7 TIPS TO STAYING COOL WHILE CAMPING

Being uncomfortably hot, and no prospect of getting cool anytime soon isn't an enjoyable experience. We bring you the top 7 tips for staying cool on your camping holiday this summer.

Nobody says "hey, let's go camping now that its unbearably hot", but a camping holiday planned for weeks might just have to go ahead, so you need to adapt to the weather conditions. And the plus side of summer is the beautiful balmy nights it can give us, with perfectly clear evening skies!

But what can we do to stop the heat ruining the experience? Read on…

1. Position of your campsite

When setting up a camp, you need to evaluate a number of factors.

To help keep you cooler, remember to check the location of where you plan to set up – look to place your accommodation for the night in the area where it will get the most afternoon shade. Don’t forget that what is shady at 10am is not like that at 3pm.

Near water? Position your camping site to maximise any benefits from breezes coming off the water. The downside about being near water is that it may increase the level of mosquitoes near your camp, so you need to weigh up your options and work out if you want breezes and bugs.

When setting your tent up in this shady spot, remember that camping under some of our large gum trees can be very hazardous.    Choose your trees wisely.    

2. Sleep in a hammock

Looking to maximise the cool night air?   Then hammock camping is an option to think about. Sleeping off the ground allows air to circulate all around you so your quarters will cool down faster once the sun has set or a breeze springs up.

Hammock sleeping means you no longer have to struggle with heat coming up from the earth long after the air has cooled.  This Cacoon hanging tent also has a bug net accessory to maximise the open air sleeping experience.

If you have no hammock, sleeping under a tarp could be another option, although bugs could be an issue!

If you are looking for other sleeping options - a camping stretcher/cot allows air to circulate under the cot, instead of a mattress.

3. No fly on your tent

Sleeping without the fly in a mesh tent, maximises the ability to get cooler air into the tent. It also gives us a mozzie-free night, with a total view of the night sky.

If you are travelling in a bigger tent, then your options to leave the fly off may not be possible or may not result in significant changes.

Ensure you open up all doors/windows on tent to maximise cross breezes, and set up the tent as late as possible (ie. when the sun goes down) to avoid heat building up in the tent.

Nylon tents heat up more quickly than canvas tents, though nylon allows the air to escape more easily too.

4. Tarp over your tent

If you have this option, another way to help reduce heat on your tent, is to string a tarp over the tent, leaving enough room for air to circulate between tent and tarp.   It acts as a “roof” providing another layer of protection from the sun.

A little bit more work, but the benefits will be noticeable. 

5. Purchase 12 volt fan

Lack of air circulation makes a hot night unbearable. The movement of air, though not cooling the air itself, will help you feel “cool” and reduce the stuffiness of a tent.

They range in price, and are available at most auto shops, but to get a good one (works efficiently, silently and economically) will cost more. There are fans designed for camping (and requiring batteries)  however these cost considerably more, especially taking into account cost of batteries etc. It really depends on how much you want to spend on powering these fans, and how long you want to run that fan for - battery life will vary based on run time and settings.

Of course there is always the option of getting a 240w fan, and using with an inverter – they generally are larger fans, and therefore going to generate greater breeze but its suitablity for you will depend on space, portability and if you have the necessary accessories to power it.

6. Hydration and clothing

Water, water and more water. It can’t be emphasised enough. As well as being a necessary item to stay alive, it is a proven way to keep cool. Plenty of water as opposed to sugary drinks, caffeine and alcohol will help keep you well hydrated. Children dehydrate quicker than adults, so remember to watch their hydration closely. There are quite a few water filtering drink bottles around or you can just use your standard insulated types. Our range...

Not near the ocean or a lake? If space allows, a small blow up pool filled with water is a great way for children (and pets) to keep cool. And if it gets too hot, you can join them!

Proper clothing for conditions should include cotton clothing, light coloured (to reflect the heat), wide brimmed hats – like our Sunday Afternoons - and adequate sun protection for the body. There are clothing items that draw sweat away from the body, and have built in SPF protection – worth investigating if hot weather camping is going to be on the itinerary frequently.

7. Suitable activities for the weather

If you are camping near water, your time will probably be spent in it! That is the best way to keep cool and the family happy on summer camping trips. Don't forget to pack your inflatables! If you don’t have a lake or ocean to laze by, your activities need to be altered to suit the weather. Early morning starts for any activity, so you can rest in the heat of the day.

If you have access to air conditioned locations (shops, tourist attractions, caravan park facilities) utilise them in the warmest part of the day, so you are not sweltering at your campsite.

We hope these tips help you plan your next camping trip and as always enjoy our beautiful country. #itsabigworldoutthere