Summer camping trips can be highly enjoyable — until the sun reaches its zenith and you realise you’re parched and overheated. Staying cool when camping isn’t too tricky but does require a bit of preparation to make sure you don’t get caught out on hot days. Here are the best summer camping tips for keeping cool when the temperatures soar. Otherwise, you’ll end up scorched and annoyed rather than serene and sun-kissed.
1.Use your sleeping bag liner
Rather than sleeping in full sleeping bags in the summer heat, you’ll find you likely sleep better using just the liner. Make sure the rest of the sleeping bag is available to use if the early morning hours are chilly.
2. Keep hydrated
On hot days, having lots of available drinking water is important — and actually drinking it is crucial. Make sure you know about your campsite’s water access and use insulated water bottles if possible to keep water cool. If you’re active outside in the heat, swimming or going on hikes, you should be drinking at least three litres of water per day.
3. Make sure pets are well-hydrated too
It’s crucial to keep any dogs or other pets cool and make sure they have plenty of water. Keep a travelling water bowl, refill it regularly and put it in a cool place, and make sure they have continuous access to it. Heading away with pets can be a great experience, and we've put together a few top tips on camping with dogs and the things you need to consider.
4. Pack an inflatable pool
If swimming isn’t an option, or you have small children, an inflatable pool is a good idea: it can keep kids cool (you may want to have it partially in the shade) and also give adults a place to splash their necks and faces with cold water. Soak your hat or bandana in it to give an extra dose of coolness.
5. Always have sun protection available
Hats, long-sleeved loose shirts in breathable fabrics and sunscreen aren’t an optional extra when you’re camping in the heat; they’re essentials. Thin, light-coloured clothing will help reduce body temperature. Make sure often-ignored places like feet and the back of the neck are protected from sunburn, too.
