You are boiling hot and the cheap battery powered fan has just died. Suddenly, the air-conditioned office you were keen to escape no longer looks so bad. The campsite is suffering from extreme heat, turning your outdoor haven into a sweltering nightmare!
The best gear for extreme heat is a combination of things. Invest in clothing that has a UPF rating (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). You’ll have more protection than the average T-shirt. Consider buying a Portable Rechargeable Fan. Also, use a sun shade: a tarp or canopy. This gear combined with a good location will go a long way to helping you cope with extreme heat.
UPF Clothing
Wearing anything will afford you some protection. So naturists beware! You are leaving yourself exposed to the harsh rays of the sun. If you want more protection from your clothing you may want to invest in UPF clothing. You can buy hoodies, long sleeve shirts and even hiking pants.
Are you worried about overheating while wearing a hoodie? Don’t be! Good UPF clothing should be soft and light. Many people feel it keeps them cooler than conventional clothes.
I’ve burnt my neck too many times to mention. A UPF hoodie is great for protecting the back of your neck and ears.
Also, UPF clothing looks good. Most people praise the appearance of UPF clothing. You’ll look good hiking, kayaking or just lounging around.
You’ll receive superb protection if you buy clothing with UPF 50+. It’ll block all those harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Scientifically Measured Benefits: UPF clothing can be scientifically measured to gauge the level of benefit, providing a numerical Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, such as UPF 50, which indicates the percentage of UV rays that pass through the fabric .
What to look out for when buying UPF Clothing
When choosing UPF clothing, think about these important factors:
UPF Rating – The higher UPF rating the better. This kind of clothing usually ranges from 15 to 50+. For great protection, aim for UPF 50+ outfits.
Material – Look for clothing made with tightly woven fabrics. It should also come with a UPF rating. UPF clothing is often made with synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon because they are more effective at blocking UV rays. Natural fibers such as linen and cotton can work too if they are tightly woven.
Coverage – Choose clothing that provides plenty of coverage. Try to cover the parts usually exposed to the sun, such as arms, shoulders, and neck. Long sleeved shirts offer greater coverage. UPF hats are also available. Wide-brimmed hats are the best.
Comfort and Breathability – Good quality UPF clothing will be comfortable to wear in hot weather. It should be lightweight and made of breathable fabrics. Are you worried that covering up will leave you feeling hotter? The breathable nature of the fabric allows for airflow and moisture wicking properties to help keep you cool.
Color – Dark or bright colors aren’t the best for camping in extreme heat. They tend to absorb more UV radiation than lighter colors. But, ultimately the UPF rating of the fabric is more of a factor.
Durability – Choose quality UPF clothing that is durable and long lasting. Good brands will cope with frequent sun exposure and many washes.
Certification – Some UPF clothing may be certified by credible organizations. Reputable certifications may put your mind at ease.
Top UPF Clothing Brands to Consider
Columbia – They have a good line in hiking trousers. Their omni-shade fabric comes with broad spectrum UPF 50 sun protection.
Patagonia – This brand is well known for its high quality outdoor clothing. They have a vast selection of UPF-rated pants, shirts and hats. Their range of products feature innovative materials and boast of sustainable manufacturing practices.
Coolibar – Coolibar tends to be a bit more expensive than some brands, but they offer a diverse range of styles. You can choose from casual wear to swimwear. All their range has UPF 50 protection. They cater for men, women and children.
Sun Protection Zone – Sun Protection Zone hats are approved by the Melanoma International Foundation. They have accessories for the whole family. Their other products include shirts, pants, arm sleeves and swimwear. All designed for the outdoor enthusiast in you.
The North face – The North Face has a good range of outdoor clothing with UPF protection. They say their products have moisture-managing fabric technology. This brand highlights their durability and performance when undertaking a variety of outdoor activities.
Portable Rechargeable Fan
Portable rechargeable fans are a popular way to manage extreme heat. Tents tend to trap heat, making them uncomfortable for relaxing or sleeping. A portable fan will help provide crucial air circulation – a more pleasant environment for camping is created.
A portable fan will help with personal cooling, especially when you’ve just returned from a vigorous activity. It’ll aid in a short burst of respite from the extreme heat.
Your fan will also keep those pesky insects at bay. Stagnant air may also attract insects, especially mosquitoes. The gentle airflow will discourage them from bothering you.
Some fans even have a low hum and act as white noise. This may mask other sounds and help you get a good night’s sleep.
What to look out for when buying a portable rechargeable fan
Functionality – Check out fans that provide plenty of airflow to help cool you down properly. Think about the size of your tent and the number of people.
What fan modes does it have? It’s great if you can adjust the airflow depending on your needs. You may want it on a low setting at night when sleeping. A higher setting during the day may be more preferable to help combat extreme heat.
If you want to get real fancy, you might want to think about oscillation. Oscillating fans can distribute air more evenly in your tent.
Battery Life – When it comes to battery capacity a high milliamp hour (mAh) rating means it has a long battery life – the longer the better! You should think about how long you’ll be camping and where the nearest power source is.
Charging times vary among different models, you’ll want one that ideally recharges quickly. In the baking heat you’ll want to use it throughout your vacation.
