5 Best Binoculars for Hunting

For some hunters, the idea of carrying along with a pair of binoculars just seems like overkill. After all, when you’re already spending time and money for licenses and permits, weapons, ammo, and all the other things you absolutely must-have for the hunt, why complicate things by searching for the best binoculars for hunting?

Here’s the deal. If you enjoy staring at obscure objects for long periods of time in hopes that they might be game, rather than brush, there’s no need to bring along binoculars.

If you have no interest in determining the size and quality of a distant animal before it’s time to shoot, you shouldn’t need them either.

Also, if you get a thrill from searching endlessly for your downed prey and don’t like making things easy for yourself, then, by all means, forget to bring along binoculars.

Binoculars for hunting

If, on the other hand, you can see the benefit of magnifying your vision to prevent wasted energy and lost time, chances are you’ll eventually join the ranks of hunters who consider their binoculars to be almost as critical to their hunting enjoyment as their weapons are.

The 5 Best Binoculars For Hunting On The Market

Not All Binoculars Are Created Equal

If you’ve ever shopped for binoculars, you’ve likely discovered that it’s not just a matter of picking out a cool pair that isn’t too expensive.

Binocular strengths and functions vary every bit as much as weapon strengths and purposes, and you really need to know what you’re looking for before you ever start shopping.

In general, the most important factors that will determine which kind of binoculars you need are: what time of day you hunt and what your surroundings will be.

  • For daytime hunting, you’ll be fine using compact, lightweight binoculars.
  • For dim light hunting, you’ll need larger binoculars that offer greater lighting.
  • For hunting in flat or unwooded areas, you’ll appreciate high magnification.
  • For hunting in wooded or brushy areas, you’ll prefer a lower magnification.

How to Decipher All the Numbers

If you’re like many people, you may take a look at all the technical specs and feel totally overwhelmed. Which is better? 10×50? 7×35? Which number is more valuable, and will one cost me more than another?

Really, it isn’t as complicated as it seems. Here, allow us to help:

The first number you’ll see tells you how many times the view will be magnified. A 7x or 8x magnification is perfect for most woodland hunters, while a larger magnification like 10x will be better for hunters in open areas where trees won’t obstruct the view and prey isn’t as likely to be lost amid brush.

The second number deals with the size of the objective lens – that’s the big lens at the front of the binoculars. The larger this lens is, the more light will be allowed into the binoculars. While this really doesn’t affect the magnification of the view, it can make a huge difference in your ability to see in dim light.

Since larger objective lenses obviously require larger binoculars, if you plan to do much hunting early in the morning or late in the evening, you’ll want to steer clear of compact binoculars to ensure you’ll have enough light to see through the lenses.

Eye relief

Not to be mistaken for some kind of spiffy cure for sore eyes, “eye relief” deals with the physical proximity from the outermost curve of your eye to the eyepiece lens. While this is a feature that most often affects those who wear glasses, it’s important to at least be aware that binoculars are designed to be held at a certain distance from your eyes.

While most binoculars range from 14mm-20mm eye relief, most people don’t have the ability to measure exactly how far their pupil is from the eyepiece. Still, it’s very easy to tell if you’re holding the binoculars too close or too far—you simply won’t be getting a clear view that fills the lenses.

When you are too close to the eyepiece, the perfect circle of magnified vision will be obstructed at the edge by a shifting crescent of shadow as you look around. If you see this, simply pull back from the binoculars or adjust the eyecups so that they rest against your face comfortably without cutting out part of the view.

If you are too far from the eyepiece, you’ll see a fading, or vignetting, of the edge of the view. Where you should have a sharp circle of vision, you’ll see a fuzz that grows the further back you pull.

Most binoculars are equipped with soft eyecups to compensate for the eye relief distance. If you wear glasses, chances are you won’t need the eyecups at all, but you can just let the distance from your glasses to your eyes make up for the eye relief proximity.

Other Factors in Binocular Function

While magnification and lighting are by far the most important elements in choosing your binoculars, there are several other factors that can definitely impact the quality of your vision when you’re hunting using binoculars.

Stability of view

Although many people assume that higher magnification is always better, the truth is that higher magnifications come with some serious drawbacks. Not only do they restrict the field of view so that you can see a much smaller area, albeit at a farther distance; they also result in very unsteady vision.

