Three cold facts to keeping cool at the campsite
The heat of July is here. Whether the temperatures at your campsite spend most of the day in the triple digits or it’s just hotter than you’re used to, knowing how to keep cool will help you from losing it later.
The basics of beating the heat are really the basics of life: food, water and shelter.
Shelter
Before you even lay your tarp, find a place that will get the most shade in the afternoon and evening, the hottest parts of the day. Then turn your tent toward the wind so you can catch nature’s air conditioning as you sleep. If you’re looking for more circulation, pack some battery-powered fans for your tents. During the day, use your shelter early and often.
Water
Use that same advice with water and other drinks. Lots of cold water throughout the day will keep you cool from the inside out. Other tastier liquids that will keep you from drying out are fruit and vegetable juices and even herbal teas. Unfortunately, some of the most common campsite drinks do the lousiest job keeping you hydrated. Sodas, coffee and beer make the list for reasons all their own. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take them along, just balance it with the water, juice and tea.
Food
When it’s time to eat, add cool foods. At lunch, the hottest time of the day, a salad with chilled grilled chicken or ham from last night’s dinner serves up taste without the heat and heaviness of a hearty meal. Packing cold cuts and bread for some easy sandwiches will keep you from sweating your midday meal, both figuratively and literally. Add fruit, carrots, celery or Jell-o on the side for even more cool flavors.
Now it’s your turn to leave your advice on our Facebook site. What do you do to keep cool at the campsite? How do you make it fun for you and the kids? Let us know how you turn cool camping into happy camping.