wood stove is a good choice.
A wood-burning camping stove is eco-friendly
Firewood will always be there as long as we are planting trees. So, when you are warming your tent using a wood-burning stove, you are using a sustainable alternative. This will leave the environment clean unlike if you were using fossil fuels.
For the eco-conscious campers, you can buy an eco-friendly stove that is EPA certified since they are more efficient and they burn less firewood. These stoves are energy efficient. In fact, some models have an efficiency rate of up to 80% in comparison to traditional fireplaces.
The older non-certified models are not as efficient with an efficiency rate of 50% or lower. So, make sure you buy an EPA certified wood-burning stove. These are more eco-friendly, efficient, and low emission levels.
You can save on energy costs
Heating bills shoot up high, especially in winter. It would cost you more to heat your tent using other means such as oil, gas, or electricity than using wood. A wood stove can help you cut your energy costs by up to 40%.
Have low emission levels
Burning wood produces carbon dioxide emissions into the environment causing air pollution. Remember the smoke of old wood stoves? You had to use so much wood to get the desired heat and so came the smoke.
This is not so with the EPA certified stoves. They are more efficient and they produce less emission since they have low emission limits. They produce less carbon dioxide. That is why you can use a wood-burning stove in the tent without worrying about too much smoke.
Conclusion
That is it for why and how to use a wood-burning stove in your tent. It is perfectly safe and it need not pose a hazard at all. Camping can never be complete without a fire blazing hot. Now, with these tips, you have this fire right inside the tent.
Are you looking for the best backpacks for back pain? There are many of them. Perhaps with some ingenious ideas, you can also use the regular backpack in such a way that it offers a reprieve for a bad back.
Why buy an ergonomic backpack
With everything else gone ergonomic, backpacks for back pain, the car seats, and many more, why not the backpack for hiking? Today, you can buy an ergonomic backpack on amazon.com.
Back pain has become a major health issue that seems to affect a large percent of the world’s population. In America alone, more than 14,000 cases of backpack injuries are reported every year.
Out of those cases, 5000 back pain patients end up in emergency rooms. Thanks to the long office hours, sitting has become the current smoking. Thus, many people suffering from back pain got it from sitting down on nasty chairs for many years.
As an outdoor enthusiast, you know you have to do all you can to stay fit. Here are a few ways to ensure that you are fit for the next hiking or backpacking adventure:
Buy hiking poles and know how to use them
Know how to pack light for backpacking
Engage in the best exercises for hiking
Learn about how to prevent knee pain when walking
People who travel, hike, or backpack frequently tend to be at a higher risk of suffering back pain due to carrying heavy backpacks over long distances.
Most beginner hikers and backpackers stuff their backpack close to breaking point. Others carry their backpack in the wrong manner. At the same time, others do not know to distribute the weight properly. This causes a strain on the spine and if the pain is neglected it can result in serious back problems in the future.
If you choose the wrong backpack and then pack it up with your camping gear, it will hurt your back.
To avoid these problems, use the following tips for choosing hiking, traveling, or backpacking backpack in order to avoid back pain.
It must have good back padding
The best backpacks for back pain must have a contoured and well-padded back panel for maximum comfort.
Proper padding with foam materials helps in distributing the weight evenly all over your back. This puts less strain on your spine.
In addition, the foam padding not only provides cushioning but also improves breathability.
If you have packed some heavy stuff such as the best backpacking hatchet in the pack, the padding will prevent it from pressing against your back.
Buy a backpack with compartments where you can pack things like travel coffee mug, shoes, and cooking items in different compartments.
Backpack shoulder straps
Strong, wide and properly padded shoulder straps are the best for alleviating backpack related back pain.
The best backpack shoulder straps should be at least 2 inches wide. They should be properly cushioned to provide the right support and comfort.
Well, if you can find a wider, the better for you.
Such straps allow the weight to sit comfortably on your back while preventing any pinching or chafing.
The backpack shoulder straps must curve to conform to the shape of your body. This allows you to carry your pack more comfortably. It will feel as if the pack is part of you rather than an added burden.
The padding allows the weight of your load to sit comfortably on your back, putting less strain on your shoulders and lower back.
Make sure the shoulder straps are adjustable to allow for a more flexible and snug fit. Anyway, all ergonomic backpacks come with adjustable shoulder straps today. Just make sure they are padded.
Backpack with chest and waist strap
It is extremely important that an ergonomic backpack comes with strong, adjustable, and well-padded waist straps.
The reason is that most of your pack’s weight will be sitting on your hips. Thus, you want a waist strap that will be able to support that weight while keeping you comfortable.
The right waist straps are able to provide ample support as well as distribute the weight evenly between your back and hips causing less strain.
The straps are adjustable. You can tighten or loosen them for customizable support. To be called a truly ergonomic backpack, it must have these straps.
Padded Chest straps
Chest straps are good for pulling your ergonomic backpack close to you and helping the weight stay intact inside.
The best backpacks for back pain should come with padded chest straps, which are also called sternum straps. These are added for more comfort.
The chest straps are usually attached to the shoulder straps. When properly fitted, they sit right across your chest.
They help in reducing the strain on your shoulders and they also keep the shoulder straps in place. This prevents your backpacking pack from swaying.
The chest strap should also be adjustable to allow for a perfect fit thereby improving the stability of your load.
Packing a backpack right
When backpacking, the best thing you can do when packing is being a minimalist. Pack only what you require to carry with you and leave the rest behind.
