The Best Camping Heaters for $100 or Less

It is that time of year again; camping enthusiast are packing up their gear and getting ready for all those summer time camping trips. Most of us campers enjoy the "roughing" it aspect of camping, however there are some who prefer to be able to stay comfortable during their camping experience. Also, for those who cannot wait for agreeable temperatures, the cold spring and autumn mornings can take away from the joy of the trip. A simple solution is to buy a reliable, efficient camping heater. Here we are going to go over the top five camping heaters, some of their features, how much they cost (particularly those for less than $100), as well as where you can find them.

First up, let's look at the Coleman 5053A751 ProCat Portable Catalytic Heater. This heater runs on a cylinder of propane (a 16.4 oz container will heat for 7-8 hours) and has an optional fan that runs on two D batteries. The batteries will run the fan for approximately 18 hours. This 3,000 BTU heater has an electric ignition component for matchless lighting. If you order directly from Coleman, this heater will cost $74.99 plus shipping and handling. Other sources for this heater are Amazon.com (starting at $86.00) and BassPro Shops ($94.55). Even though the price is higher at a BassPro Shop, this heater is a little bulky, so check out shipping cost. If you are close to a BassPro it may be the cheapest option.

The Brinkmann WX2-92132 is also a 3,000 BTU catalytic camping heater that has super reviews from end users. This heater also runs on the one pound propane cylinders and will run for up to 10 hours. If you do not have to have name brand equipment, this is a quality alternative for a fraction of the price. The Sportsman's Guide has this unit available for $49.97, and the same price is available at Amazon.com ($49.97).

Next on our list is the Mr. Heater MH12T camping heater. This heater attaches to a regular propane tank (like the one you use to grill with) and has considerable heating power. With the ability to set the heat output to 8, 12, or 14,000 BTU's this heater will heat your camping space quickly. One of the draw backs to this heater is that it has to be placed away from all camping gear. Where the Coleman ProCat is a radiant heat, this heater actually uses flame and can burn or catch fire to nearby objects. Depending on your output settings this heater will last from 30-52 hours on one tank. The MH12T is available at J.C. Whitney for $39.99, at Aubuchon Hardware at $58.99, and for a price somewhere between these figures at most local hardware or sports stores.

Another Mr. Heater product that is great for your camping needs is the MH9B Buddy Propane Heater. This heater will keep you comfortable with adjustable output settings of 4,000 and 9,000 BTU's. A disposable one pound cylinder will heat 200 square feet for three to six hours (depending on your settings), or it will run for 48-110 hours on a 20lb. tank (the tank must be stored away from the heater and attached via a 5-12 ft. hose sold separately). This unit is also available at J.C. Whitney for $94.99, Northern Tool for $89.99 (on sale as of April 22, 2009 for $69.99!!), and at Target for $99.99.

Finally, the last heater to make our list is the best value for the money. The Texsport Propane Heater is another 1lb. propane cylinder unit with heating capabilities of 2890 BTUs of heat. An oversized plastic base allows for great unit stability, and an automatic shutoff valve turns the unit off if the flame should go out. This heater is available from TeamStore.com for $34.99; the same price is available at FogDog.com and ModellSports.com.

As with any heating product, be sure that you read the owners manual and understand your heater before use. Good luck with your new camping heater, and have a great trip!

Mark Whiltse "Which Camping Heater Heats the Best" www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com

"Texsport Propane Heater" www.nextag.com

"Coleman ProCat" www.basspro.com

"Portable Buddy Heater" www.campingworld.com

"Propane Heaters from Brinkmann" www.sportsmansguide.com