10 Best Camping Fans of 2021: DC, AC, Rechargeable
Photo: OPOLAR
A camping fan can be a lifesaver on hot summer days. Camping fans use little power to improve your tent's or RV's ventilation by increasing the airflow and reducing the overall interior temperature.
The issue with camping fans, however, is that so many manufacturers build their fans in so many ways. And this has led to a range of offers in the market that can easily confuse a first-timer.
This camping fans review aims to make things easier for you, by providing you with the list of the market's top offers below, and a buying guide to help you make the right choice.
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10 Best Camping Fans – Review
- 1. Opolar 10-1000-F531 – Best Overall Camping Fan
- 2. Honeywell HT-900 – Best Budget Camping Fan
- 3. Opolar F208 – Best Mini Rechargeable Camping Fan
- 4. O2Cool FD05004 – Best 2-Pack Mini Camping Fan
- 5. O2Cool FD10002 – Best 10-Inch Camping Fan With AC Adapter
- 6. Vornado CR1-0225-70 – Foldable Compact Camping Fan
- 7. Odoland – Most Versatile Camping Fan with LED Light
- 8. O2Cool FD0500400O006AMB – Multi-colored 5-Inch Camping Fan
- 9. Coleman CPX-6 – Light And Camping Fan Combo With Stand
- 10. Coleman 16492 – 4x D Battery Operated Camping Fan
- How to Buy the Best Camping Fan
- Conclusion
10 Best Camping Fans – Review
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1. Opolar 10-1000-F531 (Best Overall) |
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2. Honeywell HT-900 (Best Budget) |
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3. Opolar F208 (Best Mini Rechargeable & Portable) |
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4. O2Cool FD05004 (Best 2Pack Mini Fan) |
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5. O2Cool FD10002 (Best 10-Inch Fan With AC Adapter) |
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6. Vornado CR1-0225-70 (Foldable Compact Fan) |
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7. Odoland (Most Versatile with LED Light) |
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8. O2Cool FD05004 (Multi-colored 5-Inch Fan) |
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9. Coleman CPX-6 (Light & Camping Fan Combo With Stand) |
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10. Coleman 16492 (4x D Battery Operated Fan) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Opolar 10-1000-F531 (Best Overall) |
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2. Honeywell HT-900 (Best Budget) |
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3. Opolar F208 (Best Mini Rechargeable & Portable) |
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4. O2Cool FD05004 (Best 2Pack Mini Fan) |
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5. O2Cool FD10002 (Best 10-Inch Fan With AC Adapter) |
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6. Vornado CR1-0225-70 (Foldable Compact Fan) |
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7. Odoland (Most Versatile with LED Light) |
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8. O2Cool FD0500400O006AMB (Multi-colored 5-Inch Fan) |
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9. Coleman CPX-6 (Light & Camping Fan Combo With Stand) |
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10. Coleman 16492 (4x D Battery Operated Fan) |
1. Opolar 10-1000-F531 – Best Overall Camping Fan
Photo: Opolar
- Power Source: USB, AC, rechargeable battery
- Number of Speeds: 2 speeds
- Construction Materials: Metal, rubber
- Weight: 2 pounds
Opolar offers a great camping fan here. It comes with a 5,200 mAh rechargeable battery pack that gives up to nine hours of fan time, and it accepts both USB and mains AC power sources. These features combine with its metal-frame construction to make it our overall best camping fan.
The battery pack is made up of two 2,600 mAh batteries, which automatically recharge when you plug the fan to a USB port or with the included AC power cable, to the mains AC. It's also a quiet fan, producing less than 40 dB of noise and guaranteeing you an uninterrupted sleep or work session.
You can either get it in Blue , Black , or Pink . Its metal frame is easily adjustable up to 360° and it is easy to move and clean as well, making it a very attractive and versatile camping fan.
You get a two-speed setting here, with speed one producing about 1,300 RPM and lasting for about nine hours, while speed two produces about 1,700 RPM but lasts just 6 hours with the fully charged batteries.
What you might not like here is price, since you can get cheaper camping fans elsewhere. But, you should know that they won't be offering the same great features as this one.
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2. Honeywell HT-900 – Best Budget Camping Fan
Photo: Honeywell
- Power Source: AC power
- Number of Speeds: 3 speeds
- Construction Materials: Plastic
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
Here's an interesting camping fan for those on a budget. It comes at a low and attractive price, but it also comes with lots of interesting features.
This fan might also look small, but it's powerful and impressive. It uses Honeywell's TurboForce technology to deliver a cool breeze that you can feel from up to 27 feet away, using little power. This makes it perfect for small and large tents alike.
You can also select from three different speeds for more convenience and you can adjust its head up to 90° to direct its breeze exactly where you want.
One issue, however, is that it only runs on AC power and so, offers no possibility of battery use. But, if you've got electric power where you're headed, then this becomes an irresistible offer.
