How to Stay Cool Tent Camping

When you're tent camping, you are at the mercy of the elements: rain, sun, wind and cold don't respect the thin nylon walls of your portable abode. But when the temperature climbs, there are some key ways to stay comfortable--even without the air conditioning unit that makes the RV in the neighboring site look so appealing. With the right preparation, you can deal with even the stickiest, most sweltering camping conditions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tent
• Sheet
• Light blanket
• Battery-powered fan
• Compass
• Cool, loose-fitting clothing
• Water
• Sunscreen

1. Use your compass to find a spot that will be shaded during the hottest part of the day, from late morning to late afternoon. When you're camping in the heat, lots of shade will make the single biggest difference in keeping you comfortable.

2. Wear cool, loose-fitting clothing around your campsite. Tight-fitting clothing will make you feel hotter.

3. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

4. Leave your campsite during the hottest part of the day and do something that cools you off. Swimming and wading in a nearby lake or stream will make you feel cooler even once you return to your site.

5. Make up your bed with a sheet, and avoid hot, stuffy sleeping bags. Have a light blanket handy in case the temperature drops significantly during the night.

6. Set up a battery-powered fan in your tent so it blows the night air in through a window to keep air circulating. Lay very still and let the breeze cool you down until you are comfortable enough to sleep.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid extreme temperatures, always check the weather report before you go camping. Plan trips to higher elevations during the hottest time of year to avoid camping in extreme heat.
• Beware of heat-induced health problems such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion, and seek treatment if symptoms occur.

[sleepbreeze]

on 6/23/2009 All good tips. Regarding Tip 6 take a look at the Sleepbreeze personal cooler which is ideal for this job. Here's a link.
http://www.sleepbreeze.co.uk/comfortable-camping-tent-fan.htm
The Sleepbreeze has a great track record with campers and backpackers around the world and it got a great review by Mark Garbers of Lovecamping.co.uk