tents and carbon monoxide safety

[under canvas]

Last week I read of several camping deaths as a result of carbon monoxide. Apparently the capers had stoves or coal BBQs in or next to their tents and were overcome by the carbon monoxide gas.

It has made me a bit unsure of camping now, especially as this summer the nights are cold when in a tent.

[tplife]

We bring a propane lantern in at night to warm up the tent while we change and play a few hands of cards.  That done, we turn the appliance off and go to sleep in down bags with self-inflating sleeping pads, and we camp year-round.   Many others use Buddy-type tent heaters, we don't, but I think a Buddy heater with some tent ventilation and a CO detector would not be the most dangerous way to sleep.  Even so, If I used a heater inside my tent I'd turn it off before turning in. 

[lizrfoust]

First off, it's definitely a big no-no to heat up a tent using coal or fire. The fumes can stay within the tent and will definitely cause people to suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning. These days, we have our MH to give us the benefit of warmth while we're winter camping. But back when I used to do just tent camping, it's a matter of having the right winter camping gear, sleeping bag and clothes. These are more than enough for me to keep warm during the cold nights.