At GPX Adventures, we are always looking for innovative products that can make our outdoor experience even better. Whether you want to easily find your way in the outdoors or make your camping spot a bit more comfortable. In the case of the latter, the Zero Breeze Mark 3 caught our attention and immediately sparked our interest. We were quickly convinced of the usefulness of such a device. After all, we know those warm nights in the tent, trailer, or campervan that come at the expense of a good night’s sleep, no matter how beautiful those summer trips in the outdoors may be.
Zero Breeze claims to have the solution for this, promising to keep you cool on warm days while camping. But does this device really do what it promises? And is it truly a game-changer for an even better outdoor experience during those hot camping days? Enough reason for us to test this device extensively.
Table of Contents
- What is the Zero Breeze Mark 3?
- Key Features of the Zero Breeze Mark 3
- Who is the Zero Breeze Mark 3 made for?
- Comparison: Zero Breeze Mark 2 vs. Zero Breeze Mark 3
- Unboxing and First Impressions
- Zero Breeze Mark 3: Detailed Performance Review
- Comparison with Competitors
- Pricing and Value for Money
- User Reviews and Feedback
- Accessories and Additional Products
- Environmental Impact and Sustainability
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What is the Zero Breeze Mark 3?
The Zero Breeze Mark 3 is a portable air conditioning unit specifically designed for campers and outdoor activities. Zero Breeze previously released the Mark 2, the “smaller sibling” of the Mark 3.
TESTED: Zero Breeze Mark 3 portable airconditioner
The Zero Breeze Mark 3 is available for pre-order. The estimated shipping date starts from October 30th. Shipping starts in order of purchase so hurry and get in line if you want one.
The relatively low weight and compact design are what mainly set these units apart from other portable air conditioners. This is precisely what makes the Zero Breeze suitable for outdoor trips. Additionally, the Zero Breeze Mark 3 can also be used as a heater during the autumn and winter months.
Key Features of the Zero Breeze Mark 3
AC Unit
| Size (AC unit) | 22 x 10 x 12 in (558 x 260 x 310 mm) |
| Weight (AC unit) | 19.8lbs / 9 kg |
| Rated Work Voltage | 48V DC |
| Noise Level | 46dB |
| Cooling Rated Input | 500W |
| Cooling Capacity | 1550W / 5280 BTU |
| Heating Capacity | 1700W / 5800BTU |
| Mode | Rocket / Cool / Sleep / Fan / Dry / CARE / Heating |
| Wind Speed | 4 |
| Thermostat | Yes |
| Optimal Operating Condition | 95°F / 35°C |
| Work Temperature | 50°F – 104°F / 10°C – 40°C |
| Active Drain System | Automatic |
| Remote Control | 2.4 Wireless tech |
| Breathing Light & Smart Screen | Yes |
| AC Adapter Input | 100V – 240V (50Hz/60Hz) |
| Refrigerant | R290 |
| Moisture Protection | IPX4 |
| Ventilation Configuration | Dual Hose |
Battery
| Battery Type | 21700 Lithium Ion Polymer Battery |
| Size (Battery) | 20 x 8 x 4 in (520 x 215 x 90.5 mm) |
| Weight (Battery) | 14lbs / 6.34kg |
| Capacity | 1036Wh |
| Running Time | 2 – 7hrs |
| Safety | Short protection Over current protection Low Voltage protection Over temperature protection |
| Chainable | Support 2, 3, 4 or more batteries chaining one after another |
| Working Temperature | 14°F – 104°F / -10°C – 40°C |
| Output Power Max | 550W |
| Output Voltage | 38V – 58.8V |
| 12V Anderson Output Power | 120W |
| USB Output | TypeC 100W TypeA QC 3.0 18W |
| Full Charge Time | About 2.5 hours (by official power adapter) |
| Charging Method | 500W power adapter from wall outlet As high as 500W solar panels 12V cigarette port |
| Input Voltage | 12V – 60V |
| Charging Limited Current | 10A |
| Charging White Discharging | Yes |
Who is the Zero Breeze Mark 3 made for?
