Camping during the summer months is now much more comfortable with ZERO BREEZE’s Mark 2 portable AC
Over the years I’ve learned one certainty throughout my travels in my home state of Texas: It’s hotter than hell during the summer and the misery that comes from trying to sleep in the heat with a sleeping bag sticking to your skin and sweat running down your arms is zero fun. Fortunately, technology has evolved and with it, products designed to handle weather extremes that can allow comfort when comfort isn’t expected. Enter the Mark 2 portable air conditioner from ZERO BREEZE.
The idea of introducing a portable air conditioner to outdoor living was conceived during a camping trip in 2014. Like all campers, ZERO BREEZE’s founder Max had always felt uncomfortable when attempting to camp during the summer months without an air conditioner to keep cool. Recognizing air conditioners had been around for nearly 100 years but not a single one specialized for outdoors conditions, Max figured it had to be possible while recognizing the challenges, deciding he and his vetted team would instead invent one that’s functional and portable.
Launched in 2016 and celebrating its 7th anniversary July 20, ZERO BREEZE released its first iteration, the Mark 1 portable AC with support from over 4,000 backers via Kickstarter. With the Mark 1’s success, the company invested its efforts in continued research and development, expanded its supply chain capabilities, and eventually launched the Mark 2 in 2019 featuring an industry-first micro twin-cylinder compressor that doubled the unit’s capacity with an intelligent design and better cooling experience for users. It’s an incredibly versatile product, tech-driven specifically for outdoors living while also functioning in small places at home.
So how does the Mark 2 work? The unit features a built-in 24V adaptive frequency micro compressor powered by Lithium-Ion Polymer battery (or it can be powered by your own portable battery system). This is a real, legitimate air conditioning system. It doesn’t require water or an ice box to function.
The cooling system is highlighted by a cooling power of 2,300 BTU with a dual hose vent house exhaust configuration. Four mode settings provide varying levels of cooling with the entire unit, if using the optional battery system available from ZERO BREEZE, weighing in at less than 30lbs. (16.5lbs. for the unit by itself). The Mark 2 can drop the air outlet temperature by 30 degrees F in less than 10 minutes. At 52 decibels, the Mark 2 is about as loud as a running refrigerator or quiet street at night.
Charge time for the unit takes about six hours via a DC charge input. Additionally, a USB Type A port and Type C port are integrated into the Mark 2’s battery, allowing for charging of mobile devices while on the go. Once charged, the Mark 2 will cool down an area between 25 – 40 sq feet without any cooling loss, making it ideal for enclosed camp spaces such as a roof top tent, ground tent, van, RV, or room at home.
So, what does all this cost? The ZERO BREEZE Mark 2 isn’t cheap. At $1,499 it’s pricey; however, the cost is negligible given the time spent on research and development, the uniqueness of the product and most importantly, its functionality in conditions that otherwise wouldn’t be tollerable when outdoors. The Mark 2’s ultra portable design with small footprint (the unit is 20″ long x 8.6″ wide x less than 3″ tall) and true air conditioning qualities that also dehumidify your environment are worth its weight in gold for those wishing to enjoy outdoors recreation during the summer but live in or travel to environments inhospitable this time of year. In short, the ZERO BREEZE Mark 2 portable AC is an investment well worth its cost of entry turning basecamp from a metaphorical hell to a literal heaven on earth.
You can learn more about ZERO BREEZE and their products by clicking or tapping HERE and by checking out the video below:
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