Hot weather presents specific health hazards we must be aware of and deal with. Most of us do most of our camping in warmer, sunny weather. There is always the issue of sunburn. It is especially intense when we are involved in water sports. The reflection from the water's surface can be as damaging as direct sunlight but we are often unaware of it until it is too late. Be sure to wear sunblock on exposed skin and minimize how much skin is exposed and for how long. Recent studies I've read indicate as a society we have a Vitamin D deficiency, which may be related to the overuse of sunblock. Our skin creates Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, so an appropriate amount is healthy. Overexposure IS dangerous and can lead to cancers as well as the immediate suffering and potential scarring from sunburn. The bottom line is, moderation. You need enough sun for healthy Vitamin D production but you want to avoid sunburn. I can't tell you how much that is for you and timing may well vary depending on cloud cover and latitude as well as your own sensitivity to sunlight. And remember, the ultraviolet light that causes sunburn can penetrate clouds so you might get sunburned even on a cloudy day. Use a "waterproof" sunblock when involved in water sports, but realize that it, too, is eventually diluted or washed away by sweat and exposure to water.
Dressing for hot weather. Obviously you don't want to wear lots of heavy clothing in hot weather, but sometimes more clothing will actually keep you cooler than less. Light, loose, long-sleeved shirts are actually cooler than T-shirts and tank tops, plus they protect your arms against sunburn, dirt, and insects. Consider the dress style of the Nomads who live in the desert. Their robes cover their entire bodies and are loose to allow air to circulate. A broad-brimmed hat helps keep you cool. Keeping the sun off your head and your face adds greatly to your comfort and helps keep body temperature down. If your activity (like OHVs, horseback riding, or hiking) involves wearing boots, take them off between rides to let your feet cool down and the to boots air out. We've found a damp bandanna tied around the neck is a good addition in hot weather. It helps cool the blood as it circulates in your neck and protects the exposed neck against sunburn. I've seen "cooling vests" you can wear. These are usually quilted vests that you soak in water and the evaporation cools your upper body. Some very expensive versions may have tubes that a cool liquid is pumped through but for me they don't seem anywhere near worth the price or the weight of packing them around. And they require battery packs to run the pumps. Sandals and flip-flops are popular footwear for hot weather, but wearing them all too often results in sunburn on the exposed portions of the feet and stripes where the straps are. Better to wear some light weight "sneakers". Sandals and flip-flops also expose the feet to stinging insects and other ground hazards found in many primitive locations, so be cautious. If you are an area where you may encounter poisonous snakes, the protection offered by boots, which may get hot, is well worth the discomfort. Sweaty feet are a lot less of a problem and less deadly than a snake bite!
Dehydration is serious condition and too often people allow themselves to become dehydrated without realizing it. Effects may range from discomfort to death. Dehydration occurs as the body loses water and electrolytes through respiration and perspiration. Hot weather and vigorous activities speed the loss. Perspiration drains necessary minerals, called electrolytes, from the body. Without sufficient electrolytes the body cannot use water and many cellular functions are inhibited. There is a condition (hypnoatremia) sometimes called "water intoxification" that occurs when you're drinking plenty of water but do not have sufficient electrolytes for the body to make use of it. Symptoms of hypnoatremia include nausea and vomiting, headache, confusion, loss of energy and fatigue, restlessness and irritability, muscle weakness, spasms or cramps, seizures, and even coma. Interestingly enough, these are also symptoms of dehydration. When you think about it, it makes sense. Both are the result of insufficient electrolytes. The bottom line is that just drinking lots of water may not be enough. You need proper electrolytes too. One of the early symptoms of dehydration you will want to watch for is dark colored urine. However, you can have pale urine and still be in trouble if you don't have enough electrolytes. Salt is one of the primary electrolytes lost through perspiration, but there are others your body needs. The current popularity of low sodium diets tends to make us more susceptible to salt deficiency than we would be on a standard diet. If you are involved in hot-weather activities, drink lots of sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade. They are formulated with a balance of electrolytes intended to replenish those lost through vigorous exercise. Thirst is initially a sign of dehydration and by the time you feel thirsty you are already beginning to become dehydrated. By the time you have dry mouth you are seriously in need of liquid refreshment. Your best defense is to sip a little water frequently. Interestingly enough, loss