Every twitch and tremor is magnified much greater with high magnification binoculars, so unless you have a very steady hand or a very handy tripod, you’ll want to limit the magnification you choose for your hunting binoculars – even if you have money to burn. Again, this is a case of quality over quantity. Sure, the idea of an insane magnification is cool, until you try and focus on something that is moving—or even something that is still while you’re swaying in the nice light breeze of your tree stand.

Center resolution

Depending on the quality of your binoculars, the center resolution or clarity of your view will vary dramatically. Of course, this is much less of a problem for binoculars than it is for cameras, where every detail matters.

For hunting purposes, it’s not such a big deal if your binoculars can’t get the perfect detail of that distant cardinal’s plumage; just so you can see that the buck up ahead really is a fourteen-pointer.

Field curvature

This is a quirk of certain binoculars that may or may not matter to you, but for some cheaper binoculars, lines and objects may appear curved and distorted at the edges of the picture. Higher-end optics tend to eliminate this problem, but depending on how much you have to spend and how picky you are, this distortion may not be worth worrying over.

Edge sharpness

Since the lenses of binoculars are curved, it’s important to understand that only the center of the view will be seen in clear focus. Still, the higher quality your binoculars, the more likely it will be that the sharp focus extends to more than just dead center. You get what you pay for, but there are extremes on both ends of that spectrum—trying to find the warm happy place in the middle is what we’re here to help you with.

Brightness and contrast

The higher-grade your lenses, the better brightness and contrast you can expect from your binoculars. This can make a difference in autumn when so many colors are similar, or for folks who are colorblind. Being able to clearly pick out nuances in the field of view can be a great advantage.

Chromatic aberration

Although it really has nothing to do with your ability to see your prey, you should know that lower-end optics can distort the values of your subjects and cast them in slightly untrue colors. Again, for many hunters this probably isn’t worth the much higher price tags that more reliable optics provide; still, it’s a good thing to be aware of before you make your selection—if nothing else you’re now a more informed buyer.

Color tone

For those who really want to get picky, it should be noted that some binoculars can cast a warm or cool tone to the picture. Really, though, this isn’t usually a big deal to most hunters, and unless you plan to use your binoculars for more than just hunting, it’s hardly worth noting.

Outdoorhill Recommendations for Hunting Binoculars

With so many differences in binocular strengths and qualities, deciding to buy a pair of binoculars is only the first step toward maximizing your hunting experience. Here are some helpful reviews to show you a few of the best binoculars for hunting on the market.

Bushnell Binoculars

  • Specification: 10×42
  • Cost: $200-$400
  • Color: Realtree Camo
  • Weight: 1.57 lb.

If you’re looking for a quality pair of binoculars perfect for wide-open spaces, chances are you’ll enjoy the many features of the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binoculars. With high magnification, they’re perfect for spotting that solitary mountain chamois or that herd of Arctic muskox on the wide Alaskan tundra.

Things We Liked

  • Adjustable dual focus if your eyes have a slightly different vision
  • Smoothly rotating center focus knob
  • Includes sturdy carrying case, easily disconnected neck strap, cleaning cloth, custom binocular harness, and microfiber storage bag
  • Excellent image quality
  • Waterproof/fogproof
  • Lightweight
  • Company guaranteed

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Objective lens covers are easy to lose
  • Carrying case is bulky

There’s plenty to love about the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binoculars. Of course, they wouldn’t be the best suited for Eastern whitetail hunting, especially when 10x magnification will afford you nothing but a closeup view of a single tree trunk. In a case like that, you’d be much better served with the next pair of high-end binoculars.


Nikon Binoculars

  • Specification: 8×42
  • Cost: $300-$350
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 1.34 lb.

For hunters who desire clarity and high-quality optics, the Nikon 7576 MONARCH5 Binoculars are a great choice. With its wide field of view and excellent lighting specifications, it’s a great choice for deer hunters who spend a lot of time in the woods, often in low-light situations.

