Wilderness Readiness

[MavNick92]

Hey Squatchers, the other day I went out into the Davy Crockett National Forest and caught a few ticks on me and my buddy Dustin. I didn't see any on my four year old son, but just one was enough to make this dad worry about getting him out into the wilderness safely. In addition, this made me think about other situations I haven't experienced a whole lot and my readiness level for those situations, so I had the idea of making a thread where folks can give their tips and tricks for how they might solve any problems out in the wilderness.

So I am making a thread for any and all members to share any natural or otherwise tips for travelling through the wilderness safely. Not only is this meant for those who are inexperienced in certain readiness situations, but it is also meant to show those who have experience in the problem at hand that there are many different ways to be ready for that situation(hopefully expanding their ability to handle those situations). I can't wait to see the different ways people solve problems on the trail.
We all have things that we're not experienced with quite yet, and this is hopefully the way that we can all educate each other and make our time on the trail even more worth it!

Example Topics (Please take these as just some of the topics, theres a lot to cover)

• Insect Repellant​
• Mechanical​
• Treading Around Wildlife​
• Camping In Extreme Heat​
• Cooking Techniques​
• Off-Road Recovery​
• Water Sealing​
• Food Saving​
• Camping With Kids​
• Treading Lightly​
• Bushcraft​
• & Many More I'm Sure...​

So, in short, if you have a question about the way you're doing something out on the trail, just shoot it to this thread & other members
can help out and/or advise to the best of their ability!​

NOTE: This thread is NOT JUST FOR TICKS, or even wildlife only. This thread is meant to serve as a place where members can share their unique curated tips on traversing wilderness (in a truck, on your feet, in a boat, etc.) and all things that come with that.

 

[Ray Mitchum]

I'll start:
Insect Repellant
I hate DEET as much as the next guy, but it is usually a necessary evil so I always keep some around (in the form of OFF). The better product that I've come to use is permethrin spray (SAWYER). Rather than a repellant, it is an insecticide. Permethrin is applied to everything except skin. So I spray my "point of entry" such as shoes, pant legs, and the waistband. I also spray my gear with this stuff. If camp is not too windy, a Thermacell does a fantastic job of keep mosquitos and no-see-um's away. Another great item to have in your first aid kit is a tick key. It is a very safe and effective way to remove the entire tick when they've already latched out. https://tickkey.com/ . A final note, is that while Lyme's Disease is very real, a good point to remember is that the tick has to be attached for around 24 hours to transfer the disease; so as long as you can remove it in a couple of hours, you should be good to go. Tick bites last FOREVER and look like hell. It has taken my skin months sometimes to heal completely.

 

[Shane-JKRU]

20% Picaridin Insect Repellent | Sawyer Products

Our newest and most popular insect repellent for your skin, Picaridin is safe for use on the whole family and does not harm clothing and gear.

www.sawyer.com

This Sawyer Picaridin is good for skin and doesn't damage gear like deet does. Works great!

 

[Ray Mitchum]

Mechanical

This is very specific your you know the needs of your vehicle and your personal capabilities with your tools. I personally have a 15" tool bag with an assortment of hand tools that I am extremely capable with. I've used this bag to completely rebuild a D44 hub/spindle/stub shaft as a trail repair. But I drive that Jeep very hard, and it is old and not my most dependable vehicle. My Excursion on the other hand, all I carry is tools to make my life easier for changing a flat tire. That said, both of my off-road vehicle both of tire plug kits and air compressors.

 

[MavNick92]

Hey Squatchers, it's time again for another Wilderness Readiness Topic!

I wanna say thank you to @Ray Mitchum & @Shane-JKRU for the tips on bug repellant! As we were moving through the trails of Caddo Lake State Park, I wasn't worried about inspects like ticks and chiggers because I was prepared with DEET(OFF) and some Sawyer I picked up and stored in my swing out tool box.