of thirst is also a sign of advanced dehydration. If you have been thirsty and stop being thirsty without consuming any liquids, you are headed toward dangerous dehydration and should seek immediate treatment to avoid serious complications. If you start getting "charlie horses", especially in unexpected places, you need to seek rehydration as soon as possible. Drink a little salt water or dill pickle brine and a glass or two of water. And avoid alcohol and caffeine which accelerate dehydration. Focus on drinking plenty of water or sports drinks. Oh, and watch out for "low calorie" drinks. The artificial sweeteners, especially aspartame, can have serious side affects. Aspartame is said to block the release of lactic acid from muscles, causing them to tire and begin to fatigue and ache more quickly than usual. Add that to heat cramps and you could be in a world of hurt! There is a lot of misinformation being circulated that carbonated drinks contribute to dehydration. This is not true. Caffeinated drinks may contribute to dehydration so avoid colas and so-called "energy" drinks with high caffeine content. Sparkling water, club soda, ginger ale, and other non-caffeinated soft drinks should be OK. However, if you hanker for Coke or Pepsi, the amount of water in each serving will probably offset the diuretic affect of the caffeine. Still, the very best source of hydration is good old water unless you need to replenish your electrolytes. Then sports drinks or ordinary dill pickle juice will boost the chemicals your body needs. Pickle juice is very effective in combating heat cramps, providing almost immediate relief. The action may be part placebo effect, but some of the chemicals are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the membranes under your tongue. For best results, hold a little pickle juice in your mouth and under your tongue before swallowing to maximize immediate absorption.
As a general rule, summer is camping season, along with moderate portions of the spring and fall. But some parts of the summer in some locations can be TOO hot. At times like that its time to head for the beach or the mountains to get some relief from the heat. Choosing an appropriate destination for the climate and the weather forecast is one of the primary ways of achieving enjoyable warm weather camping. But there are still things to consider to avoid discomfort, heat-related health problems, and potential equipment overheating issues. Unfortunately, sometimes we get extremely hot weather in places we go to escape the heat, so its always good to be prepared.
Heat cramps are one of the painful symptoms of moderate dehydration. The cramps usually occur in the large muscles of the arms and legs some time after vigorous activity, often when you are resting after activities -- or trying to! They are like Charlie Horses on steroids! If you start having heat cramps, drink some salt water or dill pickle juice right away to restore electrolyte balance and boost fluid intake. Consuming additional quantities of sports drinks is also advisable. A glass of salt water or dill pickle juice can provide almost immediate relief from heat cramps. No doubt part of the effect is psychological, but there is a valid physical reason it works so quickly too. Some of the electrolytes are immediately absorbed through the soft tissue under your tongue actually entering your bloodstream to provide relief and begin telling your brain help is on the way. While there are other important minerals your body needs, salt is one of the most important to maintain during hot weather activity. I grew up near a railroad yard where they sorted out box cars and made up trains. There were boxes on posts all around the yard that contained salt tablets for the workers during the summer months. It was said you could get fired by the railroad if you didn't take your salt tablets. Heat cramps are not fun (been there done that, don't want to do it again) but other than being painful they are not usually serious -- unless you fail to get treat your dehydration and let it progress until it gets worse. Heat cramps can bruise your muscles so you will want to treat them as soon as possible to avoid prolonged suffering or, possibly, even permanent damage. The bruised muscles have a tendency to be even more susceptible to additional heat cramps, adding injury to insult. If you don't have any sports drinks, drink plenty of water. Add a teaspoon or two of salt to glass of water now and then to help restore electrolytes, but don't continue drinking salt water or sip it as your primary source of hydration. While you may need salt to combat heat cramps, processing salt water consumes water already in your body and speeds dehydration so don't over do it. Your best bet to avoid dehydration is to sip water or sports drinks frequently throughout the day. Some guidelines suggest drinking a pint of water an hour during strenuous hot weather activities. I like to wear a Camelbak hydration pack while dirt biking so I can drink often, then down several glasses of sports drinks over the next couple of hours when I get back to camp. Sitting in the shade or in an air conditioned RV with a tall, cool, glass of a refreshing beverage is a wonderful respite from the heat and a good way to cool down and restore hydration and electrolytes.
