Beat the heat
Staying cool and protected, keeping drinks cold on hot days, and the gear that makes summer outings easy.
Wear light, breathable layers, cover up against the sun rather than just relying on sunscreen, and hydrate steadily. Shade — from a hammock spot or a covered area — and a cooler of cold drinks make a hot day far more comfortable.
Choose breathable, moisture-wicking layers and bring a packable shell in case of an afternoon storm. Even in summer, a light layer is worth carrying for shade, wind, or a cooler summit.
Pre-chill the cooler and contents, use plenty of ice (block ice lasts longest), keep the cooler shaded and closed, and consider a separate drinks cooler so the main one stays shut. Heat is the enemy, so shade does a lot of work.
Hammocks are excellent in summer — breathable parachute nylon and open airflow keep you cooler than lying on hot ground, and a shaded spot between two trees is hard to beat on a warm afternoon.
A heavy-duty tote handles beach and lake days with wet towels and gear, while a soft cooler keeps food and drinks cold. Add a sealed bag for anything that needs to stay dry near the water.
Prolonged UV weakens fabrics over time, so store gear out of direct sun and don't leave hammocks or bags baking in a hot car or on the beach longer than needed. Drying in shade when possible also helps.
Usually yes — a packable shell or light layer earns its place for sudden storms, breezy water, cool evenings, and shaded trails. It weighs almost nothing and you'll be glad to have it.
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