When you’re packing for a summer music festival there are a couple of essentials everyone needs to remember to bring. CamelBaks or similar hydration packs are an absolute necessity to staying hydrated in the blazing heat. Hats (especially bucket hats) and bandanas provide much needed shade at stages that lack tents.
Heatstroke and dehydration are major concerns at festivals where temperatures can shoot into the triple digits. Recently, EDC Las Vegas reportedly experienced highs of 115 degrees during the day and cooled down to a steamy 85 degrees in the evening. Campers gearing up for summer festivals should be prepared for high temperatures throughout the stay. Heat stroke can be identified by a variety of symptoms, so be on the lookout for anyone who appears disoriented, has difficulty breathing and is noticeably not sweating even though their body temperature is high.
To maximize your festival experience and to avoid overheating, try these cheap tips the next time you’re out in the sun.
Fill Up that CamelBak… with water!
Yes, this is an obvious first tip but some will opt out of long water lines and head for the bar instead. While they might cool you down, alcoholic and caffeinated beverages will dehydrate your body rather than hydrating it. Alcohol can block the release of a hormone that is needed for water reabsorption and caffeine has diuretic effects. Both should not be treated as water substitutes so be sure to fill up on cool water throughout the day. Sports drinks or drinks with electrolytes are also good choices when it comes to re-hydrating.
Use Your “Cooling Spots”
Did you know your neck and wrists contain pulse points that are great for cooling off? Just like how dogs pant to cool off, your blood vessels are closest to the surface of your skin at your neck and your wrists. When you need to quickly bring down your temperature, wet a towel or bandana with cool water and place it on these pulse points. By applying cool water to these pulse points you can regulate and bring down your entire body temperature if you feel you are overheating.
Aloe vs. Moisturizers
Avoid using your usual body lotions or moisturizers and swap them with some aloe after-sun products. Aloe will help with any sunburn and can help lower your body temperature, which is crucial after a long day of outdoor festivities. Bonus tip: keep your aloe in the fridge to keep it nice and cool before you slather it on.
Maybe Keep Your Shirt On
I know it’s temping to wear as little clothes as possible when it comes to festival season, but you actually pick up more radiant heat exposure when you take your shirt off. As you sweat, your clothes can act as a cooling device when a breeze passes by your wet shirt. If you absolutely can’t resist taking your shirt off, be sure to have other forms of cooling devices. Final tip: before taking your shirt and clothes off, remember to apply sunscreen to avoid getting burnt.
Air Circulation is Key
First time (and not first time) campers, listen up! When pitching your tent, consider bringing battery-operated fans in order to keep air circulating throughout your campsite. We all know that when we sweat even the smallest breeze can cool down your surface temperature and leave you feeling pretty great. Air circulation is critical when it comes to evaporating the sweat off your body. You don’t want a strong wind because that can increase the heat, but some airflow is key to maximizing the cooling efficiency of sweat. Consider bringing some spray bottles with water along to your campsite too for the occasional mist when the heat gets intense. If you have access to ice, place your fans in front of a bowl with ice water when air conditioning isn’t an option.
These are just a few cost-effective yet efficient ways to beat the heat. Even if you’re not at a festival, these tricks can be used while vacationing or just kicking it at the beach. Take the time to make sure you’re in a good place and make sure your friends are doing well too. Wherever you are, maximize your time in the sun by staying safe and looking out for one another.