Don’t sweat in your tent thanks to these camping air conditioners
In case you haven’t heard, glamping is a thing now. It means camping, but with a touch of “glam.” While some folks may enjoy truly roughing it, those who appreciate a good glamping trip require some comforts to get through those long nights sleeping in a tent. One way to achieve it is a camping air conditioner.
Now, hear me out. I know the whole point of camping for most people is to go fully rustic and live without the things that make our daily lives easier and more comfortable. But if you live in a very hot place, camping in a tent during summer can be pretty miserable without a little air conditioning. You can still have the outdoor experience without having all of the outdoors in your tent. Leave out the nasty heat and sticky humidity with an air conditioner that will work in a tent.
How to provide power to a camping air conditioner
If you’re staying at a campground with electrical hookups, that’s how you would get power to run your air conditioner. If not, you’ll need a generator with enough power to keep the AC going for however long you think you’ll need it. You may also be able to use a battery-powered air conditioner, but it’s unlikely it would be big enough to cool down a whole tent for the night.
Window vs. portable air conditioner for camping
When it comes to which type of air conditioner you can buy for your tent, you can go with either a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner.
- Window air conditioner: To make the window option work, you will need a tent that has a port already built in. Much like with a window AC unit in your home, it will allow cool air in while sending the tent’s hot air outside. Note that you will need something to rest a window air conditioner on to keep it off the ground. Some kind of stand should work, but test it out before your camping trip to make sure it’s the right height in conjunction with the built-in port. Another issue to consider with a window unit is that it would be easier for someone to steal it since it’s plainly visible to anyone ing by.
- Portable air conditioner: These units will also have a tube for the exhaust that can run through any opening in your tent. They are probably more convenient for most campers and you’ll have more options for where to set it up than with a window unit, but they will likely take up a lot of space. If you have a smaller tent or multiple people sleeping in it, this may make a window AC unit a more sensible option.
Evaluate your tent size
Just like at home, you’ll want to evaluate the size of the space that needs to be cooled when selecting a camping air conditioner. The larger the tent, the higher the BTUs you will want to have. As temperatures get cooler during the night, you may not need as powerful an air conditioner if that’s when you primarily plan to use it. But you’ll also need to factor in the lower amount of ventilation provided by a tent’s fabric walls. Some of that cool air will escape more easily than it would in a regular home.
Camping air conditioner factors to consider
- Weight and size: that whatever unit you choose will need to be carried into the tent by someone and fit in the car when you pack. Make sure you don’t pack an air conditioner for camping that’s too heavy to set up or too big to fit in the trunk.
- Noise level: While some may appreciate the white noise a running AC unit can provide, others may find certain machines too loud. Check reviews to see what other s think of a unit’s noise output.
- Price: The pricing on portable air conditioners can vary widely, so make sure you are buying one that only has the features you’ll need. Some can get pretty expensive, and you may need only a basic unit that’s a bit no-frills.
Other ways to stay cool in a tent
When camping in the summer months, there are other ways to keep yourself cool aside from bringing an air conditioner. While they won’t work as well, they could provide enough relief if the hot temps aren’t too extreme.
- Set up camp in an area with lots of shade.
- Use tarps to give yourself extra shade.
- Open the tent’s vents to provide maximum airflow.
- Keep yourself and your camping buddies hydrated.
- Bring a fan.
Best camping air conditioners
Best portable air conditioners for camping
Dreo 10,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This Dreo model provides 200 square feet of cooling space, has a 24-hour timer and offers cool, dry and fan modes. It can be controlled via the remote or with the brand’s app.
This LG unit is three-in-one providing AC, a fan and a dehumidifier. It can cool a space up to 250 square feet and has two cooling and fan speeds.
BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner
This model is only 26 pounds, making it relatively light and easier to carry than heavier portable AC units. Despite its smaller size, it cools a tent up to 450 square feet and features a timer so you can adjust how cold it gets during the night.
Best window air conditioners for camping
This window unit has electronic controls, three fan speeds and a timer. It can cool spaces up to 350 square feet and comes with a remote, so you can change the settings from the comfort of your sleeping bag.
If your tent is on the small side, this efficient 5,000-BTU unit might be all you need. It can cool up to 150 square feet of space and has two air directors to cool the tent down quickly.
BLACK+DECKER Window Air Conditioner 5000 BTU
This is another unit suited for smaller tents, and it’s a great choice for packing convenience because it is pretty lightweight. It boasts seven temperature settings as well as two cooling and two fan-only speeds.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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