Summertime is for camping. The days are long. The nights are warm. School is out of session. It’s the perfect time to play outside and also to sleep outside.
You may think the warmer, the better, but hot weather can be just as uncomfortable as cold weather.
Here are some tips to brave warm weather camping:
Check the Weather
“Hot” weather is objective. It’s dependent on where you’re from and what you’re used to. 60 Degrees Fahrenheit could be cold if you’re from a warm weather climate, but it’s warm to the Northern Utah population. And 60 degrees in the winter feels warm compared to 60 in the summer when it might feel chilly. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared either way.
During the week leading up to your trip, check the weather of the location you plan on visiting. This means not only the high and low temperatures, but also the chances of precipitation, the humidity, and the cloud cover. These factors can influence how you pack and what you wear.
It’s also smart to note the hottest part of the day so you can plan activities around the time. Start your hikes or bike rides early to get done by the heat of the day. Or plan to hit the lake beach when the afternoon hits to be able to cool off.
Get the Right Gear
Camping in warm weather is a lot more comfy when you have the right gear. At Klymit, we have insulated and non-insulated pads. While insulated pads aren’t necessarily just reserved for the colder climates, we do have plenty of uninsulated pads that are perfect for warm weather camping. Check out the Static V for a classic non-insulated pad. If you are looking for a roomier or more lofted pad, the Static V Luxe SL and Static V Luxe are also great options.
One piece of gear that makes a huge difference in your temperatures levels is your sleeping bag. It’s what helps keep all the heat in, so it largely contributes to whether you are too warm or too cold. When camping in warmer climates, opt for the KSB 35 or the KSB Double Bag (rated to 30 Degrees). Still too hot? Using blankets like the Versa Luxe can make it so the heat isn’t completely trapped next to your body, but still offers a home-y comfort.
Cowboy camping is great when the nights are warm, as you don’t have tent walls to worry about keeping all your body heat in. But a good tip is to keep off your rain fly to let the air flow in and out of your tent more easily. Both the Cross Canyon and Maxfield tents are great choices with or without rainflies on.
Lastly, don’t skip out on the accessories in order to maximize your warm weather camping experience. Go for the Drift Pillows or the Luxe Pillow, which both have removable covers that can be easily washed, just in case your head gets a little throughout the night. Similarly, the V Sheet acts as a pad cover to sustain the life of your pad after sweaty nights.
Water and More Water
Now that you have checked the weather, and you’ve conjured up the right gear, now it’s time to get ready for the trip. Probably the single most important thing to bring on summer camping trips is lots and lots of water. If you think you have enough, bring more. It can easily be stored in large water jugs and reusable bottles. Also, if you’re opting for backpacking, make sure to bring a functioning water filter, and double check that water sources will be readily available. The recommended water intake for adults is 2 liters per day. If you will be sweating more, that means more water. This is just intake levels as well. Don’t forget to take into account water for cooking meals, brushing teeth, and washing dishes. Overall, the more the merrier.
Sun Protection
No one wants to start a camping trip with a nasty sunburn. In order to alleviate chances, there are some protections that you can pack. First, start with your clothing choices. Grab light, breathable fabrics. Stay away from cotton, and search more for merino wool, nylon and polyester in order to not feel sweaty all day. Next, grab accessories to protect your face from sun damage. Wide brim hats, bandanas, and sunglasses help steer you away from a hot, sunburnt face. Lastly, sunscreen is your new best friend. For areas that can’t get covered by clothes, use sunscreen to protect yourself. Face, hands, shoulders, back of neck. Slather it on, and reapply every 2 hours or after getting in the water. As we head into the heat of summer, remember to have fun, be safe, and sleep outside (comfortably)!
