Don’t let the sun cancel your staycation plans – with the below tips and tricks, the heat will be laughing its way out of your sleeping bag. Iain Geddes, Senior Technical Advisor at Camping in the Forest, offers his advice for camping in a heatwave.
Study up, head outdoors and get back to nature with a camping trip to remember.
Your choice in campsite is crucial when it comes to camping in hot weather. Make sure you do your research and select one with plenty of shaded areas to camp under. Plenty of our New Forest campsites offer pitches amongst the trees which are ideal for sheltering from the afternoon sun.
For the ultimate handy hack, cover your tent with an emergency space blanket as the reflective nature of this will help to bounce the sun’s rays off your tent. It’s also wise to consider which direction the sun will be shining at peak time and angle your tent accordingly.
It probably sounds obvious, but if you’re camping at the height of a heatwave, drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is key. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these act as diuretics and dehydrate you.
Play it safe by stocking up on more water than you think you’re going to need. Keep bottles nice and chilled in a cool bag or box - you can even stand your drinks in a bucket or bowl of cold water to help keep things at a lower temperature.
For a touch of luxury while you’re camping consider taking some fans to help keep you and your tent, caravan or motorhome, cool and ventilated.
If you’re staying on a site with power, consider packing fans you can simply plug in to your caravan or motorhome for a refreshing breeze. If you’re camping off the grid, then solar powered or battery powered desk or handheld fans can provide a welcome respite from the heat.
If you’re not able to take a fan and are staying in a tent then don’t panic. All good tents have vents that allow the air to circulate, so make sure these are left open throughout the day.
It’s important to take plenty of lightweight, light-coloured layers or loose fitting clothing with you when you go camping in a heatwave. Whilst it can be hot in the day, things will start to cool down in the evenings, meaning a jacket or long-sleeved shirt will be welcome when the breeze picks up.
When it comes to night-time and getting some shut eye, you probably won’t need a thick sleeping bag, so consider taking a light summer duvet or opt for a summer weight sleeping bag instead.
Finally, make sure you pack some essential sunny weather items including sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a first aid kit with items such as bug spray and hay fever tablets in the mix.
If you enjoy being active, going hiking, walking or running in the early morning or later on in the evening when it’s cooler and the sun is lower in the sky, will provide you with a reprieve from the hottest parts of the day.
Heat related illnesses should be taken seriously. Headaches, dizziness, vomiting and rapid heart rate are all signs of heatstroke which should be treated as an emergency.
Looking forward to your foray into camping in hot weather? View our forest campsites to discover the perfect retreat.
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