When using a tent stove in a tent or out in nature, it's important to protect the ground under the stove. A hot stove can quickly damage groundsheets, grass or other gear if placed directly on the ground.
During my hot tent trips I therefore use a simple fireproof mat placed under the stove. It acts as protection against both heat and embers from the stove.
In this article I test a cheap protective mat from Temu and go through how it works in practice together with my tent stove for hot tent camping and my hot tent from Temu – review after a cold night in the forest.
What is this product
This is a fire-resistant camping mat used as protection under gear that produces heat, such as a tent stove or grill.
The mat is made of a heat-resistant fabric material designed to protect the ground from:
- warmth
- sparks
- embers
- soot and dirt
The size of the mat is roughly:
- 60 cm wide
- 50 cm deep
That makes it big enough to place a smaller tent stove on.
The mat also comes with a small storage bag, which makes it easy to pack along with other camping gear.
How I tested the product
I used the protective mat under my tent stove on several trips in the forest.
When I set up my hot tent camp, the stove is usually placed on the mat to protect both the ground and the tent floor from heat.
During the test the mat was used together with my tent stove for hot tent camping. It worked well as extra protection against heat and allowed the stove to stand stably without risking damage to the surface underneath.
The mat also catches small pieces of bark, ash and dirt from the firewood, keeping the tent cleaner overnight.
Pros
There are several things that make this protective mat practical when using a tent stove.
Protects the ground
The biggest advantage is that it protects the ground from heat and embers from the stove.
Cheap
For such a simple accessory, the price is very low compared to many other outdoor products.
Easy to pack down
The mat can be folded up and takes up almost no space in your pack.
Catches dirt
It collects bark, ash and wood debris, making it easier to keep the tent tidy.
Cons
There really aren't many downsides, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Relatively small
The mat is fairly compact and only covers the area directly under the stove.
Not a thick insulation
It protects against sparks and heat but doesn't work as a thick insulating base.
Who the product is for
This type of protective mat is especially well suited for people who:
- use a tent stove
- camp in a hot tent
- use a grill or fire pit on the ground
- want to protect the tent floor
It's a simple accessory but makes a big difference when using a stove in a tent. If you want to understand exactly how it works in practice, read our guide to what a hot tent is.
If you want to see how I use the gear together, read my review of hot tent from Temu where the stove is used during a cold night in the forest.
Final rating
This is a very simple product, but it serves an important function.
When using a tent stove in a tent or outdoors, it's always good to have extra protection under the stove. This mat is cheap, easy to pack and gets the job done without any problems.
For such a small accessory, it's actually very practical to have in your pack.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Where can you buy the protective mat?
During the test I used a simple fireproof camping mat that I ordered from Temu.
The link below may be a so-called affiliate link. This means I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy through the link – at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep testing and reviewing outdoor gear.
The protective mat I tested
A compact, heat-resistant mat placed under a tent stove or grill.
Buy the protective mat here →Related outdoor gear reviews
Want to read more reviews of gear we use outdoors?
Hot tent review
Review of the tent stove
Small camping table – review
Camping chair – review
All the gear we use
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