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3. Opolar F208 – Best Mini Rechargeable Camping Fan
Photo: Opolar
- Power Source: USB, battery
- Number of Speeds: 3 speeds
- Construction Materials: Plastic
- Weight: 0.4 pound
This one is a small but cute beauty and you can either run it on its rechargeable battery or plug it into a USB port for power. There are three speeds and it will last up to 13 hours on the lowest.
On the highest speed, however, you get up to 3,200 RPM, which is impressive for this little fan. Keep in mind that it measures just 4.1 x 1.6 x 5.9 inches and weighs just 7 ounces or 0.4 pounds.
This means that it might be too small to ventilate larger tents. But it works great for personal use and comes with a LED backlight, making it one of the best portable fans for camping. You can also get it in any of four colors.
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4. O2Cool FD05004 – Best 2-Pack Mini Camping Fan
Photo: O2Cool
- Power Source: 2x D batteries
- Number of Speeds: 2 speeds
- Construction Materials: Plastic
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
Here's O2Cool's Treva fan in a set of two. The two fans in this package each measure five inches and weigh just 1.4 pounds. They are also available in different colors.
Each fan uses 2x D batteries and has a 2-speed setting to adapt it to your needs. You can use them indoors, outdoors, and even at work or anywhere else because they are so quiet.
They are so small that they'll easily fit into your bag, trunk, or suitcase, without taking up much space. Plus, they can easily find space on your night desk, in your living room, or at work without stress.
One thing it lacks is additional power sources other than D-cell batteries. But when you need reliable cooling in off-grid locations, then you're better served by D-cell batteries, because you can stock them as much as you like. And this makes these O2Cool units one of the best fans for tent camping.
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5. O2Cool FD10002 – Best 10-Inch Camping Fan With AC Adapter
Photo: O2Cool
- Power Source: Battery, AC adapter
- Number of Speeds: 2 speeds
- Construction Materials: Plastic
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
O2Cool also offers this 10-inch camping fan with a dual power source. The fan can run on 6x D batteries or you can plug it into the mains AC socket to provide an uninterrupted breeze. This feature makes it one of the best camping tent fans in the market.
Its 10-inch blade size means more breeze and you are free to select one of its two speeds for operation. For AC power, it works on both 120 and 240 Volts AC, so there's nothing to worry about.
Where this product has a little issue is the lack of tilting capability to direct the breeze up or down. Still, you can turn it left or right, plus it features a beautiful and stylish construction. You can also get this version with a USB port to charge your mobile devices using this fan as a power source.
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6. Vornado CR1-0225-70 – Foldable Compact Camping Fan
Photo: Vornado
- Power Source: AC power cord
- Number of Speeds: 2 speeds
- Construction Materials: Plastic
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
Featuring a sleek and compact style, this Vornado camping fan also impresses with its fold-up design, making it a very portable but reliable unit.
It comes with simple 2-speed control and plugs directly into your mains AC outlet to provide steady ventilation.
Vornado offers it in Pink , Aqua , and Black , with each color featuring a beautifully translucent base and blades in that color for a fun and stylish design that stands.
Its major con is the lack of battery options, which ties you to electrical outlets. But, it's still a high-quality and reliable camping fan with an impressive 3-year warranty.
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7. Odoland – Most Versatile Camping Fan with LED Light
Photo: Odoland
- Power Source: 2x D cell
- Number of Speeds: 2 speeds
- Construction Materials: Plastic
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
For those who love the extra-ordinary, Odoland has the answer with this super-versatile camping fan. It works as a ceiling fan, as a standing fan, and as an ultra-bright LED lantern.
You can get up to 20 hours for the LED lantern, which features 18 LEDs. For use as a fan, you'll get up to 5 hours in high-speed mode and up to 15 at low speed.
The housing includes a hook that lets you hang it easily, and you can easily twist it as well to make it a standing fan and lantern.
A drawback here is the plastic construction, as this is a great concept but would have been better constructed using metal. Still, it remains one of the best battery powered camping fans and can easily save you some packing space.
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8. O2Cool FD0500400O006AMB – Multi-colored 5-Inch Camping Fan
Photo: O2Cool
- Power Source: 2x D batteries
- Number of Speeds: 2 speeds
- Construction Materials: Plastic
- Weight: 0.6 pounds
This is O2Cool's FD05004 camping fan that's available in many colors, but this offer is just for a single unit and it comes at the lowest price on this list.
Its blades measure just 5 inches across, but they feature a patented design that produces a quiet airflow, maximizes battery life, and improves the fan's efficiency.
The fan runs on 2x D-cell batteries, has a 2-speed setting, and achieves up to 20 hours of runtime on the lower speed.
Considerable issues include its relatively small size, which makes it more of a personal ventilator than one for an entire tent. But, if that's what you want, then this may be one of the best camping fans for you.
