10 Best Tent Air Conditioners For Camping: Get Rid of Heat
The creature comforts that go into making our indoor lives more appealing have made us utterly habituated to them. So much so that we may feel discouraged to live a life without them.
Nonetheless, we shouldn’t completely detach ourselves from the outdoor life as it helps us all connect to our roots, relieve ourselves of stress, and overall add a healthy outdoor getaway to our schedules.
Though camping is all about reconnecting with nature, that, however, doesn’t mean you need to leave your home-like setup behind. All you need is a spacious tent, enough headspace, a few amenities, and of course, a portable AC.
Yes, you heard it right, you can absolutely bring a camping tent air conditioner to your camping trip.
These air conditioners are portable, compact, and easy to use. On hot and arid afternoons or summer nights, an air conditioner would help take away that sweaty and sticky sensation from your skin so that you fall asleep easily.
There are dozens of portable tent ACs you can check out. But in order to find out which model suits you the best make sure you read our buyer’s guide and list of best tent air conditioners.
Table of Contents
10 Best Tent Air Conditioners For Camping:
1. Emerson Quiet Kool Portable Air Conditioner
The Emerson Quiet Kool Portable Air Conditioner is perfect for cooling small spaces due to its small size and amazing features. A small downside is that it weighs about 50 lbs but the fact that it has wheels and side handles should be enough to improve upon its maneuverability.
It efficiently cools the 300 sq. ft. area of your tent without contributing more than 50dB of noise to your environment making it a superbly noise efficient AC.
Emerson has made its design bucket less which means its auto-evaporation technology makes sure that you do not need to routinely clear its tray like all other ACs. This AC has a powerful dehumidifier that clears 2.5 pints of humidity each hour.
There are three types of cooling modes – fan, cool and dry, it also has a heating function, you can set it to any mode that best suits the weather. There is an added duct so that you can fit the ventilation out your window.
It comes along with remote control cooling, LED display and can also be set on a timer.
Key Features:
- 14000 BTU with three cooling options.
- Includes Timer and Remote Control.
- Auto-evaporation and dehumidifier.
- Window fitting kit available.
- Is a powerful cooler that can condition 300 sq.ft.of space.
- Can efficiently dry your tent interior in humid climates.
- Has air ducts that can be fitted against your tent window.
- Is quite an heavy AC. Not meant for backpacking trips.
2. Zero Breeze Portable Air Conditioner
In terms of portability, the Mark 2 battery-powered portable Air Conditioner from Zero Breeze is an excellent example. Its compact size makes it easy enough to just pack it up in a small bag with the rest of your luggage.
It runs on a 2300 BTU, which is quite powerful for its size that is small enough to fit in a small space or tent for 3 people. The onboard 24V micro-compressor facilitates multiple charging options including car charging, USB, or even 12V.
It has a dual duct function which makes it drip or leakproof. The dual hoses drag air into the cooler while pushing out the hot air from the back. It reduces condensation that makes the inside of the tent feel damp.
It consumes only 24v of DC power and the battery can last 3 to 5 hours after being fully charged.
Key Features:
- Battery Capacity 830wh and can last for 5 hours.
- 24v micro inverter compressor.
- Dual Duct cooling system.
- Compact size makes it extremely portable.
- Can be used to cool small spaces.
- Comes pre-assembled.
- Can only cool 40 sq.ft. of space.
3. Neofeel Cooling Portable Air Conditioner
The Neofeel portable air conditioner is a step ahead in terms of cooling and portability. There are a bunch of features that are sure to get you excited such as the fact that it is a chiller, humidifier, and fan, all in one box.
It keeps you cool while keeping the humidity in the air at low levels during hot weather. It has a large water tank with the capacity to hold 800 ml of water so that you don’t have to spend too much time refilling the tank.
Its compact size is easy enough to fit in any small space and there is an added handle for easy transportation. It has an onboard timer that can be activated so that you can take a nap for 1, 2, 3, and even 8 hours after which the cooler will turn off to preserve battery power.
There are two ways by which you can refill the tank. You can either choose to directly pour water and ice on the pull-out tray or pour it through a waterproof tank. It has both wind speed adjustment modes and cooling adjustment modes.
