There is something special about getting away from everything for a few days. No busy roads, no neighbours, no notifications, and no schedule. Just your truck, tent, camper, or van, a good campsite, and whatever you brought with you.
The only problem is that temperatures can drop quickly once the sun goes down.
An afternoon that feels comfortable can turn into a very cold night, especially in the mountains or during late fall and winter. If you’re planning to spend more time off the grid, staying warm needs to be part of your preparation.
Fortunately, you don’t need to give up the adventure just because the weather gets colder. With the right clothing, sleeping gear, shelter, and a reliable source of heat, you can stay comfortable long after most campers have packed up for the season.
Start With a Good Shelter
Before thinking about heaters, look at the space you’re trying to keep warm.
A well-insulated tent, camper, van, rooftop tent, or shelter will hold heat much better than an exposed or poorly insulated setup. Seal obvious gaps where cold air can get in, use an appropriate sleeping system, and make sure your shelter is suitable for the weather you’re expecting.
The smaller and better insulated the space, the easier it is to keep warm.
This is also where a portable diesel heater can make a big difference. Instead of trying to heat an entire outdoor area, you can direct warm air into an enclosed shelter where you’re actually spending your time.
Dress for the Conditions
It sounds obvious, but good clothing is still one of the most important parts of staying warm outdoors.
Dress in layers rather than relying on one heavy jacket. Keep your hands, feet, and head warm, and bring dry clothing in case the weather changes.
It’s also worth remembering that staying dry is just as important as staying warm. Wet clothing can make a cold evening much more uncomfortable, particularly when you’re several kilometres away from the nearest town.
A heater can make your shelter comfortable, but it shouldn’t replace proper cold-weather clothing and preparation.
Don’t Forget About Condensation
One of the less enjoyable parts of cold-weather camping is waking up to a damp tent or condensation inside your shelter.
Breathing, wet clothing, cooking, and temperature differences can all introduce moisture into the space. Good ventilation and appropriate camping practices can help manage it.
Portable diesel heaters are particularly useful because they provide dry heat. Planar’s portable diesel heaters are designed as self-contained forced-air heating systems, with the heater itself outside the heated area and warm air delivered through ducting.
Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and make sure the heater, exhaust, air intake, and ducting are installed and positioned correctly.
Bring a Reliable Source of Heat
For serious off-grid camping, a portable heater can turn a cold campsite into a much more comfortable place to spend the night.
Planar portable diesel heaters are designed specifically for situations where you need mobile heat. They come in rugged, rain-resistant cases and run on diesel or kerosene with 12V DC power, making them suitable for many off-grid setups.
Planar offers several portable options depending on how and where you camp.
Planar 2D-12V
The Planar 2D-12V produces between 0.8 and 2.0 kW of heat and is a compact option for smaller spaces. It’s designed for applications including campers, vans, tents, motorhomes, and ice-fishing huts.
If you have a smaller camping setup and don’t need a large amount of heat, this can be a practical option.
Planar 4D-12V
The 4D-12V steps up the heating capacity to 4 kW and is designed for larger spaces and more demanding applications. It can be used for campers, vans, tents, motorhomes, ice-fishing huts, and other outdoor setups.
For people who spend a lot of time camping in colder conditions or have a larger shelter, having more heating capacity can make a noticeable difference.
Planar ARCTIC 4D-12
If you’re heading into seriously cold conditions, the ARCTIC 4D-12 is built for more demanding environments. It is designed to operate in temperatures down to -45°C and at altitudes up to approximately 3,000 metres. It also comes in a rugged, crushproof, rain-resistant case.
That makes it particularly interesting for winter expeditions, remote camping, overlanding, and other situations where the weather isn’t something you can take lightly.
Think About Your Power Supply
Because portable diesel heaters still require electrical power to operate their blower and fuel system, you’ll need to consider how you’ll power yours.
Depending on your setup, that could mean a vehicle battery, auxiliary battery, portable power system, or another suitable 12V source.
Before heading into the backcountry, test everything at home. Make sure you understand the controls, know how your power setup performs, and have enough fuel and battery capacity for your trip.
It’s much easier to discover a problem in your driveway than at a remote campsite in the middle of the night.
Bring More Fuel Than You Think You’ll Need
Cold weather isn’t the time to run your fuel supply down to the last litre.
Plan your expected heater runtime and bring enough fuel for the trip, with some extra capacity for unexpected weather or longer nights.
Planar’s portable heaters are designed with fuel efficiency in mind. For example, the 2D-12V has a listed fuel consumption of approximately 0.10–0.24 litres per hour, while the ARCTIC 4D-12 lists approximately 0.12–0.5 litres per hour depending on operating conditions.
Actual consumption will depend on the heater, operating level, temperature, insulation, and other conditions.
Prepare for the Worst, Enjoy the Best
Off-grid camping is about being prepared without overcomplicating things.
Check the weather before you leave. Bring suitable clothing and sleeping gear. Make sure your shelter is ready for the conditions. Carry enough food, water, fuel, and power. And make sure you know how your heating equipment works before you need it.
Once everything is sorted, you can enjoy the best part of cold-weather camping: quiet nights, empty trails, crisp mornings, and places that most people never see.
A little preparation can make the difference between spending the night wishing you had stayed home and waking up ready for another day outside.
Ready to Stay Warm Off the Grid?
Planar offers several portable diesel heater options for camping, overlanding, vans, tents, motorhomes, and other off-grid adventures. Explore our portable diesel heaters online and find the model that fits your setup.
Warmth Wherever the Adventure Takes You with Planar Portable Diesel Heaters
Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or heading deep into the backcountry for a longer adventure, Planar portable diesel heaters can help you stay comfortable when temperatures drop. Shop our portable diesel heaters online, or if you’re local, stop by our shop and see the options in person. Not local? Visit our Dealers page to find a Planar dealer near you.
