Camping in times of climate change

To help you prepare, SUNLIGHT has put together 11 tips for camping trips in high temperatures:

1. The right spot

Choosing the right camping spot can be crucial. Make sure to park your motorhome in the shade to minimize direct sunlight exposure. Also, camping spots near the water are recommendable as it cools down faster in the evenings.

2. Awnings

Of course, awnings are also extremely valuable – and are standard in most SUNLIGHT vehicles, but can also be easily upgraded. Plus, awning manufacturers often provide additional side panels for even more shade.

3. Cooking outside

Stove = Heat. Therefore, try to avoid cooking warm meals, coffee, and tea inside your camper. Either cook outside – or stick to salad and cold meals…

4. Fridge opportunities

Simply store your bedsheets, t-shirts, or socks in the fridge and get them out for a cool night’s sleep or cool morning. Another good option: use chilling sunscreens or body lotions after a day in the sun.

5. Cool water bottle

How about re-purposing your hot water bottle by turning it into a cold water bottle?! Fill it with ice-cold water for refreshing coolness that lasts for quite a while. 

6. Proper ventilation

Keep the windows closed to prevent hot air from entering during the day. Once it cools down, open whatever you can open to let fresh air circulate – in SUNLIGHT’s camper van models, for example, that would be the sliding and the rear door as well as all windows. However, keep in mind to close the mosquito net, such as SUNLIGHT model for the rear door.

Finnish pro climber and SUNLIGHT Adventure Crew member Anna Laitinen has her SUNLIGHT favorite for hot summer days: “The CLIFF RT Adventure Edition doesn’t have a conventional elevating roof, but one which can be opened on three sides – I love the fresh breeze at night, while at the same time staying protected with the all-round fly screens.”

7. Smart accessories

How about bringing a fan (with USB connection) as well as the right sun protection mat?! SUNLIGHT offers it as an accessory. It protects the motorhome or camper van from the sun and the heat – while the view from the inside out remains unobstructed. 

8. Getting creative

Jasper Jauch, mountain bike pro and Adventure Crew member, thinks he’s sweating enough on the bike and is not eager to return to a heated up SUNLIGHT. He has experimented quite a bit and has a few tips: “As I always have the rescue blanket on board, why not use it as sun protection?! I put it on the windows outside, get down the blinds and thus keep the heat out. Also, wet textiles on the hatches cool down warm air.”

9. Hang in there

You have found your shady spot? This means you are probably surrounded by trees. Perfect for the hammock. Add coolness with less physical stress.

10. Right destination

We all love Southern Europe! Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal or Croatia are dream destinations – yet not in summertime. In spring and fall travelling there is perfect – and even in wintertime. Anna Laitinen, for example, preferably spends the winter months in Spain. The North, on the other hand, is the ideal summer destination, Scandinavia as well as the new top tip: the Baltic States. “I could imagine living in Spain for half the year and heading back to Finland as soon as it gets warm. I’m not made for the heat.”

11. Use the sun

Last but not least, solar panels can store natural energy. Thus, you save electricity, and you might be self-sustainable for a few days. SUNLIGHT’s retail partners offer the right solar panels for all models.