If you're planning a camping trip, heading out for a fish, or having relaxing day on the boat, it's important to prioritise sun safety and keeping cool. Now we know what you're about to say, you're already an expert at slip, slop, slapping, and keeping out of the sun. But do you actually know how to stay cool and enjoy the outdoors even on those blistering hot days? Here's a few commonly asked questions and BCF's top tips for keeping cool this summer.
How to seek shade on a hot day?
From the beach to the backyard, a gazebo is a top choice when you're in need of some shade. With plenty of accessories to pimp up your sun smart set up including gazebo walls, portable tables, and even hanging fans, you'll have a constant cool breeze and a perfect hangout spot.
After something that even the kids could carry? We’ve got you sorted with a range of beach tents, shelters, and umbrellas. These are stylish one person set up and pack-down shade options, perfect for beach days and a primo choice for keeping out of the Aussie sun.
If you’re heading off the black top with your 4WD and want instant shade wherever you go, it’s hard to beat an awning on the roof of your car. With an easy set up and pack down you’ll be covered up and relaxing in minutes. If the afternoon sun is creeping in, an awning wall is a top-notch add on for even more sun and wind protection. Once you've picked up an awning from BCF, it’s time to fit it to your vehicle. If you're not sure how to do this we offer a fitment service in select locations.
How to stay hydrated on a hot day?
If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's the importance of staying hydrated on a hot day. Now, as tempting as it is, staying hydrated doesn't mean reaching for those cold tins in your icebox. Staying hydrated is all about drinking water, lots of it! It's recommended you drink around three to four litres of water per day. Or to make things easy, one YETI Rambler® One Gallon Jug of water a day. Remember, if it's one of those days coming back from the beach and you have to do a hot pavement dance to the car, you may need to drink more water than normal.
Bringing a water bottle along for the ride is a sure fire way to keep you hydrated whether you're waiting for the next fish to bite or kicking back at camp. If you're on the move or going for a hike you may want to consider a hydration pack for convenience.
Refreshing ways to beat the summer heat
From the pool in your backyard to the river by your campsite or even your favourite beach, one of the easiest ways to beat the summer heat is to spend the day by the water.
There's no better way to cool off than floating around the pool on your inflatable pool toys. Not only are you cooling off, but you're also having a tonne of fun at the same time. Now, if you’re not too keen to get out of the pool to grab another bevy, picking up a soft cooler is a clever decision for keeping iced cold drinks an arm's reach away and keeping the whole crowd happy at the same time.
If you’re opting for a day at the beach, it would be incredibly un-Australian of you to not get the cricket set out. Lucky for you, not only do Verao have a cricket set sorted for you, but they've got enough beach games to keep the whole crew entertained for hours.
Camping by the water is one of our top tips to stay refreshed and beat Aussie heat. If you're looking to make the most out of your waterside camp spot, why not bring the kayaks along? We’ve got a range of junior kayaks, and even inflatable kayaks that’ll provide a bunch of fun and adventure for the whole family. If you need help finding a campsite by the water, Hipcamp will help you find the perfect location.
What is the best clothing to keep cool?
If you're spending the day fishing, boating around, lazing at the beach or going for a hike, sun protection and breathability are non-negotiables when it comes to clothing. Starting from the top, a hat is a must-have when outdoors and with so many options from straw hats, to bucket hats, and even hats for kids, there’s no excuse for not staying out of the sun.
Designed for the fisho, the boatie, the camper and all things outdoors, fishing shirts (or sub polos) are a top choice to protect you from the hot Aussie sun. Perfect for wearing around camp or out on the boat, the lightweight, quick drying design makes it a top-notch breathable shirt that keeps you cool and protected all day long.
Pair your fishing shirt up with a pair of boardies and throw on a pair of your favourite sandals and thongs for an outfit that’s not only SunSmart but will score you a few style points as well. Just don’t forget to throw on some sunscreen on any exposed skin!
If you're planning a hike or a long day on the water, packing a cooling towel is a top idea to cool off and stay refreshed. Using this as a cooling neck wrap is an instant solution to cool down and keep your body temperature low.
How to keep cool while camping?
Keeping cool while camping is easier than you think with the huge range of cooling options we have on offer. If you’re after a simple, cost-effective cooling solution a rechargeable or 12V fan is your best bet. Looking to take your cooling game to the next level? A portable air conditioner or an evaporative cooler are your best options. The last thing you want after spending the day outdoors is to come back to a heat-soaked tent, dreading the sleep that’s ahead of you. With a portable air conditioner, your tent will be a popular hangout spot keeping the same cool temperature all day and all night long. If you’re lounging around the campsite on those humid summer nights, an evaporative cooler is assured to keep cool while camping and a foolproof way to ensure a good night's sleep.
How to keep your pets cool on a hot day?
It doesn't matter how you spend your time outdoors, there's no excuse for leaving your furry friends at home. Spending the day by the water at your favourite beach, out on the boat, at a nearby lagoon or a river next to your campsite, are a few you-beaut ways for you to beat the summer heat but also great for your pets too!
With the energy and excitement of your dog arriving at your new campsite, or a sudden spurt of zoomies up and down the beach it's so important to keep your pets hydrated, especially on a hot day. Remember, pets need shade too, so make sure there's enough room under your gazebo, beach umbrella or awning for your furry friends too.
Remember how we spoke about how much you’ll love and appreciate a portable air conditioner? Your pets will too! It’s one of the easiest ways to keep you and your pets cool and comfortable while camping, even after a long day outdoors.
Powering up to beat the summer heat
Keeping the campsite cool and the drinks even cooler can be a power-demanding mission, so it’s important to have the right gear to power your setup. If you're off the beaten track, a portable power solution can be a great choice and means you can easily run fridges, fans, and other bits of kit that'll keep you cool wherever you go. Battery boxes and portable power stations are ideal for keeping the campsite powered and are a hassle-free off grid power solution for weekend trips. If you're planning a longer trip spending more than a few days away, then leveraging the power of the sun is a BCFing clever idea. Recharging your battery box or portable power station is super simple when a solar panel is connected, allowing you to spend more time powered up in the great outdoors.
One of the most commonly asked questions we get is what size battery or solar panel will you need to power your next trip away. Calculating your energy requirements can sometimes be tricky, but our power calculator will make figuring this out a breeze. So much so, you’ll feel like a BCFing power expert yourself.
Whether you're taking the boat for a spin, heading out for a fish, or spending a day at the beach, it’s important to prioritise sun safety and keeping cool especially on those blistering hot days! We can’t think of anything better than enjoying the day under the Aussie sun, so here’s to an unforgettable summer of BCFing fun!
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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