I know Wes camps “at the highest level” just like his writing. Maybe we should all pay for a tutorial on just the right amount of zipping the windows down.
When I zip my windows down in the rain, it comes in and lands on me. Clearly I’m doing it wrong.
With that being said, I did buy a 12v Sealy heated blanket for my wife on Amazon that was a pretty great deal and worked awesome last night.
Just know if you aren’t a professional it won’t solve your condensation issues.
You guys must not know “how to camp” though…I mean it’s not like you live and do this full time.
So, reading back. It looks like you are laying on top of the mattress pad, correct?
Does this not trap the heat when under a blanket or sleeping bag?
I am really trying to understand, I mean I bought a heating blanket and plan to use it underneath us anyhow. I find using a small fan has been really helpful in the window vents.
Yes, the Igniks heat is largely radiating into the sleeping bag and your body. That’s what makes this style of heat so efficient. But there’s enough additional heat being radiated into the sleeping space that, in addition to your body heat, you’re increasing pressure vs outside.
Versus el cheapo heated blankets, the Ignik is going to offer these benefits:
This is also a good solution for people looking for additional comfort without losing easy use of floor panels. The most comfortable sleeping pads (exped Megamat and knockoffs) are so good because they combine open cell foam and stabilized air. Gfc already gives you the foam, just just adding 1.5 inches of stabilized air in the form of a self inflating sleeping pad delivers equivalent comfort without the bulk/hassle/expense of trying to squeeze a Megamat into your camper.
Oh, and obviously open your vents a few inches. Took this photo in my driveway and the sun was glaring off the Land Cruiser’s windshield. Still can’t believe people complaining about ventilation don’t somehow draw a connection with the presence of operable vents.
Obviously this is grossly unethical and the exact opposite of everything this community stands for, but here’s deets on that cargo net, now that I’m on my computer:
Net (this is for my standard width camper, if you have an XL you may want a wider one): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BC9CS49/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Novelty carabiners: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HPW6M1R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
T-Slot connections: I used Lumbering Bear “percha” ones, which are solid loops, not hooks, but don’t see those on his website anymore. I previous tried this with his hooks, but the bungee net would snap loose. I’d email him: https://www.lumberingbearadventuregear.com/
Great/versatile storage solution. Strong enough to hold my Glock 20 and holster, out of the way enough that you forget it’s there.
Woh-- This guy is a bit late to the party, not sure I wanna stay tho.
I saw the topic title last week, and admittedly I moved along to others as I’m genuinely not very interested in gadgets like this at the moment. That might be my lacking budget talking, but it’s mainly due to my distaste for the all consuming consumerism that has become the overland/car/truck camping space. So while this response isn’t tagging or directed at anyone in particular, I’m certain that if it offends you… well maybe you’ll get the rub and try a different approach.
Now, I’m sure this Ignik doodad of a sleeping pad is just killer and could heat my whole apartment in the right hands, but I’m also convinced the folks rocking $250 - $1400 heating systems are probably just as, or maybe even happier. The latter seems more versatile on paper in my opinion, but that’s just like… my opinion man. Either option sounds great, and kudos to the folks getting 'em free or with budgets to max out for ultra-comfy-camping. Who cares tho, unless you care, right?
That said, this is quite the spoicy thread, eh? Like you, I’m pretty sure I’m human, and I’ve certainly had many moments of regret due to frustration or passion getting the best of my emotions. Had one last week, and while seemingly justified, my approach was absolute trash and was NOT my best look.
So while I’m not here to provide you with the latest and greatest on how to prevent the condensation in your GFC (plenty of topics on that front), I’m here to remind you that words can either plant seeds of growth, or burn down the whole forest.
Just some suggestions on how to be less of an asshole from someone who regrets how often he can be one. I’m working on it too, so feel free to join me… or don’t.
(Sorry for any typos btw, I wrote this while wet and cold. Please send diesel heaters and heating pads.)
These are pretty legit it’s not a sleeping pad but I got a heated vest you just use a small power block…
idk how long it last sleeping in it though…you could buy a few cheap power blocks and might last you the night.
I’m still testing my set up but a got a heater so it’s more just a thing I use for the morning…I could see sleeping in it with a good sleeping bag.
They make cheep Chinese one to try out .
This plus a hoodie and a good sleeping bag might do the trick for your set up… keep a couple extra power banks in the pockets…wake up and have the warm on you vs getting out a warm bed to cold.could try a cheap pocket power bank then upgrade to a better on for sleeping
I do own a Dewalt heated jacket and will say the Chinese vest it just as warm if not warmer and it’s a tighter fit so it’s better I think to be warm warm sleeping.
What wattage does it put out? What are run times? What’s the area covered by the wire matrix?
In general, ask those questions about any item of heated gear.
Idk I got a heater so I don’t sleep with it… but just Google heated vest and it should have the info…
But u basically just use a pocket power bank so you just have to test them out with a bigger one…more than likely you could get it to run all night.
It covers the back definitely be comfortable with a hoodie and legit sleeping bag. Just a idea for him. They got heated socks to pretty legit I used them for working… again though you got to Google it to find all that info.
So most of this stuff heats to 10 watts or less. That’s actually pretty nice in certain roles (I love my OR heated mittens), but for comparison, the pad heats to 5 times that. <10 watts isn’t really enough to feel, and you can often achieve the same warmth/weight/space just through non powered clothing. This works for hands/feet pretty well since it can be harder to insulate those areas.
All these Chinese heated brands are also notorious for failure. And that failure can get a little nasty if it involves melting or flame.