Things We Liked

  • Lightweight design
  • Excellent field of view
  • Comfortable eye relief
  • Permanently attached lens covers
  • Sharp, brilliant image quality
  • Crisp focus adjustment
  • Waterproof/fogproof

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Eyepiece caps fall off easily
  • Soft case doesn’t protect binoculars from moisture or falls

For hunters who aren’t that concerned with pinching pennies, the Nikon 7576 MONARCH5 Binoculars offer top-of-the-line precision and image quality without completely breaking the bank. Of course, for hunters who prefer to pass on some of the high definition to keep their hunting habit within their budget, the next couple of binoculars may fit the bill even better.


Nikon Aculon A211 Binoculars

  • Specification: 10×50
  • Cost: $90-$120
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 2 lbs.

For hunters who are looking for affordable binoculars that get the job done, the Nikon Aculon A211 Binoculars are an outstanding choice. Although the image quality isn’t at the level of some of the higher-priced optics, many hunters will be perfectly satisfied by the completely acceptable image clarity of this affordable design.

Nikon Aculon A211 Binoculars

Things We Liked

  • Generous eye relief
  • Smooth adjustments
  • Wide range and impressive clarity
  • Multi-coated lens
  • Rubber coating offers good grip
  • Aspherical lensing provides a flat field of view

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Not fogproof or waterproof
  • Slight chromatic aberration
  • Some curvature of field when not in perfect focus

With its 10x magnification, it’s important to remember that the Nikon Aculon A211 Binoculars are better suited for wide-open spaces than for tree stands and turkey blinds. Also, the lighting for these binoculars won’t be as great as it would be with the next pair of binoculars.


Celestron Binoculars

  • Specification: 7×50
  • Cost: $35-$40
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 2 lbs.

Perfect for deer hunters or anyone else who needs a wide field of view and plenty of low-light visibility, the Celestron 71198 Cometron Binoculars offer adequate magnification at a great price. Not only are these great hunting binoculars, but they also work well for stargazing on the way back to the truck with your harvested deer.

Celestron Binoculars

Things We Liked

  • Crisp, clear images
  • Impressive, wide field of view
  • Strong light-gathering capabilities
  • Multi-coated optics offer excellent contrast and resolution for the money
  • Sturdy aluminum housing
  • Quite affordable
  • Minimal shakiness

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Less magnification
  • No tripod connection
  • Occasionally, double vision may occur if binoculars are not aligned properly

If you’re looking for affordable binoculars that work well with shaky hands, dim lighting, and obstructed views, the Celestron 71198 Cometron Binoculars are an excellent choice. If, on the other hand, you would do better using a smaller, more compact pair of binoculars, check out the next review.


Bushnell Compact Roof Prism Binoculars

  • Specification: 8×25
  • Cost: $40-$70
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 0.75 lb.

Sometimes it makes sense to keep things simple. For hunters who prefer a pair of binoculars that can fit on their belt loops, the Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Compact Roof Prism Binoculars combine quality optics, convenient portability, and affordability in one lightweight package. They’d be great for turkey hunters or others who don’t need low-light capabilities; with the smaller objective lens size, these are much better suited to daytime use.

Bushnell Binoculars

Things We Liked

  • Extremely lightweight and compact
  • 100% waterproof
  • Exceptionally clear optics
  • Nitrogen purged to prevent fogging
  • Multi-coated optics
  • Non-slip rubber exterior
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Sturdy nylon case with belt loop

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Slight chromatic aberration
  • Small case requires you to fold them down while carrying them, requiring you to readjust focus each time
  • Less lighting capacity

For daytime hunters who appreciate the convenience, these Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Compact Roof Prism Binoculars are a great buy.


Related Products:

Binocular HarnessHousing your binoculars using this Binocular Harness keeps them safe from the elements while trying to keep them close at hand is essential when you are in the field. The vortex glass pak binocular harness will do just that. It fits several full-size binoculars, yet keeps them snug and secure the mesh edge pockets hold calls, a lens pen, and other compact objects needing quick access.

 

Cell Phone Adapter MountGet Your mobile phone into a video camera and take images in distance. Discover the nature of the world easily through your mobile screen. Here comes Gosky Cell Phone Adapter Mount for optical devices.

 

Blocks Glare, Improves Visual AcuityBino Bandit will fit all binoculars. Blocks Glare, Improves Visual Acuity is made to be comfy, they are engineered to flex fit around the eye-cups, sealing out wind and normal light. To use the Bino Bandit, just stretch out the flexible neoprene around each eyepiece and tighten down for a excellent fit.

