Summer camping is a BLAST. We like to find a campsite on top of a mountain with a slight breeze, hike during the day, swim in the lakes and rivers to cool off, and sit by the campfire at night.
There are essentials you need for summer camping, but it’s important to remember the difference between every camping trip when planning on what to bring. In the deep south, summers are hot (no joke). During summer we can see highs of 100 degs+ and often times the lows are still in the high 70s or low 80s even. The humidity traps the heat and can make sleeping in the woods difficult if you’re unprepared. We highly suggest hammock camping for summer. The light material of an Eno hammock and being off the ground keeps you from getting hot in an otherwise hot situation. I will often bring a bed sheet instead of a sleeping back, just to have the comfort of something over me without it being too hot. Below are my gear suggestions for a perfect summer camping trip.
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Above is a list of everything you need for summer camping. Below is the reasoning behind each item.
The Eno Hammock is a lightweight, light material hammock. Hammock camping is the easiest way to stay cool on a hot summer night. Being off the ground means that heat can escape your body in every direction. The Eno hammock is breathable keeping you cool and is incredibly comfortable allowing you to sleep well all night. Tents typically trap heat and do not allow for the best airflow meaning your tent can get warm. Sleeping on the ground is typically uncomfortable so most people use a portable blow-up camping pad. Camping Pads typically are not very breathable and reflect heat keeping you overheated.
The Rain Fly is necessary for summer nights. Summer is notorious for having pop-up storms which drench an area and then disappear. Make sure you set up a rain fly to prevent from getting wet. Make sure you properly place the rain fly. If it is too far it will not shield you from the rain. If it is placed too close it will prevent heat from escaping making you wet from sweat!
A Bug Net is an absolute essential for camping in Alabama. Mosquitoes don’t care if you’re awake or asleep, they’ll eat you all the same!
Eno Hammocks do not come with straps. You can use webbing or rope, or you can just buy the straps that are designed for setting up the hammocks.
Knives are essential camping gear. They have multiple purposes no matter the year.
You will need a way to start a fire. A lighter is a super-easy way to get the necessary heat to start a fire. Most lighters if they get wet do not work. Make sure you get a waterproof one in case a pop-up storm catches you off guard!
Water is something you can’t live without. Be sure you can filter water to protect yourself from unwanted bacteria in the water.
Hydration packs can conveniently carry a lot of water and keep the water readily available to insure you stay hydrated. I personally prefer the osprey over the Camelbak, but they both work well!
Headlamps allow you to see at night while freeing up your hands to do other things. I suggest a headlamp with multiple brightnesses and a red light mode. The red light mode allows you to see while not triggering your body to become more alert allowing for you to prepare yourself for sleep or waking up your camping buddies.
Most backpacks work, but I suggest the Osprey packs. They are durable and comfortable and are designed for easy access. Real backpacking packs will properly distribute the weight of your gear on your hips instead of wearing out your shoulders.
If you’re going to cook a meal, you need something to eat with!
I have some super lightweight pots that do a fantastic job sitting directly on campfires and are easy to clean. These are necessary for camp cooking. Make sure you put a covering on your camp pot to keep the soot from the fire out of it!
You got to eat! We suggest specifically camping food like backpackers pantry or mountain house so you can keep your pack light. If you’re car camping this isn’t as big of a deal. Bring whatever makes you happy!
Use a LIGHT WEIGHT sleeping bag for summer. In the middle of summer, I will sometimes even skip a sleeping bag and bring a twin bed sheet just to have something to cover me. Keep this as light. A heavy sleeping bag will make you toss and turn all night continuously kicking the sleeping bag off of you and pulling it back over you when you get too hot and then too cold.
Always keep a First Aid Kit on hand!
- Compass and Map (If backcountry)
Always know where you are.
- GPS (If backcountry)
Again, always know where you are.
