Camping fans will keep your tent cool and guarantee that your outdoor experience will be more fun. We chose the Geek Aire Rechargeable Outdoor High-Velocity Floor Fan as our best option because it’s made of durable metal and lasts for long.
Going camping in summer? Although it is an interesting experience, feeling too hot will ruin it for everyone. In this article, we’ll review some of the best camping fans on the market to help you pick the right one. We’ll also answer a few questions to make your job easier while you’re shopping for the best product.
- Geek Aire Rechargeable Outdoor High-Velocity Floor Fan
- OPOLAR 10000mAh 8-Inch Rechargeable Battery Powered Clip on Fan
- REENUO 4400mAh Camping Fan with LED Light
- Treva 10-Inch Portable Desktop Air Circulation Battery Fan
- Gazeled Super Long Lasting Battery Operated Fans for Camping
- OPOLAR Mini Portable Battery Operated Travel Fan
Camping Tent Fan Reviews
A fan helps you stay cool in hot weather. But when you’re going camping, you’ll have limited or zero access to electricity which means that using a traditional fan isn’t possible. Check out this section for our most recommended tent fans.
No matter how hot it feels outside, this durable battery-operated bat fan will make things better thanks to its rugged metal frame and strong DC brushless motor. It’s available in 3 different sizes so you can pick the one that suits your needs. It comes with a 7800mAh rechargeable battery and can also be connected to a charger if you’re spending several days away from home.
Regardless of the size you choose, all models come with a metal handle to make your job easier when you’re carrying this fan around. The angle of the fan is easy to adjust to guarantee the best experience whether you keep it inside or outside the tent. It is IPX4 certified for splash resistance so it’s an excellent choice for outdoor use.
Whether you choose to use it in the morning or at night, this fan is almost silent so you can enjoy the most comfortable experience. The 10-inch model tilts in 360 degrees while the 12 and 16-inch models tilt in 120 degrees. The 10-inch model weighs 8.38 pounds so it’s heavier compared to other models.
Customizing the airflow is easy using a sturdy knob. This can also be used to maximize battery life if you don’t want to recharge the battery. The LED lights will tell you about the battery life remaining so you can control the way the fan functions.
The battery charges in 2 or 3 hours and lasts for about 24 hours, but only if you run it at the lowest speed. This fan is more expensive than other models on the market.
PROS
- Well-built fan with a rechargeable battery.
- Tilting angle.
- Splash-resistance for outdoor use.
- LED lights to show battery life remaining.
- Adjustable airflow.
CONS
- More expensive than other models.
Featuring a long-lasting 10000mAh battery, this outdoor fan is an excellent choice for camping trips. The battery can’t be removed for more safety. It features 2 a USB-C port and a Micro-USB port for fast charging. The camping fan is available in 2 different colors.
There are 4 different speed settings that you can choose from depending on your needs. The 8-inch blades circulate wind faster than other models. There’s a special energy-saving mode that you can activate when you’re spending a long time away from home.
The battery powered fan fully charges in 6 hours and can be used while you’re charging. It features a 3-inch clip opening so you can secure it to various objects like a branch or a camping chair. It operates quietly so it won’t keep you uncomfortable while you’re sleeping.
Adjusting the head is easy so you can enjoy air from multiple angles. It weighs 1.72 pounds so it’s an excellent choice for camping and backpacking because it won’t bother you as you’re moving from one spot to another. When used at the lowest speed setting, the fan will last for approximately 24 hours and the time drops significantly as the speed increases.
PROS
- Lightweight camping fan.
- Adjustable head.
- 3-speed settings and an energy-saving mode.
- 3-inch opening to clip onto any object.
- Multiple charging options.
CONS
- Needs to be charged regularly.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love how versatile and practical this camping fan is. It can be used to keep you cool inside your tent and features LED lights so you can spend some quality time at night. This fan is energy-saving as the light uses only 4 Watts and the fan operates quietly at 30.3 decibels.
Adjusting the wind speed is possible because there are three different speeds available. You can also adjust the angle up and down so you enjoy the cool air from all angles whether you’re sleeping or standing. The built-in hook will help you hang it inside the tent or on a branch. The fan weighs 11.4 ounces.
The sturdy chassis makes this an excellent choice for outdoor use because the fan is made of durable materials. It comes with a 4400mAh charging battery that can last for 4.5 up to 40 hours depending on the speed. If you use the LED lights only, the battery will last up to 440 hours.
Using a 100 cm USB charging cable, this fan can be connected to a car adapter or a mobile phone charger. This mini-size fan is made of heavy-duty ABS materials so it won’t break if it drops to the ground.
As a bonus, there are 2 sponges at the back that can be used for aromatherapy or to repel bugs when you’re camping. This fan is excellent value for money because you won’t have to pack a separate lantern but the motor isn’t as powerful as other models on the market.
