BEAT the HEAT The dog days of summer have set in, and you may be dreaming of cooler times. We’ve got some quick, easy hacks to help you beat the heat without running your AC or generator.
Zero-cost solutions to stay cool at the campsite
Summer is the right time to RV for so many reasons. Kids are out of school, vacations are expected, and the longer days naturally flow into late-night campfires… Not to mention the easy access to lakes, rivers, and trails for summer fun. But there’s one sweaty drawback… the heat. Heat that can become oppressive, especially if you feel trapped inside an RV.
Indeed, when the summer sun reaches its peak, staying cool isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. That’s a fact, whether you’re glamping in your luxurious home on the road or boondocking in a rugged rig (or something in between).
Last summer, we covered some of the top low-tech ways to beat the heat—from strategically placed awnings to catching cross-breezes to planning your travels toward cooler destinations. This year, we’re cranking it up—or rather down—with smart, zero-power cooling solutions to help you stay refreshed day and night. Best of all, there’s no need for outlets, cords, or noisy generators.
So, grab a cold one, and let’s get ready to chill.
From the Inside Out
Sometimes, the best way to fight the heat is to cool off from the inside—starting with what’s in your cooler or drink holder. When the sun is blazing, sipping something icy and snacking on chilled treats provides as much relief as turning on the AC (without draining your battery).
- Dual Duty Ice-Cold Treats: Freeze water bottles or juice boxes overnight. Not only can they keep your cooler colder for longer, but they also give you something icy cold to drink later. While you’re at it, load up with frozen grapes, watermelon wedges, or even DIY electrolyte ice pops to enjoy and help keep your core temperature down.
- Insulated Bottles: You don’t need a hot girl summer to get in on the insulated water bottle trend. And you don’t need to go with the high-end influencer-approved brand either. In fact, our Creative Director, Brian, just happened to have two insulated options. The one that everyone’s talking about and a knock-off version from a ubiquitous box store.He and his son decided to find out which one kept ice frozen for longer.
- On a hot day, they filled up both bottles with equal amounts of ice water. Then, they came back and checked them throughout the day.The winner? At least in this experiment, it was the budget-friendly brand! And by several hours. It’s a good reminder that staying cool doesn’t have to be costly. Sometimes, the budget brands perform just as well, if not better.
- Hydration with a Twist: Yes, plain water is a great way to stay hydrated. And we recommend keeping your water bottle with you to sip on throughout the day. But if you find drinking water is a chore or, worse, you’re skipping sips, you can add a little flavor to your day. Add citrus slices, cucumber, or a few sprigs of mint. Or consider adding a low-sugar electrolyte pack or squirt (such as Mojo H2O from BioTRUST) to make your water more appealing and This is especially important when you’ve been active or sweating more than usual.
Smart Natural Tricks to Stay Cool
Can’t find a plugin for your AC (or just want to delay turning it on)? Don’t worry: nature has your back. You just need to know how to work with it. These time-tested, resourceful strategies use natural elements like water, shade, and airflow to help you (and your stuff) stay cool.
- Evaporative Cooling: Desert travelers have relied on this cooling trick for literally centuries. Soak a bandana, lightweight towel, or even light cotton, bamboo, or hemp T-shirt in cold water. Wring it out and drape it over your neck, head, or shoulders. As the water evaporates, it draws heat away from your body. You’ll cool down even faster if you can catch a breeze or create one yourself by lightly fanning yourself.
- Secrets from Desert Dwellers: Clay pot coolers (aka Zeer Pots) are made with ancient, desert-inspired technology using basic physics to keep perishables cooler. Without the need to plug in. To make one, you simply nest a small terracotta pot inside a larger one. Then, fill the gap between the pots with wet sand. Food and drinks can be placed inside the smaller pot. Cover the top with a damp cloth, and as the water evaporates through the clay, it keeps the interior cool. Give it a try to keep your produce, eggs, and even drinks cool by the campsite.
- Stay Grounded: Storing your cooler or food bin on the north side of your RV, in the shade, can make your cooler more efficient. Digging down a few inches into the earth and nestling your cooler into the ground can make an even bigger difference.
Passive Gear Upgrades that Keep It Chill
You don’t need a fancy setup to create a cooler, comfier outdoor space for you or your critters. These small swaps and clever add-ons work silently in the background. With no cords to trip on.
- Breathable Chairs and Hammocks: If your go-to camp chair is thickly padded or made of canvas, it might be trapping more heat than you realize. Switching to a mesh or quick-dry fabric version can help boost airflow, reducing that sticky-sweaty factor. Even better, a hammock (or hammock chair) lifts you off the hot ground so the breeze can circulate underweight you. Ahhh…
- Reflective Shields: You may already religiously set up your reflective windshield panels to keep your cab cool. However, you may not have considered other uses for that material. Shiny emergency blankets made with mylar are affordable and can be repurposed to help keep your entire campsite a little more comfortable. For instance, use one as a tablecloth (or lay it under your cloth tablecloth if you prefer) to help keep the surface cooler. Drape them over sun-facing windows to deflect heat during the day. Or try hanging one tarp-style for some extra afternoon shade. Just remember, if you want to stay warm, face the reflective side toward you. If you want to stay cool, face it away from you.
- A Cooling Basin: After a long hike, bike ride, or just moseying through town on a hot afternoon, it’s time to cool off. Grab a basin of cool water (you can find collapsible bins for easy storage) to slide your toes into for a nice, cool, relaxing soak at the end of the day. Add some shade with an umbrella or pop-up tent, and you can chill in your low-power outdoor spa.
Small Tricks to Beat the Heat
These last few ideas may seem small, but they can make a big difference in your comfort level—without flipping a single switch.
- Chill Your Bedding: A few minutes before bed (or all day if you’re also looking for an out-of-the-way place to store your bedding), toss your bedding into a cooler with some ice packs. It’s a quick, easy way to turn down the temperature on a hot night. For more lasting relief, consider ditching traditional pillows for ones filled with buckwheat or millet. These materials don’t trap body heat the way foam and down do. Plus, they allow for better airflow for a cooler night’s sleep.
- Go Old School: A classic hand fan or compact folding paper fan really can do wonders, especially if you’ve found a shady spot to sit. Add in a misty spray bottle (possibly chilled in the cooler) for an occasional refreshing spritz on the neck, arms, and legs for even more relief. And if you have some kids with you, pack some squirt guns or higher-powered spritzers to have a little (potentially A LOT) more fun. You’re virtually guaranteed to get “accidentally” sprayed.
- Soak It Up: Designate a cooler or small tub for cold water and a few small towels and washcloths. Rotate them throughout the day for an instant cooldown. It’s a simple, packable, and surprisingly effective way to cool down after games, dog walks, or hikes. Use a larger towel over a raised dog bed for your pet to lie down on to help them cool down, too! (Though you may want to designate a bucket just for them.)
Stay Cool 😎
RVing in the summer can bring on the heat. Fortunately, a few no-power strategies mean you don’t have to sweat it. It’s all about working with your environment. So, before you start up the generator and head into the AC, give one of these smart cooling ideas a try. Your body, your power bank, and possibly your neighbors will thank you.
