{"id":18672,"date":"2023-12-29T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-28T23:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=18672"},"modified":"2023-12-01T09:12:03","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T22:42:03","slug":"tips-camping-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/tips-camping-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Tips for Camping in Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summer is one of the best seasons for adventure.<\/p>\n

School\u2019s out, the weather is fine, and one can usually manage to score a couple of days away from work. It\u2019s the perfect time to pile some gear into the back of the car, hit the road, and escape the concrete maze and city haze of suburbia.<\/p>\n

To make the most of the balmy nights and clear skies, we\u2019ve listed our top tips for warm-weather camping…<\/p>\n

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School\u2019s out, the weather is fine, and one can usually manage to score a couple of days away from work. Image: Zempire<\/em><\/p>\n

1. Orange Lighting<\/h2>\n

Bright white lights attract bugs like nobody\u2019s business.<\/p>\n

A great way to mitigate this is by illuminating your campsite with warm or orange lighting<\/a>. This is less attractive to bugs, so will help to minimise their presence.<\/p>\n

That said \u2013 don\u2019t ditch the mosquito repellent!  <\/p>\n

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The warm hue of orange lights is less likely to attract bugs. Image: Korr Lighting<\/em><\/p>\n

2. Light-Coloured, Loose, and Breathable Clothing<\/h2>\n

Look for long sleeves for sun protection, and choose fabrics that are light, fast-drying, and help regulate your temperatures (such as technical synthetics or merino wool<\/a>).<\/p>\n

In warm weather, wearing cotton is fine \u2013 but it could cause discomfort or chafing if you start to perspire, as it doesn\u2019t dry quickly when wet.<\/p>\n

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Wear protective clothing to keep you cool. Image: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n

3. Insect Protection<\/h2>\n

Camping close to a body of water means you don\u2019t have to walk as far for quick dip \u2013 though it also brings you closer to the breeding ground for biting insects such as mosquitos<\/a> and midges. The summer months are prime producing times for mosquitos, and they do so in water. With this in mind, put some distance between the water and your campsite.<\/p>\n

Aside from mozzies and midges, flies can be a huge pain while cooking or relaxing outdoors. A quality head net<\/a> will help to prevent you from losing your mind, or a screen room<\/a> provides a peaceful, ventilated space.<\/p>\n

Lastly, DEET<\/a> or citronella<\/a> are reliable, safe solutions to the swarms and stings. Alternatively, Thermacell mozzie repellers<\/a> work well too.<\/p>\n

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Mozzies will be breeding near water in warm weather, so camp further away from water. Image: Coleman<\/em><\/p>\n

4. Remove the Tent Fly<\/h2>\n

If your tent is constructed from synthetic material, it will become stuffy in warm weather. This is because it is not as breathable as a natural fibre, like cotton.<\/p>\n

If you are certain rain isn\u2019t on the cards, sleep with the fly off your tent to allow maximum airflow throughout. This will cool down the internal temperature and prevent the air from becoming stale.<\/p>\n

An alternative is to camp with a canvas tent<\/a>. The combination of synthetic and natural fibres allow for better breathability in warm weather.<\/p>\n

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If your tent and the weather allows, sleeping without the fly will add more air flow. Image: Oztent<\/em><\/p>\n

5. Don’t Forget Electrolytes!<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s common knowledge to stay hydrated during warmer weather, though it\u2019s easy to forget to replenish your electrolytes. A loss of electrolytes can lead to dehydration<\/a> and other more serious conditions. To avoid this, keep some hydration powder<\/a> handy in your camp kitchen or hiking pack.<\/p>\n

Be aware too that it is possible to drink too<\/em> much water! This can result in \u2018hyponatremia\u2019, which is when there is either too much water or not enough sodium in your blood. Either way, watching your sodium and water levels is an important consideration during those summer escapades.<\/p>\n

Some are even designed to be frozen and eaten as icy poles<\/a> \u2013 so you can simply swap them in place of Zooper Doopers!<\/p>\n

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Carry and drink more water in warm conditions. Image: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n

6. Freeze Your Food<\/h2>\n

\u2026so your icebox or fridge doesn\u2019t have to work as hard!<\/p>\n

Pre-freeze you meals in advance before your camping trip. Not only will this save you time and effort at dinnertime, but it will also help relieve some of the strain from your fridge or icebox; in summer, they\u2019ll be naturally battling against a higher ambient temperature.<\/p>\n

For more tips on how to reduce energy use in your 12V fridge, check out Snowys\u2019 blog writer Aaron Schubert\u2019s article<\/a>. Plus, if you\u2019re looking to keep ice for longer in your icebox, these tips<\/a> are helpful too.<\/p>\n

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A quality esky, icebox or fridge will make a world of difference. Image: Coleman<\/em><\/p>\n

7. Bring Your Own Shade<\/h2>\n

Shade is not always available at the campsite, so be sure to bring the awning poles for your tent and set up some of your own. If your tent doesn\u2019t feature an awning large enough, throw in a gazebo<\/a> for extra coverage \u2013 or a tarp<\/a> set up or compact fly as lighter options.<\/p>\n

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Having the option to set up your awning will add versatility and shade. Image: OZtrail<\/em><\/p>\n

8. Cooling Towels or Bandanas<\/h2>\n

A super simple way to keep cool when kicking about outdoors in the summer is a cooling towel or neck tie.<\/p>\n

Simply wet the towel and hang it around your neck. The water will evaporate slowly over time, cooling you down in the process. Another option is to first chill them in the fridge or Esky.<\/p>\n

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A portable fan will add fresh air flow on a still night. Image: Coleman<\/em><\/p>\n

9. Circular Airflow in Your Shelter<\/h2>\n

On a hot, stagnant night, there often isn\u2019t any airflow throughout your shelter. This can have it borderline impossible to achieve some decent shut-eye.<\/p>\n

If you can\u2019t catch a cool breeze \u2013 make one yourself.<\/p>\n

Bring along a portable camping fan<\/a> to set up in your tent or caravan, and open up any windows and doors. Leave the screens in place to create a circular airflow.<\/p>\n

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Wearing a hat will also keep you cooler at the campsite. Image: Oztent<\/em><\/p>\n

10. A Hat and Sunscreen (Obviously)<\/h2>\n

Aside from protection from harmful UV rays, a broad brim<\/a> hat also does wonders for keeping your head and shoulders cooler. Chuck one on when setting up and packing down your campsite, along with long-sleeved clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Each are no-brainers during any outdoor activities.<\/p>\n

Ben and Lauren chat more on how to keep cool while camping in the warmer weather on the Snowys Camping Show podcast.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n