How To Stay Cool When Camping In Hot Weather

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While it may be a rare occurrence, we sometimes get some nice sun shining through the clouds which causes some warmer nights under the stars in the UK, so staying cool when camping in hot weather becomes really important.

And, with warm weather, in comes the warm nights. As unbearable as they might be, there are a few hacks for camping in the heat at night. Some of these tricks rely on a bit of preparation and others make use of what you’ve got while already out in the wilderness.

The best part is that these tricks work for you, your kids and your fluffy travelling companions, too.

So, there’s no need to be thinking about a number of ways to cool yourself and another however-many ways to cool whoever you’re with.

camping in hot weather

How do I keep my tent cool?

Tents are made with a PVC coating (as well as extra layers to help with structure and durability) that turn it into a greenhouse during the day. 

This can be great for some of the slightly cooler nights that could do with heat-retention from the daytime sun. But it can be a nuisance in the Summer. 

So, the first trick for how to stay cool when camping in hot weather is to pack-down the tent during the day. This way, it doesn’t get the chance to heat up.

Take Thin Layers of Clothes 

It’s always best to wear multiple thin layers of clothing. So, no matter where you are, what the weather is or how warm you get while hiking through the British plains, you’ve got options. 

When it comes to hacks for camping in the heat, it means you’re able to remove a few layers to make sure you feel just right. 

Even then, you’ll want to make sure they’re light polyester colours so they’re not absorbing any heat (also, polyester isn’t as much as a thermal layer as wool or cotton!).

how to stay cool camping in hot weather

Pack Extra Water

According to our amazing NHS, we should be heading out into the wild with around one gallon of water per person per day. This includes when we’re camping with our cubs! 

Yet, with warm weather, we tend to lose water through sweat, so it’s best to take some reserves. 

Better yet, pack some flasks of ice water. This way, they’ll maintain the frozen temperature much longer than any other container and will provide you with the right escape for how to stay cool when camping in hot weather.

Use Cool-Down Sprays 

This is one of the hacks for camping in the heat that makes use of your packing prior to the adventure. 

There are many face mists designed to cool you down. A lot of them will have natural elements such as peppermint, so it’s safe for you and the kids. They’re pretty much everywhere from Amazon to Boots! 

Alternatively, if you’re already out in the sticks and stuck in the heat, make use of what you already have to-hand. For example, a towel. Soak under cold water and lay on your forehead while sleeping. 

Camp Next to a Lake

It goes without saying that natural lakes such as the many found around the Lake District and the lochs throughout Scotland can be a great escape from the heat whether it’s morning, noon or night. 

So, if you’re camping nearby a lake, try and pitch your tent right by the water’s edge to get some of the cooling sensation. Plus, you won’t have far to travel for a dip, either! 

However, if you are wanting to do this, we suggest heading to a designated campsite to avoid breaking any wild camping rules.

Also see: How to keep midges away when camping

Set-Up Camp in the Shade

Of course, camping in the UK doesn’t always involve a nearby lake. It could involve the peaks or some stunning plains with horizons as far as the eye can see. 

On these occasions, your best bet for finding out how to stay cool when camping in hot weather is finding the shade. Areas in the shade are naturally cooler as they don’t get as much sun. 

Remember, heat rises; so, when the ground has been absorbing the hot Summer sun throughout the day, you’ll feel it rising into your tent at night.

Use a Reflective Sunshade

If finding a spot in the shade isn’t an option, you’ll want to find yourself in possession of a reflective sunshade. 

These are reflective covers (often made of aluminium) that cover your tent or camping ground. They come in all shapes and sizes. However, a top tip is to pitch them around 12cm above your tent. This way, cooler air can still flow in – and around – the tent. 

Plus, the sun’s rays are reflected right back at it. So, the morning sauna isn’t going to be a problem and camping lay-ins can get back into the agenda.

Take Advantage of the Natural Breeze

Having a breeze – no matter how small – is definitely one of the hacks for camping in the heat. 

A way to use this is to make sure you’re using the right type of tent (if you’re not just tempted to take a night in a hammock) and facing the right direction. You can use apps that tell you the wind direction as well as compass apps to help you orientate. 

You’ll need to make sure your tent has two ‘openings’ that you can open to allow for a vent. Then, face one of the openings in the winds direction to catch the breeze. 

And there are our 8 top tips for how to stay cool when camping in hot weather.

Then again, if all else fails, you’ll want to get your hands on an electrical fan. Although, this does mean getting used to having electrics in the tent and using an electrical hook-up in a safe way.

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