Summer is the prime season for outdoor camping. With warm weather and long days, it’s the perfect time to get away from the city and get closer to nature. However, in order to ensure the comfort and safety of the camping experience, it is crucial to prepare the right equipment. In this article, we will systematically sort out the necessary items needed for summer camping and recommend a few high-performance tents suitable for summer use to help you easily enjoy every trip.
Recommended summer camping tents: breathable, sunscreen is the key
The tent is the core equipment of camping, especially in the hot summer. Choosing the right tent will directly affect your sleep quality and overall camping experience. Below are a few quality tents recommended for summer use:
- 171Glamping Inflatable Lightweight Camping Tent (for hiking/light camping)
- Weight: 3.2kg (with air pump)
- Features:Innovative inflatable skeleton structure, no need for traditional metal poles, one person can set up quickly. The outer layer is breathable fabric with anti-UV coating, and the inner ventilation window with anti-mosquito screen design is suitable for hot weather.
- Advantages:Short setup time, small size, easy to store in a backpack; stable structure, can cope with light to medium wind and rain, especially suitable for flexible deployment in complex terrains such as mountains and lakes.
- Suitable for:Hikers, light camping enthusiasts, users who need to set up camp quickly and with high mobility.
- Naturehike VIK Ultralight Double Tent
- Weight: 1.6kg
- Features:Extremely lightweight, made of sun-protective and breathable fabrics, with double doors and double windows designed for excellent ventilation.
- Advantage:Suitable for backpackers or light hikers.
- Suitable for:Hiking, mountaineering, lakeside camping, and other journeys that require a light pack.
- Decathlon 2 Seconds Fresh & Black Automatic Tent
- Weight:about 3.5kg
- Characteristics:Automatic pop-up, set up quickly; Fresh & Black technology, light and heat protection during the day, sleep more peacefully.
- Suitable for:Family camping, small white users, those who need to set up quickly.
Sleeping gear: ensuring comfort at night
When camping in the summer, many people mistakenly think that all they need is a tent to sleep soundly, but in fact, quality sleep also relies on the right sleeping equipment. Even if the temperature is hot during the day, the temperature in mountainous areas, woodlands, or lakeside areas tends to drop significantly at night, even as low as about 10°C. If you are not well-equipped, the quality of your rest will be affected by the cold. Here are a few recommendations for sleeping equipment that should not be overlooked:
- Lightweight three-season sleeping bag
When choosing a sleeping bag in summer, there is no need for heavy warm models, and it is more recommended to choose a lightweight sleeping bag with a comfortable temperature scale of about 15℃. Such sleeping bags are usually filled with lightweight hollow fiber or duck down, both with a certain degree of warmth but not stuffy. It is recommended to choose a compressible model with an organizer bag, which is easy to carry and suitable for hiking or backpacking.
- Moisture-proof mat/inflatable mattress
The bottom of the tent is easy to accumulate moisture or conduct cold air from the ground. The role of the moisture-proof mat is to isolate the cold air and moisture from the ground and improve the overall warmth and comfort. If you are on a budget, an inflatable mattress is a more advanced choice. Not only is it comfortable, but some styles also come with a zoned support structure that mimics the support of a home mattress, making it especially suitable for long camping trips or for those who have requirements for sleep quality.
- Portable inflatable pillow or folding pillow
Many people ignore the role of pillows, but the actual camping, the lack of head support will often cause cervical discomfort, affecting the next day’s state of mind. Portable inflatable pillows are lightweight, small in size, and can be adjusted in height as needed, making them ideal lightweight equipment; foldable and compressed cotton pillows are also available for greater comfort and are suitable for carrying on car camping trips.
- Anti-mosquito net or screen tent
Mosquitoes are active in summer, especially when camping near water or in forest areas, mosquito interference often becomes the biggest factor affecting sleep. It is recommended that you choose a tent style with a high-density screen or carry an extra anti-mosquito net to effectively isolate mosquito bites. In addition, using a tent with a breathable window and screen design can also maintain air circulation while safeguarding privacy and protection.