Portability – There are some pretty compact fans out there that can fit into a backpack. They shouldn’t add too much weight either. Many have a collapsible design, so they don’t take up too much room and are easy to store. Sizes vary between models. But, ultimately you don’t want something too small.
other things to consider
Additional Features – it’s worth inquiring about the noise level, you may want to use it at night and you might be a light sleeper. Many good fans have an LED light to use at nighttime. Also durability is important. Check the review to see if it is sturdy and able to withstand a bump or two during the journey.
Price – The price for portable rechargeable fans is quite reasonable, while prices vary, you can get a good one for less than forty dollars. Think about your budget and see which features best suit you.
Customer review – I love reading the reviews of products. They allow me to gain valuable insights into the pros and cons of different models.
Additional tip – Look out for energy-efficient models. Efficient models will help extend the battery life of the fan.
Top Portable Rechargeable Fans for camping Brands to Consider
Try to find brands that are reputable and known for reliability and quality:
Jinlicte – Jinlicte has an excellent range of popular and affordable fans. Their range of fans start as low as twenty dollars. Customers love Jinlicte’s quality and battery life among other things.
Drchop – Drchop says its fans are built by a group of outdoor enthusiasts. This gives them a better understanding of the customers needs. They build powerful fans with long battery life.
Conbola – Conbola has a range of quiet camping fans. They are often lightweight and durable. The brightness of the light will illuminate the darkest campsite.
AddAcc – AddAcc fans come with four speed settings and are great for improving airflow in your tent and around your campsite. Many customers have praised the fan’s battery life.
Doublepow – Doublepow fans have a long battery life on certain settings. Their fans are compact and durable.
Sun shade
Having some kind of sun shade for your tent and campsite will be invaluable in combating extreme heat. It’s really beneficial to have your own if the natural shade on offer is lacking.
Hopefully you came camping to relax and enjoy yourself. Too much direct sunlight may scupper your plans. Introducing some shade to your campsite will help lower the temperature. You’ll create a more comfortable environment for you and the family.
Sun shade will help you avoid the harsh glare of the sun. Too much heat and sun can lead to heatstroke. Some form of sun shade will be a great refuge from the sun. It’ll help your body regulate its temperature properly.
Also, you won’t have to worry about your kids. They can play safely under the shade.
What to Look Out for When Buying Sun Shade
When thinking about a sun shade product, ask yourself the following to ensure it meets your needs.
Type of Shade – There are many different types of shade available to you – an awning or canopy, tarps and even an umbrella. Some people even like to buy a separate tent. You can position your tent so it takes advantage of the shade from the large tent.
Awnings and canopies are great for creating additional space outside your tent. A tarp is a good lightweight option and can create shade over hammocks, picnic tables or any other gear.
And an umbrella is portable and easy to set up. It is more of a short-term option, but it is better than nothing.
Size and Weight – You need to balance portability with coverage. Reflect on how much space you need and the number of people using it. If you are a backpacker choose a lightweight option such as a tarp or travel sunshade. If you are bringing the car you’ll have more flexibility. Look at larger shade options like awnings.
Sun Protection – When protecting against extreme heat look for a high UPF protection (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). The higher the better will give you more protection. Ideally a shade with a UPF rating of 50+ will block out 98% of the sun’s UV rays.
Other things to consider
Durability and Weather Resistance – The material is important, choose a shade that is waterproof or water-resistant. Even in the heat there could be an unexpected downpour. Check the seams, make sure they can withstand water leakage. If you purchase a freestanding structure make sure it is sturdy, you don’t want something that will blow away with a gentle breeze.
Ease of Setup – I love to keep it simple, so it’s good to consider how quickly and easily you can set up and take down any shade. Select user-friendly poles and stakes for easy assembly.
Additional Feature – Some shade equipment comes with mesh panels to allow for air circulation. This prevents billowing in the wind. You can find gear with sidewall to add a layer of additional privacy and protection. Look to see if it has a good storage bag to make it easier to transport.
Table 1. Comparison of sun shade equipment
| Features | Tents | Tarps | Canopies | Umbrellas |
| Coverage | large coverage area | varied coverage | large coverage area | limited coverage |
| Portability | least portable | portable | moderately portable | highly portable |
| Set up | requires separate tent setup | requires ropes/poles | requires setting up poles and frames | easy setup |
| Sun Protection | high with proper tent material | moderate | high with proper canopy materials | moderate |
Top Sun Shade Camping Brands to Consider
Colman – Colman has a large range of canopy sun shelters. They are well constructed and easy to set up.
Kelty – Kelty is renowned for making tarps of good quality. They are strong and well made. Customers were pleased with how little space the tarps take up.
REDCAMP – REDCAMP has a range of tarps suitable for all weathers. They highlight the multi-purpose nature of their tarps.
Acenilen – Acenilen specializes in large tent tarps. They have high UV protection and are waterproof.
Kotap – Kotap produces heavy-duty tarps for camping. They are multi-use and designed for longevity.
Conclusion
The amount of equipment you can buy to stay cool is almost limitless. But there’s only so much you can afford and carry. That’s why I made these three recommendations. Consider buying UPF clothes, a portable rechargeable fan, and a tarp or canopy. You won’t regret it!
related articles
- HOW DO YOU KEEP SAFE WHEN CAMPING IN EXTREME HEAT? (Find more suggestions on how to combat the heat!)
- WHAT IS THE ESSENTIAL CAMPING GEAR FOR BEGINNERS? (Consider what you need to take)
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