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twins89's avatar
twins89
Explorer
Oct 09, 2014

You can be warm at the fire in the fall - get this

Fall is a great time to camp especially in the north with the leaves changing. The nights around the fire can be very chilly. The front of you is warm and toasty while your butt and back are cold. The answer: Get fire under the hole. Simply obtain an #10 restaurant can or large metal coffee can. Place some hot coals and ashes about 2 cups worth in the can. Yes, you need to have the fire going a bit before there are coals and ashes. Place the can under your chair and you will be warm and toasty on all sides. Use caution and common sense. Don't put to much in and only use coals - not wood with flames. The coals will burn for quite some time. When they no longer keep you warm, dump them back in the fire, and add more. I can't believe I've been camping all these years and just now learned this. When the can is cool, place the coffee can lid on or rinse can to use the next time.
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  • hotbyte's avatar
    hotbyte
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2014
    I just stand up and turn around for a little bit...kind of like a rotisserie chicken :)
  • loulou57's avatar
    loulou57
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2014
    CavemanCharlie wrote:


    After all ,lets not forget back in the days of "Laura Ingalls Wilder" they used to heat up rocks in the stove and put them in a special covered pan that could be put under the blankets at night to keep them warm in their "Little House On The Prairie". This idea is just a version of that.



    We have used those bed pan warmers....work great.

    LOL....Even in this day we have used rocks. Heat them up then wrap in a towel and put in your bed. Or, heat a few up and put them in the middle of your tent and your tent will stay warm for hours. Just remember not to place them on something that could melt. Also, make sure tent " has ventilation " or you will defeat the purpose and wake up cold and damp.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Oct 09, 2014
    rhagfo wrote:
    Just get a chair like this, keeps the cold off the back!



    That chair looks awesome, where did you get it??
  • CavemanCharlie's avatar
    CavemanCharlie
    Explorer III
    Oct 09, 2014
    Not a bad idea really. I agree it sounds a bit dangerous. I think I would modify the idea by using a metal can with a metal lid and a few small holes drilled in the sides of the can for air. That way the coals would keep you warm and not ever flare up to burn something important.

    After all ,lets not forget back in the days of "Laura Ingalls Wilder" they used to heat up rocks in the stove and put them in a special covered pan that could be put under the blankets at night to keep them warm in their "Little House On The Prairie". This idea is just a version of that.

    I guess I've always stood around the campfire in cold weather and did what we call the "Rotisserie" . But, if you want to set by the campfire then this idea has merit.
  • loulou57's avatar
    loulou57
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2014
    We have used hot rocks to keep warm also. Place them in the fire and they get hot fast and stay warm for quite a bit.
  • sausageking's avatar
    sausageking
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2014
    Started using these last year after reading about them in Trailer Life. Put some charcoal briquettes in your fire and when they ash over put 3 or 4 in a coffee can and place under your chair. Its not enough heat to burn your chair but it sure takes the chill out. If you don`t have charcoal just use some of the hot coals and I almost forgot, no matter how good his intensions may be don`t let your rum drinking friend get one ready for you. But furnaces don`t knock them till you them.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Oct 09, 2014
    Just get a chair like this, keeps the cold off the back!

  • Wolf3gang's avatar
    Wolf3gang
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2014
    Dam! what a good idea, never thought of doing that, can't wait to try it out, will respond back after trying it out in two weeks, Wolf3gang
  • cyntdon2010's avatar
    cyntdon2010
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2014
    Place the can under your chair.

    I want to be a fly on the wall, when you explain to your doctor.

    How that special place got burnt.

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