Heat exhaustion is the next level of more serious heat related illnesses. Symptoms include heavy sweating, feeling weak and/or confused, dizziness, nausea, headache, fast heart beat, and dark-colored urine. Get out of the heat as soon as possible. Remove any tight-fitting or unnecessary clothing, cool your skin with water. Drink plenty of water and clear fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks such as coffee and colas as they make dehydration worse. Be aware you may find caffeine in other than the usual cola drinks. Some brands of Creme Soda and Orange Soda are even caffeinated. Here is a caffeine comparison chart to help you know what to expect. If you don't feel better and start to cool down within 30 minutes, contact a doctor before your condition progresses to heat stroke, which can be fatal. Adults shouldn't consume more than 400 mg of caffiene per day. That's 4 cups of coffee or 10 cans of cola. Energy drinks often contain close to 200 mg per can. Watch your intake to avoid upleasant and unhealthy side effects. Symptoms of too much caffeine include the following:
- Migraine headache
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Frequent urination or inability to control urination
- Stomach upset
- Fast heartbeat
- Muscle tremors
Heat stroke is a very serious medical condition. If you think you or someone in your group has heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately. While waiting for medical attention, try to cool the victim down as described for heat exhaustion. Warning signs for heat stroke include hot, dry skin, frequent vomiting, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, and confusion or loss of consciousness. Failure to get immediate help could result in death! By the time you reach this condition you will no longer sweat (you don't have enough fluid left to produce sweat). That is why the skin is hot and dry. Since you can't sweat, your body can't cool itself and you need external assistance to get your temperature down and your fluids up. Even without external heat, your body will generate enough of its own to kill you if you can't cool down. Get the victim into a cool place, remove tight and unnecessary clothing, give them clear fluids to drink, and apply cool compresses or spray them with a fine mist of water. A light breeze or fan can aid removal of heat and speed cooling. Do NOT plunge them into icy water! The sudden change in temperature can cause extreme cardio-pulmonary reactions that can be harmful and even fatal.
Preventing heat related illnesses. Avoid strenuous activity in hot sun if you can. Stay in an air conditioned environment or in the shade if possible. Schedule vigorous activities for the cooler parts of the day. Drink plenty of water -- at least a cup or so every 15-20 minutes even if you don't feel thirsty. Wear, loose, light clothing that will protect your skin from the sun yet allow heat escape. Cut down on caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, colas) and alcohol. Wear a hat or use an umbrella to keep heat off your head. Wear sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 or more. Check with your doctor if you have any chronic medical problems that might be exaggerated or otherwise affect how your body responds to heat. That includes the effect of medications you may be taking including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements as well as prescriptions.