Wow. This is over the top. It doesn’t surprise me that wes_siler drives a Land Cruiser, as this whole thread feels like TW. Hopefully this is just a normally helpful dude that just got off to a rocky start with some strong suggestions. Dunno. I like the calm and helpful demeanor of the GFC forum.
Peace.
Totally. But while far from ideal, there’s still a significant difference between intentional product design from a well-reputed outdoors brand building stuff with good QC, and just cheap AliBaba trash.
Just checking in to see how everyone’s doing in terms of learning to camp. Everyone doing ok? Hope you’re all learning good and stuff.
I’m new to the party, but I think the dudes attacking you are doing so because in your logic you throw in “and I know how to ventilate a tent” - which, whether intentional or not, lends the reader to think that you assume anyone with a different solution lacks that simple ability. I have no skin in the game, but I do see why someone threw a dart at you. Hey, don’t stab me. I’m just trying to help. We also ventilate our tent properly, however condensation does build to some extent when conditions are just right. It was not the main reason for getting a heater, as our solution to morning condensation was simply to open up the vents, let the wind blow for an hour while making breakfast, and VOILA, dry tent to pack down. Turns out humidity in the mountains is usually fairly nonexistent. If we lived in the SE, or PNW, well… different calculus.
On a side note, I am curious about heated blankets… However in our situation an all-in-one diesel heater has proven quite simple, reliable, hassle-free and incredibly good at drying gear and maintaining a moisture-free tent. Yes, it’s in a Pelican case and was “$1400” but everyone has a different budget, different priorities, different concept of what is “expensive” and what is not. We also enjoy hanging out in the space sometimes in winter time, so piping heat into the bed is very nice.
If we had a lower budget, we would have stuck with something like the Mr. Buddy and a heated blanket, bc even in the teens at 10k feet you can have a cozy night sleeping in a tent - if you have enough sleeping bags and a warm mammal next to you (or two). 
I am a big fan of technology and the constant push forward.
On that note, “making the diesel heater work” did not require any hoops. Plug it in, turn it on, twist the dial… and it does dry gear in a very short amount of time… perhaps faster, maybe much faster, than hanging gear in the sun… but both are adequate solutions. One isn’t necessarily better. I lied. For back-to-back splitboarding days in the San Juans, the diesel heater is better. You simply lack the direct sunlight for enough hrs to dry gear appropriately. The heater solved that for us.
I think it also depends on perspective. Specifically, which direction were you coming from when you installed your GFC? If you were a wheeler, crawler, overlander, big rig camper… getting big, slightly heavy, units to throw in the truck camper may still seem quite minimal and simplistic.
IF you came from backpacking and now have a GFC, a diesel heater and big, heavy boxes may seem to you like having a 5th wheel with a Honda gas generator… so… perspective matters.
Our goal was to have a GFC with basically every “main” feature you can get in a pull-behind, but fully modular, minimalist (relative to actual campers), while maintaining full ability to shuttle bikes and kayaks on crap roads for epic descents. Every situation is different. We refurbished an old pull-behind, sold it, and used the extra $ for the nicer pieces we felt would enhance our experience - such as the Planar / Pelican “all in one” heater. No fuss, no mess, no leaks. Strap it down, hit the road. We also spent a decade on the road, traveling the west, climbing, paddling, pedaling, hiking and spending weeks on end in tents between assignments… we just didn’t have Instagram to share it all 
AAAAND since that decade on the road, we’ve lived in the mtns on the western slope of CO… where everyone knows how to play outside and nobody subscribes to a single outdoor magazine. I kid… some people are still very into the consumerism of the outdoor industry, even out here. What can you do? Many different strokes for many different folks.
Just don’t assume that anyone “not” in the heated blanket camp lacks basic knowledge of how to position a tent in the wind and/or how to ventilate. The Venturi Effect, for example, is not a secret, any more than Boyle’s law… Assuming someone in the “burn that gas” camp is lacking knowledge will get you in a pickle sometimes.
IMHO, if anyone is asking, many people lack proper heated blankets bc the older systems had massive power draws & they were a bit bulky and heavy… not to mention the risk of electrical fires. I am sure the new ones are much better. I would also ask, out of curiousity, what is the average size battery in useful Ah for the GFC crew reading this thread (with popcorn) and what is the average hourly draw of the blanket? I could see some systems lacking enough juice to run them all night. The nicer heaters are reliable, draw around 1Amp/Hr to run, and a single fuel cell will provide 7+ nights of heat.
I would try the heated blanket for the shoulder seasons, despite having a very nice heater. If the Planar could live in the garage for a few extra weeks on either end of winter & burn a couple of gallons of diesel less, that would be a small win for sure.
And while it’s an individual choice for everyone reading, and I do not judge… I came from a science and first responder background SO we felt the reputation of the cheaper heaters carried too much risk for us. The option to wait, and spend more money on a more reliable unit, worked with our risk assessment. Again, to each his own. I imagine the failures are rare and most users will be just fine for many years. We opted to skip that risk.
All of this novela aside, the cool temps of the forum are a reason I come back… SO i hope we do not devolve into drama.
Currently in Glacier right now with an outside temp of 31° watching cartoons and making coffee in the GFC…in a t shirt. The diesel won’t be for everyone but for situations like this, it’s diesel heater > heated blanket right now.
Hey All - I’m closing this one down as there are other topics around heating things upstairs that have a bit less spice to em. Anyways, try to be kind to someone today. Good karma points n such are pretty much free…wild.