The Very Best Binoculars for Hunting of Them All

Although it’s clear that all binoculars are better suited for some purposes than they are for others, the best all-around binoculars, in our opinion, are the Celestron 71198 Cometron Binoculars. While it’s true that they don’t provide near the magnification that some of the others do, we think that the 7×50 specifications allow for the greatest flexibility.

  1. These binoculars offer great visibility whether it’s light or dark.
  2. The low magnification means that shakiness and loss of the intended subject is much less likely.
  3. These binoculars are an excellent deal.
  4. The field of view is superb, making it much easier to find your subject and keep it in view.
  5. They’re great for more than just hunting. Stargazers and birdwatchers in the family will also enjoy these binoculars whenever you’re willing to share.

We hope you’ve learned something new about how binoculars work, and on top of that, we hope you’ll be confident when decided which binoculars are right for you. Whatever optics you choose, we know you’ll remember to view the great outdoors with respect, awe, and gratitude. Happy hunting!

Top Tactical Flashlights for Hunting

An infectious trend has settled into the gear market lately. It seems you can’t buy a new piece of gear that isn’t labeled tactical. If you read our budget gear review covering Tactical Knives, you know that we classify products as either tactical or tacticool. Basically, there are items that look great, and there are items that perform great. Do you want an item that not only looks sharp but outperforms the competition? No worries, we’re gear freaks too, and we’re here to help.

Black designs, modular attachment systems, and morale patches won’t help you see in the dark. They’re cool, and we love them, but in this article, the focus will be a more practical subject: flashlights. From changing a tire on a rainy evening, to responding to a 911 call, to kicking in doors in hostile territory—darkness is a common enemy.

A flashlight (aka a torch) is not only a practical item, it’s most likely one of the most heavily utilized pieces of your kit. Distinguishing between a utilitarian flashlight and a tactical flashlight can be done by comparing their design, features, and intended use.

A hand-crank flashlight made of bright blue plastic might be a great piece of kit to have in your vehicle or home for emergencies—and in those circumstances, it’s a practical item—but would you want to take that same flashlight out to hunt coyotes in the dark? How about using that same flashlight in a home-defense scenario? Probably not.

The tactical flashlights you need to consider when buying:

More than likely you would be wishing for a rugged flashlight with a high-lumen output, maybe even one that would mount easily to a weapon—or better yet—a flashlight that could actually double as a weapon if you absolutely needed it to. Now we’re talking practical and tactical. Lock and load, let’s do this.

What to look for in a tactical flashlight?

Cost

Finding a tactical flashlight won’t be hard, but finding one that suits your budget could be. There are a lot of buzzwords in the tactical market—so it’s important as a buyer to know what makes a light worth buying. Due to a lack of standardization in the torch market, it’s not always easy to find an apples-to-apples comparison between products. Choose the products that has the right features for you.

Overall Quality

With a little design work, some rugged edges, and a coat of black paint, nearly any flashlight can be made to look badass. When searching for the right flashlight for you, make sure to check for overall build quality—things such as anodized aluminum, replaceable switches, and quality lighting components will matter far more than the model name of a flashlight or the fact that it’s got a built-in laser pointer.

Brightness

Look for the lumens. The easiest way to determine how much precious light your new torch will burn with is to look at: output in lumens, range, and beam style. Some flashlights have adjustable beams so you can focus the output. The range of the beam will matter most to folks who plan to use their light for long-distance work. The biggest output factor, and the one you’ll usually find plainly advertised on quality torches, is the output in lumens.

Weight

Whether you plan to slap a new tactical light on your weapon, stow it on a plate carrier, or add it to your duty belt, the weight of the new item is something work researching. Don’t pick an item that will slow you down, or add unnecessary risk to your tasks.

Size

There is a balance to be found between the size and power of a tactical flashlight. Too small, and the light may not pack enough punch through the dark—too large and the sight may weigh you down and make for a cumbersome piece of gear. Knowing exactly how much lighting power you need, and what size best suits your task will be of serious benefit to you as a buyer.

