CAMPING HEATERS (OUTDOORS)

Enjoying the great outdoors often means dealing with some cold, or at least cool, weather. Even in the summer, mountain and desert campsites may cool off dramatically as soon as the sun goes down. One option to deal with this is to crawl into your warm sleeping bag as soon as you’re done with dinner. Comfy? Yes, but hardly fun! A more pleasant choice is to stay outside in the evening, enjoying the moon, stars, and night sounds, and keeping warm by means of a heater or fire.

Texsport Double Propane Heater

Don’t worry. The “double” in this heater’s name refers to the heating units, not the amount of propane required to run it! Two ceramic burners provide even heating and improved heat radiation, while a steel reflector behind each burner further directs the heat. The burners come attached to a steel frame that in turn attaches to the top of a bulk propane tank (not included). Each burner adjusts by means of a pressure regulator on/off control knob. There’s even an automatic shut-off valve for the fuel if the flame happens to go out.

Landmann Heatwave Outdoor Fireplace

Although the bowl of this versatile outdoor fireplace measures a good 22 x 25 inches, and the whole unit is almost 36 inches tall, this is a good fireplace to take along on a campout. The galvanized spark guard and full-size lid keep embers corralled, and the large wheels make it easy to roll over uneven ground. Included in the set is a cooking grate that fits over the coals in the fireplace bowl. And when it’s time to head home, the porcelain enamel finish on the firebowl makes it easy to clean up.

Big Sky Wildlife Fire Pit

Also from Landmann, the Big Sky Wildlife fire pit features a 23.5-inch-diameter bowl detailed with cutouts of North American wildlife, such as bears, elk, and wolves. After dark, the firelight glows through these cutouts with a charming effect. Available in black or Georgia clay (red-brown), the fire pit’s steel construction is designed for easy assembly. The set also includes a spark guard cover, an enamel-coated cooking grate, and a poker.