If you’re at a campsite with a power source (unless you go with an alternative AC, which we’ll look at below) and don’t plan on packing up and moving sites too often, a solid camping tent air conditioner can be a game changer. Some would say it’s cheating, but there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a few luxuries when you’re enjoying the outdoors. They’re cost effective (depending on which model you go with), but not all are suitable for camping. You need something that’s energy efficient, relatively light weight, and effective at producing that sweet cool air you crave on hot outings.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Camping Tent Air Conditioner

Read moreKeeping Your Tent the Perfect Temperature

Not all air conditioning units are created equally, so it’s important to keep a few key factors in mind before you order one for your next outing.

Tent Air Conditioner Size

Tent Air Conditioner Type

There are several different types of air conditioner units to choose from, and each have their pros & cons.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioners

Room/Portable Air Conditioners

Ice Cooler Air Conditioners

Read moreCampsite Lighting Ideas: The Best Ways to Light Up Your Nights

These usually require the least amount of power, but require the most amount of upkeep while using. These generally work very well if you’re willing to change the ice out several times per day (especially on really hot days), which involves draining the melted water and requires you to have a solid supply of ice on hand. They’re not ideal, but are worth the effort if it’s close to 100 degrees out and you need an escape from the heat.

Camping Tent Air Conditioner Reviews

Now that you know what to look for when picking the right air conditioner for your needs, take a look at some of the best choices (listed below). Any of these would be a great choice, so it really just comes down to your specific goals, needs, and budget.

EdgeStar AP8000W Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier and Fan

The EdgeStar AP8000W portable air conditioner (8,000 BTU) is a compact sized AC which is perfect for cooling rooms that are up to 250sq.ft. This no-hassle unit does not require drilling holes to install as it only needs enough space to vent the hot air out through a wall or window and a point for power supply. You can easily find a spot to let out the hose from your tent. It has an automatic direct drain option and includes all necessary items such as a remote control, window kit, hose, casters, and washable filters so you can set it up yourself.

Pros:

• Portable. Can be used and removed as required
• Easy to operate
• Can be programmed for up to 24 hours
• 3-speed fan option
• Remote control included

Cons:

• A few customers had problems with water leakage

Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 5, 000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner

Our next AC is a window mounted unit (5000 BTU) for smaller areas, preferably no larger than 150 sq. ft. Since it requires window mounting, you may have to customize your tent to fit the unit. However, it will not take up any floor space and the unit is compact in size. It does not come with a remote control; all controls are installed on the unit itself. If you can manage a 120V power supply and a way to mount this then the AC will go a great job in keeping your tent cool fresh when you need a good night’s sleep or an afternoon nap.

Pros:

• Can effectively cool tents up to 150 sq. ft.
• Small frame
• Washable mesh filter

Cons:

• Pretty heavy
• Cannot be installed without tent customization

Tripp Lite SRCOOL12K 12K BTU (3.5 kW) Portable Cooling Unit Air Conditioner

If you have very limited space in your tent but still want to enjoy the benefits of AC in your tent, then you can check out the Tripp Lite SRCOOL air conditioner. It is designed to fit narrow spaces but with 12,000 BTU of cooling power it can cool 500 sq. ft. of area. It comes with a built-in evaporator so you won’t have to worry about draining the water. The unit is installed with all automatic features which allow you to just plug and go about doing your business. You can keep a track on the temperature and all settings through the LCD display.

Pros:

• Powerful cooling
• Can fit tight spaces
• Portable
• Automatic features and options

Cons:

• More expensive than other options
• Lifetime may be an issue

Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier & Fan

We feel portable ACs are always convenient for tents because they require no permanent installation and are one of the most hassle-free cooling units. The Honeywell portable AC has 9000 BTU cooling power which is ideal for rooms up to 400 sq. ft. It comes with dual washable filters and auto-evaporation and built-in dehumidifier. The 3-in-1 pre-assembled hose comes with connectors and you can easily set up the unit wherever you want. The remote control and LCD display ensures that you get to enjoy all the features just the way you want them customized.

Pros:

• Portable and easy to install
• Self draining
• Great cooling power
• Includes a remote control and LCD display
• Fitted with wheels for easy movement

Cons:

• Not exactly loud but not completely silent either

COSTWAY 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

This unit from COSTWAY is yet another portable AC that cools rooms up to 200 sq. ft. with 10,000 BTU capacity. It can be used in three modes; cooling, dehumidification and fan. The fan comes with 3 speed options so you can adjust the settings to meet your requirements. The 24-hour programmer and fan settings can all be controlled using the remote control and the LCD display. You can also move the unit from place to place as it has caster wheels installed. The compact size and user friendly operation makes this a good cooling system for your tent.