After going doing Caddo Lake State Park, and the dealing with the looming (albeit, unreasonable) fear of 'gators, I figured we could try and cover the topic of Being Around Dangerous Animals. Now, I know, I know, when you read "Dangerous Animals", you think of lions, tigers, and crazy rare poisonous frogs that can spit death at you from 6 ft away. But I am referencing the very creatures that surround our lively communities; the creatures that loom just in the periphery of our cities.

There have been a lot of stories of bear attacks over the past few years,(as well as some Bison attacks) now I know we're a good distance from bears and Bison, but there are tons of other amazingly terifying animals in the woods that we should respect and fear properly.

---

Trail Riding/Camping Around Dangerous Animals
Here is a list of some of the animals that we see the most of here in East Texas and if you've got tips to share, share 'em!
I think we all want to create an informed community.

• Bobcat (And other big cats)
• Coyote
• Wild Boar
• Camp Creepers (Racoons, Shrews, Ringtails, Opossums, etc)
• Foxes
• Skunks
• Snakes
• Any Agressive Birds I Need to Know About
• Gators

*Side Note: There may be times in the future that one of us may be camping around livestock, so any tips on that front would be cool too!

Even if this turns into us just exchanging stories about campsite wildlife, I'm fine with that. I just hope that we can all build off of each other's lessons learned.
@Ronnie Coats @Tappa @RUNNOFT @OldCrow @Mike Gray @TC - Tiny Car @MCHoppe @bobert @tim_monzingo @pickles

 

[Ray Mitchum]

I've yet to come across too many of the meanies in your post. I guess I should consider myself fortunate. I've had raccoons at Tyler State Park want to eat the steak I was cooking. I almost tripped over a armadillo in Caddo a couple of years ago. I've had ravens steal food from a bear bag in Lost Maples (damn smart birds). Beside those, I'm just still upset with Noah for bringing the mosquitos, fire ants, and red wasps onboard the Ark.

 

[MavNick92]

I've yet to come across too many of the meanies in your post. I guess I should consider myself fortunate. I've had raccoons at Tyler State Park want to eat the steak I was cooking. I almost tripped over a armadillo in Caddo a couple of years ago. I've had ravens steal food from a bear bag in Lost Maples (damn smart birds). Beside those, I'm just still upset with Noah for bringing the mosquitos, fire ants, and red wasps onboard the Ark.

Hey, safe camps are fun camps! (birds are jerks)

 

[Tappa]

Not too many occasions where I've been threatened by any wildlife. I was chased by a large swarm of ground hornets once. I ran as fast as I could and jumped into a shallow pool of water to escape them. Another time while camping on Galveston beach the mosquitoes were so bad that they covered the screened windows in our camper. We made a mad dash to get out of there and headed to Lake Summerville to finish our trip.

The Hitchhiker: Another time as were were driving out in the country we came upon a rat snake stretched across the road in front of us. I stopped and got out to scare it off the road so it wouldn't get run over. It took off and went up under our truck and disappeared up into the undercarriage. I looked and tried to find it, but it was nowhere to be found, so not knowing what else to do, we continued on our way. We drove about 35 miles back home, stopping several times to give the snake a chance to make a dash for it but it didn't show itself. We got home and our cat came to greet us as usual. He began to sniff around the truck and started making this growling sound when all of a sudden the snake came out and took off into the woods with our cat in close pursuit.

Camouflage is Scary: On our last trip to New Mexico, we stopped to photograph a beautiful lake and surroundings. As we walked along the shoreline my wife, Patty almost stepped on a Rattle Snake hidden under some vegetation and between some flat stones. She noticed it just before taking her next step which would have been on the rock next to the snake. Snake boots would have been a good idea in that area.

The Case of the Homesick Armadillo: I almost forgot, I was attacked by an Armadillo once. I made the mistake of getting between it and it's burrow. It headed right between my legs at full tilt. I almost shot my foot, luckily I missed.

