|
Don’t cancel your weekend campout because it’s too hot! Be
prepared and enjoy the warm weather. As we reach record high
temperatures across the U.S. it’s probably a good time to
review some of the tips for hot weather camping. Here are some
tips to beat the heat when
camping with the Boy Scouts.
The 3 big personal issues to take care of are
Heat,
Humidity and Hydration:
Heat
As your body heats up, evaporation is the way your body
handles cooling off. As moisture (perspiration) on you is
released it carries the heat away.
Humidity
Air saturated with moisture is going to have a tough time
absorbing additional moisture through evaporation. So, in
humid areas you need to create air movement to encourage
evaporation. Breezy areas around lakes are great for this.
Hydration
Perspiration draws water out of your body, which must be
replaced frequently. Being thirsty is not a good indicator of
your need for water. Surprisingly enough, your urine is the
best indicator. Drink often enough so that your urine is
light-colored or clear. If it’s dark colored, drink more
water!
Water drinking tips:
- Keep water easily available and drink often
- Avoid drinking lots of caffeinated
drinks, they actually remove fluids from your body.
- Drink lots of water. Especially during a strenuous
activity such as a hike. Take lots of water on a hike or
plan your hike to a known water source.
Hot Weather Clothing
Picking the right clothing for a hot weather campout can go
a long way to making you a happy camper! Keep these tips in
mind:
- Pick light-colored, breathable fabrics that don’t absorb
heat. Leave your black “Metalica” t-shirt at home! ☺
- Wear a hat. Not only for shade, but to ward off
sunstroke and over heating
- Nylon or polyester shorts and shirts are always good.
The fabric is cool, durable and will dry quickly when you
perspire.
*Switchbacks are perfect for camping because you don't
have to stop to get changed, you just unzip the legs to
cool down during the day then re-zip them at nightfall for
warmth and protection from the bugs.
- Cotton is also a good choice, but it doesn’t dry as
quickly and at night you don’t want a wet, cold shirt
on your back
Bugs
If you are in a bug-infested area, you may need a hat with
netting or need to wear long, light-colored pants and a long
sleeved shirt. Above all, apply and re-apply insect repellent
(DEET-based), especially around your ankles, neck, and
ears. A mosquito net for your bed is one of the most
important things to remember to pack, especially if camping
near water. The netting can be supported a few different ways
to keep you protected. Hung between trees with a rope or with
sticks in the four corners and anchored down are a couple of
quick fixes you should learn to avoid having the mosquito's use your ears and
nose as a heliport all night long.
Sun
Hopefully everyone is “programmed” to put on sunscreen and
wear a hat when going on a summer campout, let alone a hot
weather camp. In humid climates purchase the waterproof
sunscreen so it won’t come off when you perspire. And, always
use at least 15 SPF. Don’t forget some lip balm! You can get
this in 15 SPF also.
There’s nothing worse than trying to sleep with a bad
sunburn.
Find shady places to set up camp, bring a canopy or make
one by stringing a tarp between some trees.
Hot Weather Gear
When camping in hot weather you can bring the same gear as
you would normally take on a campout, except your bedding
should be lighter and cooler. What is meant by this is, bring a
light nylon sleeping bag, or a bed sheet and a couple of
blankets.
In hot, dry weather sleeping under the stars is the best
camping has to offer. Slip a sleeping pad under your sleeping
bag and you are set. If you need more shelter you can tie up
the ends of a tarp in the trees or sling the tarp over a tight
rope, tied between two trees.
Most good 3 season tents have a rain fly that goes over the
top of the tent to prevent moisture from coming in. This is
good in humid, hot camping, but you should remove the rain fly
in hot, dry areas so you have a “screened” roof to keep the
bugs out and you can watch the stars as you doze off.
Keeping things Cool
Once you are settled into camp and you have your personal
hydration under control, your tent in the shade, and maybe a
canopy setup to get out of the sun, you are pretty much ready
to enjoy the campout.
Keeping food and drinks cool in hot weather is not
difficult. Naturally your cooler is an oasis for ice,
beverages, fruit and other cool treats. In hot weather, use
block ice because it will last twice as long as the crushed or
cubed variety. Clear block ice melts more slowly than the
milky kind. Also remember that heat rises and cold sinks, so
your food and beverages will stay fresher and cooler if kept
below a layer of ice. Keep your cooler out of direct sunlight
at all times and on especially hot days, cover it with a wet
white towel. Try not to open the cooler lid unnecessarily.
Constant opening of the cooler will allow cold air to escape
and will negate the cooler’s insulating effect.
If you are prepared and follow these tips you can enjoy hot
weather camping and especially the “under the stars” sleep out
that is totally unique! You will be in awe of the
number of stars in the sky on a clear, hot
night.
| 