Pros:

• No permanent installation
• User friendly
• Easy mobility
• Includes a remote control and LCD display

Cons:

• Not very quiet

GoCool 12V Portable Semi Truck Cab Air Conditioner For Camping Tents & RV Campers

The GoCool air conditioner is designed especially for the outdoors. You can use this unit to keep your tent cool when you need to escape the heat and take shelter in a cool place. It works with water and ice where the ice is melted by warm air and a cool breeze is released to fill the room. If you can fully load it with ice you can easily get 5-6 hours of cooling depending on the heat condition outside. It is a 12 volt AC & DC air conditioner with no exhaust and with (AC) wall and (DC) vehicle lighter outlet you can get this unit running successfully. It includes a 6 feet long drainage tube to get the water out.

Pros:

• Ideal for camping
• Easy to use
• Requires no installation

Cons:

• Needs to be refilled with ice and water every time

5 Gallon Bucket Air Conditioner – Ice Model

Our final AC on the list is a bucket air conditioner. It is the ice-model which means it uses ice to release the cool air. The size is an added advantage as it is not too bulky and needs no installation. You can carry it anywhere around the tent and place it where there is a power supply. It can also be battery operated but for that you will have to purchase the batteries separately. This product comes with AC/DC power supply. To get this unit running all you have to do is fill it with ice or frozen bottles and a high pressure fan will blow cool air out of it. Depending on the weather outside, you can get hours of cooling effect from this compact piece.

Pros:

• Compact in size
• Portable
• Comes with the option of running on batteries
• No hassle of installing or mounting anywhere

Cons:

• The ice can melt quickly and require frequent refilling on very hot days

But, modern inventions have this ability to solve these issues very conveniently and truck bed tents are one of such inventions. You do not have to worry about finding the right place, protecting yourself from various hazards on the ground, going through the rigorous set-up process or even rain with a truck bed tent. All you have to do is carry it and set it up easily on the truck bed and voila!

Read moreKeeping Your Tent the Perfect Temperature

However, not all truck bed tents will fit your purpose and need. Therefore, you need to have full knowledge about them and getting introduced to some of the best and their features will definitely help. So, our reviews of the six truck bed tents will let you know about the good and bad that come with each.

Truck Bed Tents Reviews

Sportz Truck Tent

What makes this tent so great is the sewn-in floor that only a few truck bed tents have. In fact, with a headroom of 5 feet and 6 inches, this spacious tent can accommodate two people in it comfortably. Moreover, it has a large rear panel that helps storage and also a large entrance door. The two mesh windows and side vents not only keeps the tent well-ventilated but also keeps insects out.

Read moreCampsite Lighting Ideas: The Best Ways to Light Up Your Nights

Furthermore, it is quite easy to set up after you set it up once. It features 4’ X 4’ shade awning that can be secured to the tailgate so you do not even need guide ropes. Moreover, its color-coded poles make the task even easier and also the sleeve system aids it. Also, it is available in blue and grey colors.

If your truck needs any protection (which I don’t think it does), this tent provides it with a set of strap protectors. However, with the awning not being removable, it’s not supposed to perform great in windy weather. However, the rain fly is very efficient in keeping the rain out.

Pros:

• Sewn in a floor.
• Very spacious and comfortable for two.
• Ample storage space.
• Large entrance.
• Great ventilation.
• Easy to set up.
• Comes with a carry bag that helps portability.
• Handles weather well.

Cons:

• Poles are not of the greatest quality, design or build.

Sportz Link Ground 4 Person Tent

If you have a family of four, this tent would be a great choice for you. In fact, it has a great design to accommodate four people at ease. Apparently, with 8’ X 8’ dimensions, the floor is not only waterproof but also very comfortable. Moreover, it features a large door and three mesh windows that helps keep the tent ventilated. Also, the mesh windows keep insects out.

Although it is a tent for four, it does not require four people to set-up. It is basically a fusion of two tents in which the attachment sleeves connect the ground tent to the Napier truck tent seamlessly. Furthermore, this tent is very easy to store and carry as well. Because not only is it lightweight but it also comes with a carry bag in which it fits compactly. Lastly, it features a full rain fly that provides you with the ultimate weather protection. However, it is not the best for handling windy weathers.

