Camp outs are very common in the summer months, the air is warm and the nights don’t usually get too uncomfortably cool. Many camping sites offer refreshing swimming pools and rewarding entertainment and a great time can be had by all with a summer camping trip. Some things to plan specifically for summer time are access to drinking water, shade and the right camping equipment to make this summery fun not turn into a sweltering nightmare.
A light sleeping bag marked f or summer can really be a great investment. These are usually refereed to as traditional camping sleeping bags or warm weather sleeping bags and they protect up to 40 degrees, so unless you are in an area with extremely cold nights versus warm days you should have no problem. A basic rectangular shape should be ideal because the mummy style bags are generally made for colder weather.
Where mummy bags seek to keep you warmer by giving you less space to move in, a light sleeping bag is usually made with ample room inside and of a breathable material to let in any fresh summer breezes, should you choose to leave the screened windows of your tent open to get some fresh air. Since a light sleeping bag is made of thinner and less material they tend to be the cheaper also, with the low end costing you a mere $10 to $15 dollars.
Other than a light sleeping bag, other summer time camping must-haves are a cooler stocked full of ice and beverages like bottled water. If you are going to be spending a lot of time in direct heat, do not drink soda or alcohol which will only dehydrate you further, instead stock up on Gatorade type energy drinks and/or water to make sure you are getting the liquids you expel back into your body.
One last thing to remember along with your light sleeping bag, on your great summer camp out, is a nice place in the shade to park your tent. In the sun, temperatures are 20-40 degrees hotter in direct sunlight, versus a nice shady area. Compare 80 with 120 degrees, where would you rather be? So, keep your summer camping trip fun and enjoyable with a nice place, cold refreshments and a light sleeping bag.
