In the UK we spend a lot of time worrying about how to stay warm whilst camping - but for those (rare) hot summer trips -  keeping cool can be equally as tricky.

There are a few things you can do to keep your tent as cool as possible for an enjoyable night sleep even in hot conditions.

How to keep a tent cool in hot weather

Following these tips can help drop the temperature inside your tent and help you have a comfortable sleep.

Pick the right camp spot

Finding the right spot to pitch your tent will make all of the difference with how warm you get inside.

Shade

Shade is the biggest thing to look for - if you can pitch under a tree or other natural shelter this will greatly reduce the temperature inside. Remember the shade may move throughout the day with the sun - so pitch accordingly.

Wind

It is also worth looking at the wind - if there is a prevailing breeze you want to pitch your tent with the vents facing the wind allowing cool air to blow through the tent.

Altitude

Go up! The valley floor is always going to be warmer than higher altitudes - look for somewhere to camp higher up (essential if you are wild camping) and you will be rewarded with cooler air temperatures!

Timing is everything

Pick the right time to set up your camp - if you can pitch your tent in the evening once the heat of the day has passed. Not only will this stop you getting to hot - but will limit the time the sun has to warm up your tent.

A lot of modern tents allow you to pitch inner only - leaving the rainfly of until later in the day will also stop heat being trapped.

Vent your tent

Ventilation is key to reducing the air temperature in your tent - having good air flow will allow the hot air to escape and cooler are to come into the tent.

Ensuring vents are open and unobstructed will greatly help to cool your tent.

At Sea to Summit - our tents are designed to withstand a range of conditions - from baking hot deserts to stormy camps. The unique Tension Ridge Architecture of our tents allows for great ventilation - with an Apex vent at the highest point allowing all hot air to escape. 

Plus our Telos and Ikos tents have various set up options - so on warm nights where you are sure that it isn't going to rain - you can set up in stargazing mode, without the rainfly, which will help keep your tent cool!

Choose the right sleep system 

Your sleeping bag (or quilt), mat and liner can all help to keep you at a comfortable temperature when camping.

Versatile Sleeping Bags

Whilst most of us don't have a different sleeping bag for each season or type of conditions we will encounter - a versatile sleeping bag will work for multiple trips.

Look for sleeping bags which can be opened out for warmer nights and cinched in for cooler ones.

Our Sea to Summit Free-Flow triple-zip design ensures your sleeping bag retains maximum warmth and efficiency when needed and multiple ventilation options when it's not. The half-zip on the right side of the bag (left side on women's bags) provides freedom of movement for both arms, additional ventilation and allows the top third of the bag to be folded down as a mini quilt when the mercury climbs higher than expected.

Quilts

Quilts are a great option for warm weather camping, as -just  like at home - you can stick out your feet to cool down.