If you are planning a camping trip of more than 3 days, it is recommended to include each of the above equipment in your luggage list to ensure that the quality of your sleep is not compromised so that you can better enjoy the outdoor activities during the day.
Cooking & Dining Supplies: Simple and Practical is Most Important
When camping outdoors in summer, it is not suitable to carry perishable ingredients due to the high temperature, so it is recommended to focus on ready-to-eat dry food, canned food, hanging noodles, or dehydrated food. At the same time, equipped with convenient and efficient cooking and dining equipment can make your outdoor dining easier and more atmospheric.
- Portable gas or alcohol stoves: small size, strong firepower, can quickly boil water and noodles, suitable for all kinds of simple outdoor cooking.
- Windproof lighter or igniter: strong wind-resistant performance, ensuring stable ignition even in windy conditions in the wild.
- Lightweight pots and pans set (including pots, bowls, and cups): Most of them are made of aluminum alloy, lightweight and heat-resistant, and can be nested for storage, easy to carry.
- Folding dining table and chairs: more neat and comfortable for campsite dining, also suitable for chatting around the fireplace at night.
- Insulated Refrigerator/Ice Packs: Help keep food and drinks fresh, reduce the risk of heat stroke, and extend storage time.
Sunscreen and insect repellent: essential for camping in summer
Summer outdoor sunshine is strong, mosquitoes and insects are frequent, do a good job of sunscreen and insect repellent measures, not only to avoid sunburn and bites, but also to enhance the overall camping experience.
- Sunscreen (SPF30 or above): Effectively isolate ultraviolet rays, prevent sunburn and sun spots, it is recommended to reapply every 2 hours.
- Sunhat / Umbrella: Shade from direct sunlight, protect your face and neck to minimize the risk of heat stroke.
- Anti-mosquito spray and insect repellent tablets: Repel mosquitoes and reduce the risk of itching and disease transmission caused by mosquito bites.
- Lightweight, breathable, long-sleeved clothing: covers the skin while keeping it ventilated, providing effective protection from the sun and mosquito bites.
- Groundcloth / Canopy: Provide shade and heat insulation for tents or activity areas, lowering the temperature inside the tent and improving camping comfort.
Toiletries & Cleaning Products: Keep fresh without compromises
- Quick-drying towel/cooling towel: lightweight and quick-drying, suitable for wiping off sweat and cooling down quickly after exercise or in hot weather.
- Portable Wash Bag, Wet Wipes, Dry Cleaning Spray: Conveniently store toiletries, keep clean at all times, and quickly “wash your face and hair” without using water.
- Folding bucket: lightweight and space-saving, can be used for laundry, dishwashing, or water storage for washing.
- Garbage bag: essential for environmental protection, clean up the garbage without leaving traces, practicing the concept of “Leave No Trace”.
Lights and illumination: safety and security at night
- Headlamp/torch: free your hands, easy to walk around, illuminate, or find things at night.
- Camping ambient light/tent light: creates a cozy atmosphere with a soft and non-glaring lighting range, suitable for resting at night.
- Spare batteries or rechargeable treasure: for lighting equipment and cell phone battery life, to avoid power outages affecting the trip.
Other practical equipment
- Multifunctional military knife: set knife, bottle opener, screwdriver, and other functions in one, to deal with a variety of unexpected needs in the field.
- Rope/pegs/hammer: used to set up and reinforce the tent or hanging items, enhance the stability of the tent.
- Waterproof bag/storage bag: to store electronic equipment or clothing, moisture-proof and waterproof, to ensure that the equipment is dry and neat.
- Small medical kit: contains band-aids, painkillers, mosquito bite ointment, etc., to deal with small wounds and common discomforts.
Conclusion
Summer camping is an adventure close to nature and a way of life. Choosing the right tent is at the core, while well-prepared equipment is the basis for ensuring a comfortable experience. Whether it’s your first try or a seasoned player, you can have a relaxing and comfortable summer camping trip with advance planning and reasonable equipment.
If you need to buy a high-quality summer camping tent, you can contact us for more product details and suggestions. We wish you a cool, safe, and unforgettable trip every time!