Kodiak Canvas Tent | How to keep warm cold camping with a Mr. Heater Buddy, Tutorial/Review
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- We just completed our coldest camping trip yet but stayed toasty warm in our Tent. We will show you how we kept our Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 10x14 Tent warm and comfortable, and make your cold camp trips more enjoyable. We utilize an adapter hose to take advantage of using a bigger propane bottle, which we highly recommend.We learned a great feature of using the Heater Buddy with a frozen tent that we discuss at the end of the video. Thank you for watching our video, and don't forget to join our facebook page and subscribe to our channel to stay up to date on all the latest adventures.
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Same tent and same heater , but I like the grate idea! Keep up the good work man.
Thank you! We appreciate you checking out our video!
I've been using the same tent and heater for 4yrs now. I put the heater on top of an old cutting board placed in front of a small table. This helps putting some distance from the sloping wall. And run a super efficient and quiet usb fan on the table. The fan really helps distribute the heat evenly saving fuel and keep the heat away from the fabric. In 40s, we run low all night and tent is toasty. Really comfortable setup. Great video!
I’m looking at a good fan setup to help distribute the heat. Thanks for the comment and for checking out our video!
Do you run it off a propane tank or a small green bottle?
You can utilize either, but I recommend buying the adapter to run a larger propane tank. It lasts a long time and is easy to use. Well worth the money. The little green propane tanks could run out on a cold night and just don’t last long enough.
I added fans to mine which really helps send the heat throughout the tent instead of directly up to the roof.
We have heard of a few people saying this works great. We will have to give it a try. Thanks for the info.
I use the big Buddy in my garage and use the 1lb bottles. I have found that if you run it on high the heater uses a lot of propane and as the propane boils off in the bottles you will get a frost line on the outside of the bottles. The boiling point of propane is -44 degrees so you will run out of pressure and the heater shuts off. When the bottles get warm again there will be pressure again.
Interesting how that works. Thanks for the info.
I camp in Saskatchewan and have used the little buddy on our trips. It surely bridges the tempurature on cooler evenings. I will upgrade to a big buddy and find myself that grate, as I have been using a fire retardant mat, but wished it was better. YOur carbon monoxide sensor is a great idea as well, and I plan to get one of them. Thanks for the well produced video!
Awesome, glad the video was helpful! That grate is a must have for me anymore, I think you will like it. Thanks for checking out our video!
You can get a drip pan from an auto store (big flat cookie sheet designed to catch oil drips from cars) for about $15. Works great to protect your flooring in the tent from a buddy heater or wood stove. Putting that Walmart fire grill on top would add extra protection.
Buddy heaters have oxygen low sensors. You absolutely need a carbon monoxide detector.
Using the one pound cans will have you awake and cold every 3 to 4 hours. Mopar Doctor below is correct. The 1 lb cans will stop producing before they are empty.
Get the adapter for the 30 lb can. Get the filter also. The filter will stop oil leaching from rubber lines and plugging up everything.
Been there. I now know what to do. Hope this helps.
Definitely agree! Thanks for sharing this info!
To keep your buddy heater running longer use an inline filter. Available at most places you can get propane. Mr Heater has them. The gas in the 20-25 lbs tanks is not as clean as the 1 lbs bottles.
The one we bought has a built in inline filter on the cord. But you are right it is important. Thanks for watching our video!
I use my cast iron skillet to set my Mr buddy on. I have a 10x10 kodiak and it keeps the tent perfect for shorts.
That’s smart. Great tents and heaters. Thank you for watching our video!
Great post! I am new to camping and just picked up the Kodiak 10X10 and the Mr. Heater Big Buddy. I am super excited after watching your video.
Your going to love it and have tons of fun. Thanks for watching our videos!
@@SweetLifeAdventures Hell yeah brother!
Nice use of grate!
Definitely works well for a sturdy base. Thanks for watching our video!
Good point about it helping dry the tent before breaking camp.
I was dreading going to have to take it down wet and then set it back up at home to dry, but luckily the Heater Buddy did good work! Thanks for watching our video!
@@SweetLifeAdventures That issue is one of my big concerns with Kodiaks and other canvas tents. All part of the package though with the benefits.
It is worth the possible wet tent for sure. I have had a wet tent in the summer before but knew setting it up in the back yard would dry it off no problem. The whole winter camping and snow and rain this year is what worried me. I didn't want my tent set up in my backyard for weeks going through storm after storm haha.