The Zero Breeze Mark 3 is designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It is specially crafted to provide enough cooling power to cool a space of 100 to 150 square feet while remaining light and compact enough to take on your outdoor adventure. Additionally, it has a heating function, allowing you to use it all year round.
This portable air conditioner can be used in any situation where you want to cool or heat a relatively small space, and it can do so entirely on battery power.
You can use it virtually anywhere it’s needed, even in the open air.
Campervan or Trailer
The Zero Breeze Mark 3 is ideal for keeping your campervan or trailer cool during hot summer trips. It can be very uncomfortable to sleep in your campervan on hot days, as the van’s air conditioning only works when the engine is running. This means cooling the space inside your van is usually only possible while driving. A portable air conditioner like the Zero Breeze Mark 3 can provide the necessary coolness in this situation, saying goodbye to those hot, sleepless nights.
Some campervans come equipped with auxiliary heaters for cold nights, but that is not always the case. In such instances, the Zero Breeze Mark 3 can also perfectly heat your space during winter trips.
Rooftop Tent or Tent
The same applies to those who stay in a tent or rooftop tent. On hot days, the temperature inside your (roof) tent can rise significantly. When the sun comes up early in the morning and shines on your tent, you are immediately awakened by the increasing heat.
The Zero Breeze Mark 3 is suitable for taking on camping trips with a tent or rooftop tent. You can also place the unit outside your tent to save space. Just make sure the unit is not in direct sunlight or rain if you do this.
In the Open Air at Your Campsite
You can use this portable air conditioner for cooling at your campsite. For example, if you’ve just returned from a hike or bike ride and want to cool down, place the Zero Breeze Mark 3 in front of you on the table to quickly lower your body temperature.
Cooling Pets
For those with a pet who drive a Tesla, there’s no problem, as Teslas have a cooling function for pets when the car is stationary. But for everyone who doesn’t drive a Tesla, the Zero Breeze could be interesting. You can’t just leave your pet in the car for a few hours on sunny days while you go hiking, for example. A car or campervan heats up very quickly in sunny weather, posing a significant risk of overheating for pets, even if the car windows are partially open.
The Zero Breeze Mark 3 has a special “Care” mode designed to keep pets cool.
Comparison: Zero Breeze Mark 2 vs. Zero Breeze Mark 3
Are you already the owner of a Mark 2, and are you wondering if it’s worth upgrading to a Mark 3? Or do you not yet have a Zero Breeze device and are considering purchasing one? Should you wait for the Mark 3 release, or would the Mark 2 still be a good choice for you?
By thoroughly comparing the devices side-by-side, we aim to provide answers to these important questions. This way, you can make a well-informed decision.
We will go over the most important differences and present them in a handy overview.
| Zero Breeze Mark 2 | Zero Breeze Mark 3 | |
| Size | 20L x 10w x 11h (inches) | 20L x 12w x 13h (inches) |
| Thermal units | 2300 BTU | 5280 BTU |
| Cover area | 40′ square feet | 100′ – 150′ square feet |
| Modes | 4 modes | 7 modes (3 additional) |
| Charge time (if used with battery) | 6 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Noise level | 52 dB | 46 dB |
| Battery life | No difference | No difference |
| 12V (DIY) connection | No | Yes |
| Active drain system | No | Yes |
| Adjustable vent direction | No | Yes |
| Display | No | Yes |
| Optimized battery connection | No | Yes |
| Accessory free battery connection | No | Yes |
| Protection on battery connections | No | Yes |
| Solar chargable | No | Yes |
Size: Mark 2 vs. Mark 3
Although Zero Breeze claims that the Mark 3 has not increased in size despite the improved cooling capacity, the Mark 3 is visibly somewhat larger than the Mark 2. The length remained the same, but the height and width of the air conditioning unit have become slightly larger.
Thermal Units: Mark 2 vs. Mark 3
For a slightly larger unit compared to the Mark 2, the Mark 3 offers more than double the cooling capacity. This is typically expressed in air conditioning units with the measurement unit BTU (British Thermal Units). Simply put, a unit with a higher BTU is better capable of cooling a larger space. The higher the BTU, the more powerful the air conditioning unit is.