 

[Tappa]

As I get older, I think more about medical emergencies and what can be done for them on the trail or road. It's not necessarily just about getting older as medical emergencies can happen to anyone anywhere. I think it would be great to have a class on first aid and what we need to carry along on our trips. This may be something that a member of the group could teach while we are out on an off-road adventure. Things like heat stroke, deep cuts, broken bones, sprained ankles, exhaustion, snake bites, stroke and heart related emergencies. How can we be prepared for these types of emergencies on the trail? This Oklahoma trip in mid February would be good time to cover camping and off-roading in cold weather, hypothermia, etc. I know we have a paramedic in the club and he might be a good one to give a program if possible.

 

[Ray Mitchum]

As I get older, I think more about medical emergencies and what can be done for them on the trail or road. It's not necessarily just about getting older as medical emergencies can happen to anyone anywhere. I think it would be great to have a class on first aid and what we need to carry along on our trips. This may be something that a member of the group could teach while we are out on an off-road adventure. Things like heat stroke, deep cuts, broken bones, sprained ankles, exhaustion, snake bites, stroke and heart related emergencies. How can we be prepared for these types of emergencies on the trail? This Oklahoma trip in mid February would be good time to cover camping and off-roading in cold weather, hypothermia, etc. I know we have a paramedic in the club and he might be a good one to give a program if possible.

These are great ideas Gary! Both Ronnie and I are Adult First Aid/CPR/AED certified by the Red Cross, though I would thoroughly enjoy taking a specific wilderness training course as well. I'll see what logistics can look like to have those first responder members help with some education prior to the Beaver's Bend trip.

 

[Tappa]

These are great ideas Gary! Both Ronnie and I are Adult First Aid/CPR/AED certified by the Red Cross, though I would thoroughly enjoy taking a specific wilderness training course as well. I'll see what logistics can look like to have those first responder members help with some education prior to the Beaver's Bend trip.

That would be great. I think everyone would gain some very helpful information and be much better prepared for being off the beaten path.

 

[Meady]

Specifically talking about cold related injury, prevention is always better than action. Dress in layers and make sure to get plenty of rest and food to help your body create and keep heat. Your body is always loosing heat through your clothes, your breath, and the air. So keeping the heat is important, especially if your in the cold environment all day while in the great out yonder. I'll talk about a few common ailments and a short summary of both signs and treatments for them. This is by no means a tutorial or permission to practice. Just a few simple things to help a squatcher in need if the need arrises.

The most common cold induced ailments is Frostbite. Frostbite and Frostnip are similar and differ in only how deep they freeze into the tissue. Frostnip is only the top layer of skin whereas frostbite freezes into the muscle. These are easy to correct in a first aid situation by simply rewarming the area in a coat pocket or directly on the warmest part of YOUR OWN body. Don't rub the area because ice crystals already frozen under the skin could cause damage and pain when the area rewarms. Remember to keep your appropriate winter gloves dry and you'll be fine.

Symptoms of developing and mild hypothermia vary from shivering, faster breathing, and being tired more than usual. It's possible to see blue lips and finger tips in more severe cases and the person may not be themselves and may "act out off character" so to speak. The most important sign to look for in severe hypothermia is, has the body stopped shivering? Shivering causes friction which makes heat for our bodies. This a sign the body cannot continue to make its own heat and the person needs removed from the environment and professional help needs being called.

Its important to recognize theses signs and be ready to act and treat on a basic first aid level. Remember to keep calm and keep warm. Dry clothes, dry blankets, and platy of calories and you'll have a fine time.

 

[Tappa]

Specifically talking about cold related injury, prevention is always better than action. Dress in layers and make sure to get plenty of rest and food to help your body create and keep heat. Your body is always loosing heat through your clothes, your breath, and the air. So keeping the heat is important, especially if your in the cold environment all day while in the great out yonder. I'll talk about a few common ailments and a short summary of both signs and treatments for them. This is by no means a tutorial or permission to practice. Just a few simple things to help a squatcher in need if the need arrises.

