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Glamping & Camping Ideas + Resources
Keep A Camping Tent Cool - Best Tent Fans, Flys and Air Conditioners
The Best Camping Fans on The Market
Are you looking for the best camping fan to keep you cool on your next outdoor adventure? If so, you're in luck! In this article, we will discuss some of the best camping fans on the market and how they can help make your camping experience more comfortable. We'll also provide tips on how to keep your glamping tent cool without a fan, so you can stay cool even when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate!
The Best Portable Camping Fans (battery powered)
LARGER SIZED...
Geek Aire Rechargeable Outdoor High-Velocity Fan
Recent Price: $89
Source: Greek Aire at Amazon.com
This is one of the best camping fans out there thanks to how strong yet quiet it is. The Geek Aire Outdoor High-Velocity fan uses rechargeable batteries that can run on a single charge for 24 hours while only needing 3-4 hours to fully charge, and is also waterproof. The fact that it's so portable and truly built for outdoor functionality is why it makes it to the top of our list.
Whirlwind Life Battery Operated Fan
Recent Price: $85
Source: Whirlwind Life at Amazon.com
This fan comes in a very close second to Geekair. The Whirlwind is also water-resistant and can run on low speed for nearly 24 hours as well. But the ranking really comes down to the battery reliability at being not as compact. But go with this one if you don't jive with a yellow colored fan in your tent.
MID-SIZED FANS...
Tripod Tent Fan With Nightlight
Price: $70
This is our pick for the most versatile fan. It sits on an adjustable tripod system, and the fan head can be removed and hung inside of your tent. Plus you can use the remote control to illuminate the circumference of the face at night.
Treva 10-Inch Portable Battery Fan
Recent Price: $32
This isn't a tiny palm sized fan, rather it measures about 1ft.x1ft. It runs on D batteries (or you can plug it in). It is sure to keep you cool in your tent, or even on a picnic. This one is sturdy and will no doubt that for years. This one is even perfect to have in case of power outages. It's a sweet deal at around 30 bones.
KITWLEMEN Portable Camping Fan With LED light
Recent Price: $57
This little guy actually puts off a solid breeze and the battery will last for a camping trip no problem. Bonus, you can charge your phone with it (though that will of course eat up the battery). The only gripe is that the battery does take all day to charge - so pack it prepared.
MINI FANS
Vintage Style Tent Fan - Rechargeable
Price: $65
Our best looking rechargeable fan on the list! It not only durable, but it also doubles as an aromatherapy diffuser (built-into the yellow nose you see pictured). This one won't cool down 300 square-foot tent - but it will work perfect on the bedside - and make a stinky tent smell better!
Odoland Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan
Recent Price: $22
Source: Odoland at Amazon.com
The Odoland is an affordable two-in-one solution, serving both as an overhead hanging lantern and a portable ceiling fan. Being able to hang it overhead provides great air circulation, which can be fine-tuned with different fan speeds and oriented in specific directions. This isn't a sexy fan, but it packs a punch for it's size and versatility!
Plug-In Camping Fans (12v or 110v Power)
If you have a generator or other source of electricity, your best bet is a vertical oscillating fan. These provide plenty of strong, cool air while also saving space. Depending on the size, we recommend a few options:
* PELONIS 30-Inch Oscillating Tower: Provides three speed settings and an automatic sleep timer. ($45)
* Honeywell QuietSet Whole Room Tower Fan: Has five speed settings, includes a remote, and is surprisingly lightweight for its size. ($75)
* PELONIS 40'' Oscillating Tower Fan: Like the 30-inch version, includes three speed settings and an automatic timer but also provides an LED display. ($65)
Though vertical oscillating fans are your best bet for functionality, if you're glamping or have a specific theme, you might be looking for something more retro or vintage-looking. To get that "classic" fan look, we recommend one of Vornado's vintage air circulators. They come in plenty of styles and colors while still being practical and reliable cooling fans for your camping tent. ($50++)
Electricity Powered Vornado Fan
Evaporative Air Coolers
Source: EvaCHILL.com
What is an evaporative air cooler? As the name implies, evaporative air coolers use water in order to provide fresh, cool air rather than just air circulation. So it sort of functions like a temporary mini air conditioning unit. We can recommend looking into one of these two brands:
- EvaCHILL: Built to be ultra-portable, these personal air coolers can be charged by multiple power sources, including USB, and provide nine full hours of temperature control. ($100)
- Zero Breeze Mark 2: This is the king of evaporative coolers. It is large and in charge. Bring it on any adventure. Note that you will need to create a space for the exhaust to exit your tent (window). ($1,500)
Additional Tips for Keeping Your Tent Cool
Luxury canvas tents already get a boost in air circulation thanks to their breathable canvas material, but if you're looking forward to some hot weather and might need some other cooling methods beyond fans and evaporators, these tips can help:
- Keep your tent windows fully opened at night and cracked open during the day.
- Use light-colored, breathable sheets and clothing. Satin or 100% cotton works best.
- Add a fly cover over the top of your tent to keep ward off the sun.
- Make a DIY air conditioner by placing bottles of ice in front of your tent fan.
- Pack a water-spray bottle and spray yourself as needed - just be sure you spray yourself, not your tent!
Conclusion
We hope this gives you a good overview of the best camping fans out there as well as some tips on how to keep your tent cool. While glamping, camping, or just spending time outdoors, it's important to be comfortable and safe in the heat. Be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade if you start feeling overheated. Otherwise, have a ton of fun and stay cool out there!
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