Best Patio Heaters 2025
A selection of the best types of heaters to warm your patio all year round
While there are many ways to stay warm, making eco-conscious choices is important. Here are 8 eco-friendly ways and bonus tips to keep cozy while camping, so you can enjoy nature and reduce your environmental impact at the same time.
1. Choose the Right Sleeping Bag
Your sleeping bag is the first line of defense against the cold. Make sure you pick one that’s suited to the weather you’ll be facing.
You’ll want to pick a sleeping bag rated for three-season or four-season use for colder conditions. Also, consider eco-friendly heating options, like sleeping bags made from organic cotton or recycled polyester, which offer excellent insulation without harming the planet.
Pro Tip: Add a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth. They’re lightweight, affordable, and can help regulate body temperature naturally.
Kelty Cosmic 20 Down Mummy Sleeping Bag - Recycled Fabrics with PFAS-Free DWR
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The Kelty Cosmic 20 sleeping bag features sustainable, PFAS-free fabrics, traceable down, and a durable water repellent finish. Lightweight, compressible, and designed for comfort, it’s perfect for eco-conscious campers.
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2. Layer Up with Sustainable Clothing
To keep warm camping, layering your clothing is key. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer made from natural fibres like merino wool or bamboo—both are eco-friendly and great at regulating your body temperature.
You can add a fleece or insulated jacket for extra warmth, topping it off with a windproof outer layer that’s also waterproof. Choose sustainable clothing brands for a smaller environmental footprint.
3. Use a Hot Water Bottle or DIY Heat Packs
A hot water bottle is a simple yet effective way to keep warm in a tent. Fill it with hot water before bed and place it at the foot of your sleeping bag.
It’ll keep you toasty through the night. If you don’t have one, you can make your own heat packs using natural materials like rice or flaxseed. Just heat them up, pop them in your bag, and enjoy the warmth!
How to stay warm in a tent: This is a safe and eco-friendly way to heat up your sleeping space without electricity.
samply Hot Water Bottle with Knitted Cover, 2L Hot Water Bag, Purple
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This durable hot water bottle provides relief for muscle soreness, cramps, and pain. Its unique design makes it easy to fill, ideal for winter travel, outdoor activities, or as a thoughtful gift.
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4. Use Eco-Friendly Tent Insulation
Insulating your tent can make a huge difference in retaining warmth. Add a tent liner made from natural materials like wool or cotton to your tent. These breathable materials help keep the heat inside, so you can sleep comfortably even on colder nights.
Bonus Tip: Place a tent footprint under your tent to add an extra layer of insulation and keep the cold from seeping in from the ground.
5. Set Up a Tent Heater (With Caution)
A wood-burning stove designed for tents is the perfect accompaniament if you’re camping in colder weather. These eco-friendly stoves don’t require electricity and are efficient at warming up your space.
However, always ensure ventilate your tent properly and follow all safety guidelines to avoid risks like carbon monoxide buildup.
How to safely heat a tent: A wood-burning stove is a great option, but make sure it’s designed specifically for camping and safely used.
Hot Tent Stove,AVOFOREST Wood Burning Stove for Outdoor Heating
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This portable wood-burning stove features a detachable chimney, visual glass for flame control, durable iron and stainless steel construction, and practical accessories like fire tongs and gloves, perfect for camping warmth.
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6. Stay Active to Generate Heat
Physical activity is one of the best natural ways to stay warm while camping. Move around, take a walk, or even do some light exercises in the tent. Staying active generates body heat, helping you warm up when you’re feeling cold.
How to keep kids warm while camping: Keep kids moving in their sleeping bags by playing simple games or having them jump in place to stay warm.
7. Keep Your Tent Dry
Humidity can make the cold feel even worse. Always ensure your tent is dry and moisture-free. Set up your tent in a sheltered area away from rain or snow. If your tent does get wet, make sure to dry it out completely before bedtime to prevent the cold from creeping in.
Tip: Invest in a waterproof tent that will keep moisture out and help you retain heat better.
