The best camping fan can turn those hot days into an enjoyable and relaxing experience.
There is nothing like sitting in the cool air from your outdoor fan while also enjoying the great outdoors.
That is why I have compiled a list of what to look for in a camping fan, with some recommendations of my favorites at the end. That way you can find the best camping fan for you and your set-up.
They may be small in size, but camping fans have come a long way when it comes to quality and power. In other words, what once was a small personal fan now packs a punch of power!
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7 Things to Look for in a Camping Fan
When looking for a camping fan, you may want to consider additional features that go beyond its portable design. The following is my list of the best features to consider.
Compact Design
When shopping, don’t equate a bigger model with more power. There are compact designs that still blow a lot of air.
So, I recommend first looking at fans that have a small, compact design that won’t take up much space in your RV.
In addition, you may want to look for a design that includes a carry handle. It’s a convenient feature that is often overlooked until you start lugging the fan around.
Rechargeable Battery
Fans with rechargeable batteries can offer a more predictable battery life. You can easily connect the USB cable to the power bank whenever you need to operate the fan.
Some fans require the use of D-cell batteries, which is not always the best power source. They can be cumbersome, and take up your precious cargo space. In addition, if you forget to purchase new batteries to take on the trip, you may find yourself with a dead fan.
A rechargeable fan is also an excellent option if you have solar panels. Your solar panel may have a USB port available to plug in devices to charge.
In that case, you would have a power source right at your fingertips. Say goodbye to lugging around those D batteries!
LED Light
Another one of the extra features to look for is an LED light. They can be used as a night light, providing enough light to get up and use the restroom or even read by.
Adjustable Speed Settings
Consider purchasing a fan that offers different speeds, like a high setting and low setting. Adjustable fan speed can offer you more customizable comfort.
Another important consideration is whether or not the fan can turn in different angles. When fans oscillate, it provides more airflow in any given space. That can make the difference between comfort for all vs. comfort for one person, especially in a large tent or RV.
Outdoor Use
When looking for the best camping fan to use outdoors, be sure that it is rated for outdoor use. That includes using the fan inside of a tent or under your RV canopy.
Hanging Hook
Many of the best camping fans come with a hanging hook. A hanging fan can easily be moved around to the area you want to use it by easily hooking it to, for instance, your RV awning.
By hanging the fan inside a tent or your RV, it will work more like a ceiling fan that disperses the rising hot air.
Noise Level
The last thing you want to hear in the great outdoors is a loud fan. Most people enjoy camping and outdoor activities because they are immersed in nature. They want to enjoy the quiet sounds of nature and get away from noisy city life.
That is why you want to pay attention to the noise level of camping fans that you are checking out. Getting a quiet fan will surely help you relax while enjoying your trip.
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Best Camping Fan: My 3 Top Picks
Whether you are looking for a floor fan, hanging fan, or tent fan, there are several camping fans that will fit the bill. These are the three I’d recommend.
Coleman CPX
The Coleman CPX camping fan is a good choice for a camping enthusiast. Some consider this fan the best value for the money since it gives you a lot of features for a small price.
This fan comes with a magnetic hanging device and a fold-out stand to place it on the ground. Those are both great options to help maximize airflow no matter what setup you have.
This fan can also be used indoor or out. Enjoy it while resting in the shade reading a good book, or having a nice chat.
Another amazing feature of the Coleman CPX fan is that it offers you power source choices. You can use four D-cell batteries, a rechargeable power cartridge, or an A/C adapter cartridge. Talk about flexibility!
Finally, this fan gives you excellent light features. Use the 5-mm LED built-in lights to light up your space with 99 lumens of brightness. Or, choose the nightlight option for when you go to sleep.
O2Cool Treva
Another good camping fan is the O2Cool by Treva. Although it has a compact design, it does not compromise on strong wind power.
While this fan does not oscillate, it does come standard with two airflow speeds to choose from. You can also adjust the fan set-up to a clip fan, desk fan, floor fan, and even a necklace fan!
Odoland Portable
Complete with two speed settings, and 18 individual LED bulbs, this fan has it all! The best thing about it? It is reasonably priced!
It comes with a carry handle, so you can easily move it around. Plus, it has 360-degree rotation to point it wherever you want to.
If you don’t want a rechargeable fan then this lightweight fan is the best battery fan you can find. It requires 4 D-batteries but can run for 5 hours at high speed with only that battery power. Or, it can run 15 hrs in low speed mode and 20 hrs using only the led light.
This puppy has over 30,000 reviews on Amazon with a 4.5-star rating. So, despite not being rechargeable, it is a great option.
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