Hi List, I'd like to pass my observations based on my recent purchase and use of the Coleman PowerCat portable catalytic heater. Past weekend I traveled from the Saint Paul, MN, area to the 'Norwegian Riviera', or the North Shore of Lake Superior. I camped at the Gooseberry Falls State Park. A beautiful area with a nice 'rough' camping site, as in no shower, no electricity, and a first, a non-smelly outhouse. The area is covered in gorgeous Aspen-birch trees and has lots of hiking to offer. Do not forget the falls and the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior. This is the first time I got to test the Coleman PowerCat heater. It's a platinum catalytic heater with a built-in battery-powered fan and built-in ignition. As the temperatures dropped to mid 20s, I lowered my pop-top, opened my screen-windows about 1/2 inch on each side and opened my skylight slightly to ventilate the interior. The heater ignited with no problem and soon the interior temperature reached comfortable levels. The smell of the burning gas was barely noticeable, and eventually disappeared all together. I slid into my sleeping bag and fell into a comfortable sleep. Later that night, I awoke, as I was too hot. I attempted to regulate the heat output, but to no avail. The knob in the back of the heater seemed to have little effect on the heat output. The only solution was to open the windows more to allow cold air in, or to raise the pop-top. I decided to stay hot, but at about 4 am the gas ran out. I closed the windows to conserve the heat, and went back to sleep. At about 5 am it was too cold, so I changed the gas bottle and fired up the heater. Soon, I was sweating again. Is there no end? To sum it up: -- nice heater, minimum smell -- seems to have little heat control -- more than adequate heat output at minimum setting at 27-degree exterior temps. -- seems adequate at minimum setting for sleeping with the pop-top opened -- two 'D' fan batteries last a few nights -- one bottle of gas lasts about 6 hours based on my experience. Claimed "up-to 8 hours" by manufacturer. Personal note: Put in a new bottle before going to sleep. SIGHTINGS: At Emily's Restaurant near Knife River I parked next to a Eurovan Camper. Thanks, Chris. '85 Westy 'Da Luv Box' |
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