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Written by
Daniel Blechynden
September 2022
Australia's climate is tough, and you will likely have to deal with uncomfortably high temperatures at some point during your camping adventures. I've experienced up to 48°C in an old van with no air con, and trust me, choosing the best camping fan for Australia can really make a difference!
When it gets that hot, simply spraying yourself with water and sitting in front of the fan can give an amazing cooling effect. When it's cooler, a fan on its own is usually enough. But there are countless options on the market, so I've put together the following guide to help you make a perfect choice.
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I've travelled throughout Australia, including in northern WA during the summer months. And if you know anything about Australia's climate, you'll know that it can get unbearably hot. Take Marble Bar in WA’s Pilbara region, for example, which holds the world record for the longest heatwave - 160 days in a row where the temperature didn't drop below 37.7°C!
So as you can imagine, I've used loads of portable fans, especially since I've usually travelled in older vehicles without a built-in air conditioner. Using this experience, I've put together the following list of the 7 best camping fans on the Australian market.
KITWLEMEN Camping Fan Plus LED Lantern
Best Overall Camping Fan
My winner
Pros
Built-in USB charging ports
Excellent run time
270-degree pivot feature
4-speed fan
Cons
A little pricey
This product from KITWLEMEN has it all. The powerful fan offers excellent airflow, and the 270-degree pivot capabilities enable you to direct it exactly where you want.
What's more, the 20,000mAh rechargeable battery supports up to 100 hours of running time. The fan has four speeds, and you can charge your mobile phone and other devices via the built-in USB ports. There's even a built-in LED light with three brightness settings.
KITWLEMEN Camping Fan Plus LED Lantern
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QIFUN 12V Adjustable Dual Head Clip Fan
Best 12V Camping Fan
My winner
Pros
360-degree directional airflow
Dual fans
Long power cable
Adjustable speed options
Cons
No USB ports or built-in light
Requires a 12V power source
This 12 Volt camping fan from QIFUN is an excellent option for caravans and campers with access to a 12 Volt power source. The dual-head fans offer 360-degree rotation and enable you to direct that little extra airflow exactly where you want.
There's also a sturdy clip that you can use to secure the fan, and the fan speed can be controlled via a stepless regulator. One thing I particularly like about this model is the 2.5 metre-long cord. Many 12V fans have ridiculously short cords which can impact their usefulness.
QIFUN 12V Adjustable Dual Head Clip Fan
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COMLIFE 10000mAh Rechargeable Portable Fan
Best Rechargeable Camping Fan
My winner
Pros
Large rechargeable battery
Doesn't take up much space
360-degree rotation for optimal airflow
3 adjustable speed options
Built-in LED light
Cons
A little small
This high-quality fan runs under rechargeable battery power and is the perfect model for your next trip. I especially like the high 10,000mAh battery capacity, which provides up to 28 hours of run time.
The convenience of this unit is also excellent. It's a super portable device with a flexible tripod that you can use to secure it. You can recharge it from any USB charging port, making it a super versatile portable camping fan that's worth a look!
COMLIFE 10000mAh Rechargeable Portable Fan
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BusyPiggy Solar Camping Fan
Best Solar Camping Fan
My winner
Pros
Innovative design
Huge 40 amp hour battery pack
Built-in LED lights
Built with quality materials
Long 40-hour working time
Cons
A little bulky
Solar charging can be slow
Want a fan with a solar panel? How about one that doubles as a light and portable power bank as well?
This model from BusyPiggy has you covered! It's a quality product that boasts a huge 40,000mAh rechargeable battery, built-in LED lighting, and USB ports for streamlined charging. There's even a hanging hook so you can hang it around your camp.
I'd highly recommend getting your hands on one of these if you're looking for a premium camper fan with an exceptional design.
BusyPiggy Solar Camping Fan
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Gazeled Battery Operated Fan
Best Battery-Powered Camping Fan
My winner
Pros
Long running time
Durable plastic body
Uses D-cell batteries
Provides consistent airflow
Cons
No built-in lights or USB charging ports
This unit is a simple battery-operated model that's powered by four D-size alkaline batteries. The compact design means that it doesn't blow a huge amount of air, but its super low energy usage gives it a run time of up to 214 hours!
