Abundant sunshine and extreme heat are both common during the summer months. Studies show that people spend far more time outdoors during the summer months. This is mostly because the weather outside during the time of year is perfect for watersports and camping. If you are starting to get the itch to camp, then you need to make a plan to deal with the hot temperatures you might encounter.
Failing to properly prepare for camping in hot weather can be downright dangerous. The last thing you want is to cut your trip short due to bouts of dehydration or other heat-related health issues. If you want to stay safe while camping in hot weather, consider these tips.
Choose The Right Time of Day to Get Active
Being able to enjoy the beauty of nature is one of the main benefits of camping. In most cases, camping and hiking go hand in hand. If you plan on taking some hikes during your camping trip, you need to be mindful of when you participate in this grueling physical activity. The worst thing you can do is to try to go hiking in the hottest part of the day.
Ideally, you want to get up early in the morning to take a hike. Not only will this help you conserve your energy, it also allows you to avoid extreme heat. Usually, early to mid-afternoon is the hottest part of the day. By planning your hikes, you can avoid issues involving heat-related cramps or dehydration.
Make Staying Hydrated a Priority
Probably the most important thing you need to remember when camping in hot weather is to stay hydrated. The more you sweat while camping in hot weather, the more water you will need to ingest. Taking plenty of bottled water with you is crucial when trying to stay properly hydrated. If you are camping with small children, you need to monitor how much water they are drinking.
Children are far more susceptible to dehydration because they typically don’t drink much water. This is why you need to monitor your child’s water consumption and encourage them to drink as much as possible. By prioritizing hydration, you and your family can have a great time while camping in hot weather.
Select The Right Foods
If you are going to be camping for a few days, then you will have problems keeping food cold. While taking a cooler full of ice is a good idea, the ice will start to melt rapidly if the temperatures outside are warm. This is why you need to devise a menu that consists of foods that do not need to be refrigerated.
Freeze-dried meals are a great option when camping in hot weather. You might also want to invest in high-quality canned vegetables.
Mitigating the risks of camping in hot weather will require some hard work. By following the tips in this article, you can have a great time on your summer camping trip.