Emergency Preparedness : heat

When it comes to survival gear, reliable and versatile tools can mean the difference between comfort and crisis. The Coghlan's 36-Hour Survival Candle is a compact and lightweight option designed to provide long-lasting light and heat in emergency situations. Here's a full review covering its performance, usability, and overall value.

Key Features

Burn Time: 36 hours of total burn time, divided among three wicks.
Size: Compact and portable at 6 ounces.
Wicks: Three separate wicks for adjustable lighting and heat.
Container: Durable metal tin with a secure lid to prevent damage and spills.
Use Cases: Light, heat, and emergency cooking or warming.

Performance

1. Burn Time and Efficiency
The 36-hour burn time is impressive for such a small candle, especially when used strategically. By lighting one wick at a time, you can extend the total usage time. If higher brightness or more heat is needed, lighting multiple wicks simultaneously works effectively, though it reduces the total duration.

2. Light Output
The candle provides a steady, warm light suitable for small spaces like tents, cabins, or shelters. While it won't replace a flashlight or lantern for outdoor navigation, it excels at creating ambient light for indoor use or close-quarters tasks.

3. Heat Production
The heat generated is modest but sufficient to warm hands or a small area. In an insulated space, such as a tent, it can provide some relief from the cold, but it isn't a substitute for a proper heat source in freezing conditions.

Usability

1. Portability
The small size and light weight make it easy to pack in emergency kits, bug-out bags, or car survival kits. The metal tin is sturdy and protects the candle from damage during transport.

2. Versatility
The three-wick system allows for flexibility in use. One wick is ideal for conserving fuel, while two or three wicks provide more light and heat for short-term needs. The candle can also be used for basic cooking tasks, like warming water or heating canned food.

3. Safety
The contained design reduces the risk of fire compared to open-flame candles, but care is still required when using it indoors. Always place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface, and keep it away from flammable materials.

Durability

The metal tin is durable and well-sealed, preventing the wax from melting or leaking in storage. The wicks are easy to light and extinguish, and the wax burns cleanly with minimal soot.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Long burn time (up to 36 hours with careful use).
Compact and lightweight for easy storage and transport.
Versatile three-wick system for adjustable output.
Durable tin for safe and secure storage.

Cons

Heat output is limited for colder climates.
Light output is weaker compared to LED lanterns.
Not suitable as a primary light or heat source in extreme conditions.

Who Is It Best For?

The Coghlan's 36-Hour Survival Candle is ideal for:

Emergency preparedness: A must-have in survival kits for natural disasters or power outages.
Campers and hikers: Great for low-light and low-heat needs on trips.
Vehicle kits: Handy for roadside emergencies or unexpected overnight stays.

Final Thoughts

The Coghlan's 36-Hour Survival Candle is a reliable and versatile tool that shines as part of a well-rounded survival kit. While it won't replace flashlights, lanterns, or high-output heaters, it offers a lightweight and convenient backup for light and warmth in emergencies. Its affordability and efficiency make it a valuable addition for both casual campers and serious preppers.

Get The Coghlan's Candle On Amazon!

The WaldZimmer Cotton Canvas Bell Tent with Stove Jack is quickly gaining traction among camping and glamping enthusiasts who want the perfect blend of rugged outdoor functionality and luxury. Designed for families, groups, or anyone looking to enjoy an elevated outdoor experience, this roomy 4-season tent offers the comfort of a yurt-style setup, combined with a durable and breathable cotton canvas construction, and modern features like a stove jack for cold-weather camping. In this review, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right tent for your next outdoor adventure.

Overview:

Brand: WaldZimmer
Model: Cotton Canvas Bell Tent with Stove Jack
Design: Yurt-style bell tent, suitable for glamping, family camping, and extended stays
Material: 100% cotton canvas
Floor: Removable, zipped floor
Season Rating: 4-season
Stove Jack: Yes (for winter camping or cold-weather use)
Capacity: Available in multiple sizes (e.g., 4m, 5m, 6m diameter options)
Weight: Varies by size (around 60-100 lbs)

Key Features:

