So, I'm getting ready to do some shows that are going to be really cold. What do you guys do to stay warm? Do you take propane heaters? Do you just bundle up and stamp your feet? Was I crazy for signing up for these?
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We have had heaters in our tent for over 10 years. We have used coleman camp heaters for years. They won't keep a big 10 x 10 tent warm but they will keep the chill off your feet. Last year we got one of the Mr Buddie heaters given to us. It puts out about 40% more heat. We have two sides of our tent open at all times and keep the heaters away from the sides and the tablecloths. The warmth at our feet helps keep you warm all over. Besides you can always put your hands down and get them warm.
I've been using a propane heater for about ten-twelve years now. The brand is Mr. Heater Buddy and knocks the chill out fairly nicely. I've never had anyone question it, and it's usually in sight when being used. They use the 1 lb cylinders. The model I have uses a single cylinder, and the newer ones have a 2 cylinder capacity for more heat and longer run time plus a built in fan to circulate the heat better. It's about the size of a boom box and has a carrying handle on it. They use an anti-tipping shutoff switch and have a wire grate in front of the ceramic heating element. Common sense usage says don't place anything within a couple feet of them or above them. Flames are visible, but the ceramic element restricts flames to a shallow layer in front of the ceramic diffuser. It does make a big difference in the comfort level in inclement weather.
Michael Skeen > Robert WallisOctober 8, 2010 at 1:16pm
Robert, I had not seen those before and were far different from what I had in my head. Those might work!
Robert Wallis > Michael SkeenOctober 8, 2010 at 10:00pm
When things do get chilly at shows, I put up a back room off the booth tent using painter poles, and a couple of right angle corner connectors for snap joint pipes. I use a couple of extra side tarps and make the room 5x10 if the space is available. I'll sit back there with the heater and stay comfortable.
I was at one miserable show where it dropped into the 30's, and used a clear vinyl shower curtain across the center opening between the panels to keep the heat in. I could see someone in the unlikely event a customer actually wandered in during that show. It was the only show in 22 years that I regretted not packing up and bailing out. I've never done that. Half the show did, and it was a wise decision on their parts. At least I didn't freeze my butt off like some of the others did.
Hello Michael. I hate to be cold, and even worse, I hate to have cold feet. I buy those toe warmers that hunters use. No matter how cold my feet are, those things warm up my feet and seem to effect how cold my whole body is. You can buy a 6 pack at any store that caters to hunters, Dunhams, Gander Mountain. Get enough to use up during the year. Don't buy so many that you have them left over at the end of the cold season. They don't seem to work as well a year later. Hope that helps.
Jacki B
Michael Skeen > Jacki BilsborrowOctober 8, 2010 at 10:48am
Okay, good suggestions...a good hat...I have to put leather cords on pendants so gloves will be interesting....foot warmer things. And layers, lots of layers. I hope the shoppers out there are tougher than I am.
Yep a good hat is very helpful. I like to also have a hood on my coat. I can pull it up or down and keep the chill out. Also a long scarf. During Jan and Feb of last year I had 2, 5 day out door shows here in Atlanta. In January the snow and ice was so bad it made the huge permanent tent cave in and then the next month we had 4 inches of snow to stand in with ice storm. Not fun, but as long as I had layers and stayed out of the wind I was ok. If your feet get wet you are toast.
Wear layers. I always kept a full set of clothing including long underwear in my van. It's not fun when the temperature goes down into the 30's in Miami in February. Happened to me when doing the Art Deco show.
I wouldn't take a propane heater to a show. Too dangerous in the booth and not fire marshall friendly.
I second the suggestion of the warmer packets. They can even be bought at Wal-Mart in the camping/fishing/hunting area. They have some that go in the pockets of your coat to keep your hands warm, and others that are designed to go inside your shoes. Since I have trouble staying warm, I even went to the drug store and got some of the ones they sell for back pain and wore one under all my layers--that worked great for me. I wasn't super-warm, but I was comfortable enough to keep smiling and that was the important part. And last winter I fell in love with wool socks, since my feet stayed drier and warmer with them on.
Michael Skeen > Larry BermanOctober 8, 2010 at 8:40am
Thanks for the tips. I thought the propane heater was a bit much, but someone suggested it. Open flame and canopy just doesn't seem like the answer. I've never tried the chemical warmer things, but I'll give them a shot. This will be interesting.
Replies
When things do get chilly at shows, I put up a back room off the booth tent using painter poles, and a couple of right angle corner connectors for snap joint pipes. I use a couple of extra side tarps and make the room 5x10 if the space is available. I'll sit back there with the heater and stay comfortable.
I was at one miserable show where it dropped into the 30's, and used a clear vinyl shower curtain across the center opening between the panels to keep the heat in. I could see someone in the unlikely event a customer actually wandered in during that show. It was the only show in 22 years that I regretted not packing up and bailing out. I've never done that. Half the show did, and it was a wise decision on their parts. At least I didn't freeze my butt off like some of the others did.
Jacki B
I wouldn't take a propane heater to a show. Too dangerous in the booth and not fire marshall friendly.
Larry Berman
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http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100