Dealing With The Heat

[southerngal]

If we camp during the summer we try to head up north to the mountains. It's not even a possibility for us unless there is a lot of shade because we all sunburn really easily.

[javen]

I wore light-colored clothing when we camped last summer. Water bottles are always packed on my bag to help keep my body hydrated against hot temperature and I always bring sun protection with me like hat, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion.

[jesse]

We had a record heat summer last year and I used a portable air conditioner inside the tent. Just requires a site with electric hookups! it worked well...i wasn't the only one with a portable ac, so I didn't feel like a weirdo. The highs were in the 100's and I had to do something to help me with my addiction to camping. The 9500 btu AC worked ok during the day if it was right in front of you, but as soon as the sun went down it got real cool with the ac. This was a 11x11 size tent, no full rain fly and mesh on top...a smaller tent with full rain fly would do better.

[Newanderthal]

I wait for the hottest day of the year (around 113 during the day, 94 at night) and do a short hike and camp. then, when I spend the whole night sweating and being eaten by the Louisiana state bird (the mosquito) I remember why I avoid camping in the summer. then I don't make the mistake again for a few years.

My advice, if you can't sleep without sweating, don't bother camping. Go canoeing, short hikes, swimming, etc. But when the sun drops, call it a day and hit the showers. sleeping in the heat will only make the whole experience seem miserable.

[frank6160]

Shade, water and battery operared fans are how we deal with the heat. It gets plenty hot and humid here in the south and thats about all you can do. Hitting the water 2 or 3 times a day to cool off helps also. I began camping in early spring a few years ago and thats enjoyable nothing like a cool night campfire and then snuggling into my sleeping bag for a nights rest.

[Bumpkin]

Originally Posted by Newanderthal

being eaten by the Louisiana state bird (the mosquito)

Lol, I know what you mean, Newanderthal. That's what my husband calls mosquitoes too. They actually can ruin my camping experience way more than the heat can. Sweating I can deal with, being eaten alive I can't.

[failghe]

I try to stay in the shade, drink plenty of water, wear loose fitting clothing, and clothes that are meant for the heat. Light and whisk away moisture. Also I try to relax and take my time doing things.

[frank6160]

duplicate post

[Hilltopper]

I'm the biggest wimp in our family when it comes to heat. I found something called a cooling neck wrap and see if that helps me keep from melting this summer. We also try and go someplace where there's swimming.

[The Scout]

Originally Posted by Adventurelover

This is the best time for me to go camping anymore. In the spring it's not too hot and not too cold. I can deal with the cold but the heat of the summer really gets to me anymore. How do you deal with the heat when camping in the summer?

I don't. Rather Winter camp than attempt sleep during Summer's heat. Not to say I never have Summer camped, but to me camping should be a comfortable experience. Some can hack the heat, some cannot.

Usually plan these outings for Spring and Fall.