Pop Up Tents for Camping 4 Person Waterproof Pop Up | Family Tents for Camping Hiking & Traveling
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This 4-person pop-up tent sets up in seconds with mesh doors for airflow and privacy. It features a vestibule for shoes, waterproof fabric, and storage pockets, ideal for camping, festivals, or beach trips.
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8. Create a Shelter from the Wind
Wind chill can make even mild temperatures feel freezing. Look for natural windbreaks such as trees, rocks, or hills to block the wind. If those aren’t available, you can always set up a tarp or use your tent to block the breeze.
Bonus Tip: You can also make a windshield using a reflective blanket or tarp, which helps prevent the wind from entering your tent and keeps heat inside.
Related: What are the Safest Camping Heaters to Buy.
More Tips for Keeping Warm and Eco-Friendly
Here are a few additional ways to keep yourself, your dog, friends, or family warm while camping:
1. Use Natural Heat Sources
Instead of using electric heaters, take advantage of sunshine during the day. Set up camp in a sunny spot and let the sun warm your tent before the temperature drops in the evening. Solar blankets or solar-powered lights can also help during the day to keep your camping area warm and reduce energy consumption.
2. Pack Eco-Friendly Warmth Items
Thermal blankets made from recycled materials are great for both insulation and emergency warmth. Being lightweight, compact, and biodegradable, they are a practical and eco-conscious choice for your camping gear.
3. Warm Your Tent in the Morning
When you wake up, heat your tent in winter by placing a small, eco-friendly heat source (like a hand warmer or heat pack) near the entrance. This creates a barrier of warmth before you step out of the sleeping bag. Also, opening your tent slightly during the day will allow fresh air to circulate, preventing condensation and keeping it dry for the night.
4. Try a Tent with a Built-In Heater
If you plan to camp in the colder months, look for a tent with a built-in heater system. Some tents come with built-in insulation or options for a wood-burning stove or ceramic heater that are safe for indoor use and eco-friendly.
Solo Stove Portable - Wood Burning Stove
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The Solo Stove Campfire, recommended by Backpacker Magazine, features a patented design for clean burning, uses natural fuel, boils water in 2-4 minutes, and is compact, lightweight, and made of premium materials.
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Final Thoughts on Staying Warm While Camping
With these eco-friendly ways to stay warm while camping, you can enjoy the great outdoors without compromising comfort or your environmental values.
There are plenty of ways to stay cozy and safe while reducing your impact on nature. Be sure to take your time to choose the right sleeping bag, heat up a hot water bottle, or set up natural windbreaks. Make sure to stay active, keep your tent dry, and invest in eco-conscious gear to enjoy the best of both worlds.
By following these tips, you’ll be prepared for your next camping trip, whether you’re wondering how to stay warm in a tent during winter or how to keep your tent warm in cooler weather.
These simple strategies will help you enjoy a comfortable, sustainable camping experience.
FAQs
Can I use a candle lantern to warm my tent?
Yes, you can use a candle lantern to generate some warmth, but it should always be used with caution. Keep it on a stable surface away from any flammable materials and never leave it unattended. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
How can I stay warm in a tent without a sleeping bag?
If you don’t have a sleeping bag, layer up with warm clothing, preferably made of merino wool or other moisture-wicking fabrics. Use blankets or thermal sheets inside the tent, and add hot water bottles or heat packs for extra warmth.
How do I keep heat in my tent?
To keep heat in your tent, choose a well-insulated tent, and use a tent liner or footprint underneath. Make sure to close all vents and flaps to reduce airflow, and consider setting up a reflective tarp to prevent heat loss. During the day, let the sun warm up your tent, then close it to keep the heat inside.
What’s the best way to heat a tent without electricity?
The best way to heat a tent without electricity is by using a wood-burning stove designed for camping or a candle lantern (though with caution). These provide warmth without relying on power. Another option is using hot water bottles or heat packs for a safe and eco-friendly solution.
How can I stay warm in a tent during winter?
To stay warm in a tent during winter, make sure you have a high-quality sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, use insulated liners, and layer your clothing. Adding a hot water bottle or DIY heat packs inside your sleeping bag can also help. If you’re camping in extreme conditions, consider using a wood-burning stove specifically designed for tents, but always ensure proper ventilation.