Pros:

• Well-built with quality materials.
• Weather-proof.
• Nice design.
• Well-ventilated.
• Quite spacious.
• Easy enough to set up by one person.
• Spacious enough for four.

Cons:

• Does not provide much privacy.
• Poles cannot be put under too much strain.

Napier 57122 Full-Size Regular Box 57 Series Sportz Truck Tent

This is another great truck bed tent, very similar to the Sportz truck tent, also with a patented sewn in floor. So, you have less to deal with while setting it up. In fact, this tent also eases the set-up process for you with color-coded poles and the sleeve system. Furthermore, it can also accommodate two people very easily with its spacious interiors. None of you will be suffocating as it has two large windows and two side vents that you can open for ventilation.

Moreover, you get interior pockets to store your essentials. The rear access door also helps you with storage. Lastly, this truck bed is great for three seasons with a rain fly that functions really well to keep you dry and everything in the tent dry.

Pros:

• Patented sewn in floor.
• Color-coded poles and sleeve system for easy setup.
• Spacious enough for two tall people.
• Ventilation provided with vents and windows.
• Can handle three seasons well.
• Comes with a carry bag.
• Features interior pockets.

Cons:

• Customers complained about the poles being wrongly coded.

Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent

Perfect for full-sized pickups like Chevy, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota and more, this is another great truck bed tent that offers the best features. Firstly, it also features a sewn-in polyethylene floor so is very convenient for usage. Furthermore, it is very easy to set up with only four poles. The large interior area with 5.25 feet headroom can accommodate two average height people quite well. Moreover, the mesh window and the large D shaped entrance keeps it ventilated and free from insect attacks. It also offers you storage pockets to store your essentials.

The water-resistant coating and the rain fly keeps you and your pal dry in the rainiest of weathers. Moreover, it can handle snow very well as well.

Pros:

• Easy to set up with a sewn-in floor and four poles.
• Weather-resistant with waterproof build and rain fly.
• Very durable and high-quality build of poles and all other components.
• Lightweight and comes with a heavy-duty carrying bag.
• Well-ventilated.

Cons:

• There were complaints about the seams tearing.
• Some of the customers complained about the poles breaking.

Guide Gear Compact Truck Tent

One great truck with just an addition of a carpet or mattress for comfort only because the truck bed is that hard. In fact, this tent also comes with a sewn in polyethylene flooring. It is also very easy to set up. The waterproof build with the rainfly makes it very suitable for usage in rain-prominent areas. Furthermore, it has such a sturdy and quality build that it can handle windy weathers very well. If you like to stretch, it might be a problem if you are over 4.75 feet as it has a headroom of the same. Ventilation won’t be a problem with its large door and mesh windows which also protect you from insects.

It, in fact, fits beds of around 72-74 inches. Weighing only 10 pounds, it is super easy to transport in the carry bag it includes with it. Furthermore, it fits pickups like Chevy, Nissan, Ford, etc.

Pros:

• Weather-proof.
• Great ventilation.
• Very easy set-up.
• Great quality materials used in the build.
• Easy to transport.

Cons:

• Poles need careful handling during set-up.

Rightline Gear 110730 Full-Size Standard Truck Bed Tent 6.5′

If you are taller than average and the tent roof always poses a problem for you, this truck bed tent should rescue you. Yes, that’s possible as it has a headroom of 6.5 feet. Moreover, while other trucks feature sewn-in floors, this truck features a floorless design to help set-up. And, of course, the color-coded poles and sleeve system to further ease the setup process. Moreover, in order to assure your truck suffers damage, these truck bed tents feature protective straps and buckles.

To give you protection in rainy weather, it features an optional rainfly that you can set up very easily. It also features gear pockets. Lastly, in order to help you find the correct size of a tent for your truck, it has a sizing guide available online.

Pros:

• Spacious and comfortable for two people.
• Floorless and very easy to set up.
• Protects well from the rain with the optional rain fly.
• Very stable in winds.
• Does not damage the truck’s finish.

Cons:

• Does not seem very well-ventilated.
• Not of the best quality as many users complained of the seams ripping and also the straps tearing.

So, the truck bed tents have certain features that are very essential for you to just use them. There are other features that make one greater than the other. In the end, it is up to you, what features you demand from your truck bed tents. Whatever it is, make sure that the tent you choose provides it best and has flaws that don’t affect you. So, that wraps up our truck bed tents reviews.

