Camping in Midsummer: Tips & Tricks Against Heat

As winter fades away, we welcome the arrival of summer. Rather than battling the cold, we now face the challenges of heat and sun. In extreme cases, such as the drought of the summer of 2018, the scorching temperatures can make outdoor camping just as difficult as camping in freezing conditions. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can make your midsummer camping experience much more enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll share essential strategies to help you prepare for and fully enjoy your time under the summer sun.

Choose the Right Tent

Choose the right tent to ensure comfort and safety during your summer camping trip. The most important thing is the type of tent. Some hiking tents have better ventilation than others. For example, a tunnel tent is not appropriate for midsummer camping: This offers the best use of space, but the worst ventilation. It is more like a sauna than an airy tent when it is hot. For this reason, a dome tent is suitable in this situation. Here you have less space because of the flatter walls, but top ventilation.

Now let’s see what should be followed when choosing a tent for midsummer camping:

• Materials: Cotton or cotton blends (technical cotton, polycotton) provide the best climate control. Polyester tents can trap heat due to poor breathability. Cotton tents are heavier, pricier, and take longer to dry, but offer superior UV protection.
• Seasonality: For summer camping, a summer or 2-season tent is adequate. These tents are designed for warm months and are generally cheaper than winter-proof options.
• Outer Tent: Summer tents, especially those with a two-ply design, often have an outer layer that doesn’t reach the ground, improving ventilation but reducing weatherproofing. To enhance airflow, ensure there’s enough space between the inner and outer tents.
• Number of Doors: Choose a tent with at least two entrances and good ventilation (windows, etc.) to create a draft and improve airflow. Large doors facilitate easy entry and exit, especially in warm weather.
• Mosquito Net: A mosquito net is essential for midsummer camping due to the prevalence of insects. Ensure the inner tent has ample mosquito netting for ventilation while keeping pests outside. The more gauze, the better; microfiber is also effective.
• Color of Your Tent: Opt for a light-colored tent, as it reflects heat better than dark colors. This helps maintain a cooler interior temperature and creates a more comfortable environment during hot weather.

Find the Right Place to Pitch Your Tent

Choosing the right location to pitch your tent during a midsummer camping trip is important for a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

• Consider Shade: To keep your tent cool, seek shade under trees, hills, huts, rocks, or in caves. Pay attention to the sun’s position: pitch your tent west of the shade if you want to sleep in. If you’re an early riser, set up east of the shade. Warning: Camping under trees during thunderstorms can be dangerous due to falling branches and lightning.
• Good Air Circulation: Look for spots with good airflow, such as beaches, lakes, or hills. Position your tent to catch the breeze, aligning the entrance with the wind direction.
• Water Availability: Camping near water, whether a river, lake, or sea, can provide cooling breezes. Align your tent with the water to catch fresh air; for rivers, face the entrance upstream to capture cool winds. Warning: Water sources often attract mosquitoes, especially near lakes and streams.
• Good for Sleep: Find a flat, shady area for sleeping outside. Consider using a hammock or a tree tent, or set up a tarp. Avoid areas with many insects, ticks, or wildlife.

Pitch Your Tent Correctly

If you’re up for a little effort, dig a hole or pit about 50-60 cm deep. The earth below is cooler than the dry summer air. This will help to cool your tent. If digging isn’t feasible, you can place a tarpaulin or foil under your tent for some insulation, though it’s less effective.

• Twilight: Set up your tent at dusk to avoid heating it in the evening sun. This allows you to pack your backpacking tent in the shade.
• Use a Rain Roof: If your tent has a rainfly, consider removing it. While the fly protects against rain, it can also trap heat. Camping with just the inner tent offers better airflow. If it rains, stretch the outer tent or a tarp over the inner tent to stay dry while enjoying cooler air.
• Insulated Blanket: Use a reflective tarpaulin or an insulating blanket with the silver side facing up to help keep your tent cooler.
• Ultralight Tarp: A tarp can serve as an awning, protecting your tent from bird droppings and tree sap. Leave space between the tarp and the tent for airflow. If using an insulating blanket, attach it directly to the tent with duct tape to prevent it from blowing away.
• Tent Dismantling: If you’re camping for several days, take down your tent during the day. This additional work prevents your tent from turning into an oven in the summer heat.

