Summer is here with the first heat wave having rolled through the East. The 2018 Music Festival Season is in full swing. With some heavy hitting fests on deck, like Bonnaroo, Peach Fest, and Lollapalooza, and many others throughout the summer and into fall, it’s important to beat the heat and not let scorching temps ruin a good time. Here’s a few tips to get you started.
Some fests, like Burning Man and Bonnaroo, are always a hot ticket. You know going in the sun is gonna be shining, and the heat will be on “HIGH”. Other fests take place in areas with widely varying weather patterns that are often unpredictable. Lockn Festival in Virginia can be beautiful and cool, like it was last year, or a full-blown dusty scorcher with security passing out ice and water to weary attendees, as was the case in 2016.
Back in the day of camping primitive at fests, I can remember not wanting to get in a tent between the hours of 11am to 3pm due to heat. Having AC in an RV glamper – or a camper trailer of any sort lucky enough to have climate control – certainly cools and cures the heatstroke blues.
But regardless of your accommodations of choice, it pays to take some precautions and be prepared out on the music fields. Whether camping in a pimped out diesel pusher, or in a tent with 20,000 primitive campers, the sun doesn’t discriminate when you’re jammin’ out at a daytime show.
Along with your sunscreen (it won’t keep you cooler, but it will prevent sunburn and skin cancer) and sunglasses (protect those eyes, you’ll feel cooler), here’s some quick tips to keep your cool:
STAY HYDRATED. This is the single most important measure to prevent overheating. Sport drinks and water are your best bets. Sport drinks, like Gatorade, can be brought to a fest in powder form, then you can use with water bottles/canteens that you can fill on the festival fields at the water stations. Doing so will also save you big $$ over buying at the concessions. These are the top rated water bottles.
KEEP YOUR HEAD COVERED. Any hat will do, but a wide brim and front bill will keep your face, ears and neck shaded. Commonly sighted hats on festival grounds are straw hats and mesh safari style, “Indiana Jones” hats. Ladies can sport parasols for some light and stylish shade.
SLEEVES & TOWELS You may also feel cooler wearing a long sleeve (SPF) sunshirt. Though counter-intuitive, keepin the sun off your upper body and wicking away sweat goes a long way in keeping your cool. You will find many cooling towels, neck towels and neck bands and headbands online, at big box stores like WalMart and Target, and specialty retailers that carry Columbia sportswear.
LOCATION, location, location. Find shade. That’s a no brainer. But once you’re packed into a tight crowd in the direct sun, your options may be limited. So plan ahead. If shade cannot be found, get LOW. Sit or lie down. Not only will the air just above the ground be cooler, but others around you may shade you.
GET WET. Don’t be shy at the watering station. Douse your hat, your shirt, or refresh your cooling towels. Chill water in a spray-bottle mister. These work great to cool down you – and fellow festival-goers (don’t fret – they’ll dig it). They’re even better with ice.
HANG TEN. If you’re overheating, hydrate and relax back at the campsite, or better yet, find a hammock to chill out in. The parachute material most are
made of will allow the air around you to circulate and wick away heat. Some of the best Hammocks are made by industry innovator, Kammok. Stay tuned for more info on the amazing new line of camping hammocks. Made
Festivals are summertime events, and summer means heat. Stay smart. Drink up. Seek out shade. Sport the right clothes – and don’t forget your hat. You’ll beat the heat and dig the beats at your fav festival.