The most common cold induced ailments is Frostbite. Frostbite and Frostnip are similar and differ in only how deep they freeze into the tissue. Frostnip is only the top layer of skin whereas frostbite freezes into the muscle. These are easy to correct in a first aid situation by simply rewarming the area in a coat pocket or directly on the warmest part of YOUR OWN body. Don't rub the area because ice crystals already frozen under the skin could cause damage and pain when the area rewarms. Remember to keep your appropriate winter gloves dry and you'll be fine.

Symptoms of developing and mild hypothermia vary from shivering, faster breathing, and being tired more than usual. It's possible to see blue lips and finger tips in more severe cases and the person may not be themselves and may "act out off character" so to speak. The most important sign to look for in severe hypothermia is, has the body stopped shivering? Shivering causes friction which makes heat for our bodies. This a sign the body cannot continue to make its own heat and the person needs removed from the environment and professional help needs being called.

Its important to recognize theses signs and be ready to act and treat on a basic first aid level. Remember to keep calm and keep warm. Dry clothes, dry blankets, and platy of calories and you'll have a fine time.

Great information, thanks for sharing.

 

[MavNick92]

Specifically talking about cold related injury, prevention is always better than action. Dress in layers and make sure to get plenty of rest and food to help your body create and keep heat. Your body is always loosing heat through your clothes, your breath, and the air. So keeping the heat is important, especially if your in the cold environment all day while in the great out yonder. I'll talk about a few common ailments and a short summary of both signs and treatments for them. This is by no means a tutorial or permission to practice. Just a few simple things to help a squatcher in need if the need arrises.

The most common cold induced ailments is Frostbite. Frostbite and Frostnip are similar and differ in only how deep they freeze into the tissue. Frostnip is only the top layer of skin whereas frostbite freezes into the muscle. These are easy to correct in a first aid situation by simply rewarming the area in a coat pocket or directly on the warmest part of YOUR OWN body. Don't rub the area because ice crystals already frozen under the skin could cause damage and pain when the area rewarms. Remember to keep your appropriate winter gloves dry and you'll be fine.

Symptoms of developing and mild hypothermia vary from shivering, faster breathing, and being tired more than usual. It's possible to see blue lips and finger tips in more severe cases and the person may not be themselves and may "act out off character" so to speak. The most important sign to look for in severe hypothermia is, has the body stopped shivering? Shivering causes friction which makes heat for our bodies. This a sign the body cannot continue to make its own heat and the person needs removed from the environment and professional help needs being called.

Its important to recognize theses signs and be ready to act and treat on a basic first aid level. Remember to keep calm and keep warm. Dry clothes, dry blankets, and platy of calories and you'll have a fine time.

HOLY COW @Meady ! I had no idea about half of that stuff about the cold weather! This thread turned out awesome!

 

[Meady]

HOLY COW @Meady ! I had no idea about half of that stuff about the cold weather! This thread turned out awesome!

yea, there's a whole lot more we worry about as far as more advanced life support at work, but thats the most basic first aid I could say. there's another technique of active warming, where heat packs are applied to the "junctional" portions of the torso to assist in rewarming. And as well as warmed IV solutions with IV therapy.

 

[Tappa]

yea, there's a whole lot more we worry about as far as more advanced life support at work, but thats the most basic first aid I could say. there's another technique of active warming, where heat packs are applied to the "junctional" portions of the torso to assist in rewarming. And as well as warmed IV solutions with IV therapy.

Thanks so much for the information and taking the time to share it with us here. Hopefully we won't have to use it but it's good to know.

 

[Clifford_the_Big_Red_Ford]

20% Picaridin Insect Repellent | Sawyer Products

Our newest and most popular insect repellent for your skin, Picaridin is safe for use on the whole family and does not harm clothing and gear.

www.sawyer.com

This Sawyer Picaridin is good for skin and doesn't damage gear like deet does. Works great!