Power Options

Your new light will need a power source of some type. The lack of standards in the flashlight market can make this somewhat convoluted; however, if you keep in mind what is the most practical to your personal environment, it may help. If you find yourself around constant power sources, a rechargeable light that uses Lithium-Ion batteries could be an excellent option for you. For users who spend extended amounts of time in the field, a tactical flashlight that can get a lot of mileage from a pair of CR123A batteries may be more practical. Lights that use more traditional AA or even AAA batteries are also options to consider.


Top 5 Tactical Flashlight Recommendations

Safariland Tactical Flashlight

Safariland is a name known throughout the police and military world for making quality gear, especially holsters. It makes perfect sense that their offering in the tactical flashlight market would include with it a mounting system to be used with a weapon.

With an overall output of 190 lumens, Safariland Rls-1-2-PIC1 Rapid Light System Mount & Light is best suited as a weapon light; however, it does offer a very clean and ergonomic grip that lends easily to pocket carry. The RLS mount would even work with most other tactical flashlights out there. The compact RLS is powered by three AAA batteries, which keeps the profile of the flashlight small enough to use with a pistol—or to tuck the flashlight into your pocket.

Editor Rating:

Things We Liked

  • ​Excellent RLS mounting system for pistol or Picatinny rail attaching
  • Removable clip for pocket carry
  • Useful as a flashlight or a weapon light
  • Rugged compact design
  • Extremely versatile

Things We Didn’t Like

  • 190 lumen max may be insufficient for some users
  • Flashlight may roll on flat surfaces if clip is removed

Olight Tactical Flashlight

If it’s the power you’re looking for, the Olight M22 Warrior brings it in droves. A highly efficient CREE XM-L2 LED blasts 950 lumens of white light at your target. A light this bright could easily be used for outdoor applications, long-range spotting, or even as a self-defense tool.

The M22 Warrior does have three output levels, so you’re not blinded if trying to use it to read something up close, and this torch even includes a strobe function. Knurled edges prevent the light from rolling when it’s placed on a flat surface, and the textured aircraft aluminum body provides plenty of grip.

Olight M22 Warrior

Editor Rating:

The hearty design of Olight M22 Warrior makes it a devilishly tough device that could be used as a striking tool if necessary.

Things We Liked

  • 950-lumen output
  • Knurled edges prevent rolling
  • Three brightness modes for different scenarios
  • Strobe function
  • Multi-function tail switch
  • A thick bezel may be used for self-defense

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Design may feel a bit cumbersome to some users
  • Only three output modes

G2X Pro tactical flashlight

SureFire is another name that’s well known by police agencies worldwide. Their G2X Pro tactical flashlight is a powerful option packed into a Nitrolon body to maintain strength while remaining lightweight and corrosion-proof.

Users looking for a light that would fit well into duty gear, and could pull shifts as a flashlight or weaponlight, will certainly appreciate this light.

Editor Rating:

With two output modes (320 lumens on high and 15 lumens on low) you could use this to root around in your vehicle without blinding yourself—then seamless transition to illuminating your surroundings effortlessly.

SureFire uses a 123A battery to power this light, and according to their web site the batteries are included, after initial purchase you can find bulk packages of the 3v batteries easily on Amazon.

Things We Liked

  • Nitrolon construction won’t corrode
  • Virtually indestructible LED emitter
  • Dual output modes
  • Tail switch
  • Made in the USA
  • Beam shaped by a micro-textured reflector

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Not waterproof
  • Doesn’t include a pocket clip

The Fenix Tactical Flashlight

When it comes to having a practice piece of gear, you want something that can be used in as many different scenarios as possible. Of course, with flashlights, the worst-case scenario is when you click that switch and your light emits such a dull glow that you’d be better off carrying a candle to light the way.

The Fenix UC35 helps you not only kiss those days goodbye, but you could even turn around and give those days the middle finger as you stoke a 960-lumen fire with one hand. The UC35 gives you something many other flashlights cannot: options.

The Fenix UC35

Editor Rating:

Powered by a single 18650 Li-ion battery, or a pair of 3v CR123A batteries, you can even charge the Fenix UC35 via USB when using the included 18650 Li-ion battery. With the option to power up with so many portable options ranging from stored power to USB in your vehicle, to solar-powered battery packs, the UC35 can be as ready as you are.

