The challenges of keeping cool while camping
Anyone who has been camping in the height of summer will know that keeping cool is a top priority. During a particularly hot season, heat can go from being a little uncomfortable to almost unbearable, very quickly.
As high temperatures turn your idyllic escape to nature into an increasingly unpleasant place to be, the health risks that come with heat will soon become apparent. Two of the most common dangers are:
Heat exhaustion
This is caused by a combination of overheating and dehydration that effectively ‘overloads’ the body’s cooling system. If the person is immediately moved to a cool shady place and given plenty of water, recovery can be made in around 24-48 hours.
The symptoms include:
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Cold, pale, clammy skin
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Fast weak pulse
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Nausea
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Muscle cramps
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Tiredness or weakness
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Dizziness, headaches, fainting/ passing out
Heat stroke
When left untreated, heat exhaustion can escalate and become heat stroke – a very serious condition which is life-threatening without immediate medical attention.
The symptoms include:
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A headache
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Dizziness and confusion
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Loss of appetite and feeling sick
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Excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
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Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
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Fast breathing or pulse
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Temperature of 38°C or above
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Being very thirsty
How to keep cool on the go
When there is no escape to an air-conditioned room and you are miles away from the nearest power source, a cool breeze from a portable fan can be the difference between adventure and disaster.
One often overlooked benefit of a portable fan is its ability to keep bugs at bay. Being naturally weak flyers, mosquitoes struggle against the airflow of a powerful fan, but research has also found that fans disperse carbon dioxide and other chemicals that mosquitoes use to find people to bite.
How to choose the best portable fan for your next adventure
Portability has to be a given when you’re in the wilderness, but it’s also important to look out for features like:
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Ruggedness
You need a fan that’s built for adventure. One that’s not going to get damaged while being transported over rough terrain, and that can handle demanding outdoor conditions.
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Power
A desktop fan designed for indoor use is unlikely to be strong enough to make a noticeable difference in the wild. Ideally the RPM should be above 500.
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Variable speeds
The option to run your fan on a lower or higher setting makes it better suited to fluctuating temperatures and conserves energy when max power isn’t necessary.
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Battery life
When the nearest plug socket is nowhere in sight, you need a long-lasting reliable battery. Your fan should also be fast to charge, so you are ready for action as quickly as possible.
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Versatility
Ease of use and the ability to adapt to any environment is key in any piece of camping equipment — portable fans included.
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Weight
Camping and outdoor pursuits already come with an endless supply of equipment and accessories. Remember, everything you add to your bag, you’re going to have to carry. You need a portable fan that is robust, yet lightweight.
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Noise level
If you want to enjoy the tranquility of nature, or to benefit from a cool breeze during the night, a noisy fan is no good. However, it’s important to make sure that silence doesn’t come at the cost of power.