Premium Cotton Canvas Construction: The WaldZimmer Bell Tent is made from durable, breathable, and water-resistant cotton canvas. This natural fabric ensures that the tent stays cooler in hot weather and warmer during colder months, making it an excellent all-season choice. Cotton canvas also has a distinctive advantage over synthetic fabrics when it comes to longevity and eco-friendliness. Unlike polyester or nylon, cotton canvas doesn't trap condensation inside the tent, which helps minimize moisture build-up and maintains a more comfortable environment.
Stove Jack for Cold-Weather Use: One of the standout features of this tent is the inclusion of a stove jack—a built-in, heat-resistant port for stove pipes. This allows campers to use a wood-burning stove or similar heat source inside the tent during colder seasons. Whether you’re camping in early spring or late fall, the stove jack enables a more comfortable experience by ensuring you can heat the interior space. For safety, WaldZimmer has thoughtfully reinforced the area around the jack, and the design accommodates a wide range of stove types.
Roomy Interior for Family Comfort: The WaldZimmer Bell Tent is designed with family or group camping in mind. The spacious interior can easily fit large air mattresses, cots, or multiple sleeping bags, depending on the size of the tent you select. For instance, the 5-meter (16.4 feet) version comfortably sleeps 4-6 people, with room for gear and living space. If you choose the 6-meter model (nearly 20 feet in diameter), you can accommodate even more people, making it ideal for larger families or groups of friends.
The tall center pole offers a high ceiling (up to 8 feet) in the center, creating a more open and airy environment. This height allows for easy movement inside the tent and adds to the overall sense of space. Even for taller individuals, standing and moving around inside the tent is comfortable.
Removable Zipped Floor: A zipped, removable floor adds versatility to the WaldZimmer Bell Tent. The floor is designed to be waterproof and durable, protecting the interior from dirt, moisture, and cold. When you’re using the tent in warm weather or for glamping, you can unzip and remove the floor, creating a more breathable environment and allowing for better air circulation.
In colder or wet conditions, the floor can be zipped back in to provide a barrier between you and the ground. The zipped floor also makes it easier to clean up the tent after use, as it can be taken out and washed separately from the rest of the tent.
All-Season Durability: As a 4-season tent, the WaldZimmer Bell Tent is built to withstand harsh weather conditions, from hot summer days to heavy rain and even snow. The heavy-duty cotton canvas is treated to be water-resistant, and the tent is designed with additional reinforcements to ensure the structure stays intact even in windy conditions.
The tent’s low profile and bell shape help it handle wind better than some larger, more traditional tents. Additionally, the tent is equipped with strong, durable stakes and guy lines, which ensure it remains stable during inclement weather.
Ventilation and Windows: Ventilation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable interior environment, and the WaldZimmer Bell Tent excels in this regard. The tent features multiple windows and ventilation flaps, which allow for excellent airflow. The top of the tent has a vent that can be adjusted to regulate airflow, and the windows can be opened to enhance cross-ventilation.
The mesh windows also serve as bug protection, keeping insects out while still allowing fresh air to circulate. In warmer weather, the tent can be left open to create a cool, breezy environment. When you need to stay warm, you can close the windows and doors to retain heat.
Ease of Setup: Despite its large size and robust features, the WaldZimmer Bell Tent is surprisingly easy to set up. The central pole system is straightforward, and with a bit of practice, you can have the tent up and ready in about 20-30 minutes (depending on size). It comes with clear instructions and all the necessary components, including poles, stakes, and guy lines. However, as with most bell tents, it may be easier with two or more people for faster setup.
Aesthetic and Design: The bell tent design is one of the most visually striking and charming options for campers seeking a luxurious, cozy, and rustic experience. The smooth, flowing lines of the bell tent have an elegant, almost nomadic feel to them, and when paired with warm-colored canvas, it creates a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re using it for glamping, family camping, or even as a backyard retreat, this tent adds a touch of charm and romance to any outdoor setting.
Weather Resistance & Durability: WaldZimmer uses premium canvas treated for water resistance, meaning the tent holds up well in rainy conditions. Furthermore, the bell tent’s low profile reduces wind resistance, though during particularly stormy conditions, securing the guy lines and ensuring the tent is properly staked is essential. The heavy-duty canvas also ensures that the tent won't degrade quickly from UV exposure, which is common in cheaper, synthetic tents.

Pros:

All-season usability thanks to durable canvas and stove jack for winter camping.
Generous interior space perfect for families or small groups.
Breathable, water-resistant canvas keeps the interior temperature comfortable in various conditions.
Removable floor offers flexibility in different weather and terrain conditions.
Easy to set up with clear instructions and quality materials.
Attractive, cozy aesthetic perfect for glamping or luxury camping experiences.
Sustainable and eco-friendly material compared to synthetic tents.

Cons:

Heavier than typical tents: With a weight range of 60-100 pounds depending on the size, this tent is not the lightest option on the market. It’s better suited for car camping or base camp setups.
Price: At a mid to high price point, it’s an investment, though the quality justifies the cost for serious campers or those looking for a more luxurious outdoor experience.
Requires proper maintenance: Like any canvas tent, it requires occasional treatment to maintain water resistance and longevity.

Conclusion:

The WaldZimmer Cotton Canvas Bell Tent with Stove Jack is an outstanding choice for those who want a high-quality, durable, and comfortable shelter for family camping or glamping. Its spacious interior, combined with the breathability and weather-resistant qualities of the cotton canvas, makes it suitable for all seasons. The inclusion of a stove jack and removable floor adds an extra layer of functionality, making it ideal for cold-weather camping or a more customizable living space.

Although it’s on the heavier and more expensive side, the WaldZimmer Bell Tent offers incredible long-term value, especially for families or glamping enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds: adventure and comfort. If you’re seeking a tent that combines luxury with rugged outdoor performance, this bell tent from WaldZimmer is definitely worth considering.

Have A Look At The WALDZIMMER Tent On Amazon!

Emergency Preparedness

Monday, December 2, 2024

Survival Review: Coghlan's 36-Hour Survival Candle (6-Ounce)