When most people think of camping in Australia – hot and dusty conditions tend to spring to mind, however for much of the country, especially in the south, the temperature and conditions can be a long way from this, even in spring and autumn.
While people tend to camp less in the cold or wintery conditions, there are still plenty of people that do and they need a way to stay warm that does not rely solely on campfires.
Campfires and fire pits are great, but they can be a fire hazard all year round, produce unwanted smoke and require foraging or buying wood for fuel. Not every place will allow a fire, even in winter.
Never fear, there is always a camping solution at hand and in this list, we have several different heaters for you to keep yourself warm and toasty when the weather is decidedly cold. Whether it’s inside or outside, we have you covered with the best portable camping and tent heaters in Australia.
| Companion Portable LP Gas Camp Heater | Companion Portable Propane Heater | Companion Radiant Gas Heater | Camec 12V Mini Fan Heater | Coghlans Disposable Hand Warmer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Pick  |  | Best Value  |  |  | |
41H x 38W x 19D cm | 45H x 34W x 20D cm | 20.6W x 12D x 28.5H cm | 20H x 7L x29 H cm | 10L x 6W x 0.5H cm | |
Steel | Steel, plastic | Stainless steel, chrome-plated, aluminium | Plastic, ceramic | Iron, Vermiculate, Carbon, Sodium chloride, water | |
LPG / Propane | LPG / Propane | LPG / Propane | 12V DC | Chemical | |
227 g/hr | 104-153 g/hr | 116 g/hr | N/A | 1 packet = 6 hours | |
Piezo | Piezo | Piezo | Switch | Squeeze packet | |
4.2 kg | 4.2 kg | 0.520 kg | 0.500 kg | 0.040 kg | |
1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | N/A |
Best Portable Camping & Tent Heaters Australia
Companion Portable LP Gas Camp Heater
Our Pick
When you want to get warm fast or are routinely camping in very cold places then the Companion Portable LP Gas Camp heater has few equals. This absolute beast of a heater runs twice the heat (and uses twice the fuel) of any other heater on this list.
As a result, you can warm up outdoor spaces such as a gazebo, or awning fast and keep it that way until you retire to bed. Like other gas heaters, it's dangerous to use this one inside due to carbon monoxide poisoning so it is designed to give you max heat outdoors.
The best way to use this is to have a 'wall' behind you and the Companion LP Gas heater in front of you and it will act as a campfire, reflecting heat back at you from behind.
Customer reviews are almost all very positive as this heater is just so hot and very easy to use. The only negative was that use in high winds can produce some issues with the heater not staying lit.
This high-intensity heater is the perfect one for very cold conditions where you may not be allowed to have a fire and for getting things hot and toasty right outside your tent or caravan.
Companion Portable Propane Heater
Honourable Mention
Next in line from Companion is the Portable Propane heater. This is a very similar priced model to the one above, identical weight and almost the same dimensions. Where this heater differs is in its energy output and fuel use – which are both significantly less.
This means in very cold conditions, this would be more of a personal heater or its best use is for those weather conditions where it’s cold at night, but not freezing. It is used in exactly the same way, outside your tent or caravan as the LP Gas heater, it’s just not quite as hot (but only uses half the fuel).
Customer reviews are all very positive with most people loving this heater both in a camping setting and for use in their garages or for outdoor events at home. The only negative is a connection issue with some gas bottles that appears to be very minor.
While this heater won't melt the snow around you, it will keep things warm around your campsite on chilly nights.
Companion Radiant Gas Heater
Best Value
Here is a heater that has gone back to basics to save you money and still keep your campsite or outdoor area warm. The Companion Radiant gas heater is a simple design of a concave aluminium reflector and a mesh burner that sits right on top of your gas bottle.
Simply screw it on, aim it, and light it up. This heater produces the same heat and uses the same fuel as the Portable Propane Heater above, but at half the cost and 1/10th of the weight.
This means you could have several of them on small gas bottles around your campsite creating a warm outdoor space in the middle.
Customer reviews are very positive due to the low cost, very low weight and simplicity of use. If using a single unit then this will keep a space for two or three people warm, but won’t heat up a large area. This is a great buy if you don’t intend on camping too much in the cold or to take with you for emergencies.
