Ice Camping-best power generation methods

As more and more folks ice camp are you getting away from the generators of the world and going to portable power banks like Anker or Jackery etc? I like the idea of running electric heat in my shack( I know the propane heaters have the low O2 shutoffs but I am still a little jiggy about it even with my Kidde detector). I have a Honda EU 2000I generator with an extended run tank but these heaters are so hard on the generator. The generator is suppose to handle 1600W and my heater says it is 1500W but I still feel like it struggles to get fully warm. Wondering if it makes sense to sell the generator/extended run tank and get a higher watt power bank(2400W) with solar panels? So many good deals out there right now with Black Friday approaching on these portable power banks.

All depends on what you have with you. I have a jackery for multiple day trips where I need to recharge a flasher or the garmin. On easy overnights, I have a powerbox I built that has 2 15AH amped batteries, enough to charge phones, ipads, and other odds and ends multiple times.

I dont take much with me besides a phone, livescope, and the occasional back up flasher. So my charging needs are way lower than most. In your case I would look into a portable diesel heater and a power box like a jackery style unit. Diesel heaters can run for days on minimal fuel and a good battery, and produce dry heat.

Not sure if you understand the solar generator ratings but when it say it will run a 2400w device that means for an hour continous. Running your electric heater would not be practicle on a solar generator. To me solar generators are designed for small loads or larger loads a short burst. I would stay with the honda.

No, I understand that. I like the idea of having solar as a means to re-charge the unit when power is not available. Would also be nice to have for summer/fall trips if I am boondocking in an area without electricity on a hunt or out camping.

One other thing to take into account is charging sun vs daylight hours. Alot of people think because it’s light out that they are charging actually in the north to get 2-4 hours of charging is good. If your system has the time to recharge it will work good for small loads but cost per watt will be drastically greater then running a generator

If you’re using electric heat don’t even think about anything battery powered. You’re gonna spend a lot of money and be disappointed in the end.

What type of shack are we talking about? Hard side shack or portable?

Try looking at some of the RV solutions. The off grid rv’ers are doing the same as wheel houses and ice campers. I like watching canal boaters in the UK. They have similar power, water and hygiene issues. Jackery and other brands are pretty popular with these folks. YouTube is my go to resource.

Using an Otter Lodge as my sleeping tent. Not a huge space to heat and the electric heater did alright but from everything I have read heaters and coffee makers are hard on generators. Have the nice Dewalt Buddy heater and a good CO2 detector so that is probably my most economical system.

get a diesel heater. dry heat, inexpensive and very efficient. i use my trolling motor batteries off the boat as a power source.

Skip the coffee maker, last I checked my coffee perkolator works just fine without electricity. Mr. Heater/cooker weights roughly 5lbs and can run on 1 lbs. or 20 lbs. tanks. This Doesn’t take up much room and can be used as a back up heat source or turn it on its back and it’s a great cook top. Solar is something that you may utilize as a back up for small electronics but as Coletrain stated you will be out a lot of $$$ and really disappointed in the end.

If I get into ice camping now, I’d probably skip trying to heat the entire space and instead focus on the good sleeping bag, pad, cot, and utilize the different battery powered heated gear as needed. Milwaukee’s stuff has worked well for me. A vest lying on your legs and wearing one in your sleeping bag would easily do the trick for me.

If you are trying to keep holes open, I’d probably just use a small battery powered fan near the hole.

Do have a percolator coffee maker and when by myself I use a little pour over cup/filter that works great. Have upgraded to a -35 Teton sleeping bag which is fantastic. Thing is huge and heavy but keeps you warm.

In a pinch the Starbucks Via instant coffee is pretty good. Now it comes in a small can at Target or get the individual packets. A blanket on top of the sleeping bag or a bag in a bag will keep you warm.