Other power options include plugging it directly into a USB outlet.
Gazeled Battery Operated Fan
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JISULIFE 3 in 1 Handheld Fan
Best Mini Pocket Fan
My winner
Pros
Small and portable
Great for small campers and caravans
USB outlet included
Unique foldable design
Cons
Very small
Inconsistent airflow
This sleek, compact unit is an exceptional product that I just couldn't leave off this list. It's small, and it doesn't offer the same steady airflow as most of the units I've described, but it's an attractive option nonetheless.
For example, it includes a USB charging outlet, LED lights, and a small, folding fan. And its small size means that you can slip it into your pocket and easily take it along on your next camping trip.
JISULIFE 3 in 1 Handheld Fan
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SmartDevil Clip on Fan
Best Budget Camping Fan
My winner
Pros
Adjustable speed settings
360-degree adjustability in airflow
Super affordable
USB or battery-powered
Cons
No light or USB outlet
Small, 2 amp-hour battery
Don't expect anything fancy if you go with this SmartDevil clip-on fan, but it's one of the best budget options I've seen. It features a tough clip, 360-degree adjustable airflow, and a three-speed adjustable switch.
On the downside, it is a little small, and the 2000mAh battery pack only offers up to 6 hours of run time. But it will blow air on you, and it won't break the bank!
SmartDevil Clip on Fan
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Pros
Cons
Verdict:
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How to Choose the Best Camping Fan
In general, choosing a camping fan is a pretty straightforward process. However, there are loads of different models out there, and many of them come with extra features that make them stand out.
Consider the following decision-making factors when making your choice.
Cost
First, identify how much you want to spend. Camping fans are quite affordable, and most models come in at under $100, so you shouldn't have to worry too much about having to spend a fortune.
Type
There are a few different types of camping fans to choose from.
Rechargeable fans - These usually contain a battery bank that can be charged via a USB outlet or 240V power source.
Battery-powered fans - These usually run on D-cell batteries. Traditional batteries can become expensive to replace, so keep this in mind.
USB fans - Some smaller models don't even have a battery compartment. Instead, they require a USB outlet for continuous power.
Solar fans - I love anything solar, and I'd recommend getting your hands on a solar fan if possible. They usually contain a built-in solar panel that charges the internal battery.
12 Volt fans - These are powered directly from a 12V outlet.
Many units use a combination of power sources - for example, some solar units can be charged via a USB outlet.
Size & Weight
If you're travelling by car or van, you probably won't have to worry too much about this. However, I'd recommend going for a smaller, lighter model if you're planning to take your fan backpacking or hiking.
Airflow Adjustment
Most fans come with some sort of adjustable airflow. This can be in the form of set speeds or a stepless adjustor, which provides much more control.
Battery Capacity/Running Time
Some fans can run for as long as 200+ hours without charging, while others will run flat within a day. I'd suggest looking for something with 10,000mAh of battery or more to ensure your fan always has plenty of battery power to keep you cool.
Extra Features
Camping fans are often multi-functional units that come with extra features. These can include the following:
- Built-in LED lights
- USB charging outlets
- Hanging hooks
Keep a look out for these and other features that could make your next summer camping trip just that little bit better!
Summary
My overall pick for the best camping fan on the Australian market is the KITWLEMEN Camping Fan. It comes with a large battery, a built-in LED lantern, and loads of other features. The 40,000mAh BusyPiggy Solar Camping Fan wasn't far off the top spot, and the SmartDevil Clip-On Fan is an attractive budget unit.
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Written by
Daniel Blechynden
September 2022
Living in the Australian outdoors from a self-converted campervan, Daniel has over a decade of experience in the field that he shares in his writing at CampingAussie. When not travelling, you can find Daniel near the ocean - either fishing, diving or surfing.
*The information on this site is based on research and first-hand experience but should not be treated as medical or legal advice. Before beginning any new physical activity, we recommend consulting with a physician, nutritionist or other relevant professional healthcare provider.