Back in 2019, as part of my review of the Zero Breeze Mark II portable AC unit, I invoked the sacred name of Tim Curry and one of his most fantastic roles, Herkermer Homolka, in the 1995 camp classic Congo. (“It’s the lost city of Zinj. Which I have looked for all my life.”) Never mind the talking gorilla and the fist-sized diamonds just lying around on the ground in the jungle, for me this was a movie about how to stay cool when you’re out in the boonies.
As I commented three years ago, the Zero Breeze Mark II was a partial manifestation of the portable air conditioners seen in that film. But at 26 pounds with the battery attached, and at a cost of $1,599, the bulky device wasn’t practical for casual or mobile use. It was best suited for more stationary pursuits such as cooling enclosed truck beds or permanent structures like a hot she-shed.
Recently the company reached out…
