Don’t get me wrong: I love living in New York City. But it’s a concrete slab built on a former swamp, which means our summers can be humid. As a Mid-Atlantic kid born in the Deep South, I’m familiar with blistering heat and ridiculously high humidity—yet my adopted home has a way of trapping both, making stepping out the door feel like entering a sauna. Some days, even a barely-there tank top and shorts can’t help.
Gaiatop Portable Handheld
The fan folds into a 4.5-inch-long cylinder for easy storage; when it’s open, the shell acts as a handle for handheld use or as a base for hands-free use. There are two speed settings, although I’ve only ever used the second, more intense option. The soft plastic blades create a pretty effective stream of air, and they stop almost instantly when they hit skin. There’s an optional lanyard, but I’ve never used it. The battery life is mostly excellent; the biggest hiccup I’ve encountered is simply remembering to charge it after a few days.
Better yet, a USB port and a USB-C port at the base can be used to charge the fan—or to charge your phone as a makeshift power bank. And the size is great, with just enough power to work well but a slim enough profile to slip into the smallest, most impractical bags. Don’t just take it from me: This thing has earned 4,300 five-star Amazon reviews and counting. (It’s a “Disney must-have,” according to one reviewer.)
Last September, as an oppressive heat wave settled over the city, I embarked on a remarkably hot Fashion Week with a newfound sense of invincibility. It helped me make new friends at a crowded outdoor party no one knew would be outside; at indoor events, it saved me from sweating through my outfits; the portable charger feature saved me from needing to find an outlet at every venue.
The best part, honestly, was that the fan was such an easy icebreaker—there aren’t many better ways to earn your seatmate’s trust than by giving them a turn with a much-needed fan. I also love that the design allows me to focus airflow wherever I need it most on hot days: my face, my back, my armpits, and other embarrassing places.
