All Weather Camping - Staying Cool or Warm
Posted: Friday, January 29, 2010
by TrekMan
http://www.practicalsports.com
Camping is time for fun and relaxation. Being prepared for various weather conditions is a major priority. Knowing what weather conditions you will be exposed to, will help you plan the needs of your camping trip.
Lets take a look at various weather conditions and see how to prepare.
Daily Temperatures:
Depending on your location, temperatures can vary by quite a wide margin. You should have some indication as to what the temperatures will be while on your camping holiday. The best place for this information is NOAA. You should also visit your states website to find average temperatures for that time of the year.
Staying cool on warm days requires very little know how.
Use a fan or misting fan to circulate air. Sweating actually takes heat away from your body if it is exposed to air and allowed to evaporate.
Wear lightweight clothing, made from materials such as CoolMax. These types of fabrics wick sweat away from your body for evaporation.
Wear light colored clothing, dark colors will absorb UV rays from the sun.
Canopies and screen tents provide cooler areas than a enclosed camping tent.
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or sports drinks. Chilled fluids will also help keep you cool.
Sun block will also help repel the sun and can keep you cooler.
Find shaded areas with lots of trees to setup your campsite.
A zip lock baggie filled with ice cubes can provide instant relief.
Use a 2 or 3 season tent with roof screens.
How to stay warm:
Keeping warm on cool days is fairly simple too.
Building a campfire is simple and provides plenty of warmth.
Wear heavyweight clothing, made from materials such as Wool or windproof fabrics with insulation such as Thinsulate.
If your have electricity available, a portable heater can keep your tent warm and cozy. Use electric heaters with extreme caution, keep away from all fabrics and combustibles.
Use a 4 season tent, these tents are designed for year round use and usually feature things like a full coverage fly and seams that are tape sealed.
Keep tent window flaps closed, some fresh air is needed to keep moisture from building up inside your camping tent.
Propane heaters produce high amounts of heat but should not be used indoors or inside tents.
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or coffee. Warmed fluids will also help keep you warm.
A sleeping bag rated to temperatures you encounter will keep you sleeping through out the night.
Exercise by walking in place or pushups can get your body warmed quickly.
Snuggle with your pet. Animal fur is always a good way to stay warm.
The correct camping gear:
The most important aspect of your camping trip is your camping equipment. Is it wise to take only what you think you need? It is wise to know you will need! This usually comes from experience. If you think you might need it, take it with you. I can't tell you how many times i though i had everything i needed only to find out the weather changed unexpectedly and i did not have what i really did need. One of the best things you can do is make a camping check list for different times of the year. The first item on your list should be a First Aid Kit. We hope this has enlightened you on the ways to stay cool or warm on your next camping trip.
Author: Byron Tabor
Copyright: 2010 All Rights Reserved
About the Author:
Byron Tabor, enjoys hiking, camping and traveling the USA. Family tent camping gear for your vacation, a day at the park or the beach. For more information on screen tents, family sized tents, sleeping bags and the latest camping gear, visit PracticalSports.com.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Was just writing to our Australian friend who will visit this summer about camping here in the Rockies. This fits right in. thanksPlease log in to respond to this comment.Happy Camping!Please log in to respond to this comment.
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