Summer camping is an exciting adventure, but dealing with the sweltering heat inside your tent can quickly turn it into an uncomfortable experience. The key to a successful summer camping trip lies in effective planning and making the right camping gear choices. Ensure your tent remains cool during the hot months for a pleasant, enjoyable camping holiday and plenty of memories to share over the years.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with practical tips and techniques on how to keep a tent cool in summer, no matter how high the temperature climbs. From selecting the perfect campsite to optimising ventilation and utilizing cooling accessories, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Prepare to enjoy your summer camping trip without any heat-induced discomfort, and make the most of your time.
Why Do Tents Get So Warm?
We all know the feeling of waking up in a warm tent after a poor night’s sleep – it leads to discomfort and stress the next day, something to avoid when you’re on your holidays. The good news is that warm tents are avoidable with the right approach, but we must consider why tents get warm in the first place.
Typically, tent material is made from polyester, cotton canvas, polycotton, or Cuben fiber – ideal materials for trapping and maintaining heat. Heat retention is good on colder days, but not ideal at the height of summer. That said, tents have ventilation to varying degrees that you can use to keep cool.
Another reason tents become uncomfortably warm in summer is due to the greenhouse effect. As with the planet’s atmosphere, solar radiation enters the tent quite easily and gets trapped, so after a short time in the sun the tent gets baking hot. Read on to find out more on how to overcome the problem.
10 Ways to Keep a Tent Cool in Summer
If you want to enjoy your summer camping holiday while the sun is beating down on your family tent, you need to think ahead. While tents are designed to be breathable and durable, it also makes them prone to the greenhouse effect, which is intense during the summer heat. The good news is that uncomfortable tents can be a thing of the past if you follow our 10 ways to keep a tent cool in summer.
1. Choose a Breathable Tent
Large tents are a great option for temperature control, and they provide more space for campers, even if there is only one or two people. The downside of a large tent is the space required for pitching, especially on a campsite or at a festival. Still, you can benefit from more living space and cooler air.
Trespass has a range of large tents to choose from including the 4 man waterproof tent, the 4 man double skin tent, and the 6 man waterproof tent. Whether you are a solo traveller or a family of four, these large tents offer extra space and ventilation keeping you cool on your summer camping holiday.
2. Make the Most of Mesh
Tents are designed with a mesh flysheet connected to rods. The role of the flysheet is for ventilation and to keep bugs out. It is also used as material for windows and doors in the surface layer of the tent. Depending on the temperature, you can make use of this mesh underlayer to prevent heat exhaustion.
If it’s warm throughout the day remove the tent’s rainfly, partially or completely, so there isn’t a build up of heat. The mesh sheet is designed to prevent insects and debris from entering the tent and is safe to sleep under without the flysheet; so, climb into a bivvy bag on a summer night to sleep under the stars.
3. Seek Out a Shaded Campsite
The last thing you want is to wake up in baking hot weather because of where you decided to pitch your tent. There are a few things to keep in mind when pitching a tent, the main thing is the shade. Whether its a leafy area, a shore, or a rocky place, shade will protect you from the sun and keep the tent cooler.
Check the weather forecast before you leave and speak to the campsite about their pitches – the more information you have the better. The campsite will tell you if they have pitches near shaded areas along with the availability. Chances are these spots will be in high demand, so you might have to book early.
4. Use a Sunshade or Tarp
Another helpful way to reduce the effect of strong sunlight on your tent, is to setup an additional tarp or reflective sheet. Tarps and sunshades tend to be made from canvas, but it’s possible to use reflective sheets to bounce solar radiation back into the atmosphere instead of absorbing it into the tent’s interior.
5. Swap Out Bulky Sleeping Bags
Remember to bring a suitable sleeping bag for your summer camping trip. With temperatures peaking in summer the last thing you need is a heavy bag, so make sure to buy a lightweight one from Trespass. Lightweight sleeping bags are typically made with quality synthetic lining for portability and comfort. Lightweight sleeping bags also make an ideal mattress providing a soft surface above the groundsheet.
6. Orientate the Tent
Don’t forget to position your tent according to the wind. A cool breeze on a warm day brings some pleasant relief, so make sure the door of your tent is facing it. The opposite is also true, if you position the door away from a cold wind it helps to maintain the tent’s internal temperature. It’s also helpful to position your tent near rocks and hills, both for shade and to direct additional wind into the tent door.
