We're all fans of overlanding, but as summer approaches, the sweltering heat can make camping a challenging experience. And this is especially unbearable on a hot summer night in our rooftop tent. Well, there is a way to avoid this situation from the start, that’s the insulated heat tent. You can trust our rooftop tent for summer. But in extremely hot conditions, when it feels like the world outside is on fire, you'll understandably want to cool down and enjoy your camping trip. That's why we've compiled a list of the top 10 tips to maintain a cool temperature in your rooftop tents, ensuring a more pleasant camping experience, no matter the heat.
ENSURING GOOD AIRFLOW
Your rooftop tents’ ventilation is key if you want to stay cool while overlanding. All our rooftop tents come equipped with multiple ventilation openings to promote air circulation inside the tent. In our hardshell models, we've incorporated sizeable vents beneath the aluminum tops to prevent air from getting trapped and causing condensation.
Every tent we offer has large windows that can be entirely unzipped or opened down to the big screen, creating a refreshing cross breeze. The triple-layer insulation in the tent works to keep the cool air inside when properly ventilated.
Aim to keep these ventilation points open as much as possible, especially during the night. This circulation of air will help maintain a lower temperature inside the tent, significantly enhancing your comfort level.
CAMPING IN SHADES
An effective, yet often overlooked method is simply utilizing the natural environment around you - shade.
Finding the perfect shady spot for parking can make a significant difference to the interior temperature of your rooftop tent. Trees, buildings, or any substantial structure that blocks the direct rays of the sun can offer a welcoming respite from the relentless heat. Positioning your car and, consequently, your rooftop tent under such shade can greatly reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the tent, making your rooftop tent cool and your stay more comfortable.
Of course, not all camping locations come with conveniently placed shade. Fear not, there are alternatives to keep your rooftop tent cool. Consider using a tarp or a specialized camping shade cover. These devices act like a giant sun hat for your rooftop tent, offering the coolness of the shade even when Mother Nature doesn't.
REFLECTIVE COVERS
Another smart solution that you might not have considered is using reflective covers.
Reflective covers or tarps are engineered to bounce back the harsh sunlight, reducing the amount of heat your rooftop tent absorbs. Imagine them as giant mirrors, repelling the sun's rays, and thus, the accompanying heat. By reflecting the sunlight away, these covers serve as an invisible, protective shield, maintaining a cooler temperature within your tent.
Interestingly, the market today has several rooftop tents that come with built-in heat-reflective outer layers, like our Alumabode™ rooftop tents. These are incredibly handy, especially for summer camping enthusiasts. If you are planning to buy a new rooftop tent, considering this feature could save you a lot of discomfort during your summer camping trips.
However, if you already own a rooftop tent without this feature, you're not left out in the sun. Aftermarket reflective covers are widely available and can easily be added to your existing rooftop tent.
Portable Air Conditioner
Buying a portable air conditioner might be the fastest way to cool down your rooftop tent while camping outside. It is pricy but it’s worth it. This small machine can quickly insulate your tent from the outside summer heat.
If you're looking for a smaller, simpler option, consider a mini fan that cools the air using water, known as an evaporative cooler. You'll just need to add more water every few hours. But keep in mind, this kind of fan can make the air around it more humid, or damp, so it's not the best choice if you're in a place that's already pretty humid. And also this type of fan needs water, so make sure you take enough water while camping outside.
COOLING BEDDING
It's a terrible experience to spend a hot summer night restless and uncomfortable. Sweat can cause your sheets and blankets to cling to your body – and that's not pleasant!
One of the first steps to keeping your rooftop tent (RTT) cool is choosing the right bedding. Many companies produce sheets made from fabrics that are not only breathable but also capable of wicking away moisture. Sheets made from materials like bamboo, eucalyptus, cotton, and tencel are excellent for keeping you cool.
WIRELESS COOLING FAN
Making sure air moves around your rooftop tent is key to keeping it cool. A wireless cable-free fan, providing a constant breeze, can make a world of difference.
The market is filled with a variety of these kinds of fans that are just right for maintaining a cool atmosphere in your rooftop tent. Just make sure to take a portable yet lightweight one to ensure you have enough room in your rooftop tent.
STAY HYDRATED
Hydration is a key player. Although it might not directly influence the temperature inside your tent, staying hydrated significantly affects how your body handles the heat, thereby impacting your overall comfort.
Hydrating yourself properly helps your body maintain its internal cooling system. When you're well-hydrated, your body can easily regulate its temperature through processes like sweating, which naturally cools you down. In contrast, when you're dehydrated, your body has to work much harder to stay cool, and it often leads to feeling hotter.
So, while you're employing strategies to keep your rooftop tent cool, remember to also focus on keeping yourself cool from the inside out. Keep a supply of water within easy reach inside the tent. This way, you can take a sip whenever you need, even in the middle of the night.
TIMING YOUR TENT SETUP
Timing your tent setup just right can be an effective technique to keep your rooftop tent cool. It's a simple yet often overlooked strategy, but when done right, it can significantly enhance your comfort during your summer camping trips.
A golden rule to keep in mind is that the ideal time to set up your tent is during the cooler parts of the day, often around dusk. Why? As the sun starts to set, the temperature drops. Setting up your rooftop tent in this cooler environment can prevent it from absorbing heat during the hotter daytime hours. It's a bit like giving your tent a 'cool start' to the evening.
Furthermore, closing your tent first thing in the morning can make a substantial difference in maintaining a cool interior throughout the day. By doing this, you're essentially blocking the hot morning sun from warming up your tent's interior, preventing heat from getting trapped inside. Think of it as closing your house windows before a hot day - you're creating a barrier to keep the heat out.
CAMP AT HIGHER ALTITUDES
One intriguing strategy that can greatly enhance your camping experience is to camp at higher altitudes.
Why does this work? Simply put, the temperature generally decreases with altitude. The air gets cooler the higher you go. Therefore, camping at higher altitudes can naturally provide a cooler environment than being at sea level or in low-lying areas. This means your rooftop tent will naturally stay cooler, enhancing your overall comfort.
Think of it as being on the rooftop of the world. The temperature drop at higher altitudes can make a significant difference in the inside temperature of your tent, turning your summer camping into a more refreshing adventure.
However, keep in mind that this might not be an option for everyone. Your location and the type of terrain around you could limit your ability to find higher ground. But if you are within reach of mountainous areas or elevated landscapes, it is definitely a strategy worth considering.
LIGHT COLOR TENT
Color may not be the first thing that springs to mind. But, believe it or not, the color of your tent can have a significant impact on how hot it gets under the scorching summer sun. Lighter color tents reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, making them a wise choice for camping in hot weather.
Imagine wearing a black t-shirt versus a white t-shirt on a hot day. You'll notice a significant difference in how hot you feel, and the same principle applies to your rooftop tent. Dark colors absorb and hold heat, while lighter colors reflect it.
By opting for a rooftop tent in a light color, such as white or beige, you're helping to bounce the sun's rays back, rather than absorbing them. This subtle strategy can help to keep the interior of your tent noticeably cooler, creating a more comfortable environment for you to relax in after a day of outdoor activities.
IN CONCLUSION
Whether you're a novice camper or an experienced adventurer, these tips to keep your rooftop tent cool are easy to implement and can greatly enhance your camping experience. After all, camping is about enjoying nature and having fun. A cool and comfortable tent can make your adventure all the more memorable. So gear up, plan wisely, and stay cool during your summer camping adventures!