Another tip install a tarp over the tent top which creates a dead air space.
Great idea!
Thank you ! already have the tent and the grate . looking for a good heater. looks like i found it . Thanks again
Awesome, you will love it. Glad we could be of help. Thanks for checking out our video!
@@SweetLifeAdventures I got the big buddy and camped with it for 10 days. For me it was too hot. I only used the one burner. I guess if i was winter camping i might need it but I'm a woman in my 50's and i am always warmer than everyone else 😊 . Thanks again for the review !
Hopefully the one burner wasn’t to hot. Generally we just use one burner but have utilized both burners in winter or crazy summer storms in the mountains. Glad you got all set up and can enjoy your trips!
@@SweetLifeAdventures We had some pretty cool nights up in northern michigan. It got down into the 20's a couple nights. The one burner on low was perfect. My sister would have had both burners blazing if it were up to her . She's
older than me and gets cold easier than I do. still a great unit. Glad I took your good advice and set it up with the 20lb tank . It almost got us through the 10 days. I think day 8 I had to refill it. Thanks again !
Oh good to hear. That’s awesome the tank lasted 8 days. We have never camped that long before, so it’s nice to know roughly how long a tank will last. The big tank is definitely a must. Thanks for following up with your experience, it’s nice to hear about people’s trips with this awesome equipment!
Super cool friend greetings 👍😃🙋♂️
Thank you! We appreciate you checking out our video!
I have the small Mr Buddy in my 10x10 Kodiak canvas and it keeps the tent plenty warm. I also use a wiggy’s -20 bag + long johns. ;-) If it isn’t super cold I run the Mr Buddy on pilot all night long. Nice video, thanks.
Thanks texpat. I never thought about running just the pilot. Great tip!
Sweet Life Adventures It works great and doesn’t keep the tent super hot, also, when it does get cold you can just reach over and turn up the heat and not freeze while waiting the 30 seconds or so to start things up. It doesn’t use much gas - especially with the 20lb tank - so that’s how I run it. Make sure to have a couple of flaps open for ventilation and enjoy our awesome outdoors!
I do the pilot only thing in my camper van , thought I was the only one who did that haha. much of the time that is enough to take the edge off the cold but as you said its nice when its already running like that ,if it gets chilly you just turn it up and get back in bed, no trying to get it started in really cold temps, they are harder to start and sometimes wont start at all if it is REALLY cold.
I have the same tent and heater and I also have the little buddy heater. I found the fan in the Big Buddy really makes a difference. For me I can run the Big Buddy on Medium (which is equivalent to High on the Little Buddy) and because of the fan, it heats my tent better than the Little Buddy. There are some videos showing how to run the fan using a USB connection. Might be worth looking into and maybe reduce the need to run on high.
Awesome, we will have to check out the USB feature. Thank you for checking out our video.
I got myself a heat activated wood stove fan. It uses the heat to run and that worked really well with my little buddy. I set it on the grate right in front of my little buddy.
That sounds awesome! I will have to look into this. Thanks for the info.
Also you need a fuel filter when useing a hose some hoses can ruin ur heater they bleed oils through the line,definitely buy a 10$ fuel filter if ur gonna use a hose with a big 20 pound tank,it can definitely ruin ur heater,look into it
The hose we bought has a filter built in. I noticed on the smaller heater buddies you have to buy it separate though. Thanks for the info.
Such a good setup, I will be using these ideas
Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching our video!
I see other commenters mentioned water problems with propane. I know this is hard to wrap ones mind around but.....for each pound of propane burned, 1.6 lbs of water is generated. Therefore, a 20# bottle would produce 32 lbs or water, or almost 4 gallons of water....almost a jerry can of water poured right into the tent. That annoyance is certainly worth it if your are feezing to death and who knows if the canvas maybe just breaths it right out of the tent. That being said, I wonder what the longterm effects are on the canvas as well as humidity effecting real-feel temperature. As you probably are aware, there are some better solutions, diesel parking heaters which are cheap and extremely efficient, sipping diesel very slowly, .6 L per hour. The issue with them is maintenance. Although, many people swear by them and clean them once a year or so, quite easily, I might add. On Amazon they run about $120. Many of these heaters are self contained within a metal cabinet and can just sit outside the tent. No CO, no moisture. However, they do require a power source...12V or 24V. A good sized deep cycle battery should run it just fine for several days and can be recharged via solar, generator or landline. Propex heaters, which run on propane, are also an option as they to can run outside and pump the heart inside. They have a thermostat and are way more efficient that your typical propane heater but they are very expensive....$900 or so. A 20# bottle of propane would likely last weeks. At any rate, living in the south we already fight high humidity, the added moisture would likely damage the canvas and will certainly make you colder, than just dry heat. It seems every solution has its pros and cons....it gets down to which one you are willing to live with.
