So, I’m heading camping tomarrow. I’ve done this before, but tenting is really… out in the open. Any recommendations for sensory management in the outdoors that people have? It’s going to be hot, and I’m going to be around more people then normal, and my goal is to reduce the usual 1-2 meltdowns to maybe just 0-1. (I’ve been getting better, a few years ago we aveaged (3-4). It’s a very verbal family. Someone will yell at someone by the end of the week, I’m just trying to make sure it’s not me. Things I’m already bringing: Sound Canceling Headphones, Bone Conducting Headphones for my background soundtrack, and enough special interest to keep me occupied for the week. (I have a friend who wants a raspberry pi on his helmet, and I’m going to work out how to do the software will almost no cell coverage… sounds interesting to me.) Has anyone else done something like this before, and any recommendation. (Additional Context: Likely about 22 other family members will be there, it’s not quite a reunion, but it sorta is.)
Thank you everyone! I’m trying some of these out this week. Got my comfy chair and I’m planning on trying the wipes this morning as I’m feeling a little gross, but not quite shower territory yet, and I’m definitely grabbing my sun glasses later.
If there are trees, a hammock provides a nice small sleeping environment that is isolated from other sleepers in tents
Hammocks are amazing for camp sleeping, especially when it’s hot. Just tie a tarp overhead to keep any rain and sun off, and maybe a bug net if you’re somewhere that those are a problem. You’ll sleep nice and cool. The issue with a traditional bed (or when camping, a pad/cot) is that the pad acts as an insulator. Even if you’re sleeping in the open, you’ll still only be cooled from above when the breeze blows. With a hammock, you just have some thin material below you, so you’re able to be cooled from below too.
And if you’re camping somewhere cold, (not that it would be an issue this time of year…) make sure you have a hammock specifically for cold weather; Simply throwing a blanket on top of the hammock isn’t enough to keep you warm, because your weight will compress the insulation and prevent it from working. A proper cold weather hammock actually slings a blanket below the hammock, so your weight doesn’t compress it.
your weight will compress the insulation and prevent it from working
I learned this the cold way when I went camping. It was hot so I didn’t think it would get so cold at night but I brought a blanket and tried to put it beneath me in the hammock just in case. I figured that would be warmer than on top of me, but it was far more effective above me despite the wind on my back. It also really wanted to slide into a clump
Sun glasses. Preferably mirrored.
Add to this, a big floppy hit with plenty of ventilation.
Wet wipes and sanitiser, or stuff like that. Keep yourself feeling clean and fresh. Feeling the griminess of sweat, dirt, and smoke in the heat can really bring you down without realising. Similarly, keep your tent and gear tidy and organised.
Also a rechargeable portable bidet helps. I always bring mine.
A camelBak makes for a nice portable bidet that doesn’t require power. Just hike it up on your shoulders and gravity gives it enough pressure to squirt from a safe distance.
For the heat some cooling towels that you can wet and put around your neck/hang on your shoulders works wonders.
A hand held fan plus some battery packs are a winner as well.
A neck fan works wonders too.
Bug spray, sunscreen and staying hydrated. Dealing with those issues on top of family is a lot.
If you can get a nice enough camping chair, they always make me feel like ive got a little daytime HQ.
Good sun-coverings, wet wipes or equivalent for a quick refresh, and a white noise devise for sleeping.
