Listening to the TikTok horror stories of Coachella campers waking up in near triple-digit temperatures reminded me how miserable it is to be stuck inside the stuffy nylon walls of a tent during the summer. I’ve camped in some seriously sweltering places—including Death Valley and the Australian Outback, both of which are subject to oven-like conditions, even in the spring—so I know this discomfort all too well. Unfortunately, I was ill-prepared for hot weather during those camping trips, but if I were to do it over again, a portable air conditioner would be the first thing I’d pack.
Specifically, I’d bring along this Vorago Portable Air Conditioner from Amazon; it uses ice and water to generate cool air and circulate it throughout your tent or RV. This cordless, compact AC unit is small, easy to use, and requires no hookups. If you’d think a gadget like this must cost a fortune, you’re wrong—it’s on sale for just $33 at Amazon.
Vorago Portable Air Conditioner
Amazon
The Vorago Portable Air Conditioner unit uses a system called evaporative cooling—a natural process where cold or icy water evaporates in the air, cooling the surrounding area it’s in. It’s a little different than your average home AC unit, which circulates a substance called refrigerant that actually removes heat from a space, thus lowering the temperature.
In this case, the Vorago portable air conditioner does not remove hot air, but rather acts more as a fan blowing chilled air. It has a 15-ounce tank where you pour in ice water, and it can run continuously on that amount of liquid for six to eight hours, the brand says. You can set a timer for two or four hours to conserve energy and make the battery last longer.
Vorago Portable Air Conditioner
Amazon
This portable air conditioner has three speeds and a large-capacity 2,200mAh battery that recharges to full in just a few hours. Simply plug the USB cable into your car, portable generator, or power bank back at your campsite in order to juice it back up. In addition to the air conditioning function, this multipurpose device also functions as a regular portable fan, humidifier, and night light. The light rotates through seven colors, creating an immersive kaleidoscopic display in the cool and comfy confines of your tent or RV.
Needless to say, this portable air conditioner works best in small spaces; some shoppers report using it on their desks and by their beds while at home. A truck driver said they use it to cool down their cab when they’re pulled over at rest stops. Reviewers have added that the sound is quiet and actually pleasant, like white noise—”not obnoxious or grating.”
Vorago Portable Air Conditioner
Amazon
It’s also so portable that you can even carry it around with you by the strap and use it like your own personal fan. “As a menopausal momma who oddly enough does outdoor events, this was perfect for staving off the sweats,” one wrote, adding that it’s “super easy to use and surprisingly powerful for its size.” With temperatures soaring into the triple digits and camping season fully underway, more than 1,000 of these portable AC units have been purchased just within the past month.
I certainly will not be camping in 100-degree heat without packing my own portable air conditioner from now on. If you’re also keen to try this thing out, do so while it’s still on sale for $33. Or, keep scrolling to check out more of Amazon’s best-selling portable air conditioners, all under $100.
More Portable Air Conditioners for Camping Under $100:
Podafu 4-in-1 Portable AC Unit
Amazon
Fotuial 4-in-1 Air Conditioner
Amazon
Evapolar evaChill Portable Air Conditioner
Amazon
ChillWell 2.0 Evaporative Air Cooler
Amazon
Tlxlt Portable Air Conditioner
Amazon
At the time of publishing, the price started at $33.
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