Great info.
I have that same grate and it works “great”! 😀 May have to get that Bigger Buddy. Aren’t those tents just great though!
We love ours! One of the best investments we have made. We are taking our tent out in a couple days and are thankful we have the heater because it’s going to be chilly at night. Thanks for watching our video!
Sweet Life Adventures - sounds great! I’ll watch out for your next video!
Awesome thanks! We should have several videos coming out soon.
@@SweetLifeAdventures can you link me to the metal table!
www.walmart.com/ip/Heavy-Duty-Camp-Over-fire-Grill-Foldable-Campfire-Grill-Grate-Outdoor-Barbecue-Cooking-Rack-Accessories-19-69-x-11-81/831864235
I just decided to step up from the little buddy basted on this
Awesome Zachary Teer. I'm glad the video was helpful. Thank you for checking out our video!
Great video, looks like the way to go...thanks!
Your welcome Roofrat. Thank you for checking out our video.
It was a year ago and we love our tent....Everything about it is perfect! Easy to set up and weather proof. In the 2 weeks we had it set. Big storms and wind....not a drop. Even on the canopy, which had 5 gal of water on it when we got back after 4 days@@SweetLifeAdventures
Awesome! Good to hear all the stories about durability. Glad to hear you are enjoying your tent. Thanks for the follow up comment, it’s fun to hear about people’s adventures with their Kodak.
I have the same set up.good video man.
Thanks Terry, it’s a great product. Thanks for checking out our video!
I have a 10x10 Kodiak flex bow canvas tent, and was thinking of using a Big Buddy Heater off of a 20lb propane tank. As others have mentioned, having a carbon monoxide detector is a VERY GOOD idea.
That said, if one were to run the heater on low or medium all night long, do you vent the tent on each of the zipper openings, just below the flex rods, and/or some other way? Again, thank you for such a good video!
Yes, we use both vents and crack a window a quarter to half open depending on the temps. The larger tank is well worth it! Enjoy the tent!
@@SweetLifeAdventures, wow, thanks for the incredibly speedy reply! One more question, in addition to the 2 small vents, do you partially open the window from the top or bottom, and does the heater still do a good job even with the window venting? Again, THANK YOU, this will save me a ton, no longer booking a spot with electrical hookups, where I’ve used a 1500W ceramic heater.
We open the windows from the top and just fold the flap in. It still stays incredibly warm. We have the big buddy heater and rarely use it on higher than medium, even in 30 degree weather. In 20 degree weather we will run it on higher temps and stay super toasty warm. It’s an awesome setup.
Get a stove fan and rig it to stay on the top grate to move that warm air around 😎
Thanks for the tip, will look into this!
The heater buddies have a low oxygen sensor not a co detector. You were wise to get a stand alone co detector. Also when you use a rubber hose from a propane tank make sure you have the buddy filter. Otherwise you will destroy your heater with all the crap from the hose gumming up heater parts. This is a common problem when not using the 1lb bottles.
The filters are only needed for the lines without the regulator. The ones with the regulator and quick connect are what you want. The regulator will change it from high pressure to low pressure as soon as it leaves the bottle. From there you’ll have no more worries because all the damage will only happen with high pressure fuel being pushed through the rubber lines. He has the right setup. Idk why mr heater won’t just make it more simple for people to understand.
Thank you for the correction on the sensor. The hose we use has a regulator on it making the filter not necessary but i agree it is necessary for several of the hoses that don't have regulators or filters built in. Thanks for watching our video!
Got a wall hanging one from 2004...it's been on the wall of the stabin' cabin since day one. It's a 12x12 cabin with a few windows. My brother runs the heater all nigh with no windows open. detectors have never went off or has the heater shut down! They run pretty clean!
Just found this and have a question....have you tried switching over to a diesel style heater yet? They are becoming more poplular, and Ive debated getting this tent combined with the diesel style heater. I have the exact same heater that you are using in this video, and it works real well, bu tthey do put off a "wet/damp heat if that makes sense.