Camec 12V Mini Fan Heater
Best For Small Spaces
Gas burners are great at being instant and hot heaters, but they can only be used outside. For those looking for some extra heat inside their tent if the sleeping bags are not good enough, then an electric heater like the Camec 12V Mini fan heater may be what you are looking for.
This mini heater is designed for small tents next to a car or a room in a caravan. As it requires a 12V connection to a vehicle (making it a battery-powered heater for camping) this would not be suitable for hikers.
Along with warming up your tent, this heater is also great at defrosting your icy windshields on frosty mornings in five mins or so.
Customer reviews are mostly satisfactory, but this heater really only warms up small spaces, is not effective outdoors at all and requires power.
It is on the budget-friendly side and the Camec 12V mini fan heater works well in the conditions it was made for. If you camp infrequently in cold weather and close to your car – then this may be suitable for your needs.
Coghlans Disposable Hand Warmer
Best For Hiking
Last, but certainly not least, is the Coghlan’s Disposable Hand Warmer. This in effect is a small plastic packet filled with chemicals that you activate by squeezing and shaking, it warms up quickly and stays warm for about 6 hours.
This product will not heat your campsite, but in a pinch it can be used to keep you warm in your tent.
It will warm your hands and feet inside your sleeping bag or when getting ready to set up camp in bitterly cold conditions. This product really is more for an emergency than routine use (unless you love to hike in snowy conditions).
Customer reviews are mostly positive when used correctly – inside your gloves.
They really are designed for minimal use and are worthy inclusions to first aid or survival kits where you may get caught out and need to get your hands warm fast so you can use them to light a fire for example.
These chemical warmers are best for emergency use.
What To Look For When Buying A Portable Camping Heater
Before locking in purchase, consider the key points below to make sure you end up with the right unit for your needs.
How will I use it?
The first consideration when purchasing a portable heater for camping is – what is it I really need? If you like to keep warm and even cook with campfires, in places that allow campfires, then you may not even need one.
If you camp in the snow or in a campground that doesn't allow fires then the gas-powered heavy-duty Companion Portable LP Gas Camp Heater is what you need to stay warm.
Easter camping by a river or lake can bring warm sunny days and colder nights and one of the two Companion heaters: the Portable Propane and Radiant gas heaters could be what you are after to get the campsite warm on chilly nights.
If you sleep next to your car in a swag or personal tent in cold conditions then the small electric Camec 12V mini fan heater might be all you need.
Gas or electric?
One of the joys of camping can be sitting around a nice warm fire with your friends. This is not always allowed or possible however and if you still want to camp, then you will need alternative ways to get warm.
We often have gas bottles with us for camping – for use in cooking and showers, so having another product to attach and use with a gas bottle could be very straightforward.
Gas is great, it’s instant and warm-up spaces fast, however, due to the consumption of oxygen and production of carbon monoxide, these burners must always be used outdoors.
You can still have an awning with an open side or a gazebo with an open side, but if using it with a roof, there must be ample airflow and ventilation to prevent any issues.
Electric heaters require a power source like a car battery or mains power, but they can safely be used inside a tent, caravan or even a sleeping bag.
They are often not as hot, especially battery-powered heaters like the Camec 12V Mini Fan heater and tend to be more of a one-person heater due to their minimal output.
The chemical style of heater really should only be used in an emergency or by long-distance hikers or trekkers. They are perfect for emergencies due to their lightweight, low cost and long-lasting effects.
Portable Camping Heater FAQ
Which type of heater is safe to use in a tent? Can I use a gas heater?
Only electric or chemical heaters can be used in a small space such as a tent. A gas heater will slowly burn the oxygen in your tent, starving you of it. Worse, it will replace it with carbon monoxide, the same chemicals in the exhaust of your car that can sink below any oxygen inside our tent.
The results of this gas imbalance from normal air inside our tent can cause us to pass out and if not attended to – asphyxiate and potentially die. It’s best to use the gas to keep you warm outside and nice sleeping bags, electric fans or chemical heaters to keep you warm inside your tent.
Final Thoughts
Camping in cold conditions can be challenging, especially in areas where you cannot light a campfire.
Outdoor gas heaters like the Radiant from Companion are perfect for replicating a fire's heat outside your tent while being safe and convenient at the same time.
Having a small electric heater in your vehicle in case you get caught out or some chemical packets in your first aid kit for emergencies are also not bad ideas.
Have any questions? Leave a comment below!