I was about to say Deet will do some damage to some materials. Fake leather it will absolutely destroy just fyi. Had a can leak in my truck back of the seat pocket and it wiped off like some kind of nasty goo. Then I instead throwing the bottle away sat it on top of my deep freeze and it leaked on top of it. Now it has a hole and melted goo from the chemicals in that junk. I’ll try your option before I ever use off with deet again.

 

[MavNick92]

Alright Squatch-fam! Looks like another Wilderness Readiness topic to comb through!

I have recently been thinking about my pup. I got another dog after my 13 y/o Golden Retriever named Copper went to chase squirrels by the Pearly Gates, and now I am thinking about ways to help make my adventures into the wilderness a joy, not only for me, but for my furry companion as well! She is a Mini-Aussie/Yorkie Mix and she's HYPERACTIVE!

So, lets get into it. @RUNNOFT @TC - Tiny Car @Ray Mitchum @Clifford_the_Big_Red_Ford and anyone else who brings their puppers to the campsite!

But here are some things I'm thinking about:
- Should one take additional measures for ticks and other pests for my dog, even while using regular flea and tick medication?
- What are some of your best practices for leashing your animal at the site, and some things to consider when setting up leash systems?
- What are your best practices for storing animal food?
- How do you care for your animals if they are hurt on the trail?
- What are some best practices for setting up food and water spots?
- What are some liabilities that come with group camping with an animal?
- And lastly, maybe just some tips in general for camping with pets.
*feel free to respond to any of the following topics you feel knowledgeable about - you don't have to answer the entire prompt!

Now, I know I can look all of this up and just spout out information from the internet, but that's not what I want these to be about.
I thoroughly enjoy hearing the stories of how our members figured these things out, or how a loved one passed this knowledge down to them, etc.

The point of the Wilderness Readiness thread is to have this community grow one another with knowledge that will keep us all safe, and adventurous for the years to come!

 

[MavNick92]

Hey Squatchers!

Time for another thread of Wilderness Readiness topic to help make us all a bunch of hardened campers who can adventure through any and all conditions!

Since the beach I have been fascinated with the idea of camping in hot weather and finding different ways of making hot weather not feel so hot.
Here are somethings I've come up with:

1. Shade - No we're not talking about what you throw at your thanksgiving table when your least favorite cousin asks you for money to help with his struggling sea monkey business - We're talking about not being in the direct rays of the (SUN) scorching Eye of Sauron. Shade can be felt differently through many different layers off all kinds of materials, thus giving shade a wider effective use than just to cool your skin. Here are somethings you should have shade over while you're out and about:
- Sleeping system - If you're someone how believes in a base camp, and not necessarily the back-backer type, then set up shade over your sleeping system if it's going to be up all day. (bonus tip: Open all of your windows and doorways in your tent, so long as you have screening to help with bugs.)
- Food and Water - All of your perishable gear that may go nasty as it gets too hot. And we all know about plastic water bottles disintegrating in the sun and passing forever chemicals into your body, right?
- Designated cooling area - If you're planning some strenuous activities like thru hikes, rock climbs, etc. then you'll more than likely want a designated area that you come back to, or know about in the area, as a designated heat control area. Be sure that it's shaded. (bonus tip: Our vehicles make for great heat control areas + they usually have an air conditioner)
(I know shade sounds like a no-brainer, but it's something that not everyone is attempting to manage)
2. Hydration - Hydration keeps the effects of the heat from completely taking over your body! If you stay hydrated, then here are some natural benefits:
- Cooler body temps
- More oxygen in your blood and brain
- Produces a nice layer of sweat to help cool your body even further
- Surprisingly, improves your mood and significantly improves your energy
- Gives you something to talk about at the campsite instead of complaining how hot it is
3. SUNSCREEN - PLEASE WEAR SUNSCREEN! The longer you're outside, the longer that the Eye of Sauron can see into your soul... Unless, you have the proper SPF (Soul Protection Formula) SPF @ MD Anderson
- Sunburns are just Radiation Poisoning - there is no additional information needed... Radiation... Poisoning...
4. Air Flow - If you're in a tent you're going to want to open up the windows and doors to keep cool during the sunny hours. But ideally, I would recommend diversifying your sleeping system up to include a hammock, or even cowboy camping! (Hammocks are the easiest things to cover from rain, and cowboy camping with a small tarp and some large sticks will keep you out of the rain) But more than that, keep the air flow flowing with a portable fan, you can buy all kinds of different ones on Amazon or at Lowes for heavier stuff. Which brings us to our final point:
5. Gadgets - There are TONS of ways to convert your money into convenience for camping on websites like Amazon, REI, CampWorld, Etc.
Here are some of my favorites:
- Icey Breeze cooler
- Neck Gaiter(s)
- Portable Tent-fan(s)
- Solar Fan(s)
- STAYING IN A CABIN
- Cooling Neck Pillow(s)
- Vented Fishing Shirt
- Clothing with Cool Pack pockets
- Fever Cooling gel pad(s)
- Potable Air Conditioner
And remember, Squatchers, the point of these Wilderness Readiness threads is to share information and experience with fellow campers/overlanders so that everyone gets taught the same stuff, so PLEASE... if you have something to share, whether it's an experience, tip, hack, or a best practice you feel comfortable speaking and are knowledgeable about we want to see it in here!
Same goes for questions! If you have a question, put it in here, because 9/10 times someone else has the same question!

