Camping requires a lot of movement. Walking, making a fire, and preparing food are all things you will be doing on a camping trip. Therefore, you should dress appropriately. While dressing for colder weather is easy, with as many layers as possible, a hot summer’s day in the Arizona desert requires other camping attire. So, you might be curious about what one should wear when camping in the summer.
When camping in the summer, bring clothes made from cotton, linen, and polyester-cotton blends. Also, bring warmer clothes to wear at night, as daytime and nighttime temperatures vary significantly in summer. You should rather pack too many clothes than too few when camping in the summer.
Summer temperatures can be unpredictable at times, and there may also be showers and stormy winds. Therefore, you must be prepared for any camping event in the summer. Your wardrobe should also reflect your preparedness. This article discusses how to dress for summer during daytime and nighttime and a few other tips for what to wear when camping in the summer.
What To Wear When Summer Camping – Daytime
Depending on where you are, daytime can be extremely hot and humid during the summer. If you don’t bring the right clothes, you will feel uncomfortable, which could ruin your entire camping trip. Therefore, dressing appropriately is of the utmost importance when camping in summer. Here is what you should wear.
1. What Shirts To Wear In The Daytime When Summer Camping
When choosing your shirts for the daytime when summer camping, stick to lighter colors, such as pastels or neutrals; they don’t absorb heat as much as darker colors and will help keep you cool. Shirts made of linen, cotton, or polyester-cotton blends are a great option because they absorb moisture and keep you cool. Moisture-wicking shirts are also a good option when camping.
Bring some lightweight long-sleeved shirts as well. These are great when it starts to cool down in the evening. They also protect you against the sun and insects such as mosquitos.
Don’t wear clothes that are too tight. They won’t allow for any ventilation and make you hot and uncomfortable. Furthermore, tight clothes aren’t practical for camping activities. In addition, don’t bring white clothes. They aren’t practical for camping and attract certain insects, such as midges.
2. What Pants To Wear In The Daytime When Summer Camping
When packing your bottoms for summer camping, be sure to include enough shorts and pants. Shorts are great to wear around the campsite and to the swimming pool. However, long pants are more suitable when going for a hike as they protect your legs against insect bites and poisonous plants.
Lightweight pants, such as cargo pants, are an excellent option for camping in the summer. They are moisture-wicking and protect you against the sun, insects, and other elements. Shorts are a good option if you aren’t on rough terrain and sticking close to the campsite.
Don’t bother bringing denim pants or shorts. They aren’t very comfortable and get extremely hot during the summer. They are also not moisture-wicking, so you are sure to feel hot and clammy wearing denim pants when camping in the summer.
3. What Shoes To Wear In The Daytime When Summer Camping
The shoes you wear will depend on the terrain. For example, if you are camping on a grassy terrain with no uneven sections, wearing flip-flops around the campsite is acceptable. However, if you are outback camping and the landscape is rough, sandals or closed shoes are a better option.
Flip-flops don’t offer much in terms of stability or protection. Thorns will go right through the sole of a flip-flop, and they are known to be slippery. Therefore, sandals are a better option when camping in the summer. They offer more stability, and their soles are more durable and slip-resistant than those of flip-flops.
However, always bring a pair of flip-flops camping as well. They are great to wear when going to the pool or when taking a shower.
If you are going for a hike, proper hiking shoes or closed trainers are best. You will need something that supports your feet and ankles. Insects and other animals are also less likely to bite through closed shoes.
4. Other Things To Wear In Daytime When Summer Camping
In addition to wearing the right shoes, shirts, and pants when camping in the summer, you should also bring the following:
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Bathing Suit
- Lightweight jacket
- Raincoat
- Moisture-wicking underwear and socks
Now that your daytime attire is sorted, you must still prepare some extra clothes to wear at night when camping in the summer.
What To Wear When Summer Camping – Nighttime
As we have mentioned, daytime and nighttime temperatures differ significantly during the summer. Therefore, you must be prepared for colder temperatures at night when camping in the summer. Regardless of the extreme daytime heat, here are some warmer items to bring along for nighttime.
1. What Shirts To Wear In The Nighttime When Summer Camping
While you can still wear the same shirts as you do during the day, you might want to bring some extra layers for the nighttime when camping in summer. For example, a lightweight hood or fleece top is perfect for sleeping in. Also, bring thermal underwear in case it gets cold during the night.
Wearing multiple layers is better than wearing a winter coat, as it will allow you to slowly undress some of the layers if you start to feel hot.
2. What Pants To Wear In The Nighttime When Summer Camping
Although you could wear shorts at night when camping in the summer, it is not advisable. Insects are more active at night, and you will suffer terribly from mosquito bites. Wearing long pants is, therefore, the best option. Fleece pants, leggings, or any other type of lightweight pants would be perfect to wear at night.
For sleeping, you can wear shorts if you feel hot easily. If you feel cold, wear socks to help keep your feet warm.
3. What Shoes To Wear In The Nighttime When Summer Camping
Closed shoes are non-negotiable when camping in the summer. Animals are more active at nighttime, and as they aren’t hibernating, snakes and other creatures are more common. Closed shoes will protect you from insects and other animals.
Be sure to store your shoes inside your tent, as spiders and other insects might crawl inside your shoes during the night. Alternatively, turn your shoes upside down and give them a good shake before putting them on.
4. Other Things To Wear In The Nighttime When Summer Camping
You should bring other things when camping in the summer to help you keep warm and comfortable at night. Here are some examples:
- Scarf
- Hood
- Winter hat
- Gloves
- Warm jacket
- Warm socks
If you bring all the items we have discussed, you should be prepared for any weather when camping in the summer, and your camping trip should be a pleasant one.
Conclusion
There are many things to consider when camping in the summer. One of them is what to wear. Moisture-wicking clothes, lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants, and shorts are great camping options in the summer.
Sandals and closed shoes are a good option, while flip-flops are best worn in the shower or at the pool. Bring enough warm clothes and a raincoat to prepare for any weather.