Its 5000 mAh battery ensures that you won’t need to charge it too often.
Key Features:
- 800ML waterproof tank.
- 3 in 1 cooling features for every kind of weather.
- Automatic shutdown feature with timer.
- Compact size. Ideal for small tent spaces.
- Water can be easily filled and cleaned.
- Lasts as long as 8 hours after charging.
- No dehumidifier.
4. Midea MAP08R1CWT 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
The 3 in 1 portable air conditioner from Midea can be said to have a truly convenient design. It can effectively cool any room, tent, or small space within 150 square feet, in a minimal amount of time. It has been rated at 8000 BTU by Ashrae.
It can simultaneously cool and dehumidify your tent as well. The design’s simplicity allows you to track and control the temperature through an LED display.
There is also a remote control included with the air conditioner that features a 24 hours timer, hence you can schedule the cooler to turn off before you complete your sleep. This portable AC has an impressive capacity to cool between 62° and 90° Fahrenheit.
It can be easily installed as the 5ft hose can be connected to a window or the entrance of your tent with 48” window brackets that come with an easy setup kit.
Key Features:
- 8000 BTU Air Cooler with a 150 sq2 feet closed space coverage.
- LED display with digital controls.
- Timer and remote control.
- Conveniently designed to fit in cosy spaces.
- Dehumidifies and cools at the same time.
- Largely built may not fit in small 2 person tents.
5. Aigostar 10000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
The Aigostar Portable Air Conditioner with 956W power has 3 modes of cooling available to condition over 350 sq2ft of concealed area. It can keep your tent cool between 60° F and 90° F.
The Fan mode has both low and high speeds and functions alongside the dehumidification process. You can swing also activate swing mode to equally distribute the air within your room.
This cooler has an easy-to-setup design and can be operated through a clearly visible LED display. You can set it at your desired choice of temperature for cooling, fan, or switch on the sleep feature. Its 24-hour energy-saving feature automatically switches off your AC.
You can enjoy soundless cooling and set up your cooler against your tent window with a window slider adapter. The toolkit for setting it up also comes included.
Key Features:
- 10000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner.
- 3 in 1 functionality with remote control and timer.
- Swing mode included.
- LED clear display.
- Is a low sound emitting air conditioner.
- Has three modes and the temperature can be set easily.
- Has 24 hours energy-saving feature.
- Design does not support efficient manoeuvrability.
6. Evapolar evaCHILL Portable AC
Next up on our list of the best tent air conditioners is a one of its kind air conditioner with a compact design small enough to fit into your camping backpack.
The EvapolarevaChill is probably the smallest portable Air Conditioner on this list. You can not only humidify the air but also use it as a subtle nightlight while asleep. It consumes less amount of energy and cools only the area in front of it.
You can chill within the soundless confines of your tent. It uses a patented Evapolar filter made from inorganic nanofibers which prevent the formation of molds in the air. The air is perfectly breathable and is 100% healthy for you and the environment.
It conditions the air with just enough moisture to keep you energized. You can use a power bank to charge your cooler when on backpacking trips.
Simplicity is its best feature as you can just pour water, plug it in, press the button and enjoy a chilled sea breeze-like temperature.
Key Features:
- Compact size for small spaces.
- Inorganic filter system for clean air.
- Colored night light systems.
- Its small convenient size makes it easily transportable.
- Can only cool the area in front of it.
7. MIKOSI 3 in 1 Portable Air Conditioner
MIKOSI portable air conditioner can act as your personal carry-on humidifier anywhere you go. It is essentially a lightweight portable cooler with upper handles and is compact enough to use as a table cooler.
It is integrated with features like a mist humidifier, which moisturizes the air and is great for overcoming the dry heat. Constructed with ABS+PP which are made of organic material hence making the MIKOSI Portable Air Conditioner well-suited for the environment and is one of the quietest tent coolers on our list.
It has a well-secured leak-proof tank system that prevents any spillage. The onboard battery capacity is 4000mAh and can last up to 6 long hours when fully charged. Conveniently, it has a USB port so that you can charge your AC using only a power bank.