Totally agree with your statement. We have considered a diesel heater, it just hasn’t really been a necessity since the heater buddy has worked for our needs. Maybe someday.
You might mention that on high a 20lb propane will not last 3 nights.
I’m trying to think how long we have ran ours for. Definitely two full nights with no issue. Do you know roughly how long g they last?
I gotta 10x14 and a little buddy.. going camping next week going to into the upper twenties.. was planning on connecting the little buddy to a twenty lb tank.. if weee running her high think that keep it decent? With big buddy on med.. about how hot you think it was in your setup?
We had one window almost completely open for ventilation and it was very comfortable, so I would say it was in the high 60’s, maybe warmer at times. It definitely felt as if we were in a cozy heated home. Have a great trip!
The Mr Buddy heaters do not have a CO (carbon monoxide) detector built into them. They have a low O2 (oxygen) detector built into them however.
oldmillrd same shit
Thank you for clarifying. We are glad it has the safety feature built in.
Without taking the time to research what sensor it has, I find that hard to believe. CO is not dangerous because it lowers the oxygen level or displaces it. It is dangerous because of your red blood cells have a much higher affinity for picking up carbon monoxide compared to oxygen. This is why it's so dangerous, you can still have sufficient oxygen in your atmosphere and die because your body is saturated with carbon monoxide..
@@rbutter9200 Thank you for your correct explanation; and the buddy heater only has a oxygen sensor not a high CO sensor. Which is why I always use a CO monitor when I use my buddy heater
how many people do you have sleeping in that tent? looks completely packed with sleeping bags. I have the 10 x 10 and even with four of us there is room for a little table and a chair still./ just curious, mine says its a "6 man" but we fit 4 comfortably, the 10 x 14 must be like an 8 man? seems like youd have a lot of space.
We sleep 5 people and 2 dogs no problem. The space is amazing!
I constantly hear propane tent heaters create a lot of condensation inside tents because propane is a “wet” heat, whatever that means. I realize you mentioned venting the tent, but I’m curious if it was extremely cold, such as single digits, to where you wanted to reduce the amount of venting to keep cold air out, how much condensation there would be, and/or have you personally experienced much condensation in your canvas tent when running that propane heater?
We haven’t noticed condensation really at all. I have heard all those same types of things but never experienced them in the Kodiak! Thanks for watching our video!
These kodiak tents are cotton canvas and breathe better than syl nylon/ synthetic fabric type tents. I don't think condensation is much of an issue with canvas tents especially since if you are using one of these heaters in a tent you need to vent it and let fresh air in...
You should get tent carpet. One of the good investment, Ive made for camping.
We want one for sure. Right now we can’t even fit all the equipment we currently have since we haul everything around in a minivan. Hopefully we will have a truck before to long and we can fit more items like the tent carpet. Thanks for watching our video!
Looking at Kodiaks for single digit weather camping. Our gear is good enough to go without a heater but something to make the mornings and evenings more comfortable would be great. Loved the review. I heard 20F outside. What temp were you maintaining inside? Thanks and happy trails.
Thanks John. I’m not sure the temps inside, but it was toasty warm. Even my kids didn’t complain, so that’s sayin something. I’ll have to get a thermometer because now I’m curious. Thanks for checking out our video!
how long does the 20 lb tank last
A 20 lb tank is said to last 50 hours on high and up to 220 hours on the lowest setting.
How warm would you say it gets. I’ve got a 3yr old and a 1yr old, and I’m really considering a Kodiak canvas tent with a mr buddy set up. My only concern is cold (although I’d only be doing summer camping in Utah with them) and the carbon monoxide. Do you crack a window or anything?
The big buddy heater we use will make it very hot if you put it on high. We rarely use it on higher than medium. It will keep you as toasty as you would like, especially through the summer. We primarily camp in Idaho, so similar weather to northern Utah. We open both vents on the top, sides of the tent and crack a window a quarter to half open depending on how cold it is. Definitely create a good air flow to prevent carbon monoxide from building up.
Awesome! Thank you!
I have a 10x14 kodiak canvas and the 1 ceramic pane buddy heater (1 size smaller than the Big Buddy). It will get warm enough to drive you out of the tent sometimes if it is not super cold outside. You definitely have to vent and let outside air in the tent when using these heaters. 1 low and 1 high vent is probably best. Carbon monoxide tends to gather higher than the heater level, it rises, so use a carbon monoxide detector alarm also a little high in the tent. Never had an issue though with carbon monoxide though with one of these heaters, but I always have the door cracked a little at the bottom and an upper vent open as well in the tent when using the heater...