And finally, I'll be camping this weekend August 2nd - 3rd at a Hipcamp in Mansfield, TX, so I'll be using any/all tips and tricks to stay cool while enjoying myself!

Happy camping

 

[MavNick92]

Hey Squatchers!

Time for another thread of Wilderness Readiness topic to help make us all a bunch of hardened campers who can adventure through any and all conditions!

Since the beach I have been fascinated with the idea of camping in hot weather and finding different ways of making hot weather not feel so hot.
Here are somethings I've come up with:

1. Shade - No we're not talking about what you throw at your thanksgiving table when your least favorite cousin asks you for money to help with his struggling sea monkey business - We're talking about not being in the direct rays of the (SUN) scorching Eye of Sauron. Shade can be felt differently through many different layers off all kinds of materials, thus giving shade a wider effective use than just to cool your skin. Here are somethings you should have shade over while you're out and about:
- Sleeping system - If you're someone how believes in a base camp, and not necessarily the back-backer type, then set up shade over your sleeping system if it's going to be up all day. (bonus tip: Open all of your windows and doorways in your tent, so long as you have screening to help with bugs.)
- Food and Water - All of your perishable gear that may go nasty as it gets too hot. And we all know about plastic water bottles disintegrating in the sun and passing forever chemicals into your body, right?
- Designated cooling area - If you're planning some strenuous activities like thru hikes, rock climbs, etc. then you'll more than likely want a designated area that you come back to, or know about in the area, as a designated heat control area. Be sure that it's shaded. (bonus tip: Our vehicles make for great heat control areas + they usually have an air conditioner)
(I know shade sounds like a no-brainer, but it's something that not everyone is attempting to manage)
2. Hydration - Hydration keeps the effects of the heat from completely taking over your body! If you stay hydrated, then here are some natural benefits:
- Cooler body temps
- More oxygen in your blood and brain
- Produces a nice layer of sweat to help cool your body even further
- Surprisingly, improves your mood and significantly improves your energy
- Gives you something to talk about at the campsite instead of complaining how hot it is
3. SUNSCREEN - PLEASE WEAR SUNSCREEN! The longer you're outside, the longer that the Eye of Sauron can see into your soul... Unless, you have the proper SPF (Soul Protection Formula) SPF @ MD Anderson
- Sunburns are just Radiation Poisoning - there is no additional information needed... Radiation... Poisoning...
4. Air Flow - If you're in a tent you're going to want to open up the windows and doors to keep cool during the sunny hours. But ideally, I would recommend diversifying your sleeping system up to include a hammock, or even cowboy camping! (Hammocks are the easiest things to cover from rain, and cowboy camping with a small tarp and some large sticks will keep you out of the rain) But more than that, keep the air flow flowing with a portable fan, you can buy all kinds of different ones on Amazon or at Lowes for heavier stuff. Which brings us to our final point:
5. Gadgets - There are TONS of ways to convert your money into convenience for camping on websites like Amazon, REI, CampWorld, Etc.
Here are some of my favorites:
- Icey Breeze cooler
- Neck Gaiter(s)
- Portable Tent-fan(s)
- Solar Fan(s)
- STAYING IN A CABIN
- Cooling Neck Pillow(s)
- Vented Fishing Shirt
- Clothing with Cool Pack pockets
- Fever Cooling gel pad(s)
- Potable Air Conditioner
And remember, Squatchers, the point of these Wilderness Readiness threads is to share information and experience with fellow campers/overlanders so that everyone gets taught the same stuff, so PLEASE... if you have something to share, whether it's an experience, tip, hack, or a best practice you feel comfortable speaking and are knowledgeable about we want to see it in here!
Same goes for questions! If you have a question, put it in here, because 9/10 times someone else has the same question!

