Deadly Camping Risk: How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Tent
Carbon monoxide — invisible, silent, and utterly deadly.
I’ve been wild camping across the UK for years. But like many others, I made a mistake. I cooked inside my tent. I didn’t give it a second thought... until recently. A viewer pointed it out, and then the news hit — a tragic story about two campers in Scotland who died of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. It shook me.
That’s why I made this video, and now this blog — to pass on what I’ve learned. Because if it made me stop and think, maybe it will for you too.
What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when fuel doesn’t burn completely. This could be from:
A gas stove
A wood burner
A disposable BBQ
Even smouldering coals or embers
The danger? CO binds to your red blood cells 200 times more easily than oxygen. That means your body is slowly starved of oxygen... and you won't even know it’s happening.
No smell. No colour. No taste. No warning — unless you’re ready for it.
How It Happens While Camping
Here’s the thing. When you zip up a tent to escape the rain or cold and cook inside — you're trapping that gas. The more sealed the shelter, the worse the risk.
Symptoms of early CO poisoning include:
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea
Confusion
Left unchecked, this can lead to unconsciousness... and death.
Why I’m Sharing This Now
I was that guy — cold and wet, just wanting a hot brew inside my tent. I’ve seen the warnings printed on the inside of so many shelters, but like most people, I ignored them.
But after hearing about that tragedy, I knew I couldn’t keep quiet.
Simple Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life
🔥 Always Ventilate
Even if it’s just a crack, get some airflow. CO doesn’t rise or fall — it mixes into the air — so a small opening can help it escape.
Try this:
Use a trekking pole to lift your tent door into a makeshift shelter. It protects you from the rain and gives you airflow while cooking.
🔔 Get a Portable CO Detector
We spend hundreds on tents, bags, and stoves — why not £20–£30 on something that could save your life?
Look for a portable CO alarm that fits in your bag and has a clear alert function.
⚠️ Know the Symptoms & Educate Others
Just because you know this now doesn’t mean your friends or kids do. Talk about it around the campfire. Share stories. Help others stay safe.
Gear I Recommend for CO Safety
Here’s what’s in my kit now:
Portable CO Detector – Always in my dry bag.
Trekking Poles – For venting tent doors.
Headlamp with Red Light – Helps check conditions without killing night vision.
Small Tarp – For creating cooking shelters in poor weather.
Key Takeaways
Never cook or burn fuel inside a sealed tent or bivvy.
Carbon monoxide can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted.
Ventilate any shelter where fire or stoves are used.
Know the symptoms: dizziness, nausea, confusion.
A £20 CO detector could save your life.
Your Turn — Stay Safe, Share the Knowledge
Have you ever had a close call with carbon monoxide? Do you cook inside your tent or use stoves under cover?
Drop a comment below — your experience might help someone else stay safe out there.
If you found this post helpful, please share it with friends or anyone who camps. Together, we can make wild camping safer for everyone.
Stay safe. Leave no trace.
Watch the Video of this Blog Post!
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy day to read this captivating camping blog! If you found it interesting and want to explore more, you can check out the entertaining video version of this post. If you enjoy it, please feel free to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for exciting future updates and more outdoor adventures!
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