Wood Stoves to Survive the Cold Winter
Wood stoves warm you to the core with their far-infrared heating effect.
Their strong heat output is great for staying warm and for cooking. Oden with hot sake sounds wonderful.
How Does a Wood Stove Change Winter Camping?
So, how does having a wood stove change winter camping?
Let's look at usage precautions and the amount of firewood needed.
Handling During Sleep
When you're awake and active, you consciously keep the tent entrance open for ventilation, but when you go to sleep, you tend to close the door.
This is absolutely not allowed.
Before going to sleep, always ensure the fire is extinguished (even glowing embers are dangerous).
The ventilation system equipped in tents is insufficient.
This is because the primary purpose of a ventilation system is to prevent condensation, and it is not designed for the use of items that consume a large amount of oxygen and produce carbon monoxide, such as wood stoves.
Its capacity is inadequate.
Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and transparent.
The initial symptom of poisoning is drowsiness.
Alcohol makes it even harder to judge the situation.
If you absolutely must use it, be prepared to tolerate some cold by leaving the entrance door half open or similar measures.
A carbon monoxide detector is essential.
A carbon monoxide detector alerts you to danger with a digital display and a loud sound (around 80dB).
The price is about 2000 yen, which is a small price to pay for insurance.
A wood stove offers benefits that more than make up for this precaution.
Amount of Firewood Needed
For a one-night stay, checking in in the morning and checking out in the morning, approximately 24 kg of firewood is needed.
This is about 4 bundles of commercially sold firewood.
This applies to hardwood, which is difficult to ignite but burns efficiently. For softwood, which is easier for beginners to handle, plan for 1.5 times that amount.
Pros and Cons Compared to Kerosene and Oil Stoves
Advantages of Wood Stoves Over Kerosene/Oil Stoves
Warmth
The warmth generated by burning wood is incomparable to burning kerosene absorbed into a wick.
Yet, the sensation of being gently warmed to the core is something no other heating appliance can provide.
It's similar to what grandpas often say about baths heated with firewood feeling "softer."
Wide heating surface expands cooking options
Compared to kerosene and oil stoves, the cooking area is larger.
Using the large heating surface, you can cook 3 to 4 dishes at once and enjoy hot sake.
Stew hot pot or oden for snacks.
For the finale, make fried rice in a skillet, taking advantage of the high heat.
Or, maybe rice porridge for breakfast. Stewed ramen would be good too.
It will warm you from the inside out.
Disadvantages of Wood Stoves Compared to Kerosene/Oil Stoves
Ignition and extinguishing are not single-action
While kerosene and oil stoves can be ignited and extinguished with a simple press of a button, wood stoves cannot be operated with a single switch.
You need to build kindling, light it, and gradually build up the fire. When extinguishing, you must ensure no embers remain, as this poses an unexpected danger.
Requires skill to set up
From assembling the main unit to installing the chimney, it can be quite challenging for first-timers.
You also need to choose a tent that allows for chimney insertion. Try assembling it once before the actual use.
Pros and Cons Compared to Ceramic Heaters
Advantages of Wood Stoves Over Ceramic Heaters
Can be used for cooking depending on the model
Utilizing its heating power, you can cook grilled dishes as well as stews. If it's a medium-sized or larger model, you can cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
Can be used without electricity
When using inside a tent, the chimney needs to be extended outside, but since it doesn't require electricity, it can be used even in non-powered campsites.
Since there are no electrical components, a bit of snow is fine. Chatting around a wood stove while it snows makes you forget the passage of time.
However, when used inside a tent, even with the chimney extended, carbon monoxide can leak due to the structural gaps. Therefore, extreme caution is necessary. A carbon monoxide detector is a must-have.
Disadvantages of Wood Stoves Compared to Ceramic Heaters
The main points are the same as with oil stoves.
Ignition and extinguishing are not single-action
While ceramic heaters can be operated with just a power switch, wood stoves cannot be operated with a single switch.
You need to build kindling, light it, and gradually build up the fire. When extinguishing, you must ensure no embers remain, as this poses an unexpected danger.
Requires skill to set up
Ceramic heaters are light and can be used immediately by simply placing them.
From assembling the main unit to installing the chimney, it can be quite challenging for first-timers.
You also need to choose a tent that allows for chimney insertion. Try assembling it once before the actual use.
Common Precautions for Kerosene, Oil, and Wood Stoves
Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
This is the biggest drawback of wood, kerosene, and oil stoves.
Unlike ceramic heaters, which have few dangers beyond burns, wood, kerosene, and oil stoves carry the silent, insidious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure to understand the risks and plan measures accordingly before using them.
Wood Stove Comparison
| Size (W×D×H mm) | Storage Size (W×D×H mm) | Weight | Price | Features | |
| CAPTAIN STAG BBQ KAMADO | (High) 600×510×1070・1415・1770 (Low) 470×360×830・1180・1530 | 80×270×265 | Approx. 10 kg | ￥22,800 | Supports both low and high styles. Large window to view flames. |
| G-Stove | 420×420×2400 | 420×330×240 | 9.4 kg | ￥47,828 | Specializes in heating. Insulating shelf becomes a handle when stored, simple design. |
| Honma Seisakusho Black Heat-Resistant Windowed Clock-Type Wood Stove | 400×600×400 | Same as deployed dimensions | 6.7 kg | ￥15,581 | Two openings of different sizes on top for direct flame cooking. Recommended for those who enjoy cooking. |
CAPTAIN STAG BBQ KAMADO Stove
- Assembly Size
-
(Approx.) High/W600×D510×H1070・1415・1770mm,
Low/W470×D360×H830・1180・1530mm - Storage Size
-
(Approx.) W480×D270×H265mm
- Weight
-
(Approx.) 10kg
The large window allows you to observe the burning wood up close.
It supports both low and high styles, but decide on the style during setup and never change it once the fire is lit.
Weighing approximately 10 kg, it's easy for men to carry.
G-Stove Heat View Main Unit Set
- Assembly Size
-
2400mm × 420mm × 420mm (including chimney and legs)
- Storage Size
-
240mm × 420mm × 330mm
- Weight
-
(Approx.) 9.4kg
It is made of stainless steel, resistant to heat deformation and rust.
When stored, the chimney fits entirely inside the main unit, making it a compact design. The parts that become handles when stored can be extended during use to place items you want to keep warm.
Cooking on the top plate is possible, but an oven function is intentionally not included to enhance combustion power.
Honma Seisakusho Black Heat-Resistant Windowed Clock-Type Wood Stove
Size: W400×D600×H400mm
Weight: 6.7kg
There is no folding function. This is the exact type of wood stove.
Although it cannot be folded, it is relatively light at 6.7 kg, so carrying it is not a problem.
It's easy to cook with, and has openings front and back, allowing for "direct flame cooking" using round cookware.
The large opening at the back can be adjusted in size with a ring, making it possible to cook rice in a kama (traditional Japanese pot). Please give it a try.
