Portable Wood Stoves

WHAT SIZE OF PORTABLE WOOD BURNING STOVE FOR TENTS SHOULD I PURCHASE WHEN CAMPING?

1. Tent Size and Heating Capacity: Consider the size of your canvas tent. The stove's heating capacity should match the tent's size to provide sufficient warmth. Check the stove's specifications for the recommended tent size.
2. Stove Size and Weight: Choose a stove for a tent that fits comfortably inside your tent without taking up too much space. Additionally, consider the weight, especially if you need to move campsites often. All tent stoves designed specifically for tents are considered portable.  Weight can range from 20 lbs to 100 lbs. Naturally, the most portable are the stoves that weigh the least.
3. Material and Durability: Opt for a stove made from durable materials such as rolled steel.  Thin sheet metal 20 gauge is often the metal used for portable wood stoves as it is lightweight. The stove should withstand the heat generated by the fire and withstand outdoor conditions. Lightweight portable wood stoves are not as durable as the thicker metal stove.  The deciding factor is how critical the portable stove weight is that determines the steel gauge used in stoves.
4. Ventilation and Draft Control: Look for a stove with adjustable vents or draft control to regulate airflow. This feature allows you to control the intensity of the fire and maintain a comfortable temperature inside the tent.  Air intake on door and stove damper should be a requirement for any stove you purchase.
5. Safety Features: Ensure the stove has safety features, including a spark arrestor on the stovepipe to prevent sparks from escaping. Safety is crucial when using a wood stove inside a canvas tent. Sparks can land on a tent roof and burn holes.
6. Chimney Compatibility: Check that the stove's chimney is tall enough to safely vent smoke away from the tent. Some stoves offer extensions or adjustable chimneys to accommodate different tent heights.
7. Ease of Assembly: Choose a stove that is easy to set up and take down. Quick assembly and disassembly are essential for convenience, especially in outdoor conditions.  All stove parts should fit inside the firebox.
8. Stability: Evaluate the stability of the stove, especially if it will be placed on uneven ground. Sturdy and adjustable legs contribute to stability.
9. Cooking Features: If you plan to cook on the stove, consider models with a flat top or a dedicated cooking surface. Check the size and design of the cooking area to meet your culinary needs.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LEVEL MY PORTABLE WOOD STOVE ON UNEVEN GROUND?

Often during camping not in campgrounds the ground is not level. Some stoves have adjustable screw in legs that have about 1 inch adjustment.  A 1 inch adjustment may not be sufficient.  Use a shovel to dig out stove legs to level stoves as necessary.  Another method is to use 6 x 6 pieces of plywood to place under any stove leg that is not touching the ground.  Leveling a stove is critical for cooking and boiling water to avoid any issues.  

DO STATE PARKS AND FEDERAL CAMPGROUNDS HAVE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON PORTABLE WOOD BURNING STOVES?

Some federal and state campgrounds require a spark arrestor at all times during use.  Other campgrounds require the spark arrestor only during high danger fire conditions.  If there is extreme fire danger use of a wood stove can be prohibited.