Things We Liked

  • USB chargeable
  • 960 lumen output
  • Can use CR123A or 18650 Li-ion batteries
  • Reverse polarity protection for batteries
  • Anodized and textured aluminum body
  • Pocket clip and holster included
  • Five output intensities & strobe

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Slightly bulky for pocket carry
  • Turbo mode generates heat

Streamlight Handheld Flashlight

When you think of a tactical light, you think of something compact but powerful—something that can go to hell and back while still getting the job done. Streamlight’s ProTAC series is built to be a powerful, yet versatile tactical flashlight that rolls with the punches—but doesn’t roll when you set it down. Sorry, couldn’t resist the pun.

The C4 LED offers 600 lumens of lighting power, while the solid-state power regulation provides the maximum output throughout the life of your batteries. As we joked, this light has an anti-roll face cap to keep it from running away from you when set down on a flat surface.

88040 Streamlight ProTac Professional Handheld Flashlight

Editor Rating:

It’s also waterproof, so using it in tough wet conditions shouldn’t be a bother. Powered by a pair of included CR123A batteries, this compact light is a workhorse just like 88040 Streamlight ProTac Professional Handheld Flashlight.

Things We Liked

  • Compact design
  • Two output modes (600 or 33 lumens)
  • Up to 18 hours battery life on low
  • Waterproof
  • Great as a flashlight or weaponlight
  • Included batteries, holster, and pocket clip

Things We Didn’t Like

  • No filters available from the manufacturer
  • No place to attach a lanyard

Final thoughts

When it comes to tactical flashlights or any gear for that matter, it can be a little tricky to figure out the best item for the best price; however, we want to offer up our most recommended item at the end of each Budget Gear Review so you can make the best purchase for your needs.

Our top recommended tactical flashlight is the Fenix UC35 for a whole host of reasons. First thing’s first, when you’re buying a tactical flashlight, you need power. With 960 lumens of blinding light, the UC35 delivers. You can scale it back by tapping the mode switch, so there is no need to click the light on and off a bunch of times just to land on different light output. Having five-light output modes ranging from 15 lumens all the way to 960, users can really extend their battery life by using an output that best suits each task.

Having a functional design and a ton of power are both excellent qualities in a flashlight, but the UC35 goes a step further and allows users to run their choice of an included 18650 Li-ion battery or CR123A’s in their Fenix torch. The included Li-ion battery is rechargeable and may be charged over USB with the included cable. With the abundance of USB charging ports available these days, it’s a no-brainer: get a flashlight that you can recharge anytime, anywhere, and you’ll be prepared for any situation that might need to be illuminated.

Guide About Using an Air Conditioner When Camping

If you’re a frequent camper, you know how unpleasant it is to camp during the hot days as the tent can retain much heat. While many would think that air conditioning is a luxury, it becomes a necessity if you like to camp in excessively hot places. So I was searching for ways to cool my tent and I think getting a camping tent air conditioner is cost-effective.

Now there are various types of air conditioners that you can choose for your tent. Some are expensive while others are affordable, depending on your needs. Here is a guide to help you decide on the best camping air conditioner for your tent.

Do You Really Need a Tent Air Conditioner?

Buying a tent air conditioner can be expensive that’s why you need to be certain if you really need one. You can try using a battery or electric-powered fan if you camp in moderately hot places. However, if you’re sensitive to heat or camp in excessively hot regions, like Florida, then getting a tent air conditioner might be a good idea.

There are many benefits of using a tent air conditioner and they are the following:

Prevents over perspiration and fatigue
Reduces unpleasant heat inside the tent
Makes you sleep soundly at a very hot night
Prevents heat strokes by regulating the loss of water from your body
Makes your camping experience pleasant

2 Main Types Of Tent Air Conditioners

Now that you have realized the necessity of an air conditioner, you need to decide whether to choose a window air conditioner or a portable one. Keep in mind that camping tent air conditioners need a 120-volt power source and consume a slightly large amount of electricity.

Window Air Conditioners

Most tent campers prefer window air conditioners because they offer more cooling capacity at an affordable price. However, installation can be a problem. You need to customize your tent to fit the unit, for instance, cutting a hole in your window or mounting it through the doorway.

However, you need to empty the reservoir that collects the water every couple of hours especially during humid days. Portable units tend to be heavier and more expensive than window air conditioners for the same cooling power.

