Buying Guide Section
There are a lot of camping fans available today. You can get basic no frills fans, 360-degree rotating options, fans with LED lights and battery or solar operated ones. I pooled the most important points to remember below, so you can find a camping fan that meets all your needs.
Cost
Camping fans are not generally expensive. You can find a decently performing and cheap fan for around $20. There are, of course, higher models with more features like 360-degree rotation, lights, and remote controls. The price range for these tends to run between about $50-80$.
Power Source
Camping fans can be solar-charged or rely on batteries. Battery-operated fans either use disposable batteries or rechargeable ones. Occasionally, a fan can use both.
While solar-powered options are increasing in popularity, rechargeable battery-powered camping fans are currently the most common. Take a look at battery capacity too, a few selections require up to 6 disposable batteries to operate.
Run Time
How long the fan can run is a key consideration. Most companies will emphasize a long run time, but this is usually achieved on the lowest speed setting. The highest setting will usually provide significantly less hours. Additionally, if your camp fan comes with a light, running both at the same time will shorten the run time.
Size/Weight
All the fans in this article were chosen because of their smaller sizes. For camping, you don’t necessarily want a cumbersome gargantuan fan. If you’re looking at convenience, anything over a few pounds of weight and larger than a foot and a half is going to be tougher to move around and position.
Portability
Many of the fan options above have collapsible elements for easy transportation. Fans that don’t collapse usually have hooks, rings, or thinner profiles, which makes storing simple.
If a fan can’t collapse, make sure you can fit it in a backpack or hang it off the outside of one. It’s also good to remember that while compact camping fans are highly convenient, they may not have the power of larger models.
Positions
Not all fans work on the same surfaces. Some types of camping fans require hooks and rings so they can hang from ceilings. Others have sturdy bases that work best on the floor or on a flat surface. Occasionally, you can have fans that do both, like the Coleman OneSource Camping Fan, but mostly, you’ll need to pick which type you want.
The most versatile option in this regard is my favorite overall, the COMLIFE portable fan. The adjustable tripod means it can be set up to be a floor fan, ceiling fan or even grip the side of a camping chair.
Durability
The outdoor world is famously rough on gear. When loading or unloading supplies, you could easily drop a fan. Make sure the material can handle a few falls and a bit of moisture.
If you’re camping with children, durability matters a lot more. Kids can be little tornadoes of destruction, and you’ll want a fan that can handle a bit of abuse.
Additional Features
While not necessary, the additional features are always nice. The most basic added feature for camping fans is lights. Other useful features include flexible tripods for extra grip, multiple brightness settings, and variable air speed. Collapsible components help make fans more portable, and some can be charged while they charge other devices.
More features usually drive up the price, but those features can make your life a lot easier. Who doesn’t want to control everything with a simple remote, for example?
Summary
My pick for the best overall camping fan is the brilliant COMLIFE Battery Operated Portable Fan. Right on its heels is the advanced feature-rich Coleman OneSource Rechargeable Camping Fan.
I’m also a big fan of the ruggedly built GEEK AIRE Rechargeable Outdoor Floor Fan if you’re camping with friends and family. And for the budget hunters out there, the AceMining Rechargeable Fan is worth a look.