Hot weather activities. We can't always schedule our outings according to the weather so we sometimes have to adapt our daily plans. Avoid long, vigorous activities during the hottest part of the day when you can. If your outing includes water activities, try to interlace them with other activities to cool down between vigorous bouts in the sun. Dress appropriately, in light, loose-fitting clothing that protects your skin from direct sunlight and allows air movement to assist evaporation to keep you cooler. Have a spray bottle handy to cool yourself and/or your companions from time to time. You can get new spray bottles at your local dollar store. If you must re-use an old bottle, be sure to wash it out well before using it. You don't want to spray yourself with cleaning solution! Carry water with you all the time and take frequent sips. Shoot for drinking about a glass of water every hour, more if you're active and sweating a lot. Hydration packs are especially helpful when your activities include OHV or horseback riding but can also be convenient for hiking and other activities. If you don't have a hydration pack, carry a canteen or water bottle. Hot summer afternoons are good times to take naps -- in the shade. Take care not to fall asleep lying in the sun! You may wake up thoroughly cooked! A young couple I knew fell asleep under tanning lamps on their honeymoon and ended up with their front sides lobster red and painful to even the lightest breeze. Definitely NOT a good situation on a honeymoon, or any time else for that matter! Falling asleep in the sun could lead to more than a sunburn. You could become dehydrated to the point of heat stroke without even waking up -- and then you might never wake up!
Keeping cool in your RV. Many modern RVs are equipped with generators and roof air conditioners that can keep our homes on wheels quite comfortable in even the hottest weather. You will want to give your air conditioner all the help you can when the temperatures rise outside. Try to park in the shade if you can. Avoid opening doors or windows any longer than necessary. Place reflective shades in windows to block direct sunlight and help insulate the interior from high external temperatures. Permanently installed reflective film will help keep the heat out without blocking your view. If you have awnings and it isn't windy, use them to help keep sun off the windows and the sides of the vehicle. Some RVs equipped with multiple roof air conditioners don't have enough shore power to run both at the same time when hooked up in a campground. There will usually be a switch that will allow you to choose which A/C to run at any given time. Switch back and forth regularly to keep all parts of your coach cool and comfortable. Some units will allow you to run both A/Cs at the same time using the on-board generator. You can augment the comfort through the use of fans, which can be used to distribute cool air where you want it and to just move air to make you feel more comfortable. If you don't have a roof A/C or don't have a generator to run one when boondocking, you may have to rely on fans for your personal comfort. Lacking an A/C, you may find it more comfortable outside under your awning where there might be a little breeze -- especially if you equip your awning with a mist system. How you dress will also affect your personal comfort. Light, loose clothing is best. Remove hot, heavy riding boots and body armor when you return from a ride. Drink plenty of water and other cool, clear liquids. Use a spray bottle to aid your own perspiration in cooling your body. Even room temperature water is usually cooler than your skin and a sprayed mist begins to evaporate immediately so it feels cool when it hits you and helps you feel cooler right away and then, as it evaporates from your skin continues to cool you. Roof vents, especially fan-powered vents, can expel a lot of heat. Open the vent and then open a few windows part way to allow the rising hot air to exit through the vent and draw in cooler air from outside. I have had excellent luck in my RV with a product called Fantastic Vents. These powered vents use large, 12" fans. Reversible motors allow you to push out hot air or draw in cool air. Some can be used ceiling fans, even with the vent closed, to circulate air inside your RV. T he top of the line models have rain sensors to automatically close the vent if it starts to rain. ome have thermostats so they can shut down automatically when the temperature in your RV drops to your pre-selected level. You can even get remote control kits which are very helpful if you have a high ceiling like you find parts of some fifth wheel trailers. Most RVs come with at least an unpowered roof vent. They fit a 14" square opening. Pretty much every powered roof vent is designed to fit the same opening so replacing an existing vent with a more powerful one is fairly easy. If there is no power to the original vent, you may have to pull wires through from a nearby ceiling light fixture or run wires across the ceiling inside wire covers. Either way, you'll find having a powered roof vent is well worth the installation investment (both time, money, and effort). In "OUT" mode they can help clear your RV of cooking or other offensive odors and help remove steam/vapor from the bathroom as well as dispel heat. When it cools off outside in the evening, you can reverse the fan to draw in cool air.