PROS
- Lightweight portable camping fan with built-in LED lightning.
- Low and high-speed settings.
- Built-in hook for various mounting options.
- Adjustable angle.
CONS
- Not as powerful as other models.
This portable 10-inch fan can be used when you’re away from home because it’s well-built and convenient to use. It comes with a rechargeable battery so you can use it while spending a day outdoors or while camping in your tent.
It’s quite compact so it won’t confuse you while you’re carrying your camping gear. It also comes with a handle so you can easily move it around. This fan is made of plastic so it’s lightweight weighing only 2.33 pounds.
The patented blade-design guarantees that the fan will last for longer while providing good airflow. It’s energy-efficient so you can enjoy your fan for longer. You can adjust the speed to different settings, both running without noise so you can use it while sleeping.
You simply need to buy 6 alkaline batteries to keep your fan running. However, after a while, you’ll have to replace them, so it’s recommended that you always keep an emergency set with your camping gear. If there’s a power source nearby, you can use the fan’s adapter.
Tilting this fan isn’t possible. You should add the cost of the batteries to the overall cost of the fan.
PROS
- Lightweight, affordable and portable camping fan.
- Runs on alkaline batteries or while connected to a power source.
- 2-speed settings.
- Built-in handle.
CONS
- Batteries need to be replaced often.
- Tilting the fan isn’t possible.
If you’re looking for a compact camping fan, then this should be on the top of your list. This 5-inch fan is designed to keep you cool when you’re spending time away from home thanks to its powerful motor. It works with 4-D cell batteries that you should buy separately and can be easily packed for a camping adventure.
There are three-speed settings available and still works at below 50 decibels so you can use it while you’re sleeping or meditating. Moreover, there is a unique timer feature that you can set for 1, 3 or 5 hours so you don’t have to wake up to turn off the fan which makes that the batteries will last for longer. You can also adjust the angle in 180 degrees to stay cool all day long.
Don’t worry if you’re spending several days away from home because the fan lasts for 214 hours on low speed, 46 hours on medium speed, and 14 hours on high speed. It can also be connected to a mobile power bank or car charger using the USB cable. This versatile camping fan is also compatible with NiMH batteries, carbon D batteries, and alkaline D batteries.
Featuring a built-in handle, this camping fan is an excellent choice for outdoor use because you can easily carry it around. It weighs 1.15 pounds so it won’t drag you down when you’re hiking or backpacking.
You might need to find a way to secure the battery cover to prevent the batteries from falling while using the fan. It tends to heat when running for a long time, so you should shut it off when this happens.
PROS
- Compact and lightweight camping fan.
- Three-speed settings.
- Compatible with several batteries and can be powered by a USB cable.
- Built-in handle.
CONS
- The battery cover keeps on falling.
- The fan overheats when running for several hours.
Being on a tight budget doesn’t mean that you should feel hot while spending time away from home. This portable fan rotates at 3200 RPM to keep you cool in hot weather. It features low, medium and high-speed settings without being too noisy so you can use it in your small tent while camping.
The fan comes with a 2200mAh battery that can last up to 13 hours on a single charge. It’s one of the lightest models on the market as it weighs 7 ounces. It also comes with a practical bag where you can keep it and carry it while indulging in your outdoor adventure.
Featuring internal and side LED lights, this fan will also create the perfect ambiance in your tent. The lights are also bright enough to use inside the tent when you’re camping at night. You can use the USB cord to recharge the fan by connecting to a car charger or a laptop if you don’t want to use the battery. Using the fan while it’s plugged isn’t recommended as it tends to run slow.
PROS
- Compact and affordable fan.
- Lightweight design for camping adventures.
- 3 different speeds.
- Internal and side LED lights.
CONS
- The fan tends to run slow when it’s connected to the charger.
Why Should You Buy a Tent Fan?
Using a fan at home is quite common as it circulates the air in the room creating a cool breeze. However, you might not have thought about adding a tent fan to your outdoor gear before. Here are some reasons why you should buy the best tent fan before you embark on your camping adventure. .
- Spending too much time in hot weather causes dehydration because of excessive sweating. When you’re camping or backpacking you want to remain in perfect health so you can withstand the physical effort. A cooling fan will help you stay in shape throughout your adventure.
- Tent fans use little energy. Whether you’re using a battery powered fan or one that connects to a power source, you know that the fan will last for a few days, especially that you won’t be running it all day long.
- Sleeping while using a fan helps to cool your body off. Lots of people get too hot while sleeping which might deprive them of good sleep. A camping tent fan will help you recharge at night so you can wake up feeling active and energetic for your outdoor quest.
- Fans are not super noisy but they create some kind of white noise that can actually make you fall asleep faster.
