Hot weather camping

Camping tips

Hot weather camping is a favorite for many campers. They know how to do it. Hot weather camping isn’t something that should be done on the spur of the moment. It takes a lot of planning and preparation. A lot of people find themselves camping in hot weather because they will go camping during the summer months, so in order to do this successfully they should ensure that they have completed a simple yet effective check list before they set off on their holiday.

Here are just a few of the things you should take into consideration before you go camping:

Daily Temperatures

Before you embark on your camping holiday it is wise to ensure that you have some indication as to what temperatures you are likely to be facing. This is especially important if you are going to be spending a lot of time travelling and likewise if you are taking people with you who may be susceptible to the heat such as the elderly or young children.

The Internet and most of the television news channels as well as newspapers can provide you with long range forecasts and even though British weather sometimes can be unpredictable it is best to err on the side of caution.

What to Wear

Light coloured garments are a definite inclusion into your camping wardrobe. Black garments will attract the sun and will only succeed in making your perspire and heat up quickly. Where possible wear clothes that are made from fabrics that breath – this means the material is made up of tiny breathing holes which allow air to and from the skin underneath. For small children and indeed adults a hat is a good idea to (a) keep the sun out of your eyes and (b) prevent the head from burning.

One of the other most important aspects of your ‘dress code’ is sun block; wear it even when you don’t see any sun. Just because you can’t see it that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Often people find they will fall foul to sunstroke because the sun is hidden behind clouds.

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.
• 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
• Cotton is also a good choice. But I find it doesn't dry as quickly and at night I don't want a wet, cold shirt on my back

Staying Hydrated

To stop dehydration drink plenty of water. Where possible bring the water with you; bottled water is a lot less likely to contain any bacteria that might make you ill and you spend less time having to boil it for tea and cooking etc. Avoid alcohol whilst out in the sun as the mixture of sunshine and alcohol often dehydrates an individual much faster than if they were to drink in the shade.

Camping Equipment

Another important aspect of your camping holiday is your camping equipment. It is wise to take only what you know you will need and not to take lots of unnecessary gadgets with you that (a) you won’t use but (b) will have to carry around with you. Carrying hefty loads of camping equipment from place to place can make you perspire heavily and also leave you feeling tired and listless.

Keeping things Cool

Keeping food and drinks cool in hot weather is not difficult. In the desert camping bring two coolers, one for drinks and one for food. Knowing ahead of time that the drink cooler will be opened and closed all day, but the food one will not. I bring extra ice and store it in the food cooler and as the drink cooler looses ice, I replace it My coolers will keep my food and drinks cold for about two days. Any campout longer than that and I've got to make a trip for ice.

Check out our Cold weather camping tips