It’s almost that time of year; camping season. I know some of you are saying that camping is for any time of the year (and I’ve included cold weather tents as well), but for the most part, the best time of the year for camping is fast approaching. If you’ve wondered which one is right for you, you’re not alone. Here I’ve gathered ten tents in six different categories and the reasons you should purchase them.

Flying Solo?

Sometimes you just want to go it alone, have some “me time,” and commune with nature.

Read moreKeeping Your Tent the Perfect Temperature

Rated nearly 5 stars on Google, the MSR Hubba NX Tent for one person allows gives you a lightweight design perfect for backpacking in three seasons. The compact tent maximizes space with its non-tapered floor and symmetrical geometry. Engineered to make you comfortable with cross-ventilated rainfly as well as the StayDry door, you’ll enjoy taking this tent on your next solo trip.

If the nearly $300 sticker price is too much for you, look at the Bushnell Roam Series 8.5’ x 3’ solo backpacking tent found at Walmart. Nearly $250 cheaper than the MSR Hubba NX, the Bushnell Roam also has nearly 5 stars on Google and is also rated for three seasons Allowing for an easy setup, the simple two-pole design tent also comes with a compression sack to make for more compact travel.

Couples Camping

Because what is more romantic than sleeping under the stars with the one you love.

Read moreCampsite Lighting Ideas: The Best Ways to Light Up Your Nights

Once again, the MSR Hubba Hubba NX tent scored highest among Google reviews. This three-season tent weighs in at only 3 lbs. Efficient to use and easy to carry, this tent offers the same features as the MSR Hubba NX along with adjustable stake out loops to speed up your setup time. Truly a tent that can do it all.

Just starting out camping and don’t want to spend $300? Take the Coleman Sundome 2-person tent on your first trip; it’s perfect for those new to camping at a fraction of the cost. Easy to setup, the Coleman Sundome features Coleman’s exclusive weatherTec system to keep you dry and comes with its own carry case.

Family Fun

The family that camps together, stays together.

Perhaps you need a tent for your whole family or a large group. With a full 5 stars, Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic Tent fits 6 people, is rated for four seasons, and was field tested in Alaska. This tent can handle whatever Mother Nature throws its way. Worried about space? The vestibule allows for both storage of your gear and protection from the elements. A rugged tent with lots of features, you’ll find it at Cabela’s stores or online for around $350.

Have a large group but don’t want to spend your entire budget on your tent? Look at the Ozark Trail 12’ x 8’ Modified Dome Tunnel Tent found at Walmart. Sleeps 6 and rated for cold weather, the Ozark Trail tent boasts large mesh panels providing views of the great outdoors as well as allowing better airflow. At over 1/3 the price of Cabela’s tent, the Ozark Trail is sure to provide your family with fun without eating up your budget.

Have Truck

Will Travel and Camp

Becoming increasingly more popular, truck tents provide added protection from the cold ground as well as insects. The Napier Sportz 57 truck tent is the tops in both style and quality. Features include a rain fly, 4’ x 4’ awning side vents, and large windows. Rated for three seasons, the Napier Sportz 57 truck tent attaches entirely to your truck. Nearly $300, you can find this quality tent online at various retailers.

New to truck camping? Guide Gear from Sportsman’s Guide offers a Full-Size truck tent at about $80. Setup takes minutes allowing you shelter fast and off the ground. The Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent offers topnotch construction at a price you’ll love.

Hiking the Trails

For those who prefer the road less traveled.

Not only is the MSR Hubba Hubba NX the best tent for couples, but it’s also rated the best tent for hiking. Find this versatile tent at Moosejaw for around $300.

Need a more affordable model for your camping and hiking needs? The Coleman Hooligan 2-person camping dome tent with patented weatherTec system is you’re looking for. Setup this tent in as little as 5 minutes with its single pole setup and easy to use instructions. The Coleman Hooligan 2-person tent can be found at Walmart for around $55.

Braving the Brrrr

Who says winter wasn’t made for camping?

If you love camping, even when temperatures drop below freezing, then you’ll need a tent to suit your needs. Cabela’s Alaskan Guide model, also featured as the best tent for larger groups and families, will provide shelter and warmth when you most need it. Field tested in Alaska where other tents would have packed it in, this tent withstands Mother Nature’s blusteriest of winds.

Not sure if cold weather camping is your cup of tea? Try the Coleman Sundome 6-person Dome Tent for your first blustery camping excursion. Similar to the 2-person dome tent for couples, this tent offers the Coleman patented weatherTec system to keep you dry. Many features included in this economical design from an adjustable flow system to keep you comfortable to easy setup to make camping that much more enjoyable. At $84 dollars, it won’t burn a hole in your wallet.

