During hot, dry times of the year, many of us like to explore the great outdoors. Camping is one of those fantastic pastimes that allow you, with your family and friends to feel closer to nature and sleep under the stars.
However, the summer months can cause issues while camping. The intense heat can be damaging to the health of you and others, so preparing properly is vital to help you avoid problems.
Camping is a fantastic hobby, especially now during the ongoing pandemic as traveling abroad is limited. With many countries around the world not allowing people in or out to help reduce the spread of this deadly virus, domestic travel is on the rise. In 2020 there was a huge increase of people going on vacation in their own country, and the same is expected during 2021 because the world is still trying to get a grip on the pandemic. Camping is a great opportunity for young children to learn new things. But it is key, especially if younger people go camping with you, that you are properly prepared.
Stay Hydrated
The most important thing to remember during these dry conditions is to stay hydrated. When it is very hot, the body releases sweat to help it stay cool, so naturally, we lose water. This helps maintain our body’s regulatory mechanism.
Having enough water for you and everybody else on the camping trip is very important to make sure that everybody stays hydrated. If somebody was to get seriously dehydrated while in the wilderness, they might be very far from the nearest doctor or hospital. Instead of filling your bags with sodas and beers, replace them with water. These drinks don’t help you stay hydrated as water does. Some will actually make you even more dehydrated so be careful not to drink too much of them.
An extra cooler bag specifically for water would be ideal. Filling it up with cold bottles of water and plenty of ice would be a good choice.
Many children don’t drink enough water and they are more susceptible to dehydration in comparison to adults. Kids also tend to run around a lot so they are likely to lose more water. Keeping an eye on children to make sure they get enough water is vital.
It is easy to forget to drink water so there are plenty of water intake apps on Google Store and the Apple Store to help remind you to stay hydrated.
Consider buying a Tent Fan
If the weather outside is hot, it’s probably much hotter inside your tent. If your tent is dry and uncomfortable, then chances are your trip will be a disaster. After a day out in the great outdoors, you want to be able to have a good night’s sleep.
These tent fans are perfect devices to help you stay cool while inside your tent. In most camping areas you won’t have access to electricity, so bringing a battery-operated fan will help do the job. These fans come in all different sizes and have rechargeable battery packs. These splash resistant fans are a great choice for somebody considering going camping during high temperatures. You can easily customize the airflow, which can help you to get more life out of the battery. The battery takes around 2 to 3 hours to fully charge and you can expect the fan to work for 24 hours.
For more information on these tent fans, check out the article, reviewed here by Camping Pursuits.
Don’t Forget Bug Spray
Not only can being around bugs like mosquitos get annoying, but they can also be very harmful. Dengue Fever and malaria are two deadly illnesses that come from mosquito bites. These pests breed in and around water and thrive in hot weather, so it is fairly common to get bitten while camping as often we set up our tents near lakes and rivers.
Make sure that you have packed your bug spray before leaving your house and use a milder spray on young children. Make sure you also read the instructions before applying the spray to a person’s skin. You can’t apply most bug sprays directly onto a child’s skin under the age of 2 years old. It is possible to buy stickers for baby clothes that help keep bugs away.
Make sure not to spray while people are eating food and keep the bottle away from children.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Leave your high heels at home when you’re going on a camping trip. Bringing the wrong type of clothes with you can also cause dehydration during hot weather. Packing loosely fitted clothes is ideal for a camping trip in an arid climate as it gives your body room to breathe.
Try to stay away from dark-colored clothes as they tend to absorb the heat from the sun in comparison to lighter colors. Comfortable walking shoes are vital if you want to explore the area. If you plan on going hunting, boots with decent ventilation will prove beneficial.
Bring a hat to keep the sun away from directly going straight into your face and possibly burning your head will help.
There is a good chance that you will be going for a swim, so make sure that you bring swimming gear and a spare towel. If you plan on using sun cream to protect your skin, try and purchase sunscreen that is water-resistant so it doesn’t just wash off while you’re going for a dip.
Take Care Of Your Pets
If you plan on bringing your dog or another pet with you on your camping trip, there are a few things to consider. Here is a checklist to help you out:
- Dog bowl or portable drinking bottle to help keep your dog hydrated. Most dogs get really excited during a camping trip because of all the new smells, so expect them to run around. It is vital that you carry enough water for your dog.
- Leash and Collar: Having your dog under control while in the wilderness is important. There will be lots of animals and new sounds, so it is a good opportunity for your four-legged friend to run off.
- Towel: If your dog decides to jump into a lake or river while you’re on your trip, make sure that you have a towel before she goes into your tent soaking wet.
- Dog food: Don’t just assume your dog will eat the BBQ food. Camping is not a good time to introduce your dog to a new diet. If your dog was to get ill because of food, they are far more likely to suffer from dehydration. Bring your dog’s normal dog food that they eat every day.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of poop bags with you!
Summary
Camping can be one of the best ways to spend a nice summer night, but preparing properly is vital to make sure everyone has a fun, safe time.
Consider bringing a power bank to help charge a phone in case something goes wrong. Before you go on your trip, research the location and check for doctors and hospitals close by.
Camping is one of the best experiences a child and adult can have, so making sure everything goes smoothly is important.