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9. Coleman CPX-6 – Light And Camping Fan Combo With Stand
Photo: Coleman
- Power Source: 4x D batteries, rechargeable battery, AC
- Number of Speeds: 2 speeds
- Construction Materials: Plastic
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
Coleman's CPX-6 is a unique camping fan with light that incorporates both function and style. It's a simple but beautiful piece that'll quickly catch the eye of any art lover.
You can attach it with the included magnetic plate or with a carabiner clip. It also comes with a built-in stand, so you can make it stand. Furthermore, this system includes two fan speeds and two light levels for convenience.
It comes with a cartridge for four batteries, but Coleman also offers the opportunity of using a rechargeable battery or an AC adapter. The only problem is that you'll have to buy them separately. Else, this is one of the best rechargeable camping fans you can get.
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10. Coleman 16492 – 4x D Battery Operated Camping Fan
Photo: Coleman
- Power Source: 4x D batteries
- Number of Speeds: 2 speeds
- Construction Materials: Plastic, foam
- Weight: 0.65 pound
This Coleman 16492 is the simplest camping fan on this list, with a stripped-down design that makes it both portable and very lightweight at just 0.65 pounds.
It uses 4x D-cell batteries and features two speeds, plus it can run for up to 21 hours on low speed. Else, you get a simple On/Off switch and a 3-bladed design.
There's no doubt that this fan needs a little styling to compete with the other top offers on this list. But, what it loses in looks, it makes up with its very low price.
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How to Buy the Best Camping Fan
Photo: OPOLAR
1. Standing vs. Hanging Camping Fans
The first factor you should consider is the type of camping fan that you're going to get. There are two major types, and they are the hanging and the free-standing camping fans.
Free-standing fans are compact and easy to install. Some come with collapsible bases, while others don't. But they all need wider bases to keep them stable. The issue with standing fans, however, is that they only direct their breeze in one direction.
With hanging camping fans, you get a more efficient system in terms of ventilation. This is because hanging fans deliver their breeze to a wider area. They are also better suited for larger tents. Just make sure that the structure can handle the fan's weight.
2. Power Source
You will find camping fans with different power sources, including AC and DC power. Some fans, such as the Coleman 16492 , come with just one power source, while others like the Coleman CPX-6 combine two or more power sources.
Most fans that support AC power will come with an AC adapter, while DC-powered fans either use D-cell batteries or rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Even the best solar camping fans also need a battery to store their energy for night-time use.
3. Speed Settings
Camping fan speed can be a double-edged sword because the faster the fan works and delivers cooler air, the shorter the battery's lifespan. So, you always get the choice of cooler air versus longer battery life.
Most camping fans offer two or three-speed settings. Each has its pros and cons, so the decision is up to you, based on your preferences.
4. Construction Materials
Most camping fans you'll see get manufactured from plastic, with some of these materials being stronger or better looking than the other. You'll also find a few with metal construction, but these tend to be heavier than plastic models.
For efficiency, fans with metal blades will deliver more air, but they weigh more. Plastic blades can do nearly as well as metal blades, but they can break easily. You'll also have to make a choice here, based on your preferences.
5. Safety
Camping fan safety isn't an issue if you're camping with only adults. But when kids become involved, then you may want to consider the type and size of grill the fan comes with. Needless to say, those with small holes are the best for children, because their fingers can't get past.
6. Noise Level
All fans make noise, but some are noisier than others. So, if noise is a major concern for you, then you'll have to keep an eye on the camping fan's noise rating. This is given in decibels, with a higher rating meaning more noise.
You'll also find some very quiet fans that produce what many refer to as 'white noise'. This is a high-pitched, but soft and gentle kind of noise that makes it easier for lots of people to sleep. If you're the type, then you already know what to look for.
8. Battery Run Time
If you want to choose a battery-powered camping fan, then you should also consider its run time. That is, how long it will work before the battery is completely drained. Both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries offer run times up to 50 hours and longer, but there's more to that.
You should note that the battery will last longer at a lower speed. Secondly, if the fan also features light or works as a power bank with USB ports, then these extra features will help to drain the battery faster.
9. User Friendliness & Extra Features
A major extra-feature on most camping fans is a light. This is a big plus for many campers because it reduces the size of your gear since you've got a light and a fan in one device.
Another nice feature is the power-bank with USB ports. Some camping fans come with a USB port connected to their rechargeable batteries, turning the camping fan into a power bank for charging small devices like phones and tablets.
Conclusion
We've come to the end of this camping fans review and you've seen all the great and impressive camping fan offers out there. And now, it's your turn to make a choice.
For a simply great choice, we recommend the Opolar 10-1000-F531 fan , with its multiple power sources, two-speed control, and metal construction.
If you are on a budget, then the Honeywell HT-900 might be a great choice, with its low price, 3-speed control, and powerful breeze delivery.
And for those who love style and beauty, we recommend the Vornado CR1-0225-70 , with its sleek design, foldable stand, and availability in three colors.