Mr. Buddy Heater Question - Outdoor Use, Dispersed Camping

[Nickel]

Looking for Mr. Buddy heater feedback.

I made a foolish mistake this past week and went dispersed camping at 8,000 feet in the Santa Rosa Mountains in Southern CA and it was much colder than I expected. Daytime didn't get above 45, but luckily nightime only dropped to low 30's. I also neglected to pack anything heavier than a light fleece pullover - how I don't know I mentally pictured myself packing a heavier jacket and when I was setting up camp I was kicking myself. Needless to say I spend most of my time trying to stay warm.

I do have an Ignik Propane fire-pit but with the wind it was nearly useless for warmth.

What are peoples experiences with Mr. Buddy Heaters and outdoor use with some wind? I carry a 20 pound propane tank (5 gallons) so I am not worried about propane usage. Wondering if because it is a radiant, directional heat if the Mr. Buddy heaters are good for outdoor use in wind. I was miserable half the time trying to stay warm and would easily be happy bringing a Mr. Buddy and leaving the Ignik at home in the cooler months.

PS - No intent on using this inside a tent or camper.

 

[Overlanding Lawyer]

I ditched the buddy heater and went to a cheap Chinese diesel heater and it’s a little bit more complicated, but I like the dry air instead of the condensation of running the Buddy heater. I think the fan’s good you’re gonna go with it. Keep that air moving.

 

[rgallant]

Layer, no heater is going to keep you warm outside, a long time ago in my military Winter warfare the favored line was : You will never be warm but should not be cold.

Moving around helps but it is really about clothing choices and layers, feet, head ,and hands in particular.

 

[shrdt]

As already stated, the Buddy Heater is not going to help outdoors. If you want heat inside a tent then I would recommend a diesel heater. For outdoor heat nothing beats a wood fire. You can use a propane fire pit but it will not produce the heat as a wood fire.

 

[grubworm]

I ditched the buddy heater and went to a cheap Chinese diesel heater and it’s a little bit more complicated, but I like the dry air instead of the condensation of running the Buddy heater. I think the fan’s good you’re gonna go with it. Keep that air moving.

same here. started off with a buddy heater in a tear drop camper and the condensate would run down the walls and soak things. i did a cargo trailer conversion and went with a diesel heater in there and really like it. we still take the buddy heater if its not too cold and just use it to take off the chill in the morning when getting up. the buddy heater is just too easy to take and use where the diesel heater requires a 12v power supply and an exhaust port and can be a bit of a pain in the ass not to mention it sounds like a turbo charger when running the fan at high speed.

if its that cold out...i'll just go inside and warm up. no need sitting outside in the cold freezing if i dont have to...

 

[Speric]

If you want to be warm outside, you'll need a fire and/or layers. If it's windy, create a windbreak using your vehicle or rocks or anything you can stack. Also depending on how windy, I probably wouldn't make a wood fire due to wildfire danger. This is where your Ignik fire pit comes in handy. I've used a Buddy Heater outside and you almost have to be on top of it to stay warm, and that was when it was only in the 50s. It's better than nothing, but may not really do what you want it to do for very long.

 

[Nickel]

Thanks everyone. Southern CA, camp fires at this time of year are a no-no currently. Appreciate the feedback on the Mr. Buddy outside.

 

[Innkeeper 41]

Could get a bag of Hot-Hands for the pockets. Also, as you became aware, fleece is not good as an outer layer. Get a Goretex shell for an outer layer.

 

[Nickel]

Could get a bag of Hot-Hands for the pockets. Also, as you became aware, fleece is not good as an outer layer. Get a Goretex shell for an outer layer.

Ya I've got a stash on hand warmers and body warmers (that you stick to your skin). I screwed up and forgot to pack a warmer jacket with wind breaking capabilities.

Live and Learn! I could have sworn I packed the jacket!

 

[Innkeeper 41]

Ya I've got a stash on hand warmers and body warmers (that you stick to your skin). I screwed up and forgot to pack a warmer jacket with wind breaking capabilities.

Live and Learn! I could have sworn I packed the jacket!

Similar experience here back in '15 while riding the Concours 14. I was nnw of Lake Isabel in, or near, the Sequoia National Park and came from DV two days earlier. It was overcast and not real warm. Set up camp where their well went dry that day, and then rode down the road in search of something for dinner at a general store. Got back to camp with what was for dinner just before dark. All through the night I kept adding clothing trying to get warm so I could sleep. Never really happened. Got up at first light and broke camp. It was June and adventure planning indicated good temps. As I rode away from the campground, things began to warm. About 45 minutes later I was out from under the trees and realized I had descended quite a bit. I didn't realize the climb to the campground the day before, but I had to have been around 9k feet.

 

[PenelopePatterson]

Looking for Mr. Buddy heater feedback.

I made a foolish mistake this past week and went dispersed camping at 8,000 feet in the Santa Rosa Mountains in Southern CA and it was much colder than I expected. Daytime didn't get above 45, but luckily nightime only dropped to low 30's. I also neglected to pack anything heavier than a light fleece pullover - how I don't know I mentally pictured myself packing a heavier jacket and when I was setting up camp I was kicking myself. Needless to say I spend most of my time trying to stay warm.

I do have an Ignik Propane fire-pit but with the wind it was nearly useless for warmth.

What are peoples experiences with Mr. Buddy Heaters and outdoor use with some wind? I carry a 20 pound propane tank (5 gallons) so I am not worried about propane usage. Wondering if because it is a radiant, directional heat if the Mr. Buddy heaters are good for outdoor use in wind. I was miserable half the time trying to stay warm and would easily be happy bringing a Mr. Buddy and leaving the Ignik at home in the cooler months.

PS - No intent on using this inside a tent or camper.

I feel you.