Feel more equipped to make that tent purchase? Let me know how your camping experience was and the tent you choose in the comments below.

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Tent heaters & air conditioners can help get your tent to a comfortable level, and it’s highly recommended you invest in a temperature control for your tent to make your camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Read moreCampsite Lighting Ideas: The Best Ways to Light Up Your Nights

However, these devices are only part of the puzzle, and should be used in moderation. It’s important to plan ahead and bring a few key tools to keep you warm or cool (depending on the weather you’re anticipating for your upcoming outing). It’s not just about keeping your tent at the right temperature–it’s about keeping yourself at the right temperature.

Cold Camping Tips – How to Stay Warm in Your Tent

Camping Tent Heaters

Heaters are one of the easiest ways to maximize your comfort on a cold camping trip, if you have access to an electric hookup (EHU). If the campsite you’re going to doesn’t, skip this section and go to Other Camping Gear to Keep You Warm​​​​​​​.

Read moreThe Camping Tent Buying Guide - Finding the Perfect Tent for Your Needs

One of the most common questions asked is: Are camping tent heaters safe? The answer is yes–when used responsibly. No matter what type of heater you choose (we’ll look at several popular types below), you should never leave it on unattended, and don’t leave it on while you sleep.

Instead, these heaters are best used to warm the tent to a comfortable level before turning in for the night, and to get the tent nice and toasty right after waking up.

A note about placement: be sure you keep your tent heater off the ground to prevent it from getting damp or wet in case of inclement weather. Be sure to keep it away from the sides of your tent–lots of tent fabrics are surprisingly flammable.

Electric Fan Heaters

An electric fan heater is a popular choice for campers. They heat tents relatively quickly and they’re light.

Pros:

Fast(er) heating

Portable & light

Fairly cheap

Cons: 

Kind of loud

Leaves air feeling dry

A main complaint about electric fan heaters is that they can be noisier than alternative solutions. However, if you don’t plan on sleeping with it on (you shouldn’t), noise shouldn’t be much of an issue. Another common issue is they can leave air feeling a bit dry and stuffy – however, some people consider this a bonus as damp air in cold weather isn’t the most comfortable setting.

Electric Radiators

Using an electric radiator to warm you tent can be awesome, but if you plan on packing up and moving camp on foot at any time during your trip, look for an alternative heating solution.

Pros

Quiet heating

Stays warm after turned off

Doesn’t dry out the air inside the tent

Cons

Not portable, heavy

Slower to heat a tent than alternatives (in some cases)

Electric radiators really take camping to a whole new level, but they’re not without their drawbacks. For starters, they usually weigh a ton and aren’t conducive when it comes to packing up and hiking to a different campsite.

Additionally, they take a while to heat up – much longer than the alternative heating options listed here. Not a huge deal, just don’t expect to turn it on and be flooded with warmth. Fortunately, some electric radiators come with a fan that pushes hot air quicker while the radiator heats up.

With that being said, radiators are much more quiet than electric fan heaters, so if you’re looking to enjoy the sounds of nature in all their glory, this may be a better option. They also stay warm for much longer after turning them off, which is ideal for staying warmer for longer as you drift off to sleep.

Electric Halogen Tent Heaters

If you’re at a campsite where the electric hookups are lower-powered (a fairly common scenario), an electric halogen tent heater is a great choice.

Note: Free-standing halogen heaters can be a fire risk, so it’s better to steer clear of them and opt for a hanging one instead.

Pros

Quiet, fast heating

Lightweight & portable

Glows nicely, which can help you see in the tent at night

Cons

Standing halogen heaters can cause fires

Hanging halogen heaters can get in the way

Doesn’t heat a large area well

Electric Halogen Tent Heaters put out a surprising amount of heat for coming in such a small package, but if you have a big tent the heat may not reach the corners as well as you’d like.

With a hanging heater, there’s a danger of walking face-first into it if you aren’t paying attention, so it’s a good idea to put something underneath it to remind you it’s there (a table, for example — if your tent is big enough). If you’re unable to do so, just try to be mindful it’s there.

It shouldn’t be an issue, but the heater will be close to the tent ceiling, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the fabric above the heater to ensure it doesn’t get too warm. It’s up to you as to whether or not you keep it running all night, but it’s probably a better idea not to.

