Camping is a classic pastime, but tents can be stiflingly hot to sleep in. Tent fans have entered the market to help battle the heat. The best tent fans are cordless, lightweight, and easy to set up.
The Coleman Freestanding Tent Fan is an affordable fan that works well for camping. It runs for up to 21 hours, weighs less than a pound, and has soft foam blades, making it safe to use around children and pets. One of the only downsides is that you cannot change the height of the fan.
If you’re looking for a quick and affordable solution to your hot tent this summer, the Coleman Tent Fan is a good purchase. Read on to learn more about the positives and negatives of this fan.
Pros
- The fan is extremely lightweight, weighing in at less than a pound.
- It folds up for easy storage and traveling.
- Low and high settings mean you can customize the amount of breeze you receive.
- Long-lasting runtime allows you to stay cool the entire night.
- Blades on the fan are made of foam, making this fan safe to use around young children and pets.
- Small size (5.06 x 13.06 x 10.88 inches) means it won’t take up too much room in your tent.
Cons
- The fan does not include any batteries.
- It doesn’t rotate, meaning it will mostly benefit the person it is closest too.
- It can be a bit noisy on the high setting.
- The fan will take up room on the floor of your tent, so if you have a small tent, you may find the addition of the fan too cramped.
Should You Get This?
As an avid camper, you may be wondering if you need a tent fan. It makes sense to answer this question before you even consider purchasing the Coleman Tent Fan.
If you mostly camp in the winter, you probably don’t need to invest in any equipment to keep you cooler. If, however, you camp in the summer often, then a tent fan should be considered on your next gear shopping trip.
Fans work to cool you down by sweat evaporation. This means the air blows over you and dries your sweat faster, keeping you cool. It can already be difficult to sleep while camping, so trying to sleep while hot will only make things work. A tent fan could help you sleep better, and enjoy your trip more.
If you’re interested in purchasing a tent fan, the Coleman Tent Fan could be the right fan for you. It is suitable for people looking for a fast solution to a hot tent and those who don’t mind a bit of white noise as they sleep. This fan is also a good fit for people with children, as it can help keep them from overheating, and the soft blades won’t injure them if they touch them.
The fan may not be a good match for you if you are a very light sleeper. It does make some noise as it runs, so it could actually make you sleep worse, not better. You may want to keep searching for a silent fan, though these will probably cost much more.
Why the Coleman Freestanding Tent Fan Is Worth It
It Takes Up Little Space
Tents are already tight spaces, and you don’t want to take up more room with gadgets that aren’t going to work.
This Coleman fan is only 13.06 inches on its longest side, making it compact enough to bring into your tent without taking up precious sleeping real estate.
It’s Extremely Affordable
This fan totals at under $20, which is less than you’ll pay for a lot of campsites. Even if you only use it four times a year, that’s like paying $5 per night for a good night’s sleep.
The Fan May Save You From Heatstroke
While the Coleman Tent Fan cannot prevent heatstroke that may have happened during the day, it can potentially save you from heatstroke during the night.
This is because fans help drastically with the lowering of body temperatures. Electric fans are known to help keep us cool when temperatures are under 95°F (35°C). They are especially effective at this when they are not pointed directly at us, but instead angled to move the air around a room.
To make this fan as effective as possible, place it in front of an open vent in your tent, and don’t aim it directly at your face.
It Has Two Speed Modes
To find a tent fan at this low price that also offers multiple speed modes is not very common. Set the fan to low if you’re a light sleeper and want to limit the amount of noise it makes. If the noise doesn’t bother you, or if it’s a very hot night, set the fan to high and enjoy the cooler air.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
The Fan Is Not Silent
The Coleman Tent Fan is not silent when in operation. This may be because it can fold down, and the parts used are flexible- like the foam fan blades. These components may shake while the fan is on, creating a noise.
If you are an extremely light sleeper, this noise may bother you. However, if you are a deep sleeper or used to street noises at home, you may actually prefer the sound of the fan to the sounds of the forest.
No Batteries Included
While the fan itself is a good deal, it does require 4 D batteries to run. While you can get a 12 pack of AmazonBasics D Cell batteries for under $15, you are still required to make an extra purchase to use this fan.
You Cannot Change the Fan Height
This fan is meant to sit on flat ground. It is not a fan that you can raise and lower to customize the height. While this is okay in a tent, it means it won’t be very useful elsewhere.
The Fan Is Not Extremely Durable
Because this tent fan is so lightweight and affordable, it is not made with the most durable materials. It is mostly made of plastic, while the fan blades are made of neoprene. These materials are not very tough, and the fan could be easily damaged if dropped or hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Big Is the Product?
The product is quite compact. It measures 5.06 x 13.06 x 10.88 inches.
Q:Isn’t This a Bad Design for Children and Pets Who Could Lose a Finger?
This is a great design for children and pets! The fan blades are made of neoprene and are soft to the touch, even at high speeds.
Q: Is This Cordless?
The product is fully cordless. It only needs 4 D batteries to run.
Q: Is This Fan Loud? Can It Help With Noise Cancellation?
The fan is not too loud, more of a soft hum. It could be a great choice to help with noise cancellation, as some people get nervous with sounds in the woods. The fan produces a constant sound that may help block others out.
Final Thoughts
The Coleman Freestanding Tent Fan is a great purchase for the price. It comes with Coleman’s limited manufacturer’s warranty, which covers all defects in material and workmanship. This, combined with the fan’s ease of use and safety features, makes it a good camping accessory, especially for people with children.
Consider keeping yourself and your family cool this summer by picking up a Coleman Freestanding Tent Fan.
Alanna is an avid traveler who lives in Michigan. In addition to writing for Temperature Master, he also sells crafts on Etsy and takes long walks through the forests near her home.