Camping in hot weather
I think I can safely declare SUMMER IS HERE!. It seemed like it took a long time but all the indications are its going to be a very warm season. This week’s blog s are about suggestions for dealing with the raising temperatures.
Wardrobe suggestions
The basic idea is to keep the sun and bugs off while allowing your body to breathe as well as possible. So you want to cover up, but in as light a fabric as possible.
Still wearing a cotton T-shirt? While that material can actually be useful in hot weather, all the sweat it soaks up will make it really stinky, really fast. Instead, opt for an ultralight merino T-shirt. It’ll keep you a little drier and will last longer before getting smelly.
Try to avoid wearing shorts while camping. Exposed legs are at risk of getting scraped on brush and are vulnerable to irritants like poison oak and mosquito bites. Pants that are light enough to wear comfortably in very hot weather and allow you to move unrestricted but are tough enough to resist abrasion and penetration? Lightweight, breathable soft-shell pants like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi are perfect. GoRuck’s Simple Pant works just as well, looks a little better in civilization, and is available in longer inseams.
If you’re camping for more than a couple days, you’ll want the ability to dry or air out your clothes overnight. A hank of paracord and maybe some clothespins are all you need to do that.
In summer, avoid footwear with waterproof membranes. When it’s hot, those membranes turn your shoes into a swamp of sweat, bacteria, and stink. Look for the most ventilated shoe or boot possible, and pair it with the lightest sock you can track down.
A silk bandana soaked in water and wrapped around your neck can provide a surprising degree of evaporative cooling. Major blood vessels pass close to the surface in that area of your body, so you’re basically making a heat exchanger for your entire circulatory system.
