Choosing the right portable fan for any outdoor adventure

In this article, you’ll discover the importance of keeping cool when out in the wilderness and why a professional-grade portable fan is the one of the most important things on your list of essential items to take your next camping trip.

The challenges of keeping cool while camping

Anyone who has been camping in the height of summer will know that keeping cool is a top priority. During a particularly hot season, heat can go from being a little uncomfortable to almost unbearable, very quickly.

As high temperatures turn your idyllic escape to nature into an increasingly unpleasant place to be, the health risks that come with heat will soon become apparent. Two of the most common dangers are:

Heat exhaustion

This is caused by a combination of overheating and dehydration that effectively ‘overloads’ the body’s cooling system. If the person is immediately moved to a cool shady place and given plenty of water, recovery can be made in around 24-48 hours.

The symptoms include:

• Cold, pale, clammy skin

• Fast weak pulse

• Nausea

• Muscle cramps

• Tiredness or weakness

• Dizziness, headaches, fainting/ passing out

Heat stroke

When left untreated, heat exhaustion can escalate and become heat stroke – a very serious condition which is life-threatening without immediate medical attention.

The symptoms include:

• A headache

• Dizziness and confusion

• Loss of appetite and feeling sick

• Excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin

• Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach

• Fast breathing or pulse

• Temperature of 38°C or above

• Being very thirsty

How to keep cool on the go

When there is no escape to an air-conditioned room and you are miles away from the nearest power source, a cool breeze from a portable fan can be the difference between adventure and disaster.

One often overlooked benefit of a portable fan is its ability to keep bugs at bay. Being naturally weak flyers, mosquitoes struggle against the airflow of a powerful fan, but research has also found that fans disperse carbon dioxide and other chemicals that mosquitoes use to find people to bite.

How to choose the best portable fan for your next adventure

Portability has to be a given when you’re in the wilderness, but it’s also important to look out for features like:

• Ruggedness
  You need a fan that’s built for adventure. One that’s not going to get damaged while being transported over rough terrain, and that can handle demanding outdoor conditions.

• Power
  A desktop fan designed for indoor use is unlikely to be strong enough to make a noticeable difference in the wild. Ideally the RPM should be above 500.

• Variable speeds
  The option to run your fan on a lower or higher setting makes it better suited to fluctuating temperatures and conserves energy when max power isn’t necessary.

• Battery life
  When the nearest plug socket is nowhere in sight, you need a long-lasting reliable battery. Your fan should also be fast to charge, so you are ready for action as quickly as possible.

• Versatility
  Ease of use and the ability to adapt to any environment is key in any piece of camping equipment — portable fans included.

• Weight
  Camping and outdoor pursuits already come with an endless supply of equipment and accessories. Remember, everything you add to your bag, you’re going to have to carry. You need a portable fan that is robust, yet lightweight.

• Noise level
  If you want to enjoy the tranquility of nature, or to benefit from a cool breeze during the night, a noisy fan is no good. However, it’s important to make sure that silence doesn’t come at the cost of power.

How you benefit from Master’s hybrid ventilation solution

The DFB 16 professional fan from Master is currently Europe’s only professional-grade hybrid fan combining power, strength, portability and the option to plug in to the mains when an electricity source is available. This means you’ll benefit from exceptional versatility in a wide range of applications.

Built on years of ventilation expertise, the DFB 16 is not only a top choice for outdoor pursuits, but also tough working environments including agriculture, highway maintenance, construction and water damage restoration.

Key features:

• Hybrid technology
  Currently the only hybrid fan in Europe with the capability to run from mains or battery power
  
  

• Light and compact
  Ideal for transporting across rough terrain or carrying to areas not accessible by car.
  
  

• Safe
  With a 14.4V battery, there is no chance of electric shock.
  
  

• Metal housing
  Made to withstand outdoor environments and tough working conditions.
  
  

• Quiet running
  Benefit from powerful cooling without excessive noise levels.
  
  

• 220° head rotation
  Send a cool breeze exactly where you want it.
  
  

• Variable speed (600-1300 RPM)
  Conserve battery life or increase cooling intensity by turning the speed up or down.
  
  

• Long-lasting battery
  Provides cooling at max power for 4 hours, and even longer at lower speeds.
  
  

• Speedy charging
  Be ready to cool sooner with a super fast 1-hour recharge time.
  
  

• Compatible with MCS14.4V battery
  The DFB 16 shares a battery and charger with the DC 61 oil fired heater.

For more information about how the DFB 16 can help you keep cool on the go, or for more ventilation solutions from Master, contact our team of experts via the form below.