And finally, I'll be camping this weekend August 2nd - 3rd at a Hipcamp in Mansfield, TX, so I'll be using any/all tips and tricks to stay cool while enjoying myself!

Happy camping

UPDATE: It was hot, but it was enjoyable because of the techniques discussed + We slept like babies! WE ONLY SPENT $35 to eat & camp, and we were the only souls on the property!


My wife and I stayed nice a cool for the majority of our camping experience at the Cedar Groves of Amber Inn in Venus, TX just outside of Arlington and ended up having a "super" time! (we went to Six Flags Over Texas and that's the only Superman joke in this update...)

What we ended up going with was a Cold Pack/Fan strategy, since we arrived to the campsite after sunset. We didn't go with a campfire (which did wonders for our bodies' natural heat release at night), considering I just got a new 2 burner Magellan Propane Grill, so we just cooked a simple camping Peanut Pad Thai Noodle - I do have the recipe and it is VERY good and ULTRA easy.

We have two fans (which I highly recommend because it helps to push hot air out of the tent, and pull in fresh night-air) one is a medium sized camping fan with a fold out stand, and the other is a grip fan with three opposable rubber coated bendy thingies that help it latch to almost any surface. We had the larger fan at the main window as the screen was down and it helped push the air to the next fan we had gripped to the middle of the tent hanging down from the ceiling where it was pushing air towards the entrance/exit of the tent. This allowed our tent to have cycled cooler air in the tent! PLUS I put 2 of our Cold Packs - cool purples ones my wife had for her knee ages ago, they were really flexible and rolled up nicely because they were meant to contour to your body - rolled up right behind the medium-sized tent fan, allowing for a VERY cool breeze. all. night. long. It was a great time and a great sleep...

Until it rained ...
We had every window open before the rain (RANDOM RAIN THAT WE DID NOT SEE COMING IN THE SLIGHTEST) came, so we closed them up, but I wasn't about to have no ventilation in the tent, so I wedged my water bottle into the area between the rain fly and the tent to create a larger opening at the area just beyond the medium-sized fan, where our heads were. This allowed the fan to be able to pull the air out of that channel and get it into the tent right past our faces... it got so cold that we broke out the Down Blanket from Roofnest.

As far as the morning goes, it was simple enough to fight the heat as we just had to stay in the shade and stay hydrated. We got moving to our next destination before the heat started in the later morning hours.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


One more topic came up on the trip - Storing your gear in a hot car without it being damaged or stolen... Stay tuned for, I'm sure will be an equally riveting topic, how do we store things in the heat!

BONUS UPDATE: We took our ThermoCell on this trip and it was the MVP as we were camping within a collection of Cedar Groves.

I hope this personal & practical update helps other Squatchers realize how easy, and affordable, camping in the summer truly can be!