How do you camp in summer?
Camping during the summer season is one of the best experiences; it’s an excellent time to go on vacation. The fine weather and sunny skies are indeed hard to miss. In summer, it is also when students have a break from school, making it a great time to plan an adventure with the people they value.
Summer camping entails decision-making. Even though the weather may be great during this time, it’s also the hottest and driest season. Here are some critical tips for making your camping experience comfortable and relaxing during the summer.
Choosing the correct place for summer camping in hot weather is significant. So, if you’re going camping in summer, make sure to check the weather and local regulations first.
Location
When camping during the summer, one thing you should prioritize is the location. When looking for a spot to pitch your tents, it is vital to look for a shady one, and if possible, one surrounded by trees. It’s also best to pitch or pack up early or late in the day to avoid the scorching heat from the sun.
It would be best to observe the sun’s direction throughout the day to minimize the heat it directs on you. If this is not possible, you could bring your own shade if there isn’t any available on sight. A tarp will serve as an excellent substitute to help you keep cool during this summer season.
Ventilation
Ventilation is a crucial aspect to consider when camping. The circulation of air inside your tents will help ease the heat you will experience during this season. One tip to maximize the ventilation you are getting is by opening the doors and windows of your tents to provide an entry for air to come in. It is also advisable to remove your rainfly if the weather is good and sunny; this will help release the sun’s heat that your tent has absorbed.
Sleeping bag
One way to make your summer camping experience comfortable is by choosing the right sleeping bag. The right material will depend on your preference, but it is also important to consider the pros and cons of each.
Sleeping bags made from nylon, polyester, taffeta, and ripstop are highly recommended for summer camping. They are well-known to be breathable compared to other materials.
Another tip you may consider is using a sheet rather than a sleeping bag. A cotton sheet will provide you the right warmth and breathable comfort you need during this hot weather.
Drink water
There is no doubt of the importance of staying hydrated, especially during the summer. Dehydration is most common during these times as our bodies tend to cool themselves down by sweating naturally.
Engaging in physical camping activities under the sun’s heat will result in you losing your body fluids and electrolytes by means of perspiration. By drinking plenty of water, you replace these lost fluids and prevent yourself from getting dehydrated.
Cooler
Coolers help keep your food and beverages cool. Cold drinks will prevent your body from overheating, especially when you engage in strenuous outdoor activities. It works by letting our bodies maintain a reduced body temperature, preventing any harmful health conditions such as heat stroke.
A tip to maximize the freezing temperature of coolers is to keep them full with cold beverages, allowing your drinks to stay cooler for more extended periods.
Fan
Airflow is an essential element when camping in hot climates. During the summer, ventilation may not be enough. It would help if you considered bringing a portable fan as this will provide the breathability and comfort your body needs when sweating.
A fan’s breeze, along with the proper ventilation, will surely evaporate the sweat you gain during this warm season, especially during the night when you are sleeping.
What should I wear during summer camping?
Camping during the summer season can be extremely hot and risky. The primary risk you deal with during these times is the possibility of dehydration and heat stroke. Your clothes are a significant factor that would help you stay cool and beat the heat during this time.
Quick-drying shorts and pants
Quick-drying shorts and pants are typically what their name suggests. They are usually made from nylon and polyester, which means they dry quickly when wet and pull moisture away from our bodies.
These shorts and pants are incredibly breathable, durable, and water-resistant, making them perfect for summer camping. However, they are also expensive compared to other fabrics. Prices usually increase depending on the amount of nylon and polyester material used in each unit. Regardless, they are a good investment, and you get what you pay for.
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Moisture-wicking T-shirts are famous active sportswear that is effective in keeping you dry. This clothing is made purely of polyester, which is a breathable fabric excellent in wicking moisture.
The breathability it offers enhances airflow, improving your body temperature regulation and keeping you cool and dry. These features make moisture-wicking T-shirts a perfect clothing option for the summer, especially when engaging in active outdoor activities.
Tank Tops
Tank tops are unisex sleeveless T-shirts made predominantly from cotton, making them soft and lightweight. People prefer wearing tank tops due to their breathable, comfortable, and quick moisture absorbing features.