You can pour icy water into the AC and also see the level of water stored through a visible window. A full tank of water can last you 12 hours without having to refill for a while.
Key Features:
- Made of ABS and PP organic substances.
- 4000mAh built-in Battery with USB.
- LED night light available.
- Consumes only 4.5W.
- Compact in size therefore ideal for backpackers.
- Battery charge can last up to 6 hours.
- Support power bank charging.
- Functions as a limited area cooling system.
8. Tripp Lite Portable Air Conditioner
The next portable tent air conditioner looks slightly similar to a small CPU but is indeed an efficient cooling solution for any confined space.
It takes up a small amount of space and is quite useful during hot afternoons to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. It harbors about 12,000 BTU of cooling power at the cost of consuming only 3.5kW which efficiently protects the unit from overheating.
The AC has an easy-to-install design and has a built-in evaporator that removes the need to empty the water tank. The Tripp Lite Portable AC dehumidifies and purifies the air, and requires no downtime to keep the air cool.
By installing a scoolnet network module you can remotely monitor temperatures, change settings, notified of changes, all through a web, ssh, SNMP, or Telnet connection.
Key Features:
- Compact AC with rollers at the bottom.
- 12000 BTU cooling unit and consumes only 3.5kW.
- Environmentally friendly R410a refinement.
- Built-in evaporator.
- Portable and compact enough for large tents and small residential spaces.
- Purifies, dehumidifies, and cools the air.
- Can be controlled remotely with an app.
- Size is too big for smaller tents.
- Requires constant power source.
9. Vremi 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Smooth portability and an impressive design is what sets the Vremi Portable Air Conditioner aside from others. It has the capacity to deliver 10,000 BTU and can efficiently cool 150 to 250 sq. ft of area.
There are wheels at the bottom of the cooler which are used to smoothly move the cooler from one space to another. You have multiple options to access different modes – cooling, drying, fanning, and sleeping, that are best suited for varying situations and seasons.
There is a digital display along with a concealable built-in remote controller. The room temperature capacity stands between 64° F and 90° F. Like any other semi-smart compact AC system, this too has a 24-hour timer that switches off the AC at a specified time so you don’t need to worry about conserving power.
To equalize the airflow you can also activate the Swing mode. This air conditioning unit comes with reusable/removable air filters which can be easily washed under the basin without affecting its performance one bit.
It is undoubtedly one of the best tent air conditioners that you can buy.
Key Features:
- Compact space-saving design with movable wheels.
- 10,000 BTU air conditioner.
- Multiple operation modes.
- Slick and impressive looking design.
- Remote Control available.
- Powerful Air purifier and conditioner.
- Hard to find any disadvantage.
10. TOSOT 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
The final air conditioner on our list is from TOSOT and is credited to deliver around 8000 BTU of cool air. It can cool a space of 250 square feet of area.
It has 3 convenient modes for cooling in separate weather conditions like cooling, fanning, and dehumidifying over 2.1 pints of water each hour. TOSOT portable conditioner is super easy to install and can be done by adjusting the exhaust hose through your window panel by using a tightening knob.
It comes with an installation kit containing clear instructions. You can use a remote control to change the settings of your AC from a distance of 2 feet.
Key Features:
- 8000 BTU cooling efficiency.
- Comes included with 3 modes –fan, cooler, dehumidifier.
- Auto-evaporator included.
- Can cool an area of 250 square feet.
- Dehumidifies almost 2.1 pints of water from the air.
- Slightly heavier for transporting.
Factors to look for while buying the Best Tent Air Conditioner
Tent Size
The primary factor to consider while buying an AC unit for use within a tent is the tent size. The cooling of an AC will depend on the tent size. Generally, the size of tents is determined by how many people they can accommodate.
A 4-persons tent and a 12-persons tent will require different amounts of cooling. That’s why it is important to know the square footage of your tent. Another related factor is the number of people sharing the tent.
With every person the required amount of cooling increases. In general, it takes 30 Sqft for a person to sleep comfortably while sharing a tent.