Keep Your Tent Cool

Contrary to popular belief, keep the tent open as long as possible by opening doors and windows to allow airflow. This brings in cool air and prevents the tent from becoming a sauna. If insects are prevalent, ensure your tent has mosquito protection; gauze keeps pests out while allowing air in.

• Use a Sleeping Bag: You don’t need to sleep in your sleeping bag during summer camping, but it can help regulate warmth and prevent suffocation from heat.
• Use a Cooler Fan: A small battery-operated fan can create a gentle breeze inside the tent. Place the fan in a corner and use the oscillation mode if available. Ensure windows or ventilation openings are open to promote airflow; otherwise, the fan will just circulate warm air.

Extra: Practical Tips for Camping in the Heat

Finally, a few practical tips for camping in midsummer to make your camping more comfortable:

• Number of People: Only allow as many people in your tent as the manufacturer recommends. More bodies equal more heat. Three people in a two-person tent can get cramped and warm—great for winter, but not summer.
• Carry Thin Sleeping Bags: Pack a lightweight summer sleeping bag instead of a bulky winter one. Alternatives include a hut sleeping bag or a quilt, which is more breathable and less restrictive.
• Down or Synthetic Fiber? For summer camping, synthetic fibers are preferable. They don’t absorb moisture as down does, making them ideal for sweaty conditions. Down can clump when wet and lose its insulating properties.
• Avoid Cooking Inside the Tent: Cooking inside your tent generates heat and can create condensation. It also poses a fire risk. Always cook outside and as far away from your tent as possible.
• Breaks: Take breaks during the hottest part of the day (noon to 3 p.m.), just like the Southerners. If sightseeing, choose cool places like churches or castles. If those aren’t available, rest under a tarp for sun protection.

Camping in Extreme Heat: Personal Care

When camping in summer, it’s essential to care for yourself as well as your shelter:

• Drink Well: Higher temperatures and physical activity can lead to rapid dehydration. Sweating expels vital fluids and electrolytes, making it crucial to drink plenty of water while camping. Failing to do so can result in headaches, fatigue, or even collapse.
• Take Care of Your Skin: In summer, your skin naturally produces melanin to tan, but excessive sun exposure can lead to sunburn and increase skin cancer risk. If traveling south in winter, consider using a solarium to pre-tan, ensuring it uses both UV-A and UV-B rays. UV-A tans the skin, while UV-B protects against sunburn.
• Use Sunscreen for Extra Protection: Sunscreen is vital for skin protection. Consult with a pharmacy or drugstore to choose the right type and level of sun protection. Even with sunscreen, avoid prolonged sun exposure; shade is your best defense.

Clothes and Hats Mean Sun Protection

Sun protection is crucial, especially during midsummer camping when the sun can be intense. Here are some tips for choosing the right clothes and hats for sun protection:

• Clothing: Proper clothing is essential for comfortable summer camping. The general rule is that long clothing is better than short. Opt for polyester or specialized sun protection clothing instead of white cotton, which allows many UV rays to penetrate. Tips: Dress like the Bedouins: wear airy, wide-cut clothing that covers your skin completely.
• Head Protection: Don’t forget your head, especially if you have short hair or are bald. Hats with brims, such as angler’s (Boonie) hats, are excellent choices for protecting your ears and neck. Avoid caps with netted tops or visors, as they offer minimal sun protection.
• Sunglasses: Sunglasses are crucial for hiking and camping in the summer. Choose large frames with wide temples to block harmful side light. Ensure the frame width matches your eye sockets, with the upper edge extending to the brow and the lower edge to the cheekbone. Look for sunglasses with a UV-400 certification to protect against UV-A and UV-B rays.

That’s it!

Do you have any additional tips for camping in midsummer, or do you have questions or concerns? Feel free to leave a comment! If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media. Thank you!