Logically, the Mark 3 can cool a larger area (150 sq ft vs 40 sq ft) or make the same size area cooler compared to the Mark 2.
Modes Mark 2 vs. Mark 3
In addition to the modes Rocket, AC Cool, Fan, and Sleep, the Mark 3 also features three extra settings: Care, Humidity, and Heat mode.
The Zero Breeze Mark 2: already available
The Zero Breeze Mark 2 is the predecessor of the Mark 3. It’s suitable to cool spaces up to 40 square feet.
Battery Mark 2 vs. Mark 3
Batteries are not included as standard with the Zero Breeze units but can be purchased in a bundle. It takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the battery of the Mark 3. The charging time is more than halved compared to its smaller sibling, the Mark 2.
Despite the larger cooling capacity, there is no difference in battery life. Our tests show that both the Mark 2 and the Mark 3 perform equally well under the same conditions. This is quite an achievement for the Mark 3, given that its cooling capacity has doubled.
Additionally, the connection between the battery and the AC unit has been improved in the Mark 3 with a standard plug commonly found in desktop computers.
Multiple batteries can now be easily connected without the need for extra accessories.
Finally, the battery ports of the Mark 3 are now also protected against dirt and moisture.
| MODE | One Battery | Two Batteries (paired) | ElecHive |
| Rocket | 2-3 hrs | 4-6 hrs | 5-7 hrs |
| Cool | 3-5 hrs | 6-10 hrs | 7-12 hrs |
| Sleep | 5-7 hrs | 10-14 hrs | 12 – 16 hrs |
| Fan | 60-85 hrs | 120-170 hrs | 140-200 hrs |
Unboxing and First Impressions
When we open the box, we see that all the parts are neatly packaged in separate plastic bags and protected by foam. At the top of the box, we find the manual and remote control. Following these are the air outlet channels and adapters for attachment to the AC unit. At the bottom of the box, we find the Zero Breeze Mark 3 air conditioning unit.
The materials feel durable and high-quality at first glance. The air conditioning unit itself is robustly built and features a sleek, futuristic design.
Our initial impression of the device, right after taking it out of the box, is positive: it seems well-made and reliable.
What’s inside the box?
- 1x Zero Breeze AC unit
- 1x 50V DC power adapter for Wall outlet
- 1x Controller
- 1x User Guide
- 1x Drainage pipe
- 1x Front Outlet Duct
- 1x Front inlet Duct / Rear Inlet Duct
- 1x Rear Outlet Duct
- 1x Front Inlet Adapter
- 1x Front Outlet Adapter
- 1x Rear Inlet Adapter
- 1x Rear Outlet Adapter
Zero Breeze Mark 3: Detailed Performance Review
How did we test the Zero Breeze Mark 3?
We tested the Mark 3 on a summer road trip with our jeep and rooftop tent through various national parks in California, Arizona, and Utah. We stayed in these areas for 3 weeks, and the temperatures averaged around 87°F.
Battery Life of the Zero Breeze Mark 3
The battery life is indeed in line with what Zero Breeze describes. Naturally, environmental conditions and factors play a role in battery longevity. For example, a smartphone battery will perform worse in cold temperatures, such as on a ski trip. Conversely, batteries exposed directly to sunlight will also lose capacity.
During our test, we used the Zero Breeze Mark 3 with one battery. Although the battery life is as long as the Mark 2, we had hoped for a bit more from the Mark 3. With one battery, you get about 5 to 7 hours in “Sleep mode.”
This isn’t a problem if the outside temperature drops significantly at night. It tends to be warm outside during the first part of the night, but it cools down by early morning. This means your tent or camper won’t warm up as quickly, so it’s less of an issue if the battery runs out.
However, if the outside temperature remains relatively high throughout the night, the range of one battery can be a bit tight. We had hoped that one battery could last just an hour longer to ensure comfort through the hottest nights.
If you want to be absolutely sure, you will need to purchase an extra battery or opt for the bundle with the additional battery. However, these options are significantly more expensive. It would be a valuable improvement in the future to extend the battery life of a single unit.
