Picture this: a cool evening under the stars, the gentle crackle of a wood-burning stove, and your bell tent radiating warmth and comfort. Hot tenting with a wood-burning stove transforms camping into a cosy, luxurious experience—whether it’s a frosty winter morning or a brisk spring night. Beyond just warmth, a wood-burning stove creates a welcoming ambience, lets you cook delicious meals, and provides an energy-efficient heat source, all while adapting to various weather conditions.
Let’s explore how to set up your hot tent, the benefits of a wood-burning stove, and—most importantly—how to stay safe.
Why Hot Tenting is Perfect for Year-Round Comfort
Hot tenting is more than a solution for winter camping. With a wood-burning stove, it enhances any outdoor adventure, making chilly evenings and mornings a delight. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
A Cosy and Inviting Atmosphere
A wood-burning stove creates a warm, glowing environment inside your bell tent, making it the perfect retreat. The soft flicker of the fire adds a sense of calm, turning your tent into a snug haven for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Comfort on Chilly Evenings
Whether it’s a crisp autumn evening or a fresh spring night, a wood-burning stove ensures you stay warm without piling on layers. It makes slightly cold nights enjoyable and lets you camp comfortably, even when temperatures dip unexpectedly.
Cook Delicious, Warm Meals Inside
A wood-burning stove isn’t just a heat source—it’s also a great way to cook delicious meals. From simmering a pot of soup to brewing a cup of tea, having a stove in your tent means you can prepare warm food without stepping into the cold.
Energy-Efficient and Reliable Heating
Wood-burning stoves are highly efficient and don’t rely on electricity, making them perfect for remote locations. You can source fuel (firewood) locally, reducing the need to carry extra supplies.
Consistent Heat in Any Weather
Unlike campfires, the enclosed design of wood-burning stove makes it easy to light and maintain, even in damp or windy conditions. Once lit, it provides steady, reliable warmth for hours.
How to Set Up a Hot Tent with a Wood-Burning Stove
Setting up a hot tent is straightforward when you have the right equipment. At Karma Canvas, we offer everything you need to get started, from durable bell tents to efficient wood-burning stoves and camping accessories. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Choose the Right Bell Tent
A sturdy, weather-resistant bell tent is the foundation of a successful hot tenting setup. Karma Canvas PRO Mesh bell tents are designed with pre-installed stove jacks, making them perfect for use with wood-burning stoves. Our other tents can be easily modified to accommodate a stove and full instructions are provided.
Choose the right Stove
Not all stoves are created equal. Our stoves are specifically designed to be used inside a bell tent. Our stoves were the first and are still the only tent stoves to feature a secondary burn function. This feature is normally only found on larger stoves and improves the efficiency of the burn and produces less smoke.
Install Your Stove Safely
Place your wood-burning stove on a heat-resistant mat inside your tent. Ensure it’s on a flat, stable surface and at least 750mm away from flammable materials like bedding or clothing. Securely connect the stove pipe to the stove jack, using a flashing kit and double insulated flue to safely use a stove with this tent. Ensure the chimney sections are pushed together to create a smoke proof seal.
Prepare Your Firewood
Use dry, seasoned firewood to minimise smoke and maximise heat efficiency. Keep a small stack of firewood and kindling nearby, but ensure it’s far enough away from the stove to remain safe.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Good ventilation is crucial. Initially the stove will require plenty of fresh air to ignite. As the fire gets hotter, our stoves allow you to restrict the airflow to improve the duration and efficiency of the burn. When lighting the stove,open the ventilation flaps in your tent to maintain airflow, prevent condensation, and reduce the risk of harmful gases.
Add Accessories for Comfort
Enhance your hot tent setup with practical and stylish touches. Matting or thermal liners help insulate the tent, while rugs, cushions, and cosy sleeping gear create a comfortable and inviting space. Karma Canvas offers a range of accessories to make your camping experience luxurious and practical.
Safety Tips for Hot Tenting with a Wood-Burning Stove
While hot tenting offers many benefits, safety should always come first. Follow these tips to stay safe:
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Always use the stove jack to vent the chimney outside the tent. Keep ventilation flaps open to maintain airflow and prevent carbon monoxide build-up.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Bring a portable carbon monoxide detector. It alerts you to dangerous gas levels, ensuring peace of mind while using your stove.
Never Leave the Stove Unattended
Never leave your stove burning while you’re sleeping or away from the tent. Extinguish the fire completely before going to bed or leaving the campsite.
Keep Flammables Away
Position the stove at least a metre away from flammable items, including bedding, clothing, and tent walls. Use a heat shield or mat underneath for extra protection.
Control the Fire Size
Avoid overloading the stove with wood. A small, consistent fire is safer and more manageable than a roaring blaze.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of sand, or fire blanket within reach. Being prepared will help you relax and enjoy the experience.
Your Shopping List for Hot Tenting
To make setting up your hot tent as easy as possible, here’s a checklist of essential gear to get you started:
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Wood-Burning Stove
Canvas offers a selection of reliable and efficient wood-burning stoves suitable for various tent sizes. -
PRO Mesh Bell Tent with Stove Exit
This tent is designed for use with a wood-burning stove, featuring a pre-installed stove exit for safe chimney ventilation. Alternatively, the Wanderer or Iconic tent models are suitable if you're comfortable cutting the stove exit hole yourself. -
Flashing Kit
A crucial component for safely installing a stove in your tent, the flashing kit creates a secure, heat-resistant seal around the chimney pipe, preventing leaks and protecting your tent fabric. -
Double Insulated Flue
A double insulated flue protects the flashing kit and prolongs its lifespan by reducing heat transfer and preventing damage to your tent's fabric. -
Flameproof Heat Mat
Placing a flameproof heat mat under your stove safeguards your tent's flooring from heat exposure and potential sparks.
Optional Extra:
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3-Litre Water Heater
Enhance your camping comfort with a 3-litre water heater that attaches to your stove, providing a continuous supply of hot water for tea or filling hot water bottles.
Final Thoughts
Hot tenting with a wood-burning stove is more than just a way to stay warm—it’s a unique camping experience that combines comfort, practicality, and a touch of luxury.
With Karma Canvas’s premium range of bell tents, wood-burning stoves, and camping accessories, you’ll have everything you need for safe and enjoyable hot tenting. Explore our collection today and start planning your next adventure!