Compared to sleeved T-shirts, tank tops allows more air to flow to your body, helping you stay cool. The only downside of cotton tank tops is that they aren’t the best at wicking moisture despite their ability to absorb it. A trick here is to hang them immediately if they are soaked in sweat. This will enable the moisture to drip off, keeping it dry and odorless.
Flip flops
Flip flops are the most underrated things to bring during camping trips. People tend only to pack a pair of shoes and disregard flip-flops. Flip-flops offer more comfort and convenience than shoes since they have no protective coverings around your feet, maximizing airflow.
They are also lighter, easier to wear, and quicker to dry than shoes. It is advisable to wear flip-flops after wearing shoes for some time to allow your feet to relax from the burdens of wearing shoes the entire time.
Breathable shoes
When going summer camping, shoes are a must-have piece of gear. When it comes to choosing the proper shoes, breathability is key. It would be best to keep in mind that insufficient ventilation to your feet will cause discomfort because then your feet will feel hot and start to sweat, especially during summer.
Without sufficient air circulation, heat-induced sweat and moisture would be trapped and have nowhere to go, leading to blisters, rashes, foul odours, and other issues. Synthetic and nylon are the best materials in manufacturing breathable shoes that keep your feet dry while you’re out camping in the summer.
What foods are best to eat when camping in summer?
As much as it is important to stay hydrated during the summer, it is also equally essential to eat foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients to keep your body energized during your trip; it is not enough to rely on water alone. Here are some of the foods you should consider bringing for your camping trip.
Fruits
Fruits are natural healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals. They also contain a large amount of water that can contribute to your hydration needs.
Some of the fruits that can help you stay hydrated with their corresponding water content are watermelon (92%), strawberries (91%), cantaloupe (90%), peaches and oranges (89%), and cucumbers (95%). These fruits contain high water content and provide you with numerous health benefits that can help in sustaining your caloric needs.
Vegetables
Vegetables, similar to fruits, are also rich in vitamins and minerals. They also contain high water content that makes them ideal to consume during summertime.
In this season, we lose our body fluids and some vital electrolytes through our sweat. It is essential to replenish these lost fluids to prevent dehydration, and one way of doing that is through consuming vegetables.
Some of the vegetables to consider with their corresponding water contents are lettuce (95%), celery (95%), tomatoes (94%), spinach (91%), kale (89%), broccoli (89%), and carrots (88%). All these vegetables can contribute to our body’s hydration needs. One tip to consider in maximizing these vegetables’ water content is mixing them up to make a salad.
Cold drinks
To minimize your risk of getting dehydrated, you should drink cold beverages. However, it is important to note that not all cold drinks will help you hydrate. In fact, some will lead to excessive dehydration, such as caffeinated drinks and alcohol. You should opt for juices such as lemonade, natural fruit juice (made from watermelon, lemonade, and cucumber), coconut juice/water, and cold water. These beverages will help you stay cool under the sun’s heat and prevent you from experiencing the signs and symptoms of dehydration, including dizziness, fatigue, and dry lips.
What tent fabrics are best for summer?
Choosing a tent suited for the temperature and season is critical when camping during the summer or hot weather.
The capacity to circulate air throughout the tent and ventilating features are crucial factors to consider when looking for the perfect tent for summer camping. These ventilation features will be the primary factor in keeping you cool when staying and sleeping on a hot summer night.
Canvas/cotton tent fabric
Canvas is the most common tent fabric, and it has several beneficial properties. This material used to be made of hemp, but nowadays, cotton is most often used. Tents labeled as “canvas” or “cotton” are composed of the same material.
This tent fabric insulates excellently; it won’t be too hot during the summer and cold during the winter. Cotton/canvas are durable and breathable fabrics resistant to the sun’s radiation, making them a good option when summer camping.
Polycotton tent fabric
Poly-cotton is a combination of polyester and cotton. A poly-cotton fabric is essentially a cotton fabric with some polyester woven into it. Poly-cotton tents possess all of the benefits of cotton (or canvas) tents.
However, they do have some of the same disadvantages as pure cotton or canvas, including cost, weight, and upkeep.
The polyester present in the weave makes them slightly more mildew-resistant, and the polyester also helps lessen the likelihood of big rips. Polycotton is the perfect tent fabric for summer camping because of its breathability, durability, and excellent insulating capabilities.