It may sound easy, but for first-timers, nothing is as hard as picking a backpack. Flashlight for camping, portable coffeemaker, food, first aid kit, and many more are important. However, just how much do you need to carry?
Ideally, you are supposed to carry a weight that is 10 percent or less of your body weight. Therefore, after packing your load, consider putting your pack on a scale to determine its total weight. If it is more than 10 percent of your body weight, see if there are some things that you can do without.
Audit the pack load. If you will be wearing your warm boots for winter hiking, for example, there is no need to carry extra shoes since it will be too cold to wear lighter shoes. You can use that space to carry a blanket or a sleeping pad for camping.
When packing, always aim for balance. Avoid putting more weight on one side of the backpack as straining one side of your body is a major cause of back pain.
Overburdening one side of your body can cause your spine to curve resulting in pain. Therefore, ensure that you distribute the weight evenly while packing.
To manage the weight on the trails, make sure you bring your poles for hiking. They will help you pull yourself up the steep terrains where the backpack would pull you back.
Finally, to create some organization in your backpack, buy some dividers. That way, the portable chargers, tablets, and other electronics go in their section.
Other things like the backpacking stove can go into the bigger compartments. Of course, your cooking stove and the fuel should be in their carry bags. Do not forget to pack your sleeping bag.
Buy a gender-specific best backpack for back pain
There is a lot of difference between men and women’s backpacks. When choosing the best backpacks for back pain, it is important to consider your gender.
You want a good fit. There are reasons for insisting that you buy a gender-specific backpack for camping, hiking, or traveling.
Here are just a few of them:
Torso sizing
The torso sizing of men and women backpacks is different. Women’s packs are mostly designed with shorter torso lengths compared to men’s backpacks. In order to be certain of your torso sizing, consider measuring your torso length before choosing your pack.
Shoulder straps
The shoulder straps sizing in women’s pack is different from that of men’s packs. Women backpacks are usually designed with a slimmer shoulder base and narrower cushioning on the shoulder straps.
Women have a smaller upper body frame compared to men who have broader shoulders. Having a backpack with shoulder straps that do not fit properly can easily lead to bruising and chafing.
Hip differences
The waist belt sizing for both genders is different. Women are usually gifted with bigger hips than men. This means that a woman’s packs waist belt will not properly fit on a man’s hips and vice versa.
Choosing the wrong backpack can only cause discomfort and a lack of proper support, which can easily trigger back pain.
Load capacity
Men and women backpacks come with a different load capacity or pack weight. Women’s backpacks have a smaller pack weight capacity as compared to men’s packs because of the difference in body anatomy.
Backpack height
Men’s backpacks are usually taller than women’s packs. Choosing the wrong pack can lead to discomfort and backaches especially over long treks.
Learn how to wear your backpack right
Wearing a backpack in the wrong manner is among the major causes of back pain for many backpackers. When wearing your backpack, avoid the following common mistakes:
Slinging your backpack with one strap over one shoulder
As stylish as this might look it is a wrong way of carrying your back. It puts all the load pressure on one shoulder, which can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pains.
In addition, it can lead to the development of a poor posture. Always make use of both shoulder straps when carrying your backpack.
Wearing your backpack too low on your back
This increases the strain on your shoulders. It can cause shoulder pain and will make your pack sway from side to side leading to discomfort.
This position can make you lean forward placing undue pressure on your lower back. To avoid this, adjust the straps to allow the backpack to sit high on your back.
Buy a backpack with an internal frame
Buy a backpack with an internal frame. This frame provides the backpack with a form of rigidity. It helps in distributing the pack’s weight between your back and hips reducing strain.
While many of the modern backpacks having internal frames, there are some that have external frames. Just look for the backpack with an internal frame.
The external frames are usually big and bulky making the backpack look bloated. The exposed rods can also get caught easily on things while moving.
The internal frames on the other hand make the packs slimmer. This makes it easy for you when moving around. They are also lighter and more durable.
Besides, you do want to look good on the trails. A nice looking slim backpack helps you look nice.
Buy a backpack with wheels
A backpack with wheels has an added advantage of pulling over at airports, train and bus stations. It may not be the best for hiking but it is good for traveling. Pack your travel pillow, airplane eye mask, and books.
However, note that you will still have to carry it on your shoulders. Thus, pack it just right. The wheels can help you to avoid back pains by allowing you to pull your luggage every time you feel like you are straining your back.
If you have a wheeled backpack, pull it behind you wherever you can to avoid straining your back.
Buy a compartmentalized backpack
The best backpacks for back pain should feature multiple compartments. Many compartments allow you to distribute the load’s weight symmetrically throughout your backpack.
They minimize the chances of stuffing only one side of the pack with all the weight. You should reduce the risks that come with carrying an unbalanced backpack.
Even when you have the best ergonomic backpack for back pain, if you do not distribute the weight evenly, it may not help you.
Multiple compartments make access to your stuff easier. This can save you a lot of time when looking for a particular thing.
While at it, also make sure the backpack has rings and webbing where you can attach more gear such as your lightweight water filter for hiking.
Conclusion
If you are a regular hiker, remember that backpack related back pain is sinister. However, with the tips you have learned here, it should be possible to avoid it.
The strain can cause unbearable spinal pains and cause the spinal discs to wear out prematurely. You have also seen that choosing the best backpacks for back pain alone is not enough. You should also know how to pack it right and that way, you can hike a longer distance each day.