User Interface and Usability
The user interface is fairly intuitive through the “buttons” and digital screen. You navigate between different modes using the main button, and with the corresponding “buttons,” you adjust settings or issue commands.
However, the term “buttons” might be a bit of a stretch. Compared to the Mark 2, which had actual physical buttons, the Mark 3 has these “buttons” integrated into the surface of the device. The menu is displayed on the digital screen.
There are no labels on the buttons indicating their functions, which would have been more helpful and made the device even more user-friendly.
Cooling Performance Zero Breeze Mark 3
Is the Zero Breeze Mark 3 capable of significantly cooling your tent or campervan? YES. Is the performance equal to your airco installation you have at home with outside unit(s)? NO.
Just to manage expectations, if you want to make the inside of your tent also your camping fridge, then the Mark 3 is not going to fulfill that.
That being said it does a great job in cooling down a small space significantly so that it get’s to a comfortable temperature.
Tips for the best cooling performance: place the unit outside with the ducts and make sure it’s placed level. Also make sure the air filter isn’t blocked with dust or animal hair.
Noise
One of the key features we care about is how much noise the Zero Breeze Mark 3 makes. You are likely using this device to sleep through warm nights. Since you’ll be close to this portable air conditioner in a tent or camper, what good is a device that keeps you cool if it keeps you awake with its noise?
The Zero Breeze Mark 3 performs well in this regard. It operates very quietly, ensuring your sleep isn’t disturbed. Moderate rainfall produces noise around 50dB, while the Zero Breeze Mark 3 measures even lower at 46dB.
So, it’s a big success in this area.
Cooling Modes
Although we didn’t use all the modes, the Mark 3 has a suitable mode for the most common situations. We’re not entirely convinced by some modes, like “Fan Mode” and “Rocket Mode,” but it doesn’t hurt to have them available.
Rocket
Think of it as the “Max AC” setting in your car. The “Rocket Mode” utilizes the full cooling capacity of the device. When using the Mark 3 plugged into a power source, this mode is very handy.
However, when running on battery power, the battery life decreases significantly in this mode. For this reason, we almost never used it to conserve battery for the night.
AC Cool
The “Cool Mode” is the standard mode. You set your desired temperature, and the Zero Breeze Mark 3 handles the rest.
Sleep
The ideal mode for sleeping. It balances cooling and battery consumption to extend battery life. Additionally, the device operates more quietly in this mode.
Fan
This mode provides air circulation without cooling. It’s understandable why this mode is included, as all the components are present to use the Mark 3 as a fan.
In practice, we would opt for a smaller, less expensive fan if we only needed ventilation. For example, a small fan might be a better choice.
Care
The “Care Mode” was originally developed to cool pets. You set a desired temperature, and once it is reached, the Mark 3 uses less battery to maintain that temperature. This extends battery life and keeps your pet comfortable in your tent or campervan.
Humidity
Even in summer, it can get humid in your tent or camper, especially after heavy rain or a night’s sleep.
Heat
This mode makes the Zero Breeze Mark 3 an all-season companion. We didn’t need this mode during our trip, but we see it as a significant improvement over the Mark 2. Given the high cost of these devices, having a mode to use the Mark 3 year-round adds great value.
Drain System
Every portable air conditioner produces water. It’s important that the unit doesn’t become saturated with this water. Therefore, the Mark 3 is equipped with an active “drain system” that channels the produced water away through a hose.
A great feature is that you can collect this water in a bag with an optional spout. You can use the water at your campsite for tasks like washing your hands or doing the dishes.
Pros and Cons
What we like 🙂
- Effective cooling performance for outdoor adventures
- Operates quietly
- Sturdy construction
- Expandable with additional batteries
- Rechargeable with solar panels
What we don’t like
- Takes up some space in the trunk
- Battery life could be longer
- Not all modes are equally useful
Comparison with Competitors
The market for high-quality portable air conditioners for camping and outdoor use is not very crowded. When looking for alternatives to the Zero Breeze Mark 3, we come across the “EF Ecoflow Wave 2.“
The “EF Ecoflow Wave 2” has a similar cooling capacity of 5100 BTU. Other specifications are also comparable to the Zero Breeze Mark 3, such as the ability to be charged with solar power, the use of multiple batteries, and the capability to cool and heat.