- Circulating the air inside your camping tent will help get rid of any lingering smells that might annoy you while you’re sleeping.
- Tent fans can be beneficial in getting rid of flies and mosquitos when combined with an aroma diffuser. Bugs usually prefer hot air.
How to Choose the Best Tent Fan
Most people prefer to camp in summer when the weather is good without having to face storms and snow. However, during summertime, the heat can become unbearable.
Since tents are not made of cooling materials, the weather can be extremely hot inside the tents. You will definitely need a tent fan to cool you down. Here are some factors to consider while buying a camping tent fan.
Power Source
You should consider the most available power source for you to enjoy your fan. A 10000mAh polymer rechargeable battery can be easily charged using a micro USB or USB C charging port. These fans can work between 6 and 24 hours after being fully charged in 6 hours.
2200mAh 18650 batteries can work up to 40 hours depending on the fan speed. They can be recharged via USB. Some fans are equipped with one battery, while others are equipped with two of these batteries so they will last for a very long time.
4400mAh batteries can work for 10 to 30 hours. Lithium-ion 3600mAh batteries provide good performance and long duration. They can last up to 26 hours depending on fan speed.
Replaceable alkaline batteries perform quite well but need to be replaced regularly. Solar-powered tent fans are the ultimate choice if the weather is sunny. They ensure that your fan will keep on going so you don’t have to replace the batteries. The problem is that the fan won’t work when there is no sunlight.
Electric tent fans are the best choice when you have electricity. You just plug them into an electric outlet and they will be more powerful than the battery-operated models.
Weight
Just like the rest of your outdoor gear, you should make sure that your tent fan is lightweight. This will allow you to carry it comfortably when you’re spending time away from home. ABS fans are usually quite portable so they won’t drag you down when you add the fan to your camping gear.
Metal fans are heavier but they’re more durable. However, most camping fans come with a built-in handle so you can easily carry yours to set it up wherever you like.
Fan Speed
The fan’s blades run and cut through the air pushing the hot air downwards and replacing it with a cold breeze. The faster the blades go the cooler the place will be.
But the weather temperature changes so you will need a fan with various speeds to adjust it according to the temperature. You can also reduce the fan speed to avoid the noise while you’re sleeping or to save the battery. A faster speed will drain the battery faster.
Running time
Some battery-operated fans can run 3 to 6 hours while others will run up to 40 hours. You should think about the running and charging time before you pack a camping tent fan for your upcoming camping adventure.
Running at high speeds can drain the battery faster, so you should look for models with different speed levels and adjust the airflow according to your needs. Think of any other extra features like LED lightning and decide whether you need to keep them on or not. They will also affect the running time of the fan.
Blades
The blades can be made of metal and they move large amounts of air making them the most efficient choice. Nevertheless, they are heavy and dangerous around pets and children. They can harm you if you place your finger against the moving blades.
Some models have a protective screen to be safer to use. Other blades are made of plastic and they are very efficient outdoors and lighter in weight, yet they can break easily.
Another good option is foam blades, especially around children and pets. Being soft, they provide less circulation so they are less efficient. They won’t work if the weather is extremely hot.
Noise
When you’re camping, you want to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere in nature. If the fan is so annoying it can deprive you of sleep.
Taking a good look at the fan blades can give you a good idea about its noise level. Foam and plastic fans have minimal sound. Metal fans can make a louder noise although they’re more durable.
You can also adjust your fan speed while you’re sleeping to minimize the noise. Some people don’t get annoyed by the noise and actually find that the noise helps them sleep better.
Durability
Although durable camping fans can be really expensive, you will need a heavy-duty fan to be used outdoors. You don’t find yourself without a fan during the hot night which can ruin your whole camping adventure.
Investing in a sturdy camping fan is a big plus because it will last for long. ABS plastics are usually used in camping fans because they’re durable without being extremely heavyweight. If you’re looking for a strong fan that can withstand a few drops, you should look for a model that features a metal frame.
Extra features
During camping and other outdoor activities, you will need to carry fewer items. Some fans come with a built-in LED lantern. Those are very beneficial in giving you a strong light source inside your tent without needing to pack a separate light source with you.
Conclusion
Adding one of the camping fans will immediately improve your outdoor experience because you can chill, sleep or meditate without feeling too hot. We chose the Geek Aire Rechargeable Outdoor High-Velocity Floor Fan as our top choice because it’s made of durable metal and built to last. This is an excellent choice for camping trips because it is splash-resistant and charges pretty fast.
If this camping fan is too expensive for you, we recommend that you take a look at the REENUO 4400mAh Camping Fan with LED Lights. It comes with built-in LED lights so it’s extremely practical to use when you’re sleeping in a tent. It can last up to 40 hours to keep you cool as long as you choose to stay away from home.