Wood Burning Stoves

Pros

Don’t need an electric hookup

Efficient heating

Keeps the tent nice and toasty after use

Cons

Your tent needs to be built for a wood burning stove

Usually not very portable.

In order to consider using a wood burning stove to warm your tent, you have to have a tent that is compatible with it–most tents on the market aren’t. You’ll need a specialty tent that has a flue. If you have a fire-retardant canvas tent, you can make your own flue, but it’s a better idea to purchase one that has one included.

You’ll need to invest in a fire-retardant, heat resistant mat unless you can remove the flooring of the tent. For your safety, you should also consider investing in a carbon monoxide alarm to ensure there’s no build-up and the flue is functioning properly.

They’re also usually not very portable (bulky & heavy), but there are a few nice models that are smaller and work well, which we’ll look at below.

With that being said, wood burning stoves are fantastic because they don’t require electricity, unlike the other heating options–so you’re not limited to finding campsites with EHUs.

Portable Gas Heaters

Steer clear of portable gas heaters at all costs. They’re way too risky to use–not because of their chances of catching fire (which has been reduced as technology has improved over the years)–but because they can pump out carbon monoxide.

These types of heaters should never be used in an enclosed space, especially a space as small as a tent.

Other Camping Gear to Keep You Warm

Heaters are great when you can utilize one (access to electricity, room to bring one with you, etc.), but there’s plenty of other equipment that you can use alongside a heater, or in place of a heater when bringing one isn’t possible.

Long Johns (aka Thermal Underwear)

Long Johns may not be the the most stylish clothing ever invented, but you’ll be glad you brought them when you’re spending a night outdoors in the cold. They’re usually made from cotton, a cotton-polyester blend, flannel, or wool, and they work incredibly well for how light-weight they are.

When looking for a solid pair of thermal underwear, try to find sets that include polyester or wool. Polyester helps with wicking away moisture because the fabric draws moisture from your skin to the exterior of the Long Johns, which allows the water to evaporate quicker. Wool is an incredible insulator and can keep you warm even when wet.

Hot Water Bottles

Bring a hot water bottle or two to throw in your sleeping bag to warm it up and keep it nice and toasty. They come in handy, even in moderate weather (60 degrees or so), and don’t take up much room. Of course, you’ll need a way to heat water to utilize it, so be sure to bring a kettle & stove.

Sleeping Bag Liners

Tent Carpets or Rugs

Once you’ve camped with a tent carpet or rug, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without one. You won’t believe it until you try it, but a rug instantly upgrades a tent to make it feel more like a home. They can be a bit pricey, but they’re well worth the investment; or you can opt to use an alternative option–check out our “Should I Buy a Tent Carpet?” post for more information.

Of course, if you’re backpacking, leave the tent carpet at home–they’re bulky and heavy, and as awesome as they are, they aren’t worth trying to haul around the extra weight.

Tips to Keep in Mind to Stay Warmer

Bring a Smaller Tent

The more space you have in your tent, the harder it is to get warm and keep it that way. Natural body heat can be useful, but only if you’re in a tent that’s appropriately sized for you and/or your group. Having more space is nice, but keeping warm on a cold night is generally the better way to go.

Additionally, if possible, bring a tent made of a thicker material, such as canvas – as they’re better at retaining heat.

Warm Up Before Calling it a Night

It’s hard to get warmed back up once you lay down, so if you’re feeling a chill the best idea is to try and bring your body temperature up. There are several ways to do this: enjoy some nice hot tea (or hot chocolate, etc. – whatever you’re feeling), do a quick workout (jog in place, do some jumping jacks, etc.), or huddle by the fire before you put it out for the night.

Hot Camping Tips – How to Stay Cool in Your Tent

Camping Tent Air Conditioners

Air conditioners are one of the most efficient ways to stay cool on a camping trip, if you have access to an electric hookup (EHU). If the campsite you’re going to doesn’t, skip this section and go to Other Camping Gear to Keep You Cool.

One of the most common questions asked is: Are camping tent air conditioners safe? The answer is yes–there shouldn’t be any issue with running a nicely built modern tent air conditioning unit for any length of time.

To be safe, it’s probably a good idea to shut it off when you’re out exploring (since tents are small compared to a house, they don’t take long to cool down when you get back), and keep the unit off the ground and protected from the rain.

Camping Tent Fans

Bring a bigger tent.

Other Camping Gear to Keep You Cool

Tips to Keep in Mind to Stay Cooler