7. Drink Water
When the body heats up due to external factors, we perspire and lose water leading to dehydration – this can be a serious health concern if you are out in the hillside during summer. Drinking water must be high priority for you especially when hiking, so bring a water bottle with you and keep it filled at all times. Water cools the body internally and provides crucial fluids to keep you healthy on the hills.
8. Use a Battery Powered Fan
If you expect to be camping in hot weather you might want to bring a battery powered fan along, this is a great option for staying cool during the day and helping you sleep at night. Battery operated fans are portable and effective in small spaces, so turn your tent into a comfortable home from home on the hills.
9. Wear Lighter Clothing
Finally, one of the best ways to keep a tent cool in summer is to regulate body temperature by wearing suitable clothing. Trespass offers an amazing range of hiking clothing designed to keep you cool and comfortable. Choose from our moisture-wicking walking trousers, t-shirts, and breathable sports tops.
10. Disassemble in Daytime
Finally, a simple solution to keeping your tent cool in summer is to take it down during the day. Although it can be a little inconvenient, taking your tent down through the heat of the day ensures that it stays cool when you need it most. Consider putting only the basics in your tent when putting it up to make taking it down for the day a lot easier. Choosing a popup tent is another great option for this strategy.
Trespass Top Picks:
Explore the finest Trespass summer camping tents right here. Discover our top-rated selections designed to keep you cool, comfortable, and prepared for you summer adventure. Whether you are solo hiking or planning a family getaway, we have plenty of tent options guaranteed to elevate your holiday.
Trespass Waterproof 6 Man Tent Torrisdale
- Waterproof 3000mm rating for superior protection and camping comfort from unexpected showers.
- Taped seams prevent water penetration at vulnerable areas.
- Spacious 6-person tent with extra cooling space.
- Built-in groundsheet eliminates the need for additional purchase.
- Lightweight at 11.25kg for easy transportation after packing.
This tent, with a certified waterproof rating of 3000mm, provides excellent protection against summer showers. Its waterproofing is further enhanced by taped seams. Accommodating up to 6 people comfortably, it’s also a great choice for smaller groups, as larger tents are easier to keep cool in the heat. Featuring a built-in groundsheet and weighing just 11.25kg, this tent is easy to carry and set up.
Buy Now Trespass Waterproof Tent Torrisdale
Trespass 4 Man Double Skin Tent Caterthun
- Waterproof 3000mm rating for ultimate protection and camping comfort.
- Taped seams prevent water from seeping in at vulnerable points for added security.
- Spacious 4-person tent offers plenty of room and additional space for cooling
- Double skin design minimizes condensation for enhanced comfort.
- Features openings for electrical hook-ups, allowing device usage.
The tent has a certified waterproof rating of 3000mm, offering reliable protection from unexpected summer showers. The taped seams add extra waterproofing, ensuring your belongings stay dry. Ideal for couples or family holidays, this spacious 4-person tent offers ample room and excellent ventilation to keep you cool on summer nights. The double skin design enhances waterproofing and dry storage.
Buy Now Trespass Double Skin Tent Caterthun
Trespass 2 Person Waterproof Backpacking Tent Battuta
- Dual doors and vestibules offer ample storage space in the Battuta tent.
- Built-in mosquito net ensures a bug-free atmosphere for uninterrupted enjoyment.
- Easily remove the rainfly for instant relief from warm temperatures inside the tent.
- Resilient yet lightweight aluminum poles make it ideal for campers and hikers alike.
Embrace the summer outdoors with our versatile 2-person tent, perfect for hikers and campers alike. Its adaptable design allows you to remove the outer layer during warm weather, providing excellent ventilation through a highly-effective mosquito net. Compact yet spacious, this tent is assembled with strong, lightweight aluminium poles. Experience the durability of this weather-proof summer hiking tent.
Buy Now Trespass Waterproof Backpacking Tent Battuta
In Summary
Keeping your tent cool during a summer camping trip can make the difference between an enjoyable adventure and an uncomfortable ordeal. By choosing the right campsite, optimizing your tent’s ventilation, and utilizing cooling accessories, you can create a refreshing and pleasant environment.
Remember, effective planning and smart equipment choices are key to beating the heat. When you understand how to keep a tent cool in summer, you can fully embrace the joys of summer camping without the discomfort of excessive heat. Stay cool, stay comfortable, and enjoy every moment.