Now, choose your purchase depending on the square feet of your camping tent and the number of fellow campers.
Portability
The second factor to keep in mind is portability. Tent air conditioners come in different sizes and weights. Camping AC’s portability varies from person to person.
For instance, a person who is out for a one-day car camping trip might be able to handle a heavier option. But, managing a heavy portable AC can be a nightmare for a solo camper.
Before you place your order for a tent air conditioner, ask yourself three questions:
- How much weight you can comfortably carry?
- What size of an AC unit can you transport?
- What means do you have to handle your portable air conditioner throughout the journey?
Power Source
The Power source is important because without it you have no means to run your air conditioning unit. Generally, we depend on electricity to run most of our machines and devices. But, while out camping it may not be always available.
Few campsites offer electricity facilities. In such cases, you have to be aware of the amps you are allowed to hook up. It ranges from 5amps to 16amps.
Knowing the allowed amps would be helpful in choosing the right machine for your camp journey. Otherwise, it can lead to circuit blow up making the entire campground off the power.
Else, you can always use a battery-powered AC unit. You can also carry a portable power supply with you.
AC Power
Before we start discussing AC power levels, you need to know what is BTU? BTUs stands for British Thermal Units that indicates how much energy is used by your appliance to reach the necessary amount of cooling.
AC units with higher BTUs can cool tents of bigger sizes. But the same is not suitable for a smaller one. An Air Conditioner that runs on 15000BTUs provides you with the desired temperature quickly and shuts off in case of a two-person tent.
The cooling will start again once the temperature of your tent has increased. This repeated cycle can shorten the life of your cooling device. Choose the BTUs correctly according to the need and size of your tent.
Noise
While enjoying the calm and beautiful ambiance of nature, the last thing you want is a noisy machine to take the peace away.
During the day, your natural surroundings will soak up the sound. At night times, it can trouble your neighbor camper’s sleep. Every AC unit comes with a unit decibel level also known as dBa.
The general rule is to keep the sound under 60 decibels which is tolerable. Any noise above that would become a nuisance. Look for the quietest options to experience a peaceful trip.
Airflow & Ventilation
Your tent has to need ventilation. Especially, during the time of sleep when the doors and windows are shut. A 12v battery run air conditioner will not need any extra ventilation.
It will use vents that come with your tent. Whereas, the electricity-run portable cooling machine will need outside ventilation. Your window tent AC will remain half in and half out of the window.
They require large vents for maintaining ventilation. There are tents with AC ports. You need to choose your AC according to your tent’s facilities or otherwise.
Affordability
Nothing comes for free you get exactly what you pay for. Portable ACs come in both affordable and expensive options. Which one to buy is completely on your affordability?
Higher prices do not ensure a better product. Going through the specifications before purchasing is the key to buy the perfectly suited AC for yourself.
Conclusion
Camping has been revolutionized after technology has brought about all kinds of portable amenities. Compared to the bare bone outdoor experience, campers now can truly relax in the midst of nature.
Battery-powered AC units make you feel lucky and give you a home-like feeling without electricity. All our recommended products are suitable for most tents, and we have covered AC units for every tent size.
From a solo camper’s backpack to a group camping trip. Without further delay go and choose your next camping air conditioner.
FAQs
How do humidity levels affect the working of your Air Conditioner?
Air conditioners might have to work hard in humid locations compared to non-humid locations. So chances are it can run off easily. AC models that have dehumidifiers built-in can come in handy in your fight with humidity.
Does insulating a tent help the AC to work better?
Making any alteration to your tent to insulate its organic specifications can harm the structure. The best thing to do is to buy a tent that already has the qualities you need. You can pitch your tent in a shaded area or you can create your own shade using a tarp.
A dark-colored tent fly with reflective coating can also keep your tent cool.
How safe it is to use an AC unit inside the tent?
Almost all the portable AC units are safe cooling options to use inside your tent. Make sure all the instructions are being followed and the tent insides are well ventilated.
How to choose an AC unit for a large tent?
For large tents, you can either choose spot cooler or portable AC units with higher BTU output. Choose a model between 10000 BTUs to 15000BTUs.
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