Portable Air Conditioners

These portable air conditioners are free-standing units designed with an exhaust hose to release the warm air out the tent’s window or doorway. Unlike their window counterparts, portable units are easier to install.

Portable Air ConditionerDuring the hot summer, you might need a cooling system that you can move around very easily. The OYRGCIK personal air cooler is very portable that will cool the hot air around you easily with low electrical consumption. This is your best summer time partner!

This evaporative air cooler was designed to create your personal temperature environment which allows you to add some ice or water into the container to make the air cool fast. Besides, it has a 2 hours and 4 hours timer option allowing you to set it automatically turn off when needed.

iBaste Portable Air Conditioner

True wireless and lightweight design, small dimensions, which won’t take up a lot of space and can easily carry to at any place. In the summertime, the best choice for camping and you can easily carry it out, very well suited for homes, offices, open-air picnics, etc.

iBaste Portable Air Conditioner

iBaste Portable Air Conditioner features a Low, Med, High wind settings. Personal air conditioning unit cooler, fan, surroundings humidifier, 3 in 1 multifunction design take you away from that hot summer, enjoy your cooling summer.

Portable Air Conditioner Fan with 3 Wind Speeds

This Portable Air Conditioner Fan with 3 Wind Speeds is a  3 Wind Speeds & Refrigeration with Low/medium/high wind settings. To regulate the appropriate fan speed, touch the button repeatedly. Three refrigeration may be adjusted, you can select the most ideal one to enjoy your leisure time, sleeping or when you are working.

Portable Air Conditioner Fan with 3 Wind Speeds

You can control the wind direction whenever you like by changing louvers and make your own personal cooling zone.

How Much BTU’s You Need

Selecting the best air conditioner is very simple if you have the right data. Prior to buying a unit, determine how many BTUs you require. This means determining the size of the tent to fit the required BTU.

A family-dome tent with a floor space of 100 square feet may need a 5000 BTU window air conditioner. A large cabin tent with a floor space of 150 square feet may need a 6000 BTU window air conditioner. For oversize cabin tents or large tents, an 8000 BTU window air conditioner is your best option.

What You Should Look For In A Good Tent Air Conditioner

Size And Weight

Most air conditioners aren’t made for camping but some can be customized for this purpose. You need to consider the size and weight of the air conditioner to determine whether it can be transported easily or not. The window air conditioner is less heavy than a portable unit.

Power Source

Some smaller units of air conditioners might be powered by batteries. This is adequate if you have a small tent but what if you have a larger tent? Then you have to look for a unit that’s powered by electricity.

When choosing which air conditioner to choose, determine whether you have access to electricity. If you plan to camp on a remote are without electricity, then a battery-powered unit will be needed.

Timer

A timer is a feature that allows you to program the running time of your air conditioner unit. This feature is great if you want the unit to shut itself off automatically during the night. Although this might not be the most significant feature, it might still be worth considering.

Remote Control

If you’re looking for great ease of use, look for a unit that can be operated with remote control. I like this feature because this can allow you to operate the unit at a distance.

Lamp Off Feature

Sometimes the light of the panel display can be really distracting especially at night. If you can’t sleep with a bright light, look for a lamp-off feature. This feature allows you to turn off the panel display to keep your tent dark.

Tips In Using a Camping Air Conditioner

Clean the air filter of the unit to enhance airflow. The air filter should be accessible and located behind the front grill. Also, clean the evaporator and condenser fins.

Use an outdoor extension cord with a rating of 15 amps or more. Make sure that the extension cord has no gaps in the insulation.
For your safety, don’t run the unit when the ground is wet. Before the rain can wet the ground, turn off the unit, wear some shoes, and unplug the extension cord. Shelter the front of the unit from rain.
Unlike a portable air conditioner, a window model needs to be installed properly on the tent. First, get the dimensions of the unit and fit on the tent. Watch how to install a window air conditioner in this video.

Final Thought

Did you have fun learning this guide on how to choose and use a camping tent air conditioner? A hot climate won’t bother your camping experience if you have a good air conditioner. Remember to select the right BTU to cool your whole tent effectively.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this guide, tell us in the comment section. Please share this article with your camping friends if you like it.