Campers Use A Smart Trick To Stay Cool On Hot Summer Nights
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If you spend any time camping, you may find that napping or relaxing during the heat of summer is the toughest part of any outdoor journey. Even after the sun goes down, the day's heat rises up from the ground or lingers in a tent. While there are many tricks to beat the heat — like remaining hydrated and improving ventilation — one surprisingly simple solution comes from a place you'd least expect: the pet store. Dog cooling mats are designed to give overheated pups a respite and — as Tiktoker and hiker koko.kenz points out — make for a cheap, easy solution to toasty afternoons or evenings for humans. As such, dog cooling mats may become a must-have for your summer camping adventures.
Most passive cooling mats use pressure-activated gel to absorb heat through direct contact with the body. It's the same principle as a stay-cool pillow. They don't require electricity, and many versions don't need to be refrigerated or manually refilled. Keeping one in a cool, shaded area until you're ready to use it is enough. Though it doesn't appear to be a widespread camping trend (yet), Kenzie calls it a "game changer out here" for humans as well as pets (it's still important to know what happens to your body when you get heatstroke).
Use these pads to create a small, cool spot to stretch out on during the hottest portions of the day. A bedsheet makes the surface more comfortable, though a standard dog cooling mat won't permeate a thick quilt or sleeping bag. Generally speaking, these mats are best suited to daytime lounging, relaxing at camp, or taking a break after a steamy hike. Some people will rest on one part of a pad till it warms up, then shift to the other half.
How to use a dog cooling mat for camping comfort
Consider a dog cooling mat as a quick, fairly affordable way to keep cool this summer. (most gel mats run $20 to $40). Set it up in a shady spot or over a lounge chair, and place a thin sheet or lightweight towel over the top. Most importantly, don't use the mat as your only defense against extreme heat: Stay hydrated, and add other camping essentials to keep cool. Like any passive cooling system, it warms up and becomes less effective. But pop it in the shade or let it cool overnight, and you're ready for the next day.
@koko.kenz This cooling mat is made from some kind of gel compound! It cools for a few hours then you just need to put it in the shade for a bit and its ready to go once again! #campinghack #hotweatherhack #doghack #campingtips #roadtriptips
If you're considering trying your hand at this camping hack, be aware that there are several styles (and sizes) to choose from. Pressure-activated gel mats are particularly convenient for camping because they don't require electricity, ice, or refrigeration. The Goopaws non-slip cooling mat, for example, activates when weight is placed on it and is designed to work for several hours before losing its cooling touch.
Other systems are also available, such as water injection mats, designed to be used with cool water, with the advantage that it can be refilled as it warms. This mat may be marginally more cumbersome to transport, but the simple refill factor means there's less of a waiting period once you've warmed it up: Refill and you're ready to relax more. This is especially ideal if you're camping near an ice-cold mountain stream. Whatever mat you go with, aim for one large enough so you'll be comfortable, and double-check that the weight and size fits your camping style.