Camping in summer is a double-edged sword — on one hand, summer is the season to get outside, go exploring, enjoy the long hot days and the warm pleasant nights. On the other hand, waking up in a hot tent on a blistering day can put anyone off camping in summer. Here are a few tips for staying cool while camping.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SPOT
Your tent will be like a greenhouse, or even a sauna, if it’s in direct sunlight - that's why shade is going to be your best friend when camping this summer. If you camp underneath a tree, be aware of the health of the tree. If it is an old or rotten tree, there is a greater chance of branches falling on your tent. Opt for a camping spot that reduces this risk, or at least be fully confident that any branches above are large branches that are unlikely to fall. If it is a blistering hot day ahead but there is potential for some wind, adjust your tent so that the wind can stream through your windows to keep the tent cool.
Another great tip is to camp near water if possible. Not only will the breeze coming off the water cool down your area, but a refreshing dip is just a few feet away! If you don’t score a waterside spot, take a cold shower from the camp amenities if possible, or even consider bringing an inflatable pool for yourself, the kids, and even the dog to splash in.
HOW TO KEEP A TENT COOL IN SUMMER
- Windows. Your eyes are the window to your soul and your tent windows are the window to your sanity in summer. Use those windows as much as possible to survive camping in the heat.
- Place a groundcover between the tent and the ground when you set up. This will help reduce how much heat carries through from the ground into your tent.
- Get rid of that rain fly. But what if it rains? Set up a tarp above the tent for two reasons:
1. It will act as better shade than your fly, as any heat it conducts will not directly transfer to the interior of your tent, which a fly may do.
2. It will protect your tent from any rain but allow any breeze to flow freely through your entire tent.
PACKING HACKS
Taking along a few key items could mean the difference between sweltering in misery and soaking up the warmth and sunlight of summer in comfort.
One of the most important things is to keep your food and water cold. Before you leave, fill up empty juice or milk containers with water and then freeze them. They will stay frozen for longer in your esky and the melted ice will stay contained, meaning your food won’t get waterlogged.
Another idea is to pack a hammock and an insect net. On those hot nights where the thought of crawling into a confined space makes you literally sweat, sleeping outside in a hammock might just be the answer. Of course, sleeping outside does mean you’re more likely to become a mosquito’s snack, so this is where the net will come in handy.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS
If you spend too long in the sun or don’t drink enough water, your body will get too hot and it will be difficult to get your temperature back down.
The best thing to do if someone gets heatstroke is to try to cool them down as quickly as possible by placing ice packs and wet towels on their head, neck, groin and armpits. Remove any warm clothes and fan the person. If their temperature doesn’t cool down, you should call emergency services.
The good thing is that heatstroke is preventable and wearing the right clothes can help. There are certain materials that are more breathable than others and of course, light colours will always be better at reflecting the heat.
Wide-brimmed hats should always be worn in the sun and sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ is a must. Pack dissolvable electrolytes and drink them whenever you’re feeling dehydrated. It may make all the difference.