However, the design and portability of the Zero Breeze Mark 3 are better compared to the EF Ecoflow Wave 2.
Pricing and Value for Money
The price of this portable air conditioner is quite steep. It doesn’t seem to be a device for the occasional camper. Anyone considering this purchase should be able to use it regularly throughout the year to justify the cost.
However, if you frequently head outdoors, this could be a valuable and solid addition to your camping gear. It can also provide a comfortable night’s sleep when camping with your children.
While the price is high, we believe you receive sufficient overall value to justify the cost.
User Reviews and Feedback
Since the Mark 3 has not been released yet we can not give you any user reviews at this point. We will update this article and add user reviews after the release date.
Although not representative for the Mark 3, you can always check the user reviews and feedback on the Mark 2 on Amazon.
Accessories and Additional Products
The Zero Breeze Mark 3 is available in various packs. Depending on how you intend to use this portable air conditioner, you can choose between one or multiple batteries.
Zero Breeze Mark 3 Basic
With the basic pack, you receive the Zero Breeze Mark 3 air conditioning unit without a battery. In this case, you can only use the air conditioner when it is plugged into a power source.
Zero Breeze Mark 3 Plus
The Plus Pack includes the Mark 3 AC unit as well as one battery. This allows you to enjoy a cooled or heated tent or campervan even on camping trips without a power source.
Zero Breeze Mark 3 Extra Plus
The Extra Plus Pack includes the AC unit along with two batteries. This setup allows you to alternate between batteries, charging one while using the other. Alternatively, you can connect the batteries in series to extend the usage time of the Mark 3 for a longer duration.
Zero Breeze Mark 3 Max
For those who need extended cooling performance, the Max Pack with ElecHive is the ideal choice. In addition to the AC unit, you receive the portable power station “ElecHive.” This setup is ready for complete off-grid use.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
New with the Mark 3 is the capability to cool using solar energy. With the “charge-and-discharge” feature, you can simultaneously cool and store solar energy. This allows you to enjoy a 100% sustainable air conditioning solution.
FAQs
How long does a zero breeze battery last?
The battery life depends on several factors, such as the model (Mark 2 or Mark 3), the cooling mode, the space being cooled and its insulation, the outside temperature, and more. In Sleep Mode, the Mark 3 battery lasts up to 7 hours.
Can you run a Zero Breeze without a battery?
Yes, you can use the Zero Breeze Mark 3 without a battery, but you will need a power source to operate it.
Can the Zero Breeze Mark 2 be plugged in?
Yes. You will need a 12V to 24V converter to directly power the unit.
How does the zero breeze Mark 2 work?
Both the Mark 2 and Mark 3 work by turning hot air to cold air and transferring the unwanted heat outside. In order to do that is makes use of “refrigerant”, a special cooling agent. In addition it has three main mechanical components: a compressor, a condenser coil and an evaporation coil.
Do portable air conditioners need to be drained?
Yes, the Mark 2 and Mark 3 have a drain system that removes water from the unit.
Does ZERO BREEZE need to be vented?
Yes, all portable airconditioners need to be vented.
How many BTU is zero breeze?
Depends on which model. The Mark 2 has 2300 BTU and the Mark 3 has 5280 BTU.
Conclusion
The Zero Breeze Mark 3 is a reliable portable air conditioner that you can easily take on your camping adventures with your tent, rooftop tent, or campervan. Its portability and dimensions allow it to fit into your trunk space. You can choose to place the AC unit either inside or outside the space using the included air outlet channels.
The air conditioner features various modes and a thermostat to achieve the desired temperature. It is capable of cooling a space up to 150 square feet. The price is quite high, but in return, you get an ingenious device with a sleek design and enough power to make your camping trips much more comfortable, both in summer and winter.
If you have any questions about the Zero Breeze Mark 3, please leave them in a comment below this article, and we will gladly add the answers to the article.
