The Truth About Air Conditioned Tents — And How 23ZERO Rooftop Tents Are Built to Keep You Cool

If you’ve been searching for an “air conditioned tent,” chances are you’re looking for a way to beat the heat this summer while still enjoying real outdoor adventure.

And we don’t blame you. At 23Zero, we design and field-test our rooftop tents in the rugged, often brutally hot deserts of Utah and Australia — so we know firsthand how quickly summer heat can turn a camping trip into a miserable one when you desire the comfort that an air conditioned tent offers.

A roof top tent with built-in AC doesn’t really exist. But we’ve engineered the next best thing — rooftop tents specifically designed to keep you cool through a combination of:

• AC-compatible cooling ports, and

• Our exclusive Light Suppression Technology® (LST), proven to reduce heat buildup inside, providing the effect of something like an air conditioned tent.

While no tent on the market comes with a built-in air conditioner (…yet), 23Zero tents are uniquely designed to help you stay cooler for longer — even in full sun. By integrating features similar to those found in an air conditioned tent, we achieve cooler environments.

1. Built-in Cooling Ports — Available on several of our most popular roof top tents, allowing you to connect a portable AC unit directly to the tent interior.

2. Light Suppression Technology® (LST) — Our proprietary fabric tech that drastically reduces interior heat buildup by blocking nearly all light penetration.

LST has been shown to reduce internal tent temperature by up to 15% in direct sunlight. That means cooler air stays inside longer — and your tent doesn’t turn into an oven before sunset.

Here’s a breakdown of our rooftop tents equipped for hot-weather comfort, providing cooling features like an air-conditioned tent.

Kabari Pro & Kabari XL

Fast-deploying clamshell tents with built-in cooling ports and LST interiors, perfect for extended summer travel or desert adventures, recreating the feel of an air-conditioned tent.

Walkabout Series

Legendary soft shell rooftop tent with both LST and AC cooler port compatibility — a great balance of blackout comfort and cooling support, mimicking the conditions found in air conditioned tents.

Armadillo AX2 & AX3

Designed for rugged conditions, featuring a cooling port for air conditioning and our advanced Light Suppression Technology® lining to block sunlight. This combination works together to provide an environment similar to what you’d expect from air-conditioned tents.

Armadillo Horizon Series (NEW) H2 & H3

Our most advanced tent yet — now with a larger, redesigned cooling port and full LST lining for maximum heat defense. This model closely simulates the cooling comfort found in air-conditioned tents.

Bonus: LST also allows you to sleep in longer without waking up at sunrise — it’s both a cooling and comfort upgrade. Just try not to sleep in too long, you’ll miss breakfast!

Here’s why combining a cooling port with LST fabric is such a powerful solution:

• The cooling port lets you introduce active cooling with a portable AC or fan.

• LST reduces solar heat gain, keeping your tent significantly cooler throughout the day.

• Together, they extend the effectiveness of your AC unit, making it easier to maintain a comfortable sleeping environment — even in direct sun, just as you’d expect from a high-quality air conditioned tent.

This dual approach is something only 23Zero currently offers at this level of integration and performance. This approach aligns with our Made Better principles, allowing an air conditioned tent-like experience without the need for a built-in unit.

We don’t just design our tents behind a desk — we camp in them all summer long. In the red rock canyons of southern Utah and the vast deserts of Australia, we’ve spent years refining our tents for one goal: to help you stay cool and to enjoying an air conditioned tent, rested, and ready for adventure.

If you’ve been searching for an “air conditioned tent,” the truth is: it’s not about having a built-in AC — it’s about having a tent designed to work with one, and engineered to retain cool air in the harshest heat.

Shop 23Zero Tents with Cooling Air Conditioned Features

• Kabari Series – Fast Setup, LST, AC Ready

• Walkabout Series – Iconic Comfort + LST + Cooling Port

• Armadillo Series – Tough + Temperature-Controlled

Want help choosing a roof top tent for your next summer adventure? Contact our team — we’ll help you stay cool, no matter where you’re headed.

Check out our video showcasing the benefits of LST (Light Suppression Technology)

Happy Camping!