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Summer time is synonymous with the great outdoors and what better way to get out and enjoy the warm weather than with a good old fashioned camping trip? Before you head out to the woods or the lake, be sure you have adequate gear available so that you will keep the campers happy and safe.

When camping in hot temperatures it is important to consider whether or not your camp site has adequate shade. Ideally you should try to select a camp site that offers at lease partial shade during the hot hours of the day. Wooded campsites are coveted and often get leased up quickly so prepare yourself for those less than shaded spots that can seem scorching during the afternoon.

First you need to take along the right tent. No, all tents are not the same. Tents come in three-season and four-season models with varying amounts of ventilation. For hot weather camping you want as lightweight a tent as possible, and one with a fair amount of ventilation to capture those afternoon breezes. Tent materials range from lightweight nylon to heavy canvas. Pick a good lightweight nylon tent that is rated for three-season camping. These are usually well ventilated and come with a rain fly. The rain fly also serves the all important purpose of blocking those harmful sun rays and maintaining a cooler temperature inside the tent.

Secondly, choose a lightweight sleeping bag when camping in hot temperatures. The last thing you want is a fleece lined bag when the temperature is above 70 degrees at night. You want to stay cool and yet protected. Light weight bags are typically made of nylon material and offer natural cooling on hot nights.

Chances are you may be camping in an area without electricity. If you do have this luxury then feel free to pack a small oscillating fan. If not, sleep with as many of the windows open as possible. Most tents have a screen netting that will allow you to unzip the window and still keep bugs out.

Hot weather, water and woods are the perfect formula for mosquitoes, so you want to be sure to pack mosquito repellent the type with deet, a chemical that repels deep woods insects, including ticks. Without this your camping trip is sure to be a miserable experience.

Proper clothing is essential to a good camping experience. Pack light weight clothing; preferably items that can be layered so that when the temperature fluctuates you are prepared. Good, lightweight shoes are a must.

Perhaps the most important part of being a prepared camper is to stay hydrated on those hot days. An afternoon hike can quickly drain your body of fluid and electrolytes, leaving you dehydrated. This can spell disaster on a camping trip.

Always be sure to bring along a first aid kit. In addition, you want to bring along adequate sun block, select the kind that is waterproof as you will probably be playing in the lake, hiking or enjoying other activities that will make you perspire. A sunburn is no fun when camping, a little sun block is well worth the time. So stay cool and happy camping!