Just because the temperatures are dropping in the winter months doesn't mean you still can't be toasty warm during your favorite outdoor winter activities. But, while there is a bevy of camp stoves on the market to keep you warm, the downside is that many of them are expensive, difficult to use, and often not entirely practical for the task at hand. Luckily, thanks to the ingenuity of the internet, we've found a simple and cheap solution to staying warm outdoors.
We unearthed a video from WayPoint Survival's YouTube Channel that shows a simple winter camping hack—how to build a simple heater with nothing more than half a cinderblock, some lantern wicks, and a can of Crisco shortening.
With just these items and a small grate from an old gas stove, you've got a handy little heater that will keep you warm for hours. Simply open the can of Crisco and insert the lantern wick. Place the can in the cinderblock and light it. Place the grate on the top, and there you go—an instant heat source.
Of course, you'll want to avoid using this stove (or any stove, really) in an enclosed space. Not only are there open flames and combustible materials, but you could also cause a deadly buildup of carbon monoxide. Save this stove for outside, whether you're ice fishing, car camping, or even just enjoying a cold winter night in your backyard.
As long as you monitor it, this simple stove should last for hours. Some people in the comments also noted that shoving a candle down into the Crisco instead of a lantern wick could help the Crisco last a little longer. It's also probably a good idea to put the Crisco into a smaller metal can. Today's Crisco cans are cardboard, and there is a chance of it melting—another reason we only recommend doing this outside and not leaving it unattended for long periods. Still, as far as DIY heating solutions go, this one is quite clever and worth keeping in the back of your mind.