Keeping cool in a tent. Let's face it. There really is no good way to cool a tent. Double wall tents (those with rain flys) will stay a little cooler than single wall tents whose walls are exposed to direct sunlight. I've seen folks try using a residential window air conditioner powered by a portable generator to cool their tent. It feels pretty good if you're right in front of the cool discharge, but it is going to have a very hard time keeping up with the heat transfer through the thin tent walls so it won't do a very good job of keeping a tent cool for very long. A more energy efficient alternative is the evaporative cooler, but these move so much air they tend to over-inflate the tent, even with windows open, and fill it with moisture, which is not good for the tent fabric nor the contents. More traditional methods that can be used without heavy hardware or expensive generators include setting up your tent in the shade or setting up a shade over your tent (a tarp, dining fly, or EZ-up). Keep windows open on opposite sides of the tent to allow cross-ventilation. Choose the windows to take advantage of prevailing breezes if there are any. You might gain some cooling effect by spraying the window screen on the up-wind side lightly with water, but take care not to over-do it and soak the tent wall, floor or contents. Better to spray yourself directly. It is more effective. Sometimes a damp cloth hung in the window will help cool the incoming breeze. Battery powered fans can be used in tents to improve ventilation and provide a direct breeze on occupants to aid evaporation to speed cooling. Lacking any powered assistance, you can fold a paper plate to other piece of cardboard to make a hand-held fan that can help you move air and improve your comfort level. Once again, dress in loose, light clothing and drink plenty of water. As long as you're inside your tent and out of the sun (and out of sight!) you might get away to stripping down to a bare minimum to keep cool. But remember, it may be cooler sitting outside under trees or a canopy where you can get a little breeze than it is in your tent. I've seen plans for a battery powered tent cooler. It is essentially an ice chest with a fan added to blow air across the melting ice to cool it and eject it into the tent. Might be worth looking into if you will be where you have plenty of ice. Spritzing yourself with water from a spray bottle from time to time is a convenient, refreshing, and inexpensive way of staying cool.
Keeping cool around camp and during activities. Dress appropriately and wear a broad-brimmed hat. Apply sun block to exposed skin. Stay in the shade as much as possible. Spray yourself frequently with a fine mist of water. Drink plenty of liquids. If you aren't in a shady campground take advantage of your RV awning or set up a sunshade or umbrella. Sometimes the breeze of riding an OHV will be sufficient to keep you comfortable when riding in hot weather. If not, dump some water down the front and back of your shirt and wet your hair. Wet hair may create a bad case of "helmet hair" and eventually produce unpleasant odors in your helmet, but if it keeps you from overheating it is a small price to pay. You can comb out your hair and wash out the odors. The pads in most helmets can be removed and washed and any helmet can be freshened using a fabric freshener like Fabreze.
Sleeping through those hot August nights. Sleeping can be difficult when you are too warm. Even in a tent you may need to resort to sleeping under just a sheet or even on top of the covers until things cool down. If you have an air conditioned RV, you won't be able to run the A/C all night unless you're camping in a full service campground and then there might be a curfew for running your A/C. Even if you are boondocking and the noise of the generator wouldn't bother anyone, there is danger of carbon monoxide from the generator exhaust. Try to keep your unit cool throughout the day. Start early in the morning before things heat up. That way fixtures, furniture, and walls won't already be hot when you turn on the A/C. For both RV and tent camping use 12-volt or battery powered fans to move the air and open windows to allow some cross-ventilation to help keep you cool -- after it starts to cool down outside. Keep your spray bottle handy. You may need a spritz now and then to keep cool. Dress lightly. Summer is NOT the time for flannel jammies and bunny slippers! You might be tempted to sleep nude, but if you aren't accustomed to doing so it will probably only ad to your difficult getting to sleep. As you prepare for bed, keep your regular blankets and sleeping bags accessible. Even though it may be too hot to sleep when you go to bed, you could get quite cold before morning. I've seen desert nights in the 40s after daytime temps over 100. It was too hot for any covers at bedtime, then became cool enough for sleeping bags or comforters in the wee hours of the morning.
Be cool!
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