I've got an old 300TD in Northern NY and she has no problem starting when the block heater is plugged in. BUT, I like to hike, and after 8 hours sitting at a trailhead in 10 degree weather, its a no go. 10 degree weather is common hear, and I would like for 8 hour hikes to be as well. So, do I have some options for cold weather wilderness starting. Some sort of battery I can plug the block heater in to? Throwing a blanket over the car? Bring a camping stove along, and cooking the oil pan for a half hour when I get back? I need a cheap solution. And can anyone tell me definetively what the electrical needs of the block heater are (volts, watts, etc)?

On a side note, are there any emergency cold start tricks (hot water over the engine, prayers to the Diesel God) that aren't harmful?

Thanks for any suggestions.