7 Tips for Staying Cool While Camping Without Electricity

Camping without electricity might deny you the ability to cool your tent but if you know a few tricks it’s typically one of the best experiences. After all many campsites in Africa’s wilderness are not connected to the main grid but they provide a true connection with nature.

There are even more benefits of camping in places without power. It’s a nice way to stay away from things that compete for your attention. Staying away from screens gives you ample time to talk and spend time with your partner, friend, or family without any distractions.

However, when it’s blazing hot, a camping tent can absorb the sun’s rays and act like a greenhouse. This is where an air conditioner and powerful electric fan become useful. If your campsite has no electricity outlet, this article shows you how to stay cool in your tent.

1. Invest in a breathable tent for your camping

The design, material, and size of your tent can greatly affect the temperature inside. Opt for a sizeable tent with large windows and doors that can be opened for ventilation. Nylon and polyester are popular materials for most camping tents but they don’t fare well in direct sunlight.

A cotton canvas tent would be the best choice but they are usually very heavy and expensive. Polycotton is the right alternative. This lighter-weight cotton with a weather-resistant coating is more breathable and won’t trap heat like nylon or polyester. It’s also affordable as compared to pure cotton.

Mesh tents are also a game changer in warm weather camping. They allow the breeze to freely pass through while also preventing bugs and mosquito bites. If you prefer this option, go for one with a solid, waterproof floor that extends a distance up each wall as it helps in preventing splashes of raindrops.

2. Pitch your tent in a relatively cool place

Try to find a camping spot that’s located in the shade. If there is some tree cover, take it. Trees can help in absorbing most of the heat and intensity of direct sunlight before reaching your tent. Tree cover also provides a cool place to relax when outside the tent. 

A nearby river, lake, or dam can also be helpful in providing a cooling effect. To utilize this concept, it’s important to set up the tent facing the breeze that comes from the water body. Campground owners or locals may have a good idea of which direction the wind blows.

3. Take your tent down during the day

Taking your tent down during the day is an effective way of preventing it from retaining heat. It reduces exposure to the hot daytime sunlight and you can assemble it again once the sun is down. Hot sunlight can also damage the fabric of a tent, so dissembling can help in increasing its lifespan.

Assembling and taking down a tent routinely sounds like something tedious. I find this to be a way of getting busy and enhancing your physical fitness. At home, we often lead sedentary lives that put us at risk of ailments. Physical activities are beneficial for the heart and mental strength.

4. Opt for hammock camping

Swapping out your tent for a hammock can help you enjoy cool nights of sleep and daytime relaxation in hot weather. You don’t need electricity for this humble camping gear. Hammocks are lightweight and you can easily move with them from one point to another.

Rain tarp, bug netting, and an underquilt are key considerations for comfort. It’s best to have them especially when going into places you know little about. And what’s also important is choosing the right spot for your hammock. Follow all the safety protocols and be a good environment steward.

If you are using trees to anchor your hammock, pick those that are healthy and mature enough. Ensure your camping is not interfering with other lives that depend on the tree for example bird nests. You may choose to use alternative anchor points such as vehicles or buildings.

5. Invest in battery-powered fans

Portable battery-powered fans can provide a blissful breeze in hot conditions. Fans are lightweight and can be easy to transport. When making a choice, consider the size of your camping tent. A small hand fan is quiet but may only be sufficient if your tent is small. 

Since fans rely on battery power, it’s wise if you have some spare batteries or a power bank to keep the device charged. Alternatively, invest in solar power. Solar panels can be helpful in charging batteries and running supported devices, from lanterns to portable stoves. 

When choosing a solar panel for your camping, consider the wattage and the kind of appliances you will be using. Higher wattage panels are good for faster charging but they are expensive and heavy to carry around. There is no problem in purchasing them if you have a transport team around.

6. Stay hydrated 

Taking water frequently is important if you are camping in hot weather. It greatly helps in reducing body temperature internally. Besides drinking, you can also keep your feet in water to calm your body. Dehydration is one of the causes of a burning sensation and other health problems. 

Just don’t wait to feel thirsty for you to take a sip of water. Drinking water must be consistent throughout the day. Consider taking 2 – 3 liters a day or more if you are hiking or spending more time in the sun. You can also supplement water with electrolyte drinks to replenish your body with essential minerals.

7. Wear breathable clothing

Loose-fitting, lightweight, and moisture-wicking clothing with better ventilation can help you stay cool while camping in hot environments. Steer clear of synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester as they tend to trap heat and instead opt for breathable materials like cotton and linen.

Final thought

Having grown up in hot places, staying cool while camping without electricity is nothing new to me. I’ve spent many a night sleeping with a damp cloth on my face in an un-air-conditioned home. As a result, I am equipped with the skills for happily living in such conditions.

From strategically choosing the right camping tent to wearing breathable clothing, there is plenty you can do to make your outdoor experiences blissful when the weather gets hot and there is no electricity.

Climate change has caused an unprecedented increase in temperatures and it’s high time we all join hands in combating the effects of global warming for the future of our planet.