Any idea how long the power cord is? My battery is usually down inside cargo area of my truck. Does it roll up to pack away (though I’d probably just leave it inside the tent…)? Thanks!
I don’t believe you had zero condensation, but sure.
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Look, we all understand venting and why it’s necessary. But venting the windows at the low point of the tent isn’t the prime location, sure they help a lot but the tent needs the ability to vent higher up to be better at managing condensation.
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I’m not going to get into the pissing match about this but I have legit questions.
The heated pad with zips down prevents condensation?
Does this same principle apply to a good sleeping bag?
I camped in Glacier/Banff/Jasper in May with rain every day. Vents all the way down and was never dry from condensation in roof/extrusion. This was with high quality sleeping bags that kept us more than warm. If you’re saying that a heated pad is the game changer I would be willing to consider. I don’t want to mess with a heater.
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It’s impossible for a heating pad to remove condensation.
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Yes, game changer. Adding heat inside a shelter or clothing system adds pressure vs outside. This actively forces warm, moist air out.
This is actually the same thing people with diesel heaters are experiencing. Their bodies don’t magically stop producing moisture, they’re just adding enough heat that any moisture is being forced through the built in venting (vent tops and window bottoms) and the fabric itself.
Your body heat cannnn kinda do some of this, but obviously wrapped up in a sleeping bag you’re keeping heat inside that bag. Adding an external source, even a minimal one, really helps.
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It’s way too short. I grabbed a 6 foot 5.5mm barrel cable extension so I can keep by battery strapped down in the bed too.
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The only damp thing inside my camper this morning was the patch of drool on my pillow. And other than the vents, I had the entire thing sealed up. Lift panels, tailgate, everything. (Bear country during hyperphagia season)
You can learn to camp, promise.
I feel like me talking about $5 amazon cargo nets would really push the boundaries of ethical participation, since I’m both a douchebag and a journalist. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.
Hunter, I know you have over 50 nights camping in your gfc, but with the humble help of Wes Siler, you can learn to camp. 
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LERAN TO CAMP, HUNTER! You nerd!
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Excited for the seminar on how to camp and vent a tent in 2 weeks!
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Sadly the Wes Siler Camp For Bros Who Can’t Camp Good won’t be operating at the campout this year. I’ve gotta fly to France to take care of my mom. BUT, I will ask Thayne or someone if they can perform a demonstration of my elaborate open-your-freakin-vents method for curious attendees.
Is it possible for you to not be an a**hole? Doesn’t seem to be. I hope you realize you are too cool for us peasants soon and go away.
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I finally figured it out! Your ultra developed air of superiority must help to ventilate the tent. It all makes sense now. 
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I tried that but still work up with my tent full of condescetion.
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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.
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You guys must not know “how to camp” though…I mean it’s not like you live and do this full time.
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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.
I moved the battery upstairs for the photo, but you get the idea. From bottom up: gfc foam, Therm A Rest Trail Lite pad, Ignik heated pad, sleeping bag.
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:
- much higher concentration of wires = much more heat
- much higher quality = years of use
- all night run times
- more comfortable to lay on
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.