Howdy folks! I was laying in bed one night thinking about how much I hate winter, and a test series was born: four different ways to heat the Tramper, each one measured the same way — curtain down, thermometer out, temperature checks every 15 minutes. I do all this testing so you don't have to. Each test below has its own full video; here's the whole series in one place, with the real numbers.
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Method 1: Firebricks (The Zero-Power Experiment)
The experiment that started the series: a DIY radiant heater built from firebricks, a metal bucket, sand, and metal rods (almost all of it from Tractor Supply). Heat the bricks on the campfire for about an hour, load them into the bucket, and bring them inside.
The numbers: on a ~30°F night, starting at 34°F inside, the bricks brought the Tramper to 47°F at 18 minutes and 51°F at 31 minutes — then back down to 47°F by the one-hour mark. The verdict: you're not going to freeze to death, but it's emergency-grade warmth, not something to rely on as your only heat.
Method 2: Mr. Heater Portable Buddy (Propane)
Tested on a brutal day — 9°F outside. The Portable Buddy runs on 1-lb propane cylinders (4,000 BTU on low, 9,000 on high), and it goes through them quick on high, so I refill mine from a 20-lb tank with an adapter. Buying propane in bulk: so much cheaper.
The numbers: starting at about 24°F inside with 11°F outside, it hit 45°F at 18 minutes, 52°F at 30, 57°F at 45, and a downright cozy 65°F at the one-hour mark. This little thing is a beast — it's my go-to heat source off-grid. Non-negotiable safety: open the roof vent, crack a window for airflow, keep clearance in front, and run a carbon monoxide detector. Think of the detector as insurance — mine has never once registered anything, but get one if you don't want to die.
Method 3: Pelonis Oil-Filled Radiator (Electric)
An electric option I already loved for supplemental heat in the house office. It has three settings — 600W low, 900W medium, 1500W high — and I ran it on low, because at 1500W the Bluetti wouldn't last long at all.
The numbers: 23°F outside, starting at 47°F inside. At 15 minutes: 56°F with the Bluetti already down to 81%. At 30 minutes: 62°F and 69%. Around the hour mark it reached 66°F — with the Bluetti at 47%. The verdict: it heats well, but off a power station it's not viable for overnight. If you're plugged into shore power at a campground, though? Run it all night — no open flame, no propane condensation.
Method 4: Honeywell Surround Heater (Electric)
The series finale: a compact Honeywell Surround heater (just under 1500W on high — I ran it on low), with a full hour of Bluetti drain data so you can see exactly what electric heat costs in battery.
The numbers: 22°F outside, 32°F inside at the start, Bluetti at 100%. At 15 minutes: 50°F and 83%. At 30: 57°F and 71%. At 45: 61°F and 59%. At one hour: 65°F and 44%. Same conclusion as the Pelonis — great heat, but depending on a power station to stay warm overnight in real cold means you'd be warm for an hour and in trouble after. The video also features the tiny 200W Lasko My Heat: not enough to warm the whole cap, but parked next to you on shore power it'll keep you comfortable with very little fire risk.
The Gear From This Series
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy
Propane heat, no power station required.
Pelonis Oil-Filled Radiator
Slow, steady, silent electric heat.
Honeywell Surround Heat
Compact ceramic heater — tested for real power draw.
Lasko My Heat Personal Heater
A tiny low-watt option also featured in the series.
Bluetti AC200 Series Power Station
What powered the electric heaters in these tests (links to the current AC200PL).
Fire Starters & Flex Wand Lighter
Used in the firebrick experiment (and every campfire since).
Which One Wins?
Off-grid, it's not close: the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy is the champion — fastest warm-up, best final temperature, and no battery anxiety. The electric heaters are excellent if you have shore power, and the firebricks are a no-fuel emergency fallback. And there may be a sequel: a diesel heater is waiting in the wings for a future install and test — possibly the ultimate solution. Subscribe so you don't miss it.
More experiments from the Tramper
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▶ Subscribe on YouTubeDisclaimer: The information provided in this article and its video is for entertainment/educational purposes only. By following any advice from this article, video, or any provided links, you do so at your own risk. Please consult with a professional before attempting any construction, plumbing or electrical work.