6 DIY Outdoor Cooling Techniques
Whether you’re planning a Labor Day weekend camping trip or simply taking a day trip to a national park or outdoor space, you’ll need to be ready to deal with the late August heat. While there are a number of products on the market that might help you survive the sun’s powerful rays this weekend, we at Renlicon have prepared a handy DIY guide to finding cooling solutions that really work with items you already have on hand. Comb through this list to find techniques that will fit your budget and keep you from succumbing to Mother Nature’s steamy wrath!
Potential Health Risks of Heat Overexposure
Overexposure to heat during the dog days of summer can present a potentially fatal health risk. Though we’re big proponents of outdoor activities of all kinds, we want to make sure you’re fully educated and prepared to deal with all risks associated with outdoor life. Heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses are responsible for around 1,300 deaths in the United States alone every year.
The following three heat-related conditions present various symptoms that you should be on the lookout for as you participate in outdoor Labor Day activities this year:
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when your body overheats and can't cool down properly. Symptoms may include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and a fast pulse. If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a severe condition where the body's core temperature rises dangerously high. Symptoms include confusion, high body temperature, hot and dry skin, rapid heart rate, and even loss of consciousness. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
Extreme Dehydration
High temperatures can lead to excessive sweating, causing the body to lose essential fluids and electrolytes. Dehydration can result in symptoms such as dry mouth, dark yellow urine, fatigue, and dizziness. Severe dehydration can lead to heat-related illnesses.
If you notice any of these symptoms while you’re out with family and friends this Labor Day, be sure to consult reliable medical sources for the best treatment options and call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
6 DIY Cooling Techniques
In response to the risks that heat-related illness presents to campers and outdoor enthusiasts, we've developed the following guide to preparing DIY cooling techniques. Read over the techniques below and determine which of the options fits your budget and situation. Make sure you implement as many of these techniques as possible to mitigate the risk of heat-related illness.
1. DIY Sunshade Solutions
Create DIY sunshades using old bed sheets or large pieces of fabric. Hang them up between trees or attach them to poles to create shaded areas where you can relax. Sunshades may seem ineffective on a hot, humid day, but there’s quite a bit of evidence to suggest that UV rays may increase the effects of heat exhaustion. Not to mention the fact that when the sun’s rays hit your skin, your body temperature can increase dramatically.
2. Homemade Ice Packs
In addition to coolers filled with summer beverages and pellets of ice, make sure to pack a few personal ice packs for your trip as well. If you don’t have standard medical ice packs such as gel packs, you can easily create your own DIY ice packs. By using a few common household items, you can have a functional ice pack in only a few hours. Freeze wet sponges or dish towels in resealable bags. Place these DIY ice packs on your neck, wrists, or forehead for an instant cooling effect.
3. Create DIY Cooling Stations
Having designated areas for friends and family to retreat to during your next outdoor event can be a great way to give people the reprieve they need from the heat. Set up shaded areas with misting fans or spray bottles filled with water. Make sure to have cool, damp cloths available for wiping your face and neck.
4. Frozen Fruit Snacks
Get creative with your cuisine on your next outdoor summer adventure by creating frozen fruit snacks to munch on and battle the heat. Freeze pieces of watermelon, grapes, or berries and take them along as snacks. They'll help cool you down from the inside out.
5. Natural Cooling Clothes
The type of clothing you wear goes a long way to helping you control your body temperature. Whether you already own the type of cool gear you need to keep the heat at bay or you decide to use this information to craft a heat-friendly wardrobe is up to you. Just make sure you wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton to stay cool.
6. DIY Cooling Body Spray
Mix ice water, witch hazel, and a few drops of eucalyptus or tea tree oil in a spray bottle for an instant cooling body mist. Though this may not cool your body temperature much, it will certainly make the late-August heat seem a bit more bearable.
Be sure to experiment with a few of these options and find the ones that work best for you. No matter how fit or experienced you may be, staying cool is an important consideration when spending time outdoors. We hope you have a fun-filled outdoor adventure this Labor Day, but be sure to exercise caution when it comes to the heat!
And while you’re planning your getaway, check out all of Renlicon’s sports and outdoor products like the Out-In-About Box™. This simple, compact storage tool is perfect for your next family gathering. With 8 individual storage compartments specially designed to fit various kinds of equipment, the Out-In-About Box™ is a wonderful organizational tool for the serious outdoorsman/woman! Get yours today!