How do you dry out your tent in the winter? I worry that i wont fully dry it out in these utah winters
We just let our heater buddy run until it dries out the tent. Some people will set it up in their garage. Best of luck.
@@SweetLifeAdventures thanks yeah a garage would definitely work if I had one haha
Ahh got ya, that would definitely help.
@SweetLifeAdventures i made that mistake unfortunately need a new body now 😢 good idea dryin it with heater i got i tent to 120f it was 25f outside was curious if i be ok in the mountains in nh was useing a big buddy on a 40 pound tank😂
did you run the heater all night long? or just to take the edge off?
We ran it all night long. Just make sure you have great ventilation if you’re going to do that. We had both side vents open as well as almost half a window zipped down. It was perfectly warm all night long.
How much would you be willing to pay for a heating system that runs on relatively small amount of very cheap (often free-of-charge) fuel, and generates enough heating power for minimum 12 hours straight (and even much more when refueled while operating), intended particularly for off-gridders, van-lifers, tent-campers, etc.?
Not sure the value but it sounds like a great device.
You doing a review on the tent or the heater?
Neither necessarily. Just how to stay warm in a kodiak Canvas tent with a buddy heater. Showing the products does review each to an extent. Thanks for checking out our video.
Mack Nolan try reading the entire title
I have the kodiak 10x10. Do you think the little heater will keep it warm?
How cold of temperatures are you planning on?
@@SweetLifeAdventures probably around 30 or so.
Maybe a little colder, but not much.
I think that would be a great setup, you should be just fine!
My dad has the 10x10 with the little heater and was toasty down to 20 degrees. Hope that’s helpful!
@@SweetLifeAdventures ok, thanks for letting me know 👍 I'll be subscribing to your channel. Great videos.
Was the music needed?
Nope. In fact the entire video was not necessarily needed.
I also have the Big Buddy, and have used it in a 12x16 tent (along with a 20-lb tank and the 12 foot hose). Even on really cold nights, the 18K setting was sometimes too warm for comfort.
I'm also thinking of getting the 10x14 Flex-Bow. Is it fairly easy for 1 person to set up?
It’s not to bad with one person at all. When the tent is brand new and the canvas is tight is probably the hardest time but still not terrible. The big buddy will keep the 10x14 extra toasty for sure! Thanks for checking out our video.
I’ve had the 10/14 for 7 years. Easy to put up w one person.
you're CO detector needs to be high on the wall or ceiling. CO is slightly lighter than air so placing it at or below your heater is Not the correct location to detect CO
Michael Rhodes at the end of the day, co diffuses fairly equally throughout a room.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21536403
Thank you for the tip.
I would fear having the heater elevated like that, since people would be potentially sleeping under the detection level of the carbon monoxide, given that it sinks.
Carbon Monoxide rises, so having a detector higher is better.
that music is just too much, couldn't watch it's giving me a headache
Sorry you did not like it. On some of our older videos I did not adjust the volume correctly and on some devices it’s super quiet and others too loud. Thank you for the feedback.
Do your research your carbon monoxide detector won’t pick up any readings from your buddy heater. It’s for household use not for tents. There is a lot of debate about your heater being used while sleeping all night.
This doesn't make sense. Carbon monoxide doesn't discriminate it's poisonous properties based on living space. If the detector is functional then it should do it's job regardless.
Dime Slinger listen I’m not a carbon monoxide expert, but I’m pretty sure a fireman is. Search “ are mr. buddy heaters safe inside an rv” in the search bar of you tube you’ll see a video from Taylor Dzaman, go to the comment section and go down to the second comment from homebuiltcamperdave and read his comment. You may change ur mind.. I have a Kodiak tent and I want to use a mr. buddy heater to but I’m still on the fence. Would love for someone to put together a video with multiple carbon monoxide detectors on this issue inside of a tent. To see what the real answer is. Happy camping.
My CO detector has a switch giving you the option of tent vs house. Costs and extra $5 but worth the flexibility.
mike naples cool can you post what the name of it is? Where to buy? Thanks
@@fredbear205 Fred Bear, Sorry I was being facetious, a CO detector does not know where it is and works the same regardless.
What's with the lame dance-party music in the background? Is this about camping or glamping?
It’s about staying warm.
What is with the brain washing music?
Sorry you did not like it. Thank you for your feedback.